Chapter 1366: Unrelenting challenge

Michael knew that this was their chance to break through to the Upper Echelon society.

The Oscorpe Conglomerate was strategic in their defeat. They made sure that the territories they left behind were barren and without any important and crucial locations.

It was territories that were separate from the main body of their Upper Echelon society. Meaning, that Reborn basically got the dredges of their territories. Those places that didn’t have any ties to the major cities of the Upper Queens region.

But Michael knew that he could still use this in order to get their foot in the door.

If not their company, then their products.

"If they don’t want to leave their homes, then so be it. We will act as their landlords. We will be treating them as citizens. Give them the products that we are giving in the Nation of Reborn."

This meant that they would be having the advantages of free food and housing. Everything would be provided by the Reborn company.

Why?

This was for revolution! A revolution of the living qualities that a human person was privileged to.

Once other people from the Upper Echelons saw the quality of life in these ’dredges’, then they’d instantly feel as if the Reborn company was a lot better than any of the Upper Echelon companies that they were loyal to.

Anyway, this was a problem for later. He’d start his move to the Upper Queens region once he was done with the Chasm, and that the bridge was properly constructed.

Which meant that right now, he had to worry about their next opponent.

"Lord Michael, we have received a message from the 3rd rank Upper Echelon company called Starlight Enterprise."

It was at this point that Theresa raised her eyebrows in interest. "Starlight Enterprise. They’re a powerful company with ties to the Hephaestus Conglomerate."

Michael nodded, considering her words.

"We also have a formal challenge from the 2nd rank Upper Echelon called the Ease of Vindication."

Trilla nodded to herself. "That’s another one of my brother’s schemes, I bet."

Theresa turned towards her. "What do you mean? I thought that the Ease of Vindication is allied with the Vanderbilts."

"Yes, they are," said Trilla. "But my brother is close friends with the heir of that Upper Echelon company. And just a few weeks ago, there was a coup that happened. You can probably guess who."

It was at this point that one of Michael’s Shadow Orcs Chieftains emerged from the ground.

"BU TO TO! We can confirm this," said Narito. "The Ease of Vindication has been removed of its leader and was replaced by his son in a brutal civil war. In the end, the father was decapitated by the son."

If what Trilla said was true, then the picture was starting to get clearer.

It seemed that Trilla’s brother had manipulated things behind the shadows, empowering this ’son’ and giving him the proper resources in order to defeat his father and take over the business.

The son would get the company. And in return, Trilla’s brother would have another Upper Echelon company as his own ally.

And right now, they were once again issuing a challenge with the Reborn company for the Chasm.

Unrelenting, this guy was.

But of course, Michael welcomed all sorts of challenges. As long as the price was right.

"Tell them I’ll at least meet with their messengers," Michael said.

As soon as Trilla heard this, she immediately tried to object. "I don’t think that’s a good idea. The fact that my brother is still insistent on issuing a challenge despite your victory means that he has something planned.

He’s not stupid. Right now, he’s learned that he shouldn’t underestimate your company. Which means that he’s going to be coming at this duel with a lot more power."

Of course, Michael knew that. But that didn’t mean that they were the only ones who would be entering this duel with more power.

Thanks to their victory, the Swordsman Division of his army had gained another tremendous boost in power. Many of them had been given the chance to upgrade their Maugnetic skills and their cultivation to the next level.

And they hadn’t even used their full power during the duel. Michael was sure that his army would be able to take whatever kind of challenge that their opponents would throw at them.

But of course, he wasn’t going to let them challenge him so easily.

They must first put up an even greater stake into the duel before he accepted. This time, he wasn’t going to let them get away with these petty tricks. He was going to squeeze them for all they had.

And perhaps, he could kill two birds with one stone for this.

"Narito, Sasuki."

The two Shadow Orc Chieftains kneeled in front of him, ready to take on any mission he gave them.

"Start a rumor. Tell them that we..."

As soon as Trilla and Theresa heard this, they couldn’t help but be shocked at Michael’s boldness.

Immediately after receiving their orders, the two Shadow Orcs descended into the floor and disappeared.

About two hours later, the messenger from the Starlight Enterprise finally came.

Yes, Starlight Enterprise.

Michael wanted to have a duel with the Ease of Vindication. However, he met with the Starlight Enterprise in order to manipulate the situation to his favor.

"Greetings, sir Michael. We are extremely grateful you accepted our request for a meeting—"

"You want a shot at the Chasm?" he asked them.

He went straight to the point. No need for all these politicking and these ceremonies.

"Uh... yes, yes," the messenger nodded.

"What will you give me?" Michael asked.

Such a presumptuous sentence. It’s as if Michael was already expecting his victory, despite the duel not even commencing, or even being discussed.

"We have heard an interesting tidbit from the grapevines. It seems that you are looking for more territories in the Queens Region?"

Michael nodded. "Yes. I’m trying to search for a certain artifact. One that will help me regain magic."