Evolving My Undead Legion In A Game-Like World

Chapter 1163: Removing Attention

Michael's brows furrowed slightly.

When he had left, there had been four people. Now only three remained.

General Caelum was gone.

The brief silence didn't last long. Teacher Brian awkwardly scratched the side of his face. A faint trace of embarrassment appeared on the usually calm soldier's expression.

"…General Caelum had to excuse himself. There were some important matters requiring his immediate attention."

"…"

Michael simply looked at him and said nothing. Yet something about Brian's expression, combined with the subtle odd looks exchanged between Director Lin and Instructor Yara, made the explanation feel somewhat forced.

Important matters.

Michael couldn't be certain. Nor did he particularly care. If anything, this arrangement suited him better. Among the Federation's higher-ranking officials, Teacher Brian was perhaps the only one Michael genuinely felt comfortable speaking with.

The others always made him feel as though every conversation concealed several hidden calculations.

Brian, at least, still felt like a teacher.

Unfortunately, Michael couldn't afford to relax.

Without the Enhancer's effect, he suddenly felt very vulnerable. If another Demigod appeared now, he had only one option. Run. And if he ran, everything he had displayed today would immediately be exposed as nothing more than a temporary bluff.

The room remained silent. Before any of the three could begin speaking, Michael raised a hand.

"I'm afraid now isn't an appropriate time for a long conversation."

The three quietly nodded. No one could argue with that.

"However…" Michael continued. "There is something I'd like the Federation and everyone else to know."

The expressions of the three immediately became serious.

Michael spoke calmly.

"I don't know why the Origin Will issued that universal announcement. But I know what triggered it."

All three straightened unconsciously.

"In the Fourth Layer of the Origin Battlefield, every Level Three Region contains a special treasure. Each one is protected by extraordinarily powerful monsters. Far stronger than the ordinary creatures inhabiting the surrounding regions. If someone defeats those guardians, they can claim the treasure."

He looked toward the three.

"I suspect the treasure I obtained was one of them."

Silence filled the room.

After several seconds, Director Lin slowly asked,

"You believe there are more?"

Michael nodded.

"I can't confirm it. But if the Fourth Layer contains more Level Three Regions, then logically the other layers should as well, if they follow the same layout. And if those regions follow similar rules, their treasures should also still exist."

He paused before adding one final sentence.

"So instead of searching aimlessly, you should have your forces focus on finding Level Three Regions first. If my guess is correct, that's where the real opportunities of the Origin Battlefield are hidden."

The room became completely silent. The three Federation representatives looked at one another.

Although Michael had only spoken a few sentences, the strategic value of that information was enormous.

Michael, however, remained calm. There was a reason he had chosen to reveal this.

If it spread only within the Federation, that would be one thing. But he knew the Federation would never keep something like this entirely to itself. Pressure from outside would be coming soon.

And even if they managed to conceal it temporarily, they weren't capable of taking on an entire Level Three Region by themselves. They would need help from practically every organization with a Rank Four awakener in the Origin Battlefield.

In any case, eventually the information would inevitably spread beyond the Federation. That was precisely what Michael wanted.

After everything that had happened today, he really did not want to remain the sole focus of everyone's attention any longer.

The Universal Cornerstone. The Origin Will's announcement. All of it had already placed him beneath an uncomfortable spotlight.

If people believed he alone possessed opportunities from the Origin Battlefield, their eyes would naturally remain fixed on him.

But if everyone believed they could obtain similar treasures themselves, simply by exploring the Origin Battlefield and defeating its guardians, then those same eyes would gradually shift elsewhere. People would become busy chasing their own opportunities instead of chasing his.

It wasn't perfect. But it was far better than allowing himself to become the only known source of such treasures.

Besides, Michael wasn't lying. He simply hadn't confirmed everything personally. But based on everything he had observed, he estimated there was over a ninety percent chance his deduction was correct.

The remaining ten percent was simply caution. One should never speak in absolutes without proof, especially regarding something created by the Origin Will.

Director Lin slowly nodded.

"…I understand. If this information proves correct, it will serve as valuable intelligence to a great many people."

Michael merely nodded in return. That was enough.

Suddenly, Instructor Yara, who had remained silent until now, spoke.

"There is one thing I'd like to ask."

Michael looked toward her. She hesitated briefly before continuing.

"The treasure… would it be possible for you to tell us exactly what it was?" She quickly added, "And perhaps what its function is?"

The room became quiet once again. Teacher Brian unconsciously looked toward Michael. Director Lin did the same. No one interrupted.

Michael remained silent for several seconds.

Then he slowly shook his head.

"I'm afraid not."

His refusal was polite. But absolute.

"I've already shared what I believe can benefit everyone as a whole. As for the exact treasure and what it can or cannot do, I don't intend to discuss that."

There wasn't the slightest hesitation in his voice.

The atmosphere became somewhat awkward. Instructor Yara wasn't particularly surprised. Even so, a trace of disappointment flashed through her eyes. Director Lin gave a small, understanding nod.

"I see. That was an inappropriate question."

Michael softly shook his head and said nothing.

Teacher Brian chuckled awkwardly.

"It's fine to have your own secrets. In fact, I think you should consider not saying anything at all and let others figure it out themselves. It would draw fewer eyes your way."

He offered the advice kindly, if a little awkwardly.