Chapter 321: Forbidden Arts: Puppy Eyes

With their victory over the Unbroken Chain, Michael’s faction advanced to the third round of the tournament.

However, not everything was as rosy as it seemed. By this point, all small-sized factions had been eliminated, meaning the Indomitable Alliance would only be facing medium and large-sized factions from now on.

The general public was in an uproar, buzzing with theories about how Michael’s faction had managed to gain so many members in such a short time.

Some claimed it was possible by buying their services. Others speculated that he was a secret descendant of an influential King, which would explain his unexpected relationships.

It was safe to say that Michael had become the center of attention, the star everyone was focused on. And Scarlett, his little sister, wasn’t about to let him forget that.

“You’re like… the next big thing! I’m so proud of my brother!” She teased with a charming smile.

Michael heaved a sigh. Over the past few days, Scarlett had become unusually affectionate toward him. At first, he didn’t pay much heed, but as time passed, she seemed to express more and more how much he meant to her.

It got to a point where his instincts began to tingle. What was he missing? Had Scarlett gone through something significant that had caused this change in behavior? Why was she acting like this?

Doubts lingered in his mind, but he refrained from voicing them. From a single glance, it was obvious she had taken cultivation very seriously. She had reached the Middle Adept realm with astonishing speed.

The only reason Michael didn’t find her rapid ascent suspicious was that they were in the blessed lands, where cultivation was significantly enhanced.

After a few seconds of consideration, he spoke.

“I’m glad you’re enjoying your time here, but isn’t it time to head back to the coffee shop? You can’t afford to miss so many days of school, and I’m sure your friends are starting to worry about you.”

Scarlett’s breath hitched, and her eyes enlarged.

’No, no, no! If I leave now, my training session with Uncle… Devil will be cut short!’ She panicked. ’This can’t happen! Michael is finally starting to notice my progress!’

If Scarlett returned to her normal life, she wouldn’t just lose the opportunity to train with Devil… Her cultivation speed would come to a screeching halt.

With all other options exhausted, she was forced to deploy her ultimate, forbidden technique… Reserved only for the most desperate situations.

Her puppy eyes!

“Please! I really like it here, and your teammates are so nice. Can’t I stay just a little longer?”

Ugh!

Michael grunted. Her forbidden technique had proven extremely effective!

“But you can’t neglect your studies. Besides, aren’t you missing your friends?” However, he seemed reluctant to give in, his eyes still looking at her with their usual authority.

In response, Scarlett’s pupils widened even more, becoming akin to priceless emerald gems that sparkled with pure innocence.

“I’m at the top of my class. I know every subject like the back of my hand, and if there’s anything new, I can always take an online class or two to catch up… As for friends, I don’t really have any. My classmates and I are too different, so we don’t get along very well. And between my studies and work, I barely have time to socialize…”

“My sister is antisocial?!” Michael was both shocked and outraged by the news.

How could these people be so clueless?! His sister was one of the hardest-working people he knew, and he was immensely proud of her! Only a total idiot wouldn’t see that and instantly want to befriend her!

’Wait, could it be my fault?’ He suddenly thought, arriving at a grim conclusion.

’It’s no secret I’m something of an idol to her. Copying my lifestyle is bound to make anyone struggle with socializing. After all, I focus on gaining power to fight aliens. This is no life a teenager should be living!’

Seeing Michael in internal debate, Scarlett giggled inwardly. However, she made sure her outward expression remained calm, subtly positioning herself so that her puppy eyes were clearly in his line of sight.

’This must be one of the few times she’s found like-minded people.’ He frowned. ’She did say she liked it here… Goddamn, she’s good!’

Ultimately, her puppy eyes and arguments broke through his emotionless facade.

“Alright, you may stay until the end of the tournament.” He exclaimed, patting her on the head. “But not a day longer.”

Rejoicing, Scarlett embraced her brother. “I love you so much!”

At the same time, Devil tugged at his soul. There was no need to summon him to know that he was currently dying of laughter.

Scarlett knew that lingering would only risk him changing his mind, so after releasing him, she darted out of the lounge.

Probably to hang out with Ruby. The two had gotten pretty close. Scarlett enjoyed the company of a cute feline person, while Ruby basked in endless headpats and attention from a girl whose scent was strikingly similar to Michael’s.

A win-win situation.

For a moment, Michael felt like he had been played. But he didn’t really mind. He had a soft spot for his family and genuinely wanted to be near them as much as possible. That was why Scarlett had managed to convince him so quickly.

With a chuckle, Michael made his way to the top floor of the base and settled into one of the private cultivation rooms.

Michael was the type to prefer cultivating near the corpse of a slain alien, as the spiritual energy it emitted greatly accelerated his progress. However, with no enemies around at the moment, he decided to rely on the natural energy in the atmosphere.

Fortunately, the golden tree played a major role. Combined with his technique, Spirit Radiance, he was bound to make significant progress.

[You have achieved a breakthrough!]

[Late Grandmaster → Peak Grandmaster]

Name: Michael

Soul Realm: Peak Grandmaster

Cybernetics: Indomitable System, Warlock, Dash, Perfect Senses, Spirit Radiance, Blink, Bypasser, Parallel Sight, Fade, Psychokinesis

• Strength: 8,700

• Agility: 10,500

• Stamina: 9,000

• Spirit: 3,000,000

• Mind: 220,000

Skill Points: 0

Becoming the only Peak Grandmaster in his faction, Michael was now just one step away from becoming a Lord.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep