Read Novel Full Chapter 1164: Leaving
Chapter 1164: Leaving
Teacher Brian's words lingered in the room for a moment.
Michael simply gave a faint nod.
"I know."
That was precisely why he had only revealed enough to redirect people's attention. Any more, and he would simply be replacing one problem with another.
He wasn't naïve. The Origin Will's announcement had already guaranteed that countless eyes would be fixed on him for quite some time.
There was no changing that. What he could change was the direction of those eyes.
A certain amount of mystery wasn't necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it could be useful.
If all people knew was that he had obtained something called a Universal Cornerstone, they would naturally become curious about what exactly it could do, and many would inevitably form their own guesses. But those guesses would also be restrained by the limits of their own imagination.
If his deduction proved correct, then every Level Three Region possessed its own treasure, meaning countless other Universal Cornerstones or similar treasures should still exist throughout the Origin Battlefield.
In other words, this wasn't some heaven-defying object created solely for Michael Norman. He was simply the first one to be discovered.
That subtle distinction changed everything.
People would naturally think: if someone else claims one, we'll find out sooner or later. That alone would greatly reduce the pressure focused entirely on him.
Instead of obsessing over stealing his, organizations would become far more interested in obtaining their own. Competition would shift from Michael to the Origin Battlefield itself. Exactly as he wanted.
If, however, he had opened his mouth and enthusiastically explained every function of the Universal Cornerstone, everything would have been different.
Imagine if he had revealed that it could awaken ordinary people, that it possessed countless miraculous abilities capable of changing the future of an entire civilization.
Forget curiosity and speculation. Every major power in Aurora would immediately conclude one thing.
They needed his Universal Cornerstone. Not another one. His. Whether through negotiation, pressure, or outright force.
Even if similar treasures existed elsewhere, who would willingly gamble on finding another one when they already knew where one was?
Michael had absolutely no intention of creating that situation for himself. It would be best if others across the universe started claiming Universal Cornerstones for themselves, so the heat of attention could be shared more evenly.
No one continued the discussion. The atmosphere had become noticeably lighter now that the important matters had been addressed.
Director Lin adjusted her clothes before speaking.
"In that case, we won't disturb your rest any longer."
Her gaze briefly swept across Michael. Although he appeared composed, anyone paying close attention could see the exhaustion hidden beneath his calm expression.
Today's battle had undoubtedly taken a strong toll. Perhaps it had much to do with his rank, she speculated.
Instructor Yara also spoke.
"…Thank you."
Michael looked at her. She continued after a brief pause.
"For defending Brightgate."
Her voice carried genuine sincerity. Whether or not the battle had begun because of Michael wasn't something she cared to debate.
The fact remained that had Michael not fought, Brightgate would almost certainly have ceased to exist.
Michael merely nodded.
"You don't need to thank me."
Teacher Brian stood last. His familiar smile returned.
"Get some proper rest. You've more than earned it."
He hesitated before adding with a grin,
"And try not to appear in the open for the next week at least. I'll make sure to have the Federation contact you through other means for the sake of your peace and safety."
A helpless smile finally appeared on Michael's face.
"I'll do my best."
Brian laughed.
"I'll hold you to that."
With a few final farewells, the three left together. The front door quietly closed behind them.
Click.
Silence returned to the house.
For several long seconds, Michael simply stood there without moving.
The moment he confirmed everyone had truly left, the tension supporting his body finally disappeared. He slowly walked over to a nearby chair and dropped into it.
"…"
He leaned back heavily. His entire body suddenly felt unbelievably tired. His mind replayed everything that had happened since entering the Origin Battlefield.
"…What now?"
He muttered quietly to himself. For the first time in quite a while, Michael genuinely didn't know his next step. His original plans had been completely overturned.
After sitting silently for nearly a minute, he finally looked around. Only then did he notice it properly.
The house was in miserable condition.
Long cracks stretched across several walls. The ceiling had shifted slightly from the repeated tremors. Pieces of plaster littered the floor. Even several support pillars showed obvious damage. The building still stood, but only barely.
Michael sighed.
"…Aunt Mia isn't going to like this."
He could already imagine her expression. She had worked hard to make this place feel like a proper home. She had decorated it, cleaned it, and filled it with warmth. Now it looked as though it had survived a natural disaster. She would undoubtedly be upset.
Michael rubbed his forehead.
"This is getting troublesome."
His eyes gradually became serious once more.
The house. Aurora. Brightgate. None of them felt safe anymore. At least not for him. Today's battle had changed too much. His identity had been exposed before multiple high-ranking existences.
Michael no longer felt comfortable remaining here without overwhelming protection.
The High Drake had reverted. The Bone Dragon was back to Rank Four. The Enhancer was on cooldown. His greatest trump cards had disappeared.
For the first time in a long while, there wasn't a single powerful undead standing beside him that made him feel secure.
That feeling made him profoundly uncomfortable.
"…Everywhere suddenly feels too dangerous."
Remaining in Aurora now would simply be gambling.
Michael slowly stood.
"There are things I can do somewhere much safer."
His gaze settled upon the empty space before him. With a thought, a familiar entrance appeared. A gateway leading to the Mausoleum of Endless Dominion.
Without another word, Michael stepped forward. His figure disappeared.
A second later, the portal slowly closed.
The damaged house once again fell into complete silence, its cracked walls standing as the only reminder that one of the greatest battles in Aurora's recent history had begun and ended with the young man who had just departed.