Supreme Paragon Reborn: Humanity's Rise To Galactic Supremacy-Chapter 287: Natural Predator

Michael’s decision to participate in the upcoming battle did not mean he had dismissed Claire’s request to value his life more. But he knew that too many things could go wrong if he chose not to take part.

It would also be an invaluable experience for the crew to witness a Titan with their own eyes. Seeing how powerful aliens could become would surely fuel their hunger for strength even more.

While the conversation with Nicole reached its climax, a hooded figure remained unnoticed, watching from the shadows.

Shockingly, even Nicole, a Supreme Lord, was unable to sense the Emperor’s right-hand man, as he had managed to elude her heightened senses.

Though it wasn’t entirely unfounded... After all, even the Emperor himself couldn’t detect the presence of his most loyal lackey. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

Perhaps expected, considering the hooded figure had been entrusted with one singular role: ensuring the Emperor’s reign remained unchallenged.

And the method of doing that?

Kill cultivators.

He was unable to harm even the weakest of aliens, nor was he capable of handling any kind of natural crisis that could endanger lives.

But humans? Mortals yet to embark on their quest for power, or cultivators who had reached the pinnacle, attaining the status of Kings and Queens... Even they were not safe from the shadows.

For he was by design their natural predator.

Yet with virtually no humans capable of challenging him, the man’s face had twisted into an ugly grimace.

’During the last battle, Victoria never left the public’s eye. No matter how fast and silent I was, I would have been compromised the moment I made a move.’

He thought, gaze shifting to Michael.

’So be it. Since these people, Victoria included, never leave the public’s gaze unless their leader is present, I will strike when they least anticipate it.’

A smirk spread across his face.

’I’ll use the Titan as a smokescreen to ambush them when they’re isolated. Kill their esteemed leader before he can retaliate, knock out Victoria, and vanish before they can react.’

A mountain of work, all to kidnap a single Grandmaster. For a moment, doubt crept into the man’s mind: was it even worth the trouble?

But he dismissed it almost immediately. Though it wasn’t a direct order from the Emperor, it was for the benefit of Oliver, the most likely candidate for the leader of the Immortal Legion...

Unlike King Zaiden, their current leader, Oliver was... Stupid, weak, and easily manipulated. The best outcome would be for him to take the throne and serve the Emperor, obedient to the core as a loyal servant.

Of course, King Zaiden was currently well-behaved... But he wasn’t submissive, which could become a hindrance in the future. The primary task of the Emperor’s most loyal lackey was to quell trouble before it ever had a chance to emerge.

Not to mention... Michael was undeniably dangerous. While the Emperor might have found his talents rather amusing and refrained from intervening, his lackey thought differently, especially after witnessing the rapid rise of the Indomitable Alliance faction.

Eliminating Michael seemed wiser than letting him grow into a real threat. Even the risk of earning the Emperor’s displeasure was more than worth it in the end.

"Struggle as much as you want. In the end, it will all be meaningless before me..." The figure scoffed darkly.

As for the crew, oblivious to the fact that they had been spied upon so closely, they bid Nicole farewell, as she had to deal with the fallout from the last battle. Then, they headed into a cultivation room.

Unlike last time, Michael’s main goal wasn’t to advance his realm but to ensure that he was in optimal condition for the battle that was to follow.

For their power source, they were going to use the mostly intact corpse of an Overlord. Given the pivotal role they had played in the last battle, they enjoyed the privilege of having it all to themselves, while the rest of the troops had to share a single body among more than fifty of them.

Although they had killed more than one Overlord, the idea of taking more didn’t occur. That would just weaken humanity’s overall power, and that was something Michael despised.

"So... we’ll be facing a Titan soon." Ruby spoke up, breaking the silence that had settled in the room.

"How scary could it really be?" She asked, her tail swinging side to side.

Victoria shrugged. "I’ve seen a record or two, but they don’t exactly give the full picture, so I can’t comment on it."

Richard laughed. "It’s irrelevant how strong such a creature is. The faction leaders and the Emperor will be the ones handling it. We’ll just sit back and enjoy the spectacle from afar."

Claire arched an eyebrow. "A Titan shouldn’t be underestimated, even if we won’t be fighting it ourselves."

Ava nodded eagerly. "After all, what happens if a second one appears? We’ve seen a Monarch sneak up on us... What’s to stop a Titan from doing the same?"

"..."

Enzo shivered slightly, then quickly tried to hide it as he pointed at Michael. "Well, my rival doesn’t seem concerned, so why should I be?"

Amelia sighed. "There you go again with that rival nonsense..."

Leo interjected with a grin. "Let him be. A man’s got to dream big."

With nobody able to focus, Michael finally decided to set the record straight.

"A Titan..."

The room fell into silence as his voice rang out.

"It is no god, nor a deity. A pitiful creature, perhaps... which, like the rest, has dared to challenge us. Do not glorify it, nor fear it. Detest it as you would any other alien, and we will be fine."

Although the crew more or less guessed what Michael was going to say, it was always comforting to see how unbothered he looked, even when facing the most dangerous foes.

Thanks to his reassurance, they were able to focus on preparing their minds and bodies until the familiar siren rang out across the vast warship.

With the asteroid breach nearly repaired and the energy fluctuations not foreseeing any future threats, it was safe to say that this would be the last alien wave Michael and the crew would face before they could return to Earth.

Today they would bear witness to a Titan.