Supreme Paragon Reborn: Humanity's Rise To Galactic Supremacy-Chapter 282: Figured Out

Both of them had fought on Neptune, where temperatures had also been low. However, there were two key differences between then and now.

Even though they were significantly stronger, with no spiritual energy left to sustain their bodies, the cold could prove deadly. And worse, Neptune had been partially terraformed, so the cold there had been survivable.

But the cosmos?

Not a chance. The vast expanse of the universe was times colder than the current climate on Neptune.

Although the oxygen currently produced held space properties, meaning it would technically never shift into a solid or liquid state regardless of how extreme the temperature became, that still didn’t resolve their dilemma.

"Troublesome..." A frown etched on Michael’s face.

He had a lingering feeling he had been missing something crucial... At least now he got his answer.

"Depending on how well the cockpit of the mecha is isolated, it would take between six and twelve hours to reach freezing temperatures if the temperature had been livable... But if we are able to see our own breath, it means that time has been shortened."

His eyes darkened.

"Assuming the best-case scenario, it would take about three hours to reach the freezing point of water... and another twelve hours before the cold could actually cause us harm."

While they didn’t have spiritual energy, their bodies had still been mended by it, granting them the ability to withstand much wider degrees of extreme temperatures.

However, that didn’t change the facts. Even if a search party were sent immediately, it would still take at least a day to rescue them. As things stood, though, they’d be lucky to survive even a half day, let alone endure longer periods of time.

Besides aliens, most humans tended to forget that the environment could prove the most dangerous of all.

Just like him, Claire also quickly grasped the severity of their situation.

Wordlessly, she rose, approached Michael, and settled on the ground, her back gently resting against his chest as she positioned herself between his legs.

Her snow-white hair cascaded over his arms and shoulders, carrying with it a soft, delicate floral scent.

She pressed Mr. BunBun tighter to her body as her lips slowly parted.

"In circumstances like these, it’s best to remain close to another person in order to preserve body heat..."

At this moment she was immensely grateful that she didn’t face him. Otherwise Michael would have noticed her rosy face.

’What am I doing?’ She wondered inwardly. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

It was true close contact conserved body heat, but she felt she could have gone along with it in a less direct way.

Before she could reconsider her decision, Michael responded.

"You have a point."

Gently, he wrapped his arms around her waist, drawing her closer. His legs closed in around hers, surrounding her with a penetrating warmth that caused her heartbeat to quicken.

This was the closest the two had ever been. As Michael’s presence enveloped her, Claire began to feel small and fragile beneath his firm touch... yet, simultaneously, safer than ever before.

Weirdly endearing, despite being in the same realm, Michael was significantly stronger than her... And the way he, such a powerful man, was handling her so gently caused her breath to slowly heat up.

Inevitably, that made Claire reflect on every encounter she’d had with him, from their first meeting at Triton to this moment. There had always been something about him that she couldn’t quite grasp. What was the thing that drew her towards him?

"I see..."

She closed her eyes, exhaling softly.

"I think I’m beginning to figure you out."

Michael raised an eyebrow.

"Figure me out? Now that’s piqued my interest."

Claire shook her head.

"To be honest, it’s not some grand revelation. In a way, it’s been clear from day one. But it does explain why you never seem fazed by the biggest hurdles, how you’re able to charge into danger so fearlessly..."

She paused briefly.

"It’s quite simple really. You don’t value your life."

"..."

Letting the silence stretch, she elaborated a moment later.

"Not driven by impulses or addictions, rarely... if ever indulging in any human desires. Solely focused on protecting humanity and exterminating the alien races. Honestly, I couldn’t come up with a more perfect model soldier than you."

Her eyelids flustered.

"And that’s... concerning. No one becomes so driven naturally, let alone someone as young as you. The only viable explanation is that you’ve suffered some kind of agonizing trauma. I, along with the crew, know how much you value your family... Perhaps you blame yourself for the condition of your father? Or maybe something even more extreme, which you refuse to share, happened in the past, making you blame yourself?"

Michael didn’t answer, though his hold tightened.

Claire’s assumption was so spot-on that it was starting to feel a little concerning.

"Well, there is something I wish to tell you..."

She rested her head against him.

"I don’t care. Whatever is in your past, the one you’re so keen on keeping hidden, it in no way will ever change my opinion of you."

Although they were closer, the temperature still continued to dip, the cold slowly creeping in.

"Because... I love you. When I’m doubtful, anxious, terrified... I know I can rely on you. You’ll always help me, just like you’ve always done. And I want you to know... should you ever need me, I will always be there for you."

She chuckled.

"Maybe this is what draws me to you... your selflessness. It reminds me of how I treat my grandfather and the way he treasures everything aside from his own life. It’s the same, but in your case, it’s much more intense."

There was a long pause.

"I made my decision a long time ago. Honestly, the only reason I’m telling you this now is because we’re in a situation where I can’t keep it to myself anymore."

Mr. BunBun squeaked as her hold tightened.

"Even now, I’m cold. So very cold. While your warmth is indeed comforting, it’s not enough. Not nearly enough."

Claire gulped audibly.

"And considering I just confessed my love... I want it. I want you to hold me as tightly as you can and let me feel your warmth. My body craves to experience the depth of your longing."