"Thank goodness you are back." Victoria let out a sigh of relief.
Claire nodded. "Truly, you have no idea how worried you got us."
"Did you actually manage to defeat a…" Ava's words trailed off when she noticed Nicole.
She, along with the rest of the crew, saluted in absolute respect. Even though they were on friendly terms, they still had to follow military protocol when it was due.
Nicole smiled faintly and raised her hand. "We aren't on an active battlefield. You can relax."
After a moment, she added,
"And yes, your leader, Michael, was the one who slayed the Monarch. I had absolutely no part in it whatsoever."
The crew was rightfully rendered speechless. Monarchs were meant to be challenged only by Kings, Queens, and, in rare cases, the most powerful Supreme Lords. For Michael to have single-handedly slain one was an unprecedented feat, even for him.
Amelia, who had kept quiet, suddenly frowned.
"Hey…"
Her eyes narrowed in suspicion.
"Where is Cyberfang?"
"..."
