Though Michael's face remained pletely expressionless, the scene before him left him inwardly satisfied.
For someone in his current position, to speak to others reasonably, power had to be recognized.
Michael had long understood a simple truth. A man carrying treasures coveted by others was guilty by default. Whether he had mitted any crime was irrelevant. The moment others realized what he possessed or felt he possessed something incredible, someone would inevitably begin calculating how to obtain it.
Because of that, it didn't matter which organization had e knocking on his door today. As long as they approached him as a force rather than as individuals, Michael would instinctively regard them as potential enemies.
The Awakener Academy was no exception. Of course, his attitude toward the Academy wasn't nearly as guarded. He genuinely appreciated everything they had done for him over the past year. However, gratitude and trust were two entirely different things. No matter how well they had treated him, as long as they continued to view him as a junior, the balance between them would always remain unequal.
Even if their intentions were sincere and every suggestion they made was for his benefit, their position would naturally influence the way they dealt with him.
Seniors advised. Juniors listened. Seniors instructed. Juniors plied.
That relationship had existed for countless generations. There was nothing inherently wrong with it. But it was not suitable for him.
As long as they subconsciously regarded him as their student or their junior, whatever negotiations took place today would never truly place him in an advantageous position.
As for the Federation, the situation was even simpler. There wasn't much that needed to be considered.
Michael didn't regard the Federation as an enemy. At least, not yet.
Likewise, he had no intention of being Aurora's enemy. It was the world where Aunt Mia and Lily still lived. He had every reason to protect it if circumstances demanded.
Even so, that didn't mean he trusted the Federation. If anything, among every major organization in Aurora, together with the demonic supernaturals, they were the group he remained most guarded against.
Unlike the Academy, from Michael's perspective, the Federation would always prioritize Aurora's interests over his own. And if one day those two interests came into conflict, he had little doubt which side they would choose.
That was precisely why, from the very beginning, he had never intended to negotiate from a position of weakness. Today's meeting wasn't merely a conversation. It was a declaration to them and the others that would e after.
Though he had yet to fully utilize the universal cornerstone, Michael knew this was something that he couldn't keep alone to himself unless he was willing to hide in the land of origin with his family for a long period of time. As much as he didn't want any business to do with the federation, he had to admit that standing against the many forces in the universe, he needed their backing.
Michael allowed the silence to linger for another few seconds. Only then did his gaze shift toward the drinks resting neatly on the center table.
"Would anyone like something to drink?"
The four visitors almost instinctively shook their heads.
"No."
"There's no need."
"We're fine."
Not a single person reached for the cups.
Michael wasn't surprised. He could easily tell from the atmosphere, and the five Rank Four undead silently standing around the room made it rather difficult for anyone to leisurely enjoy a drink.
Seeing their reactions, Michael didn't insist. He simply nodded before taking his own seat. His movements remained calm and unhurried.
Once seated, his gaze calmly swept across the four visitors.
"So..."
"What brings everyone here today?"
The room became silent once more.
Teacher Brian's eyelids twitched. Instructor Yara's lips almost parted before she stopped herself. Even Director Lin couldn't help narrowing her eyes slightly.
So shameless!
All four reached almost the same conclusion. After deliberately displaying enough strength to leave them thoroughly intimidated and carefully establishing exactly who held the initiative in this room, he now asked for the purpose of their visit as though he knew nothing.
It was such an obvious attempt to seize control of the conversation that none of them failed to notice it.
Unfortunately, no one pointed it out thanks to the delicate atmosphere.
Another few moments passed before General Caelum finally broke the silence.
"I believe..." He paused briefly. "...it would be better if we got straight to the point."
His voice was deep and steady, carrying the natural authority expected of one of the Federation's Generals. Under ordinary circumstances, such a bearing alone would have been enough to recover a bit of control over the conversation.
Unfortunately, careful observation revealed an almost imperceptible slight stiffness and the faintest trace of hesitation hidden beneath his posed exterior. His tone, though only by the smallest margin, carried a subtle tremor, but it couldn't escape Michael.
Meeting Michael's calm gaze, Caelum continued.
"On behalf of the Federation..."
"I've e to discuss matters concerning you and..."
He never managed to finish the sentence.
BOOM!!
The entire apartment violently shook. The walls trembled. The windows rattled as though struck by an invisible tidal wave.
Everyone's expression changed. General Caelum's eyes snapped toward the ceiling, and Director Lin immediately rose to her feet.
At the same instant, the five undead standing throughout the living room moved as well, with Ghost silently appearing beside Michael.
An indescribably heavy pressure descended from above. It was as though the sky itself had collapsed.
The surrounding space groaned under the weight of that terrifying aura. The apartment building trembled continuously. Outside, cracks rapidly spread across the roads. Ordinary people throughout the district suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to kneel. Many collapsed to the ground without understanding why.
Inside the apartment, even General Caelum's expression became inparably solemn.
A Demigod.
There was no doubt. Only a Demigod could release such overwhelming pressure.
Before anyone could react further, a woman's voice echoed throughout the entire city. It was cold, majestic, and filled with unconcealed killing intent.
"Michael Norman..."
The voice reverberated through the heavens themselves. Every being within hundreds of kilometers heard it clearly.
"Time..."
"And time again..."
"You have ruined the plans of my people."
Each word seemed to carry an invisible weight, causing the surrounding air to vibrate. The killing intent became increasingly suffocating.
"It is time you paid the price."
The final words had barely fallen when the clouds above abruptly split apart.
An enormous crimson magic formation slowly unfolded across the sky. Its size covered several kilometers. Scarlet runes ignited one after another.
The horrifying pressure instantly multiplied.
General Caelum's pupils constricted. Director Lin's usually carefree expression pletely vanished.
Only Michael remained seated, though the anger on his face could be seen from miles away.
"You demonic supernaturals!" he spat out.
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