Michael pondered at his lackey's words, before smiling. It had been 2 years since they fell into the hellhole of the awakened earth. He had gone through a lot during that time.
People had witnessed his strength firsthand. He had trampled on those who tried to kill him and used the people who would benefit him, no matter how. Right now, YuWon was one such person.
Although Michael didn't seem affected by YuWon's backhand. He knew the latter was holding back.
Should I try to get on his good side? No, it's too late for that.
That ship had already sailed because he tried to steal that pipsqueak's stats. But could anyone blame him?
After all, he had gotten stronger that way. Stealing a bit of stat from one person and then from another. Once he saw Hojin's luck stat, he knew he had to take some of it.
But he could take the stats of the arrogant guy standing before him. Though it won't be easy, if his people helped him, then it should be doable.
"Fine," Michael shrugged. "But since you're quite strong, you won't mind handling a few of us, will you?"
YuWon said nothing, just gestured for them to step up. Lucifer was about to join YuWon, but Asmodeus held him back. After all, they were once angels and should abide by the rules of not involving themselves with mortals unless it was during a trial.
Lucifer clicked his tongue, but stepped back. It was a stupid self-imposed rule. But he didn't want to go against his brother.
When Michael saw no one stepping up to help YuWon, he smirked. His plan was working. Without another word, Michael and his six men charged at YuWon.
Their plan was simple. The lackeys would keep YuWon busy till Michael absorbs his stats. After all, it was a plan they had been using for years and had defeated countless strong opponents.
But YuWon had already seen through their plans. As Michael and his men came within striking distance, YuWon lifted his foot and slammed it into the ground.
Suddenly, the ground beneath them shook, and a shockwave rippled from YuWon. Michael and his men didn't even have time to react before the shockwave hit them, slamming all seven men face-first into the ground.
That was the strength of YuWon's [Tectonic Slam] skill. Something he learned thanks to the courtesy of the Disaster's heart in him.
Not bad.
It was his first time using the skill in an actual fight, and the results were better than he had imagined.
Michael's face went pale. The crystal was a relic he got last year. It had an ability that allowed him to steal the stats from others as long as he was in direct contact with them.
But there was a catch. All of his stats were stored in that crystal. In other words, he had no stats of his own. If he gave it up, he would lose everything. He would become the weakest person on the planet.
"I..." Michael stammered. "I can't... it's—"
To make things worse, his allies weren't on his side this time. Since they got their hands stomped and Michael didn't, they had no loyalty left for him.
"Just give him the crystal!"
"Yeah, screw that crystal! Give it to him, or he'll kill us!"
"I don't care about your fucking stats! I want my hand back!"
YuWon crossed his arms, watching as Michael desperately tried to weasel his way out of there. But his patience ran out and grabbed Michael's bag, and took the crystal out before Michael could say another word.
"No!" Michael screamed, trying to reach for the crystal, but in vain. "Please! I'll do anything else!"
YuWon looked at the crystal in his hand, then glanced back at Michael, who was on the verge of tears.
...I made him cry. Tsk, makes me wanna make him wail. Frick... not these sus words again.
Suddenly getting irritated, YuWon squeezed the crystal until it shattered in his hand. All life left Michael as the shards hit the ground.
But YuWon wasn't that heartless. He bent down, picked up the smallest shard, and tossed it to him.
"If you want more, you'll have to earn them."
Although he said that, YuWon had no intention of ever returning the shards. Since he was planning to use the shards to speed up the World Tree's growth. In other words, he would help Lysandra.
But before YuWon and the others could leave, a bright flash blinded them, and out of it came an angel, different from the one before. She saw YuWon and walked closer, practically fawning over him.
"My, my," she said, circling YuWon. "You look even more impressive in person. So strong, so handsome... I like you!"