Evolving My Undead Legion In A Game-Like World

Chapter 663: Top Three

The concept of seeing another race was fascinating to Michael. It stirred a quiet sense of anticipation in him and made him even more eager to step into Hell.

In truth, there was no real disadvantage for him there. Hell, after all, was said to contain an almost endless number of monsters, and to Michael, that only meant one thing: experience points and corpses.

He could farm as much experience as he wanted. It might not help him directly, but it would for his undead.

Who knew? By the time he came back, his major undead might all be at least level sixty.

Soon all three were dismissed and went back to their residences, where they would wait for their desired items.

As he brought out a law seed to comprehend while he waited, the other Michael was already settling Princess Arianne in the manor.

Arianne dabbed her lips gently with a napkin, her tone warm and polite. "Thank you for the meal, Lord Mic. It was far better than I expected from something prepared on such short notice."

Michael smiled lightly and shook his head. "It was no trouble at all, Princess. I am glad it was to your liking. You should rest now, though. The journey from the capital is long, and you must be tired."

Arianne gave a graceful nod, her usual poise returning. "Then I’ll take my leave for tonight. I’ll have my attendant inform you once I’ve rested."

Michael stood as she rose. "Of course."

He watched quietly as she exited the dining room, her cloak trailing softly behind her. The sound of her steps faded.

For a few seconds, silence lingered. Then the polite smile that had been on Michael’s face slowly faded, replaced by a thoughtful expression.

The princess’s words still lingered in his mind, about the secret realm, the kingdom’s intentions, and his supposed role in it all.

Like the princess had said, there were many strong people in the kingdom, but not many who were both strong and under thirty. He just happened to be part of that rare category.

Her words explained why he had been summoned. Among the limited quota granted to the kingdom, a handful of spots were reserved for specific individuals.

"Out of all the participants," Arianne had explained earlier, "some positions are already claimed by members of the royal family. Others are reserved for the top three participants of Duke Evermoon’s contest—yourself included. The rest will be filled by those backed by influential noble houses. But unlike us or the contest victors, they will have to fight for their place."

Michael had recalled her tone when she said it, neither prideful nor mocking, just calmly stating fact. According to her, individuals like herself, the royal children, and the winners of Evermoon’s contest were given their spots automatically. The rest, however, had to earn theirs through combat.

Michael could understand the nobles’ arrangement. After all, the royal family would naturally prioritize their own bloodline and the most influential houses. What he could not understand, however, was his own involvement, especially the role assigned to him.

He had assumed, at first, that his participation was purely merit-based, a recognition of his victory in Duke Evermoon’s contest. But as Arianne went on to clarify, the truth was far less flattering.

Though she tried to soften it with graceful phrasing, her words were clear enough.

They were bodyguards.

Very powerful ones, yes, Grand Stage combatants chosen for their strength, but still guards all the same.

Michael wasn’t offended. Not really. If anything, he found it slightly amusing. So that was how the kingdom intended to use them—to protect its precious heirs while also sending them into a dangerous unknown.

But did that mean he would refuse?

Of course not.

Following the noble children meant accompanying them into the secret realm. That alone made the position worthwhile. It gave him unrestricted access to the same opportunities the royal family was after, and perhaps even more.

Besides, according to Arianne, the arrangement wasn’t forced. "The kingdom has allowed freedom of choice," she had said. "You and the other two may refuse without consequence. Not that they can do anything to you for this reason. But if you accept, aside from keeping an eye on the noble heirs, you won’t be bound to follow their commands. You’ll be majorly free to act as you wish inside the realm."

Without her saying it outright, Michael already understood the kingdom’s real motive.

They were playing it safe.

By including people like him, independent, strong, and not tied to noble politics, the Lionheart Kingdom ensured that if anything went wrong inside the realm, someone capable would be there to intervene. It was a precaution disguised as an honor.

Of course, even if the arrangement reduced him to a babysitter, Michael would still go. The chance at a Rank 4 legacy was not something a Rank 2 could afford to ignore. Pride did not feed growth, and opportunity rarely knocked twice.

According to the princess, if he agreed to participate, they would depart for the capital in one week. Until then, he was expected to give a clear answer.

"Does that mean I’ll see Uga and Renn again?"

A subconscious smile crept onto Michael’s face at the thought of meeting them again.

One was a sword genius, Renn Noah. The other was Uga, a monster in human flesh.

Remembering the clash with Uga made Michael’s smile widen before it faded into a sigh. That battle had been one of the few he truly enjoyed—raw, unrestrained, and honest. But that was months ago.

Michael doubted they’d ever face each other again in such a way.

He didn’t know how much stronger Uga had become since then, but something told him the man couldn’t have surpassed him. Michael’s path had been anything but stagnant.

Then there was Renn. The youth’s mysterious Sword Qi had allowed him to fight above his level. But even with that advantage, Michael had long since surpassed the realm Renn could go against. Their gap was no longer something that could be bridged by talent or willpower alone.