Supreme Paragon Reborn: Humanity's Rise To Galactic Supremacy-Chapter 305: Sole Stand

The crew exchanged glances. Naturally they were already aware that they were an anomaly, attaining such fame with so few members in their ranks.

Despite being one of the weakest factions located on the blessed lands, Eternal Blade still had ten times their numbers!

"How likely are all of them to participate in the tournament?" Michael asked.

Some factions had been operating at the very edge of the solar system, so there was a chance some of them would fail to make it in time.

Skylar’s eyes darkened.

"All of them are on Earth. I reckon we expect the worst and get ready to face all of them."

The crew remained, unfazed. By now they had long grown used to expecting the worst.

"At least we know that all of them use swords so we can prepare ahead of time."

Skylar began.

"Now, as for how the tournament works: on the day of the clash, the two factions will be transported to a vast battlefield. The surroundings will be altered through spatial manipulation, allowing even the most devastating attacks to be unleashed without restraint."

She paused briefly.

"The battlefield is chosen at random. Still, they all share one similarity. Two castles serving as each faction’s base of operations. The leader is selected by each faction beforehand. Once the clash begins, there’s no way to distinguish the leader from the regular troops. The only way to be certain is to kill them, which would mark the end of the battle."

Suddenly Claire interjected.

"What about the use of mechas?"

Skylar shook her head.

"I am sorry, but piloted battle suits are banned. However, Cyberfang would be allowed to participate since it is powered by independent AI."

Michael sighed. It was a shame that Claire would be unable to use her specialty. But at least the mechanical beast could take part.

Richard cracked his knuckles.

"So... it’s pretty straightforward, right? Make Michael the leader, since he is the strongest among us. He would be the hardest to kill. While he directs us from inside the castle, we go after the leader of the Eternal Blade and secure the win."

Victoria narrowed her eyes.

"Logically, this is how the tournament is meant to be fought. The castle acts as a stronghold, the leader stays protected, and the troops battle it out, creating a spectacle for the populace to enjoy."

Bryce chuckled, stroking his overgrown beard.

"Oh, these old bones are getting fired up!"

Everybody was visibly excited.

As for Michael, he had crossed his arms and leaned back with closed eyes, deep in thought.

’If we lumped the Experts and Masters together, they number a hundred. Each of them can possess a powerful technique so they aren’t to be underestimated... They have almost double our Grandmasters and three Lords to boot.’

Even though Skylar had claimed that the Lords were of the Radiant stages, the weakest possible, that still didn’t deter the problem.

Even the weakest Lords were leagues beyond the normal Grandmasters.

Several minutes passed in which Michael conducted countless calculations. At the end, he exhaled, bringing the attention to himself.

"I am going to be honest."

His words echoed across the chamber.

"Regardless of what technique or plan I deploy, I simply wouldn’t stand a chance."

Michael was being a realist. Despite what many people might have been misled to believe, he was still a mortal man. By no means was he capable of defeating an entire army of cultivators by himself.

His gaze swept across the gathered people.

"So, I’ll be relying on each of you. And unlike before, this time everyone has a crucial role to play. If even one of you fails in your task, we lose. There’s no option to cover each other’s backs this time."

Enzo gulped audibly, remaining quiet.

Meanwhile, Richard grinned menacingly. "Does that mean you have come up with a plan, Boss?"

Michael nodded.

"Yes, since the tournament would be in its early stages, we would deploy a strategy that few would expect."

His tone remained smooth.

"Here is what we would do..."

Without interrupting, the crew listened to his words, their eyes growing wider by the second.

By the end Ava’s face was pale as a sheet.

"B—But this is reckless. Do you really think it would work?"

Michael met her gaze.

"I don’t think... I know."

With Skylar’s mouth slightly open, she scanned the numerous holograms.

"This play... might just work! It might seem logical from the outside, but in the chaos of battle, even the most obvious move can go unnoticed!"

Claire frowned. "We don’t have to worry about dying, but we would still experience pain as if it were real..."

She sighed, her eyes scanning Michael.

"But let’s be honest... When has pain managed to stop you?"

After ironing out the little details of the plan, the crew began to train for the upcoming clash. As for Michael’s family, they chose to reside at the base for the time being.

Three days of rigorous training later the first battle of the tournament was said to begin.

Fortunately it wasn’t Michael’s crew. Which gave them the chance to see how things were going to play out.

At the announced hour the live broadcast began.

The moment the Emperor appeared on screen, the stream had already amassed more than 10 million live viewers, the number quickly climbing.

The live chat moved with lighting speed.

[Brokeman: It’s time for the show to begin!]

[Professional Gambler: Shit, did you see who is participating?! The time to bet is now! The easiest money of my life!]

[Hater 101: Phahaha! The Radiant Sky is fucked!]

Not paying much attention to the chat, Michael focused on the Emperor. As usual, his speech wasn’t overly long. The camera soon changed to a new place.

A giant forest with numerous trees, bushes, and mountains meant to provide cover and several empty spots clearly designed for large clashes.

On either side of the field, two castles were erected.

North was Radiant Sky, one of the weakest factions residing on the blessed lands. All of their members were visibly sweating bullets... And for a good reason.

On the opposite side stood the castle of their opponent, the Sacred Order. Their sole representative soared above the scenery with an unreadable expression on her beautiful face.

Supreme Lord Nicole.