At the Magmafist Corps encampnt, Mike chose to explore his surroundings instead of resting.
With Shadow Three as his bodyguard, he felt safe enough to even attempt a striptease in front of the Ninth Demon God.
However, Mike was a cautious individual. This Abyssal expedition felt different.
Firstly, the Eyes of Truth had shown a 100% survival rate. Secondly, Apollo had personally assured him of his safety. Lastly, Mike's own strength had significantly increased, granting him a basic level of self-preservation.
Ultimately, it all boiled down to one's own capabilities. A greenhouse could never produce towering trees. For humanity to birth a fourth Supre Being, a true pillar of strength, they needed to be tempered by life-or-death battles.
Mike's goal was to engage in those battles while ensuring his absolute safety.
Stepping out of his tent, he heard the sharp whistle of a weapon cutting through the air.
Passing by a small training ground, he spotted Ace diligently practicing his spear techniques. Having chosen this path, Ace was determined to beco the true first.
Spear mastery was nothing new to Ace. Old Calderon was proficient in all kinds of weapons, and Ace had surpassed even Old Calderon.
"Not bad, not bad," Mike nodded approvingly, feeling a surge of excitent and a desire to spar with Ace.
Ace glanced at Mike, then sheathed his spear and walked away.
"Hey, don't be a sore loser!" Mike called out, but Ace didn't even turn around.
Disappointed by the failed sparring invitation, Mike continued his stroll.
As he wandered, he noticed a commotion. Several corps soldiers were blocking soone's path.
"Hold it right there! You can't go any further!"
Mike's gaze fell upon the individual in question. It was none other than Jas, his schoolmate.
Mike didn't have a strong opinion of him. They had rarely interacted, except for the ti Mike had bested him during the school's selection matches.
Jas had also been invited as an auxiliary mber for the Nightmare Corps during the recent tournant against the Guardian Shadows, where he had lost to Ace.
Mike leaned against a wall, observing the confrontation.
Jas seed taller and more muscular than before. He presented a badge to a Magmafist Corps General, gesturing with his other hand as if explaining sothing.
"This is..."
Mike frowned slightly. The badge Jas held was blood-red, with a wave-like pattern, resembling the Blood Sea Corps badge.
[Old Blood Sea Corps Badge]
The Eyes of Truth provided its identification.
Soon, an instructor arrived to handle the situation. He examined the badge, his expression shifting slightly. After a brief exchange with the Magmafist Corps personnel, he whisked Jas away towards another corps' encampnt.
Lost in thought, Mike asked, "Shadow Three, which three corps are currently stationed in the Ninth Abyss?"
"Ember, Iron Vanguard, and Blood Sea," Shadow Three replied promptly.
"When was the Blood Sea Corps badge redesigned?" Mike pressed.
Without consulting any records, Shadow Three answered, "After the Blood Sea Abyss debacle,
the Blood Sea Corps underwent a reorganization, including a badge redesign."
This was strange. Why did Jas possess an old Blood Sea Corps badge?
[Is it possible...]
[That Jas' father was a mber of the Blood Sea Corps?]
It made sense. Mike had heard from Cain that Jas' father had died on the Abyssal battlefield.
The Blood Sea battle?
Mike had heard about the Blood Sea battle nurous tis.
The forr Shadow Eleven, Darian, had been the old Corps Leader of the Blood Sea Corps.
The forr Fourth Demon Cult Leader, Terenas, had been the Vice Corps Leader of the Blood Sea Corps.
Things were starting to get interesting.
Mike suddenly recalled another detail.
Before Michael died, Apollo had granted him the opportunity to speak a final sentence.
Knowing Apollo, he wouldn't have done sothing so aningless.
And who had Michael spoken those last words to?
Jas!
Mike's eyebrows shot up. This was no re coincidence!
"Shadow Three, contact Shadow Fourth. I need to ask him sothing."
"Right away."
...
Monts later, Shadow Four materialized inside Mike's tent.
"Please, have a seat."
Mike gestured for him to sit down, curiosity lacing his voice. "What about the Forest of Truth?"
According to the division of responsibilities within the Guardian Shadows, Shadows Four through Seven were responsible for guarding the Forest of Truth. They were only allowed brief respites during peaceti.
Currently, with tensions between humanity and the Abyss at an all-ti high, the Forest of Truth, as a strategic location, couldn't be left unguarded.
"Apollo granted us permission to leave," Shadow Four explained.
If Apollo had given the order, then it was as good as law.
"I have a few questions," Mike said, getting straight to the point. "During the Blood Sea battle, were there any mbers of the Sterling family in the Blood Sea Corps? Did any of them join the Guardian Shadows? And if so, where are they now?"
Shadow Four consulted his records. "Approximately six mbers of the Sterling family participated in the Blood Sea battle. Four are currently in slumber, one Soldier is on a mission in the Thirteenth Abyss, and one General is assigned to protect the Lone Wolf."
Mike's interest piqued. "A General?"
"Yes, female, nad..."
Before Shadow Four could finish, Mike cut him off with a wave of his hand. That wasn't who
he was looking for.
"Who was Jas Sterling's father?"
"Richard Sterling. Killed in action during the Blood Sea battle. Currently in slumber." Mike accepted the provided information, his finger tapping lightly on the docunt. "I don't trust anything on paper. That old fox has tampered with these records more than once." Only Thor would dare speak of Shadow Nine in such a manner.
"Relay a ssage for ," Mike instructed. "Shadow Ten's current mission is to be taken over by Shadow Eleven. Shadow Ten is to report to the Ninth Abyss imdiately and stay by Jas' side. Any unusual activity, inform at once."
Shadow Four nodded, committing the order to mory. With Professor Gregory now residing in the Tower of Truth, Shadow Eleven was available for assignnts.
"There's one more thing." Mike fixed Shadow Four with a serious gaze. "Make a trip to the
Shadow Fortress and locate Jas' father. If possible, awaken him. I have questions."
"Understood."
Not long after dispatching Shadow Four, new information reached Mike.
"Fourth Bro, we have an update."
"Jas, using the Blood Sea badge, has t with the Blood Sea Corps Leader."
"According to Jas, he was contacted by a mber of the Demon Cult, promising him the
position of Fifth Demon Cult Leader if he cooperates!"
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