Chapter 331: Worthy Foe

It had certainly been an interesting experience. When the Indomitable Alliance clashed with the Eternal Blade, only Michael had fallen. Now, in their battle against Flawless Starlight, Michael was the only one left standing.

That, of course, hurt him more than any injury ever could. It was one thing to withstand attacks himself. It was entirely another for his teammates to take them on in his stead.

Cracking his neck, he turned towards them.

“Thank you for holding them off. Without you, winning wouldn’t have been possible.”

Since the arena was eerily quiet, his words were easily heard. He had addressed everyone, yet no one spoke back. Their minds were still a little dazed, their eyes unfocused. Surviving such a life-ending injury was a jarring experience, especially after pushing themselves to the brink of their strength.

The first to recover was Lord Astra. Blinking slowly, she surveyed her faction. Their expressions were heavy. Psychological attacks weren’t to be underestimated. They would need time to recover.

Ahem!

Tactfully clearing her throat, Astra moved forward, stopping just a hand’s distance away from Michael.

He raised an eyebrow in response. With the Emperor watching, there was no way she would dare strike, so what exactly was she planning?

Wordlessly, Astra extended her hand for a handshake.

“Fighting against you has opened my eyes to how ill-prepared I and my people have truly been all this time.”

She exclaimed, meeting his gaze.

“It will take some time for my people to grasp the invaluable lessons you’ve taught us, but with time, I’m sure they will see reason. I wish to express my utmost gratitude… If you ever find yourself in need, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.”

Such a proposition was considered an offer of cooperation. Typically, such matters were conducted privately. Yet, with the live broadcast still running, Astra’s decision had been broadcast for all to see.

It was her way of owning up to her mistakes as a leader and showing her readiness to improve. It also indirectly signaled that, should the Indomitable Alliance ever be targeted, Flawless Starlight would not hesitate to aid them.

Visibly surprised, yet pleased, Michael smiled warmly as he took her hand.

“The feeling is mutual.”

Astra giggled.

“Oh? I guess you could be gentle if you want to.” She teased, her mind still replaying how much her legs ached after Michael had squeezed them so mercilessly.

Eventually, the soldiers began to regain their senses, returning to their base for some much-needed rest.

“This is the first time I’ve experienced being stabbed in the neck.” Cayson admitted. “I guess even Lords like me can learn something new.”

“At least you managed to kill a Lord.” Richard muttered. “I got overwhelmed before I could deliver a fatal strike.”

“Being attacked by several simultaneously because they’ve deemed you a threat isn’t fun, either.” Robert sighed, his face slightly pale.

“Hmp!” Ruby pouted.

“Stop being such downers. Look, Michael was the most hurt by far, and I’ve yet to see him complain or grimace!”

With that, Ruby curled toward him and began to eagerly lick the side of his cheek.

“Ruby, we already have a buffoon that constantly compares himself to that monster…” Amelia shook her head. “Please, don’t give others any ideas.”

“Hey! Who are you calling a buffoon?!” Enzo retorted.

“You, obviously!” Amelia rolled her eyes. Enzo still hadn’t given up on calling Michael his rival, despite the vast gap between them only widening.

[Please retract your statement, Amelia. Michael isn’t a monster, but Master.]

Cyberfang corrected her, the voice of the mechanical beast firm.

Eventually, they made their way back. Immediately, Victoria, Claire, and Ava isolated themselves into training.

They had witnessed firsthand how much pain Michael was able to endure and yet still remain unfazed. It was only natural that they felt a sense of shame over their initial shaken states.

With no other option, they chose to focus on further mastering their abilities, determined to attain the same level of resilience.

Obviously, Michael was aware of their train of thought, but he had no way to stop them. He knew better than anyone that once a person truly craved power, there was no stopping them.

At best he could support them to the best of his ability.

Curious to see the public reaction to their victory, Michael briefly browsed the web.

[Shocking! The Indomitable Alliance absolutely POUNDED Flawless Starlight!]

[Lord Astra OFFICIALLY admits defeat! Possible cooperation in the future?!]

[Breaking news! A man makes a fortune after betting his life savings on the Indomitable Alliance’s victory! “I do it for the love of the game.” He says.]

Rubbing his eyes tiredly, he turned off the hologram, focusing on the present.

“The fourth round is next. If we win it as well, we’ll officially be entering the quarterfinals of the tournament…”

Leaning back on the sofa, he let out a heavy sigh. According to the tournament bracket, the next faction they were going to face was Twilight Hell. Just like Flawless Starlight, they were considered a medium-sized faction, with no fewer Lords.

Currently, he was waiting for Skylar and Luis to return after concluding their investigation. Their intel gathering had proven invaluable so far, so it was only natural they would be present when crafting a strategy for the next battle…

Truthfully, it was starting to look like a hassle. Michael wasn’t concerned about himself but rather the well-being of his comrades. The clash was set to take place in three days, barely enough time for them to recover mentally after the exhausting battle.

Meanwhile, at the headquarters of Twilight Hell…

Dominic, a man with blonde hair and emerald eyes, was intently watching the recording of the clash between the Indomitable Alliance and Flawless Starlight. His attention was particularly on the intense duel involving Michael and Astra.

“The way he endures pain with a smile… he might be just like me!”

Evidently, the heavy aura of a Transcendent Lord that the man emitted made it clear he was the leader of Twilight Hell.

“If I use the tournament as a pretext, I can challenge Michael to a duel!”

Dominic’s maniacal laughter echoed across the entire building.

“Finally, a worthy opponent!”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep