The moment Michael stepped into his community, he summoned all his undead from the Netherworld to join those he had left earlier in the real world when he had gone out to hunt for more experience points under the guise of helping the public.
Surveying the ruined community, Michael issued orders to his undead.
The orcs were tasked with packing up the scattered monster corpses while dividing the human ones into a separate pile.
A select few undead were instructed to stay on guard with Prince and the verdant wolf, while Lucky remained in its position, coiled around his fortified apartment.
Michael glanced up at the sky, his expression contemplative.
A few seconds earlier, he had noticed a subtle shift in the chaotic energy swirling in the air.
It felt… less intense. At least, part of it did.
“Seems like reinforcements have arrived,” he muttered to himself.
Though there was some uncertainty in his voice, a large part of him believed this was the case.
He still recalled his brief conversation with Brian in the sky.
Before returning Michael to the surface, Brian had mentioned that reinforcements were on the way.
Michael had no way of knowing who exactly these reinforcements were, but considering Brian’s prowess, anybody taken seriously by him—Michael figured they were likely important figures.
In the current situation, “important figures” almost certainly meant king-rank experts.
Still, Michael’s heart wasn’t entirely at ease.
While part of him had decided to stay in Woodstone City, another part remained vigilant and ready to act if the situation suddenly worsened.
He still kept a mental timer, counting down as he waited for any significant changes from the cracks in the sky.
If the situation turned for the worse, he would prioritize his survival rather than relying on the Federation’s protection.
As these thoughts flashed through his mind, Michael instructed Lucky to loosen the vines wrapped around the entrance of his apartment, just enough for him to slip inside.
He could have undone the entire fortification he had created around the building, but caution kept him from doing so.
Michael doubted that any strong monsters had survived the rain of blue flames, nor did he believe any weaker monsters could bypass his undead guards to reach his apartment.
However, monsters were not his main concern.
It was the demonic supernaturals he was worried about.
Compared to the possibility of a large number of monsters surviving, Michael was more inclined to believe that a significant number of demonic supernaturals had endured.
If that figure from earlier truly had been Brian, and his words about not judging individuals solely based on their presence were sincere, it suggested that other demonic supernaturals might also be hiding in the city.
Even if that figure hadn’t been Brian, Michael doubted anyone who wasn’t a demonic supernatural would resort to such indiscriminate slaughter.
In any case, that individual’s mere presence was a thorn in the side of the demonic supernaturals, one they couldn’t do anything about.
After all, with a king-rank expert in the city, the demonic supernaturals would need someone of equivalent power on their side to retaliate.
And unless they had such an individual, Michael could only respect those bold enough to raise their heads.
Michael didn’t bother about the people in the vine domes for now.
After entering his apartment, Michael mentally commanded Lucky to close the entrance outside again.
Without delay, he headed straight to his apartment door.
Knock, knock.
No one answered.
The entire building was eerily quiet.
It had been silent even before Michael knocked, and the sound of his action seemed unusually loud against the stillness.
Despite the lack of noise, Michael’s sharp senses picked up faint movements inside the apartment.
“It’s me, Aunt Mia,” Michael said, his voice calm.
For a second, silence reigned on the other side of the door.
Just as he was about to say more—or even command Beginning, who was inside with his family—he heard hurried footsteps approaching.
A moment later, the door clicked open, and a familiar face appeared.
Aunt Mia.
She didn’t even hesitate to confirm his identity before opening the door, but Michael’s eyes shifted to the towering giant standing silently behind her.
Beginning stood in its position, its cold, watchful gaze focused on him.
Despite knowing it was its master on the other side of the door through their connection, it hadn’t moved from its last order to guard his family.
Michael was quietly satisfied.
The moment Aunt Mia’s eyes landed on him, she didn’t seem to notice the blood on his body or the lingering smell of battle.
Instead, she began checking him over with trembling hands.
“Are you injured anywhere? T-this isn’t your b-blood, right?”
Michael felt the tremor in her touch, and for the first time in a while, a concerned look broke through his otherwise calm expression.
Gently, he caught her hands to stop her frantic movements.
“Calm down, Aunt Mia. I’m not injured. This isn’t even my blood,” he said softly.
For a moment, it seemed his words had the opposite effect. He felt her hands tremble even more.
Sensing that continuing would only worsen her distress, Michael quickly changed the subject.
“Are you okay, Aunt Mia? Nothing happened while I was gone, right? How’s Lily?”
His words seemed to help.
Michael noticed her trembling ease slightly as she spoke.
“N-nothing happened. L-Lily fell asleep. A-and, oh… there were screams from the neighbors while you were gone. I-I think something must have happened.”
Perhaps reassured by his presence, Aunt Mia steadied herself as she finished speaking.
But Michael’s attention was caught on something else.
‘A scream? Did I miss a monster that got inside?’
*****
A/N: This is the third chapter for today! There was supposed to be a fourth, but it’s currently being edited and will be uploaded soon.
Also, great news! We’ve climbed 3 ranks in the golden ticket rankings and are now at Top 12! I don’t know if we’ll reach our goal of making it to the Top 10, but I’m so grateful for everyone’s support in all its forms.
To everyone who voted, thank you so much. Your support truly means a lot to me!
And as a bonus, there’ll be another mass release of at least three chapters! (The remaining chapter to be uploaded doesn’t count toward this, so don’t worry—haha.)
