Regardless of how much ti had passed, Michael could never mistake the woman that stood before him.
It was none other than Nicole.
Her piercing gaze observed his battered body, then wordlessly she put her palm over his shoulder, his injuries instantly recovering.
What she was doing at the mont was an ability the vast majority of Lords possessed. By channeling their reserves of spiritual energy into another’s body, they could cause injuries to heal at an unnatural speed.
Of course, this rate of recovery was only possible because of the vast difference in power between them. Had Michael been a Supre Lord like Nicole, even expending all of her energy would not have been enough to heal him.
That was why the stronger a cultivator got, the rarer it was for them to risk their lives, as the number of people capable of bringing them out of a near-death state grew narrower.
Once his wounds nded together, and his skin returned its luster, she spoke.
"I am Nicole, a Supre Lord and a mber of the Sacred Order."
Discreetly her gaze swept the whole molten lake, the Monarch that floated on the lava, and the towering robot upon which they stood that slowly sank deeper. Then finally her crimson eyes settled on Michael, most of his attire ruined, still gripping Devil’s Tongue in hand.
"True warrior will, capable of rivaling beings that threaten Lords, while still being a Grandmaster, and possessing a soul weapon on top of that..."
A charming smile spread across her face. Intense sparkles ignited in her gaze.
"I don’t usually do this, but you’ve earned the exception. Join my faction. We could use soone with your skills and intellect. Plus, I can guarantee you a high-ranking position."
Usually the Sacred Order did not have problems recruiting mbers, as it was one of the ten strongest factions to exist. Every soldier, regardless of their background, would have jumped at the opportunity at a mont’s notice.
Yet Michael did not seem interested, instead staring blankly at her.
He had spent so much ti thinking about what he would say to Nicole when they finally t again in this life. Yet, he never expected their reunion to take place in such an unusual setting.
Swallowing dryly, he responded.
"I appreciate the invitation, but unfortunately I am already a mber of one."
Nicole didn’t appear surprised, releasing a dejected sigh.
"Of course, a soldier like you would have been recruited by rivaling factions in a heartbeat."
In turn, Michael shook his head.
"No, I am not a part of them. I simply created my own."
She arched an eyebrow. "Oh? Creation of a new faction is certainly rare. What is it called?"
"Indomitable Alliance." He replied.
"..."
Nicole’s eyelids fluttered in surprise.
"I see that is certainly a... unique naming sense."
"Believe it or not, I have heard that before." A painted smile spread across Michael’s face.
At this mont, a static voice echoed from the small comm device, which barely clung to his clothes.
"Do you co—!"
Soone from the crew needed him.
Of course, Nicole, being a Supre Lord, caught the faint noise with ease.
"It appears that we both have work ahead of us... Thank you for giving a few minutes of your ti."
Had there been other people nearby listening to the exchange, they wouldn’t have believed their ears. A Supre Lord was thanking a re Grandmaster, not the other way around!
"No, thank you for healing . Had it not been for you, I wouldn’t have survived for much longer." He exclaid, walking past her.
’It’s for the best.’ He reassured himself.
Grab!
Only to freeze a second later, as Nicole softly caught his hand.
Surprised by her own actions, a frown appeared over her face. She herself wasn’t sure why she had reached out to him, yet sothing akin to instinct prompted her to do so.
Remaining locked for a few seconds, a comfortable quietness stretched until Nicole finally broke the silence.
"This might sound weird, but... Have we t each other before?"
"..."
It was the sa question King Arthur had asked Michael when they first t, yet the emotions stirring in his heart now were unlike anything he had felt before.
He had so much he wanted to say, but he stopped himself. Bringing up the past too soon would only make Nicole think he was insane, destroying any chance of earning her trust.
Exhaling deeply, he answered.
"Perhaps we have... In another life."
"I see..."
Unsurprised by his response, she asked another question.
"It just occurred to that I never asked for your na."
"Michael."
With a simple nod she let go, Michael disappearing from view.
As for Nicole, she stood upon the sinking giant, her crimson gaze locked on the molten lava. The warmth of Michael’s firm touch still lingered on her hand.
"Michael, leader of the Indomitable Alliance... Once the situation in Magmorious settles, I will officially extend an offer for partnership. For so reason I am certain that he wouldn’t refuse."
Blinking out of existence, she disappeared, joining the effort in bringing safety to the capital.
Simultaneously, among the scattered rubble of the tallic giant, one gasping man shakily rose to his feet amidst the debris.
"Gods... This was a disaster!" The man bellowed.
He was the researcher who had started this whole ss, managing to create the sentient AI.
The artificial mind, eager to prove its dominance over all life, took him into its imnse form as it began its rampage.
Only by a sheer miracle did the researcher manage to survive the aftermath, finding himself alive next to the molten lake.
"I must get out of here!" He muttered, dragging his body. If he didn’t hurry, the heat was going to finish him.
However, before he could get far, a man’s voice stopped him.
"Quite lucky I am to find you."
Shaken, the researcher lifted his head, noticing a man that stood before him calmly.
"Who are you?" Even a mortal as himself could tell that this man was of the Lord’s realm!
With a smile, the Lord answered.
"? I am Kenny, a rcenary Lord hired by the Immortal Legion to do their secret bidding."
The Lord said, creeping closer.
"And you see... So people are very interested in your skills and the AIs you’re capable of creating."
With a swift chop to the back of the neck, the Lord knocked the researcher unconscious.
"So, I’ll be taking you with ..."
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