Regardless of the power any faction wielded, having a base on Earth was mandatory to be taken seriously. In truth, most factions controlled multiple settlents across the solar system, with their Earth bases often little more than a formality. Yet, it was a rule everyone followed.
And, of course, simply having a base on Earth wasn’t enough... It had to be situated in a specific location.
’Heavens...’ Ava gulped audibly, her eyes narrowing to the size of needles as she glanced at Michael.
"When we ford the faction, I thought we’d go far, but... I can’t believe it. We’re really at the peak."
She wasn’t the only one srized by the sight.
The location was atop a towering mountain, where a colossal tree lood. Its form bathed in golden light, with millions of branches stretching in every direction, golden leaves swaying gently in the fresh breeze.
A golden tree, ford entirely of spiritual energy. No one, not even Michael, understood how such a phenonon had co into existence.
So believed it was the final act of goodwill from a fallen god, while others theorized the tree was a gift from Earth... A source of the spiritual energy that spread across the solar system, giving humanity a fighting chance against the alien invaders. That belief was supported by the potent energy passing through these parts, making it an ideal spot for cultivation.
But truthfully, how the golden tree ca to be was irrelevant. Humanity had long co to a consensus...
Just like the golden tree, they were the children of Earth.
Humanity would defend the golden tree to their last breath.
Should the worst co to pass... The other planets fell, the defenses breached, and the factions’ settlents were reduced to ruins. All mbers of each faction stationed here would unite and fight until the bitter end.
This was humanity’s final stronghold.
Possessing a base here was both an honor and a duty to their kin. A promise to fight even when only despair lood over the horizon.
Victoria and Claire, although not officially mbers of the Indomitable Alliance. Currently staying within their respective factions in order to bring certain advantages to Michael, had seen the sight before.
Despite that, they found themselves srized, just as they had been the very first ti their eyes fell upon the tree.
Perhaps that was why, while everyone’s eyes glead with admiration, no one noticed the grim expression Michael wore.
’It won’t end the way it did last ti.’ He clenched his fists. ’I won’t allow it to...’
"Okay, let’s not linger for too long." Nicole clapped her hands, bringing everyone out of their daze.
"You will have enough ti to admire the scenery once you settle in your base."
Eagerly anticipating their new ho of residence, they followed after the Supre Lord.
A massive gate prevented them from going further. Though when the guards saw Nicole walking at the very front, they opened the path without delay.
Silently trailing after her, the crew observed the peaceful surroundings. On these blessed lands, as so liked to call them, fighting was strictly forbidden for obvious reasons. Resulting in a soothing quietness.
"The closer you are to the tree, the more influence your faction holds." Nicole explained, giving them a quick rundown.
"If it were just about money, the blessed lands would’ve been overrun long ago. But it’s also about prestige. As a new faction, you’d normally be far from the tree, but because I’m involving you, you’ll be positioned much closer to the center."
Victoria bowed slightly. "We appreciate the help."
Claire nodded in agreent. "Truly, we understand how much this ans."
Nicole threw a discreet glance at Michael before waving her head.
"Don’t worry, it’s not like you got it due to connections. You deserve it."
Eventually, they ca to a halt before a massive building, a curious blend of a luxurious villa and an impregnable fortress. From its sheer size, it was clear it could house over a hundred people.
It also had a lavish backyard with healthy grass growing atop it and an outside and inside pool.
"I know it might seem a bit lacking." Nicole exclaid. "But it contains every facility you nad and much more. It would be wiser to let you explore on your own rather than stating them outright."
Enzo, Leo, and Richard blinked a few tis as they stared at their new supposed ho in a daze, then they exchanged glances.
Had they misheard, or was Nicole mad enough to call the most luxurious building they had seen in their lives lacking?
"Let’s go inside!"
anwhile, Ruby and Ava didn’t hesitate, instantly entering the place.
"I know you just arrived, so I will co later when you are ready to depart towards the asteroid belt." Nicole said, about to head out.
However, before she could, Michael’s voice stopped her.
"You can co in, you know..."
She t his gaze.
"It’s frowned upon to enter the base of another faction."
He chuckled.
"Well, we got this base thanks to you. Don’t try to act like it’s all our doing. Should I also point out that Victoria and Claire will be living here, even though they’re technically not part of the Indomitable Alliance?"
"..."
Clearly his reason had left her without a way to retort.
"You must be curious to see how the place looks, right?" He flashed her a warm smile. "I promise it will be quick, just in and out."
’Why am I even considering this?’ Nicole thought, her brow furrowed. ’I usually make decisions quickly, and no one dares to challenge my authority. Everyone’s too afraid to question my judgnt.’
She pondered in silence, her eyes studying Michael’s unshakable posture. A bizarre occurrence for her. Usually everyone who t her piercing gaze seed to shudder in terror, as if they were staring at a monster mont away from death...
But as the seconds ticked by, Michael’s eyes brightened, a reaction completely opposite to what she expected. He didn’t view her as a weapon of war but as a woman, a human, just like himself. His gaze made that clear enough.
Nicole scoffed inwardly.
’What a strange man.’
A calm silence stretched between them.
’...Stupid. Why do I find myself willing to follow along?’
Eventually, she heaved a sigh, her delicate lips parted.
"Fine, I will co." She said softly.
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