With the alien invasion set to begin in a few hours, Ava received a warning that she should return to the base, and so did all captains.
Slowly opening her eyes, she observed her surroundings. All of her senses had reached a new level.
Thanks to the concentrated spiritual energy, she managed to achieve enlightenment, becoming an Early Expert.
Only a genius could achieve such results. It hadn't been long since she became a Peak Adept. Now she was with the same standing as Oliver. With her realm she could even be promoted from a captain to a second-in-command general.
'It's thanks to Michael. Thanks to him I feel like my eyes have been opened in a way I never thought possible before. Not to mention that he knew about this spot suitable for cultivation.' She thought, her eyes observing him.
A few seconds later her heart began to beat so fast it would have exploded if she hadn't become an Early Expert a few moments ago.
'H—He has achieved enlightenment! Early Adept at 18! He is truly a genius. The moment I laid my eyes on him for the first time, I could feel he was special!' She was so shocked that she forgot how to breathe.
Leo also opened his eyes and broke into a grin after seeing Ava's dumbfounded expression.
"After years of trying, I finally became an Early Adept! Are you shocked, Daredevil?"
She simply shook her head before pointing to Michael.
"Wh—" Leo had the same reaction as her. Both of them simply stared at Michael, full of disbelief.
'I made it in time.' Michael sighed in relief upon opening his eyes.
Name: Michael
Soul Realm: Early Adept
Cybernetics: Indomitable System, Berserker, Dash, Perfect Vision, Spirit Flow, Blink
• Strength: 220
• Agility: 180
• Stamina: 80
• Spirit: 10,000
• Mind: 3,000
Skill Points: 0
'After my breakthrough and my enlightenment, it looks like my stats rose significantly. With Berserker on top, few aliens would be my equal.' He thought in satisfaction.
Once he was done assessing his gains, he turned to his two teammates that were busy staring at him.
"Good job on your enlightenment." He said with a warm smile.
"To have achieved Early Adept at such a young age, I wonder how far you will have gone once you reach my age." Leo shook his head. There was no point in comparing himself with a natural-born monster like Michael. Even Ava would fall short if she were to compete, and she was considered a genius!
"Let's go to the base and prepare." Michael said, breaking them out of their trance.
They simply nodded and stood up, still in shock.
On their way back, Ava would question him about the secret of his monstrous growth. In response, Michael simply shrugged, not sure how to answer her.
As they approached the base, Michael quickly called his sister, making sure that they weren't in danger.
"We are all right, thanks to the money you send us. Dad is receiving medical care from the best doctors in the world. But the bills are proving to be more than expected. I am not sure we can continue for long." Scarlett said, feeling guilty that she was relying on her brother.
"As I said, I will make sure nothing of the sort happens. Now go back to studying for your tests." He said, about to cut the connection.
"Wait! I wanted to say, there is news that Triton will be attacked very soon… You don't have to risk your life for us. I am sure we can make money some other way."
Michael shook his head before flashing her a warm smile. "This is my choice to make. Plus, I am tough. Nothing will happen to me."
"If you say so." Scarlett pouted. "Just please keep me updated if something major happens."
"I promise."
Once the call ended, Ava threw a side glance at Michael.
"You really care for your family. Few would be able to risk their life at a young age like you."
Michael chuckled. "They are my family, so it's only given, and it's not just them. I value the people close to me. Like you and Leo."
'Goddamn charmer!' Ava gritted her teeth, looking the other way in an attempt to hide her blush.
"We are nearing the base!" Leo called out.
'Good, we are in time. Once the invasion begins, we won't get the chance to rest for a long time.' Michael sighed.
'Hurry up! I miss the taste of blood! I NEED TO KILL!' As usual, the soul weapon demanded sacrifice.
'Just wait a little longer. Soon we will have more foes than we can deal with.' Michael reassured.
'HAHAHA! I can't wait!'
Arriving at Base #85, they were pleasantly surprised to see that there were more soldiers than expected. It looked like after the Immortal Legion left, a new faction had decided to come to their aid.
"Good to see you, young man." A familiar voice reached out to him.
"Sir Bryce! So you managed to bring the Heavenly Pact to our aid!"
Bryce nodded. "Yes, originally we were supposed to come, but Immortal Legion didn't really give us a choice in the matter. Now with them gone, we can take over and support Victoria."
A moment later Bryce's eyes widened. "You… have become an Early Adept?! Gods, how did you achieve this so fast? I thought you arrived at the base a week ago!"
"Michael is special, so it's only natural!" Ava puffed her chest in pride.
"Whatever the case, that is welcomed. We would need as much firepower as we could get."
They quickly went to meet up with Victoria. On the way Michael observed the base that was in uproar. Soldiers running with purpose, eager to get ready for the battle that will decide the fate of Triton and most likely the war against the aliens for a long time to come.
Several mechas entered Michael's field of vision. They were the main weapon against the aliens' spaceships that proved to have a superior tech level than them.
Sadly, for a person to pilot even the weakest mecha, they would need to be at the very least an Expert, though it was recommended to reach at least Master unless one wanted to put unnecessary pressure on their soul. So Michael was a long way from piloting one.
'Who needs mecha when you have a great sword like me? HAHAHA!' His soul weapon guessed his thought before bursting into laughter once again.
'True… Mechs don't make perverted remarks, nor do they demand sacrifices from me.' He chuckled.
'I deny everything and regret nothing!' The sword retorted.
Soon after, Michael's squad as well as Bryce went towards the general's room, where Victoria was waiting with a few other higher personnel.
With Michael and Leo being Early Adepts and Ava reaching Early Expert, they were granted the right to be part of the discussions.
Once they entered, Victoria's eyes instantly locked onto Michael. A small smile formed on her face seeing his as well as her junior's progress.
"Let's discuss the plan."