If Michael's instincts were correct, from now on he was going to face even more unpredictable challenges.

'It appears that the gift King Arthur entrusted me with has proven more useful than anticipated. When I meet him in the future, I will make sure to return the favor any way I can.' Michael mused as he scanned his attributes.

Name: Michael

Soul Realm: Late Master

Cybernetics: Indomitable System, Warlock, Dash, Perfect Vision, Spirit Surge, Blink, Bypasser, Parallel Sight, Fade, Psychokinesis

• Strength: 3,750

• Agility: 3,750

• Stamina: 4,300

• Spirit: 500,000

• Mind: 40,000

Skill Points: 2,000

He had gained 1,100 points in his basic attributes. Not to mention that the 2,000 skill points he had attained from the impossible quest could come in clutch when Michael found himself in a pinch.

A faint smile tugged at his lips. To those unfamiliar with cultivation, advancing only two stages might seem insignificant, but he knew how much of a monumental achievement it was.

The higher a cultivator climbed, the more difficult advancement became. In fact, for a Lord, progressing even a single stage was harder than starting over as an Early Apprentice and climbing the cultivation ladder from the start.

'Not to mention, I wasn't the only one absorbing the spiritual energy. There were three Grandmasters right beside me.' Michael mused, glancing toward the members of his crew.

It was safe to say that they had gone past Michael's expectations. Victoria, Claire, and Richard had improved a whole stage, becoming Middle Grandmasters.

Ava had managed to rival Michael, as she too was now a Late Master. Meanwhile, Enzo, Amelia, Leo, and Bryce were all now Middle Masters.

Considering that one had to reach such a level of power by their thirties to be praised as talented, every member of Michael's crew, except Bryce, would easily be regarded as a once-in-a-century genius.

"Holy mother of God!" Richard screamed at the top of his lungs. "This power! I can feel the energy flowing throughout my veins. It is so potent that I can take on squads of Generals solo!"

Shifting his gaze, the man approached Michael.

"BOSS!" Richard proclaimed, dropping on one knee. "Not only have you freed me from my imprisonment in Celestia without asking why I was there in the first place, but you shared your treasure with me without a second thought!"

Richard remained unwavering. "From today forth I, Richard, now a Grandmaster, swear my undying loyalty to you! Be it heaven, hell, Earth, or even the end of the universe, I shall follow you without question, even unto death!"

"..."

Michael stared blankly at the man. It was safe to say that this wasn't what he expected to be greeted with after concluding his cultivation. Nevertheless, he felt glad that the man felt loyalty towards him, as he would surely play a crucial role in the war that would soon follow.

"I consider you my rival. This is why I shall not be bowing down to you!" Enzo exclaimed, averting his gaze a second later in an attempt to hide his slight blush. "Still… If you are ever in trouble, don't hesitate to call me. We are brothers in arms after all."

Amelia giggled. "This could have been cute if you weren't such a buffoon."

Once she was done teasing Enzo, she nodded at Michael, signaling that she too felt the same way.

Leo chuckled. "If you are in need of a ride, you know who to call, right?"

Several moments later, Michael realized what they were doing. With Earth approaching on the horizon, it made sense that the crew would temporarily split up, each having their own goals to pursue. But before parting, they wanted to make it clear to Michael that they recognized him as their leader and would follow him, no matter what came next.

"After spending a few months with your faction, young man, I have been moved. The Heavenly Pact would like to extend an offer to form a partnership." Bryce said, ruffling his overgrown beard. Claire nodded in agreement to her grandfather's words.

"Sadly it's too late to suggest our faction cooperate, as my grandfather beat me to the punch." Victoria heaved a sigh. "However, don't you dare go into battle without calling for me first! Knowing you, there is no doubt in my mind that you would charge in without a second thought."

Michael chuckled warmly. "Okay, I get what you are trying to say. Don't worry, I would never disregard you. We are a team after all."

As their destination drew near, the crew began chatting. Meanwhile, Michael glanced at Ava, who had remained unusually quiet throughout the entire ordeal.

"Is something wrong?" He said, patting her on the head.

Hesitation flashed across her face as she gulped audibly. A moment later she pushed past her fear, her lips opening.

"Truthfully… I have nothing. No family, no friends, no acquaintances, no property, or anything of the sort." She whispered, her eyes locked on the floor.

"So… I was wondering if I can come with you? O—Of course I am going to make sure to not prove a nuisance, though if you are against the idea, I am not going to blame you as—"

"Ava."

Michael interrupted her, gently lifting her chin so that their eyes could meet.

"There's no way you could be a burden. Why would you even think that?"

Gradually Ava's eyes turned moist. "Does that mean… I can come with you?"

When he nodded, a shudder ran through her, and she hugged him tightly. "Thank you…"

Michael rubbed his chin thoughtfully. 'Though explaining it to my family will prove a hassle… Whatever, I will think about it when the moment actually comes.'

At that moment the shuttle that had been flying for more than a month came to a halt.

With the asteroid belt broken by the alien invasion, the journey had proved longer than anticipated. Nevertheless, they had finally returned to Earth after months of hellish war.

Today Michael will be reuniting with his family…

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