Considering Devil’s nature, Michael had been ready for sothing to go wrong. However, the creature offering a flower to his mother wasn’t one of the scenarios he envisioned.
Thankfully, at this mont he stood behind his mother and sister, because the gaze he gave Devil was so intense that it could make even gods shudder.
Even the mbers of the crew, who weren’t the target of his eyes, trembled at the very sight.
’Don’t stare at like this, brat!’ Devil’s ragged voice echoed in Michael’s head.
’Would you have preferred to scare them? You should be grateful for the hospitality I am showing!’
Exhaling slowly, Michael cald down, allowing Devil and the crew to take a breather.
anwhile, Isabella and Scarlett, blissfully unaware of the warning Michael had hurled above their heads, stared at the flower in a daze.
"Thank you?" Isabella exclaid with uncertainty, taking hold of the plant.
She closed her eyes, enjoying its floral scent. A smile tugged at her face.
Motioning for Devil to lean down, he complied.
Then, with an elegant move, Isabella put the flower atop Devil’s head.
"See? Not that scary." She giggled.
Scarlett’s eyes narrowed in skepticism as she ever so gently poked Devil’s cheek.
"I guess so."
"..."
The crew stared at Michael’s family in bewildernt.
Even they, seasoned soldiers, needed ti to adjust to Devil’s fearso appearance. Yet Michael’s mother and sister, both barely in the Middle Apprentice realm, stood before the monster completely unfazed!
Was this a testant to their unwavering trust in Michael, or were they simply that brave?
It remained a mystery.
"Okay, enough chit-chatting!" Scarlett proclaid, trying to keep her eyes away from Ruby lest she lose control again.
"Let’s tour brother’s ho!"
Eagerly Scarlett and Isabella took their sweet ti visiting each of the facilities the place offered.
Though Michael knew that his father most likely was unable to hear anything in his state, he still took him around the base.
As the hours blended, nightfall ca faster than expected, everyone settling in the dining room.
"That was exhausting!" Scarlett sighed with tired eyes. Who knew that sightseeing could take so much of her energy away?
"You must all be hungry." Isabella exclaid with a wide grin. "I assu it’s ti for to cook sothing you won’t forget!"
Richard instantly retorted.
"Ma’am, please let . I assure you that I haven’t forgotten what you taught when I worked in your cafe!"
Isabella pouted.
"I’m sure. However, I’m not about to miss the chance to cook for my son! It’s not sothing I get to do every day!"
Utterly defeated Richard sat in his seat.
It didn’t take long for extraordinary aroma to spread around the whole base.
Preparing the food with speed and mastery that seed to defy the heavens themselves, Isabella swiftly placed more dishes than could be counted on the table.
"!!!"
At the very first bite the crew seed to lt at the divine taste.
"Delicious!" Ruby exclaid, devouring the food at light speed.
"I want to eat food like this every day!"
Isabella giggled, enjoying the praise.
"Unfortunately only my kids would be able to enjoy food like this regularly..."
She paused briefly.
"Though, I suppose... if there was a woman, or maybe more, to marry my son and join our family, I’d consider them my children from that point on..."
As the gathered woman blushed at her words, Ruby suddenly stood up and wrapped herself around Michael.
"Then I’m calling dibs! Michael is mine!"
Finding her behavior endearing, Michael patted her on the head, causing her to purr.
"Mom, don’t fill Ruby’s head with nonsense."
Isabella chuckled.
"Oh? But I am serious."
Ruby nodded eagerly.
"So am I!"
Whatever this was, her feline persona speaking, or sothing else, it beca painfully clear that all Ruby desired were headpats and delicious food.
Eventually, as everybody had their fill, they settled in their respective rooms.
"What a day..." Michael sighed, collapsing into his titanium-reinforced bed.
Devil, who had yet to return to his owner’s soul, responded.
"Indeed. Why don’t you finish it properly? Call Victoria or Claire over..." Devil paused briefly. "Actually, why not both of them at the sa ti?"
Michael chuckled. "My mother and sister are here. I can already imagine the teasing that would follow. Maybe so other ti."
Devil grinned in satisfaction. Had it been before, Michael would have dismissed the suggestion without a second thought. The very fact that he was considering it was proof, whether from Devil’s influence or the crew’s, that he was changing.
Early the next morning, Michael was awakened by a sudden call.
With a groan he accepted the connection.
Instantly a holographic image of Skylar appeared.
"Skylar? Did sothing happen?" He asked. Despite being a journalist, she didn’t bother to contact him often.
She nodded.
"Yes, the news of a tournant between the strongest factions has been announced. The entire world is in uproar in anticipation. The event is expected to beco the most-watched live broadcast in humanity’s history. Not only that, but the na of the faction you will clash with has also been revealed."
Skylar smirked.
"So, I took the initiative. Using my expertise in information gathering, I researched them thoroughly, leaving no stone unturned. Would you like to head to your base and brief the crew?"
Michael smiled.
"Sure."
That was how the entire crew found themselves wide awake, facing Skylar and Luis.
"Couldn’t this have waited a few hours?" Richard yawned.
Enzo nodded, dark circles under his eyes.
As for Leo, he had reclined on the sofa, his head resting back, barely clinging to reality.
Victoria narrowed her eyes.
"Let guess, you didn’t head to bed but spent a few hours playing video gas?"
"No..." They answered in unison, avoiding her gaze.
Skylar clapped her hands together.
"Co on, the early bird gets the worm!" She exclaid, several holographic images appearing around her.
"The faction you’ll face is Eternal Blade. You might not have heard of them until now, which is understandable. Considering they are one of the weaker factions, residing at the very edge of the blessed lands..."
She paused, making sure everyone was paying attention before continuing.
"But don’t be fooled. Every faction allowed to form a base here is among the very best, and for good reason. My research tells they currently possess sixty Experts, forty Masters, seven Grandmasters... and three Lords."
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