Chapter 371: Manifesting Authority

The main reason for the downtime between the tournament rounds, other than to help prepare the participants, was to build up the anticipation of the live viewers.

Which was why the fight between the Indomitable Alliance and the Golden Vanguard had been spectated by such a large margin of the population.

Numerous articles, videos, and theories were all born from the faction’s clash, taking hold over the internet in mere minutes.

As expected, the biggest shock was the sudden reveal of Devil.

Initially, most speculated that it was just an alien having sneaked into the tournament, yet once they watched the footage carefully, they noted how the monster took form from Michael’s sword. A consensus was reached that it was most likely some kind of a soul weapon.

Interestingly, a particular demographic connected with Devil, much like Michael had been gaining attention among women because of his humbleness and righteousness.

Primarily in the form of short-form videos with heavy edits, which showcased Devil during his fight with Freya. Along with his countless insults.

[Unemployed: Who… what is this thing?! I have no clue. Internet, please tell me how I should feel about this one particular topic I don’t understand!]

[Girl’s Power: Don’t care. I’ve already decided I don’t like him! Arrogance like his brings nothing but destruction. The world would be better off without more cocky men flaunting their masculinity!]

[Role Model: On the contrary, I like that he is able to express his mind freely. Do you think he’s selling online courses?]

[Nothing ever happens: Oh, I like the sound of that! I’ll be the first in line to buy one, no doubt!]

Observing the public reaction, Devil scoffed in disdain.

“Pathetic!”

He shook his head in disapproval.

“Are their lives so empty that the most important thing they can do is argue over one trending topic after another, instead of actually accomplishing something tangible with their own lives?”

Michael shrugged. Such reactions were always expected. It was bound to pass just like any other storm.

Though his faction certainly was taken aback by Devil’s existence, Michael had expected them to feel saddened due to the secrecy, yet it bore the opposite effect.

They began to look at their leader with newfound awe. If he could command such a fearsome monster, what else might he be capable of?

Truthfully, any positivity was welcomed, especially since they were about to clash with Supreme Lord Noctis. Given the power of the cultivator, there was very little they could do to prepare, which created a tense atmosphere.

One of the exceptions was Victoria. She paced around the base with a radiant smile, stealing the breath of anyone who glanced her way.

Having led the Indomitable Alliance to victory over the Golden Vanguard, a warmth had settled in her soul like never before. She had yet to be contacted by any member of her former faction, yet she was certain there was quite a ruckus brewing at their base.

“We did it!” She murmured, reminding herself every so often that it was reality and not a dream.

Naturally, she didn’t even think about taking the credit like some other leaders might. The victory had been ensured by the combined efforts of the entire faction, not her abilities alone.

Since the finals of the tournament would be decided in a single clash, the Emperor had granted barely three days for both factions to recover.

Understandably, the time passed in the blink of an eye.

As before, the Indomitable Alliance stood with their little over a thousand members, eager to prove themselves to the world.

Just as expected, rather than sending thousands upon thousands of soldiers, the Immortal Legion had only bothered to send a single warrior.

A towering figure, rivaling Michael in height at 190 centimeters, stood before them. His black silk robes clung to his muscular frame, offered virtually no protection, yet exuded an eerie elegance. His eyes gleamed a silver color, carrying an inexplicable coldness, while his silvery hair would have trailed across the ground if it weren’t swaying in the wind, despite the lack of torrents in the arena.

Bearing an emotionless expression, the man radiated such an overwhelming presence of authority that even those who observed him from the live broadcast, couldn’t help but shiver.

Supreme Lord Noctis observed the members of the Indomitable Alliance with a clear lack of anticipation.

A moment later, he let out a dejected sigh.

“Disappointing… Let’s just get this over with.”

Despite the terrifying aura he exuded, his voice was surprisingly soothing to the ears.

“I had higher expectations. Sadly, no one appears willing to show their trump cards in a mere contest.” The man murmured, clearly let down.

Not wasting any time, the Emperor sent both factions to the designated battlefield. It was the same open field as before, intentionally designed to make it easier to spectate.

With the cat out of the bag, Michael made Devil assume his true form. There was no need to hide him any longer.

Once everyone got used to their surroundings, Ruby pounced on Michael.

“Are we going to follow Victoria again?” Her tail swung playfully from side to side.

Victoria giggled. “Oh gods, no. If anything, Claire should take the lead. Her former faction did lose to the Immortal Legion, after all.”

Claire shook her head. “I have no real experience facing Supreme Lords. At best, my plan will be ineffective… At worst, counterproductive.”

Ava’s eyes sparkled as she gazed at Michael.

“That’s fine. Our leader always has some scheme in mind.”

Remaining silent for a few moments, Michael gazed over the horizon where the Immortal Legion’s castle and Noctis himself were supposed to be.

“Have you ever wondered why it is such a daunting task to achieve enlightenment and become a Lord? Why is it even called that to begin with?”

Transcendent Lord Astra instantly chimed in.

“It’s hard to achieve enlightenment because it requires far more spiritual energy than prior realms. But the trade-off is that we can utilize that energy more efficiently, allowing us to soar across the skies, no?”

Her assumption was reasonable. Considering the constant danger every soldier faced, very few had the time or opportunity to glance deeper.

Michael smiled warmly.

“Correct, but not entirely. You see, what separates a Grandmaster from a Lord is their mastery over their own body. A Lord has complete control over their state, allowing flawless manipulation and utilization of spiritual energy, which in turn makes it possible to float. Essentially, a Lord’s ability to fly is not the end result but a simple by-product.”

He paused briefly.

“That is why, in theory, a Grandmaster doesn’t necessarily need to become a Lord in order to fly. Reaching the final stage of the realm coupled with a deep understanding of spiritual energy is technically enough… The same holds true when it comes to Lord’s ascension to either King or Queen.”

Nobody knew how Michael possessed such in-depth knowledge on the topic, yet, being accustomed to his unexplainable wisdom, no one interrupted.

“If a Lord represents full authority over their own condition, then the influence of Kings and Queens extends to the world… hence the naming. You have all watched the tournament fights Noctis participated in and noticed how the battles ended in a flash. I suspect that is because he wields power meant for the next realm. Flawed though it may be, it is still deadly.”

Devil grinned.

“A flawed King? Sounds intriguing! How do you counter something like that?”

Michael chuckled.

“We don’t. It’s an endurance contest… Similar to a soul duel, as it forces everyone in the vicinity to participate.”

Extending his finger, Michael pointed to the sky, where Supreme Lord Noctis floated, hands behind his back, observing calmly.

The man’s abrupt appearance took everyone by surprise. The battle had barely begun, yet he had already reached them by escaping their senses!

“Attack!” Understandably, a few soldiers lost their composure and fired at Noctis.

Noctis remained unwavering, and so did Michael. It appeared that only the two men understood what was about to happen.

“Since everyone’s territory is unique, preparing in advance is impossible.” Michael explained to his comrades. “The only thing you can do is keep your resolve steady and adapt accordingly.”

Noctis’ eyes shone with menacing silver as the projectiles hurled toward him froze midair.

Like a canvas splattered with paint, white radiated from his figure, overwriting the landscape in blinding brilliance.

The last thing the Indomitable Alliance perceived before being struck by the full extent of the attack was Noctis’ declaration:

“Authority Manifestation, White Heaven.”

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