"With a combined kill count of 530 kills, you have surpassed Michael with his 470 kills." Claire announced.

"Yes! I finally beat my rival in something!" Enzo was overjoyed by the news, though too exhausted to celebrate.

"This was closer than I would have liked." Leo complained, he had pushed his exoskeleton to the limit and broke it. It seemed he was going to have to rely on himself more from now on.

Amelia remained silent, refusing to comment, yet by the faint smile on her face it was clear she was glad.

However, Ava, the one that had played the biggest part in surpassing Michael's kill count, had a deep frown on her face.

"If we subtract Bryce's kills, how many do we have?" She asked. While Bryce was indeed part of the wager, he wasn't part of their faction, so it felt wrong to include him.

"Without him, you have 460 kills."

"..."

Even if they had technically won, it didn't feel like a win. Michael had indeed killed more than his whole faction combined. That left a bitter taste in their mouths.

"To think we are so behind. We need to work hard to catch up," Amelia said, feeling her pride take a hit.

"I forfeit the wish. I am not worthy." Ava spoke with great regret in her heart. She didn't deserve anything if they were so lacking.

"I do so as well." The others felt the same.

"Forgive the old fool, but I would actually like to make use of my wish." However, Bryce decided to go against the grain.

"I don't mind. Tell me what you want. As long as it's not something unreasonable like joining your faction, then I will comply." Michael smiled warmly. A bet was still a bet. He would never go back on his word.

A mischievous grin plastered over Bryce's face as he stroked his beard thoughtfully.

"Before I say my request, I have to ask… Young man, are you currently single?"

"?!" Ava's eyes enlarged several times over. It would be a lie to say that she wasn't interested, so she didn't ridicule the old man even if she severely wanted to.

"Single as they come. Too busy with the extraterrestrial war." Michael shrugged nonchalantly.

"I see…" Bryce was visibly happy to know that information.

"The truth is that my granddaughter is constantly busy with fighting, and the little time she isn't, she is looking out for me. I fear that she neglects her love life too much and that may harm her in the future. How about taking her out on a date sometime?"

"..."

Everyone looked at the old man in bewilderment. He could have asked Michael for virtually anything, and that was what he chose?

"YOU OLD FOOL! Why are you talking about me like I'm not right here?!" Enraged by her grandfather's words, Claire exited her mecha in a heartbeat and pounced on the old man.

"Please, Sunshine, have mercy on this old fool. I'm just trying to look after you." Bryce pleaded, knowing that he couldn't resist her even if he tried.

"You… unbelievable." She muttered. There was more frustration than embarrassment in her voice.

"Captain Michael, I sincerely apologize if the words of my old man have made you uncomfortable." She said with a bow.

"It's fine. I know that most grandparents tend to worry about stuff needlessly." He waved his hand dismissively.

"And you can just call me Michael, as everyone here does." He added.

Ava, who was observing the scene from the side, clenched her fist in determination.

'So I have more than one rival? I thought that Victoria was the only one I had to look out for, but with Claire in the mix, it's going to get really competitive.'

Unbeknownst to Michael, a sense of rivalry began to form in Ava's heart. If she were to compete with so many women, it would be a hard battle. So she decided to get as strong as possible to earn his attention!

After spending several minutes lecturing her grandfather, Claire apologized once again for his behavior and quickly went back into her mecha.

Once rested, they set out again in search of more aliens.

Along the way, Bryce sheepishly approached Michael and whispered.

"Regardless of the situation, my feelings haven't changed. I don't want to force you two together. I just think that you will be a great match. So please consider my wish a little more."

By the quietness of his voice, it was clear the old man was afraid of another scolding. Still, he judged the risk worth it.

Michael didn't have the heart to say no to the old man, not after relying on him for so long. Not to mention that a bet was still a bet.

"In the future, if the situation comes up and she is fine with it, I might consider it." He replied. That was enough to get Bryce to leave him alone.

'Yes!' Bryce silently made his palm into a fist. 'I might live long enough to become a great-grandfather! Oh, how much joy this will bring me!'

This time, it took them longer to find the next remnants of aliens, but this one was worth it, as it had approximately 5,000 aliens in their ranks.

"The bet still stands!" Ava gripped Michael's hand, stopping him in place.

"And I don't mean as a team. If I get more kills than you, you have to grant me a wish!" She demanded.

"Sure." He patted her on the head before deciding to tease. "But if I win, does that mean I get a wish from you? Whatever I want, with no take-backs?"

Despite feeling her cheeks blushing, she didn't avert her gaze as she stared into his eyes.

"W—Whatever you want. If it's you, I'm fine with anything."

Ahem!

Bryce cleared his throat, tactfully interrupting their conversation. "These aliens will not kill themselves!"

"Now you're speaking my language!" Michael chuckled before going out with the faction.

Since Claire had grown bored of observing, she was going to play a part in the battle as well.

"Let's go!" Michael said, wanting to complete the Slaughtering Machine quest as fast as possible.

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