Supreme Paragon Reborn: Humanity's Rise To Galactic Supremacy-Chapter 262: A Soul Beyond

The journey towards the asteroid belt proceeded smoothly. With Nicole in their ranks, nothing was mad enough to interfere with their path.

"We are almost there." Nicole said calmly, glancing at Victoria.

"Before we dock, I want to know, did something happen?"

Victoria arched an eyebrow, clearly surprised.

"Hum? Not really... why?"

Nicole shrugged.

"Before, it seemed like something was frustrating you, but now it doesn’t seem to bother you at all."

"Ah..." Victoria giggled in realization.

"Well... Let’s just say I found a relatable way to elevate my worries before important events." She discreetly threw a glance at Michael, not elaborating further.

Nicole nodded in approval.

"Whatever you did, I’d recommend you keep doing it... excessively, if the situation allows. Most soldiers neglect their mental health until it’s too late. And considering who your grandfather is, you’re certainly at greater risk than usual."

"Thank you for the advice." Victoria said with a mischievous smile. "I’ll keep that in mind."

Nicole turned to Claire.

"This concerns you as well. As the famous ’White Angel,’ you face a greater risk of mental breakdown than normal."

She paused briefly at an idea coming to mind.

"Actually, why don’t you try what Victoria is doing? If it works for her, it might work for you, too. There is no harm in trying."

Claire cleared her throat awkwardly. Fingers fidgeting nervously.

"Sure... I might try it in the future, when I have enough courage, that is."

"Courage?" Nicole arched an eyebrow. "Why not just go for it? All of us have a single life... Well, so be it. You know best."

Ruby tilted her head to the side in curiosity, while Michael groaned quaintly, though he remained silent through the exchange.

Eventually, the crew reached the designated place.

"Here we are." Nicole said once they docked the battleship.

Unlike the space shuttle they had used for transportation, this ship was on an entirely different level. Massive cannons were mounted, designed to fire from every conceivable angle. Its energy shield was equally impressive, capable of absorbing and negating nearly every form of damage.

"While it’s possible for you to fight in outer space without oxygen, thanks to your current realms, it’s still recommended to use mechas." Nicole explained.

She was right. With the help of spiritual energy, one could negate the need for oxygen for some time. But there were risks involved. Even Michael, a Middle Grandmaster, would find his movement and cognitive speed severely compromised under those conditions.

"You’ll have a chance to explore the battleship later." Nicole continued. "But for now, it’s best to head to the meeting. As usual, the soldiers will gather for a briefing, and this time the Emperor, along with most of the Kings and Queens, will be present."

They thanked the Supreme Lord for her hospitality and followed her advice, heading toward the large gathering area in the heart of the battleship. Every soldier aboard had been called to this assembly as part of the reinforcements. These were all members of the influential factions.

In other words, not simple warriors but experienced veterans.

This was why Ruby found herself standing out. Not only did she bear feline features, but she was also of the Early Expert realm, while everyone else here was at least a Master.

She wasn’t the only one demanding attention with her mere presence. Victoria, known as the granddaughter of King Arthur, and Claire, famous as the White Angel, also did.

However, the one that stole the spotlight was the man who stood by their side.

"Hey... Isn’t that him?"

"You mean Michael? Yeah, that’s him. His video is still trending worldwide."

"Please, it’s obvious the video was staged. There’s no way a Grandmaster could move like that!"

"What about the millions of casualties from the AI incident? Were those faked too?!"

"I don’t care about that! What I demand to know is why a high-ranking member of the Golden Vanguard is following a leader from a no-name faction?! Courting death!"

Richard chuckled. "Once again the center of attention. Well done, Boss!"

Michael flashed him a warm smile, instincts on high alert.

As it turned out, with Victoria and Claire following him, despite not being from his faction, and the rumor that Nicole herself had escorted them, many hostile gazes were directed toward him.

"If they can worry about such stuff, then maybe mankind is not doing so badly after all." He muttered.

Truly, he wasn’t worried. After all, he was no stranger to being ridiculed from his prior life. However, from the frustrated expression on Victoria’s face, it was clear she wasn’t going to let that stand.

"Michael."

Hearing his name, he turned to the side, only for his lips to meet hers. The kiss didn’t last long, barely more than a second, before they pulled away from each other.

"..."

An instant of silence followed.

"What was that for?" He muttered.

She smirked. "A message. Nothing more."

For a moment, it felt like the battleship itself might go down. But before that could happen, several presences swept over the area, forcing everyone to turn and face the front.

No introductions were needed. The Emperor, Arthur, Zaiden, Mateo, and a few others, the leaders of the factions selected to send reinforcements to the front, stood at the forefront.

Curiously, Queen Seer was also present, her white blindfold with black edges trailed from soldier to soldier as she inspected them individually.

The silence didn’t last long, as the Emperor’s voice echoed:

"You’ve all been chosen for various reasons. Do not disgrace your faction or humanity." His crimson gaze swept across the room, but it didn’t linger on anyone in particular, a clear lack of interest present.

Similarly, Michael also appeared disinterested on the outside while barely containing his boiling rage. For the first time in this life, his gaze locked onto the Emperor. It took every ounce of self-control to resist the urge to tear the man limb from limb right then and there.

’It’s not time yet.’ Michael breathed deeply, forcing his anger to subside.

Not an admirer of long speeches, the Emperor stepped down soon after, making way for the leaders of the factions to say their piece.

Their overwhelming auras made it difficult for the gathered soldiers to focus on their words, many struggling to hold themselves back from fainting on the spot.

Perhaps that was why no one noticed when Queen Seer’s head stopped moving. Her face was growing paler by the second.

’Heavens...’

She barely kept her composure, all of her senses focused entirely on Michael.

’The outline of his soul... this intensity... no doubt about it...’

Her eyes, hidden behind the blindfold, moved between the Emperor and Michael, as if comparing them side by side.

’It surpasses the Emperor...’