Chapter 351: The VIP Experience

From simple observation, everyone could have figured out that Nemesis ruled the Bottomless Void with a merciless fist, squeezing everything he could from his faction.

Being branded the strongest among their ranks, in addition to his personality, Michael had correctly concluded that Absolute Lord Nemesis had been assigned the leadership role at the start of the battle.

After all, someone as mighty as himself could never fall in battle, right?

Pure disbelief was etched into Nemesis’ dimming eyes as he slowly toppled to the ground.

No sooner had his head hit the ground than he was declared dead, ending the clash between the two factions, with the Indomitable Alliance coming out on top.

“…”

Finding themselves back in the arena, the two factions stared at each other in stunned silence.

This was supposed to be one grueling, drawn-out battle… yet it had turned into one of the shortest exchanges in the tournament.

“Incompetent baggage!” Nemesis’ furious voice broke through the stillness. White pupils shifted towards the members of his faction.

“Why did no one think to follow me?!” He bellowed. “It was obvious that Michael had a trap in mind when he challenged me!”

The regular troops shook in their boots while the Lords broke out into sweat.

“B—But Sir, had we come along, you would have accused us of undermining you and—”

“Weaklings!” Nemesis interrupted. “This was our chance to be recognized as a large faction! But your incapability had to ruin it all! Even after all I sacrificed to help you ascend to the Lord realm.”

One Lord didn’t appreciate the tone he was spoken to, a frown etched on his face.

“Helped my ass…” The Lord whispered. “You pushed us to ascend to the Lord realm solely to pad our faction’s numbers and impress the public… Only to prevent us from progressing any further, claiming your own ascension took priority over our progress.”

Before the place could descend into a full-blown conflict, the Emperor’s voice echoed.

“Deal with your faction’s drama away from the public eye.”

Humanity’s ruler was aware, at least to some extent, of what had been happening behind the scenes, yet he believed the strong were entitled to act as they pleased, no matter the consequences.

His reasoning was that it would breed frustration among the weak, pushing them to strive for improvement… Even at the risk of their own lives.

While Nemesis was still fuming, Michael approached with an emotionless smile.

Grasping the man’s hand in a firm shake, he spoke loudly enough for the live broadcast to hear. “As always, the better one won.”

Then, leaning in closer, he patted Nemesis on the back and whispered into his ear.

“In the blessed lands, you’re protected from my wrath… But that won’t be the case outside. If you know what’s best for you, never leave this place.”

With that, he pulled away, leaving Nemesis stunned and staring after him as Michael returned to his faction.

“He dares threaten me?!” Nemesis clenched his teeth. Unable to retaliate in front of the Emperor and the live broadcast.

Only an Absolute Lord like himself was meant to issue threats, not the other way around!

Who could have thought that Michael would take it so personally when Nemesis threatened his family? It was a tactic that the Absolute Lord often used to get what he wanted from others. It wasn’t something that significant in his eyes.

Left with no choice, he withdrew with his faction.

Without exception, everyone among the Bottomless Void wore heavy expressions. Which only served to irritate their leader even further.

“You dare be disappointed? I am the one who lost the most! You are nothing more than leeches that live solely on my generosity!” He roared once back at their base.

“Until now, we have been enduring your abuse under the pretext that you would help our faction rise to the top, yet you failed!” One of the Lords reasoned. “What even is the point of following your rule and remaining here if, after all this, you lost to a Radiant Lord no different than us?!”

Nemesis saw red.

“I am the one that allowed you to reach the Lord realm… I own all of you! If you so eagerly wish to leave, it will only be permitted after I cripple your cultivation! And if anybody dares to desert behind my back, I will personally end them!”

Surrounded by idiots, Nemesis could no longer hold back his anger. Leaving his troops with a grave warning not to get any funny ideas, he departed the blessed lands, heading toward the nearby city.

Due to the knowledge that the blessed lands contained the strongest human warriors, the largest city on Earth and, by extension, in the entire solar system, had been erected next to them.

“Better vent out some steam.” Nemesis sighed, eyeing a building tucked into a back alley.

“L—Lord Nemesis?!” The owner greeted him nervously. “It’s an honor to have you back so soon after your last visit!”

Nemesis sneered.

“Spare me the formalities and lead me to the VIP room. I intend to gamble with the big players… and have a bottle of your finest whiskey ready.”

Trembling under the Lord’s intense gaze, the owner could do nothing but obey.

“Now this is better!” Nemesis proclaimed, sinking into a silver chair around a circular table in a room with padded walls designed for sound isolation.

It didn’t take long for a young woman to arrive with his requested drink. She was dressed provocatively, following her boss’ orders, exposing her feminine features in the hope that the Lord wouldn’t take any offense and bring ruin to their establishment or end their life prematurely.

With a whistle, Nemesis squeezed her bottom roughly.

“You’re in luck… I like you. After I’m done here, expect me to summon you to a private room.”

A chill ran down her spine as she bowed obediently.

“I… it’s a great h—honor!” The humble waitress could barely keep her voice from trembling, the edge of her vision blurring, but Nemesis wasn’t bothered. Quite the opposite, he seemed to enjoy her uneasiness.

Enjoying the fine whiskey, Nemesis poured himself several glasses over the course of a dozen minutes.

Just as he was beginning to grow irritated that no one had the means to gamble with such large funds, an older gentleman entered, pushing a trolley piled high with exquisite weapons, stacked one on top of the other.

“Sir Nemesis.” He announced respectfully. “A gambler has expressed the desire to play a few games. This humble display of weapons represents just some of the things he is willing to bet.”

Throwing them a glance, Nemesis nodded in approval, allowing the older gentleman to leave the trolley of weapons at the back.

“Fortunately, it seems there are still some men who know how to have fun!” Nemesis cracked his neck, pondering whether he should start by betting his most prized possessions first or build up gradually.

Deciding to see how the situation would unfold, he leaned back lazily.

Finally, the entrance door creaked open, and the guest of honor appeared.

“Given that I left you with a warning, I didn’t expect you to go against my advice so soon… but it’s your demise either way, so I don’t really care.”

It was Michael.

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