Chapter 66: Chapter66-Conversation went wrong

I suddenly asked Marcus, "Is this place even safe? Given that rebels are here, don't you think they might consider attacking this place?"

So, what would his answer be?

I already knew the answer, but I asked to see how he'd react.

Since he's a super monster, I was suspicious that he might be connected to the rebels.

Even though that's not very likely.

Marcus looked at me with a calm yet determined expression. "Don't worry about that. We have more hunters than they do," he reassured me.

Expected...

I nodded, "I see."

After a few seconds of silence, Marcus continued, "So... Michael, what do you think about joining one of our teams?"

What?

I raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean by that? Why do I have to join your team? Don't you have enough people already? And besides, I'm just an Iron ranker. I'm sure there are others more capable than me."

I fired off my questions at him when he asked me to join.

I don't want to risk my life protecting some random dude.

I'd rather end my own life than sacrifice it for someone else's sake.

My life isn't worth so little.

Marcus leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving mine. "We do have sufficient people, but our Team 8 needs a lieutenant. And I believe nobody could be better for that role than you."

What's wrong with this guy?

I just got here a few minutes ago, and now he's assigning me a role.

No way, I'm not doing that.

Let's push him a bit more.

I was taken aback. "Why me?"

His answer was both simple and shocking. "Just because I like you."

I... Like... You...

Nah, nah, nah, tell me, you are joking?

There is no way...

Did he really just say that was his reason for picking me?

The room fell silent.

The shock was palpable, and everyone seemed to freeze for a moment.

Allen was the first to break the silence, laughing. "Marcus, are you gay?"

Marcus rolled his eyes, though a faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "No, Allen, it's not like that. I meant that I like Michael's skills, his attitude, and the way he handles himself. We need someone like him on our team."

But you haven't even seen my skills or how I handle myself. What have I even done to prove I can handle anything?

Anna, still slightly taken aback, found her voice. "Marcus, are you sure about this? He's just arrived."

Yeah, yeah...

Jack and Sam exchanged glances, clearly trying to gauge Marcus's seriousness.

Lia looked at me with a mix of curiosity and concern.

Michael said straightforwardly, "I am absolutely serious."

But I'm not serious.

I quickly replied, "No!"

The tension heightened as Michael looked at me and asked, "What did you say?"

From his question, I could tell he was caught off guard.

I repeated, "No, I am not joining your team."

Michael sighed heavily and said, "Michael, You've really left me no other option."

"What are you trying to say?" I asked.

Then, Marcus's expression hardened as he leaned forward, his eyes locked onto mine. "Michael, I don't think you understand the situation fully. This isn't a request. It's an order."

I felt a surge of frustration. "I said no, Marcus. You can't just force me into a role I didn't ask for."

Marcus stood up, his posture commanding. "This is not just about you, Michael. It's about the safety and future of everyone here. We need capable people, and I believe you can make a significant difference."

Anna, still somewhat skeptical, nodded slowly. "Let's see what you've got, Michael."

Lia gave me a small, encouraging smile. "You'll do great, Michael."

I forced a smile, feeling the weight of my new responsibilities pressing down on me. "Yeah, thanks you all."

Thank you all for fucking me in every possible ways.

Then, I took a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts, and asked, "Marcus, what exactly will I be doing in Team 8?"

Marcus leaned in closer, his gaze focused. "You'll be a lieutenant. Your main job will be leading missions with leader, coordinating with the team, and making sure everyone stays safe. It's a crucial role, and I think you have what it takes to do it well."

Yeah, I'll make sure to look out for myself instead of others, even if I get punished for it.

And, them Michael spoke up, "Since everything's sorted out now..."

Then, he turned to Jack and proposed, "Jack, why don't you give Michael a tour of the shopping mall and help him find his room?"

Jack nodded with a grin, acknowledging Marcus's suggestion. "Sure thing. Let's get you acquainted with the place, Michael." He looped his arm around my neck in a playful manner, but I stiffened and asked him firmly, "Jack, cut it out."

Ignoring my protest, Jack chuckled and began guiding me towards the exit. "Come on, Michael, no time to waste. You'll get settled in quickly."

As we walked towards the hallway, I turned back to Marcus, who was still standing with a composed demeanor. "Marcus, who's the team leader of Group 8?"

Marcus smiled faintly, his eyes lingering on me. "You'll find out tomorrow. For now, focus on getting comfortable. Rest up, you'll need it."

I sighed inwardly, realizing Marcus wasn't going to give me a direct answer.

Feeling a mix of curiosity and frustration, I followed Jack down the hallway.

He along with Allen kept up a steady stream of conversation, pointing out various rooms and facilities within the base.

Despite my initial resistance, Jack's easy-going nature and friendliness began to ease my tension slightly.

As we entered a spacious room that was designated as mine, Jack gestured around. "Here we are, your new digs. Not too shabby, huh?"

I glanced around the room, nodding in appreciation. "Yeah, it's decent. Thanks, Jack."

There's a cozy bed, two wardrobes possibly filled with clothes, a personal desk and chair, and a bathroom...

It's not bad, especially since I used to live in a simple place like this in this world too.

"No problem," he replied cheerfully. "Now, let's continue that tour. There's a lot more to see."

We spent the next hour exploring different parts of the base, from training areas to the cafeteria and medical wing.

Throughout the tour, Jack introduced me to various team members and personnel, each offering a welcoming smile and a few words of encouragement.

It was clear they were trying to make me feel like part of the team, despite my initial reluctance.

After all that walking around, we ended up back where we started, at the entrance of the shopping mall.

As I looked around, I noticed fewer people staring at me than before.

Now, most of the looks I was getting were from girls.

I guess being godly handsome is hard...

But, still, Why were the guys staring at me earlier?

I asked, "Hey Trios, do any of you know why so many people were checking me out when we first arrived here, but now no one seems interested?"

I called all three brothers together.

That's what the previous Michael used to call them when he needed their advice.

Allen, always ready with a quip, grinned mischievously. "Oh, Michael, they weren't checking you out. It was Lia they were eyeing."

"Lia?" I echoed, perplexed. "But Lia-"

Trios exchanged knowing glances before Allen continued, "Exactly! They've probably never seen her before and didn't realize she's the daughter of the leader of the Federal Association."

I blinked, trying to process this new piece of information. "Wait, so, all that because of that!"

"Yep," Jack chimed in, joining the conversation. "She's got that whole mysterious, powerful vibe going on. People around here are always curious about someone new, especially someone with such connections."

Sam nodded thoughtfully. "It makes sense now. Those initial stares weren't about you, Michael. They were about Lia."

I couldn't help but chuckle at the realization. "So, all this time I was wondering..."

"And now you know," Allen said with a grin, nudging me playfully. "Just remember, being handsome has its perks, but it's Lia who really turns heads around here."

Huhh, for a moment there, I thought it was all because of my good looks, but turns out it was all because of Lia.

Just as I about speak another thing, a loud, mocking voice rang out, cutting through the chatter of the crowd.

"Well, well, if it isn't the weakling himself."

Who said that?

I looked back to see...