Evolving My Undead Legion In A Game-Like World

Chapter 326 Change

Their first encounter with Michael had been far from respectful.

They had tried to rob him.

A foolish plan, born not just of desperation, but spite.

They werenʼt thieves by trade. Just two commoners from the rougher side of the outer city, embittered by years of being looked down on by nobles who flaunted power and coin like divine right.

People who took something precious from them.

When they first spotted Michael—young, clean, and alone—theyʼd mistaken him for an easy mark.

A rich noble brat out of place, maybe even playing adventurer.

They thought theyʼd teach him a lesson. Scare him. Maybe rough him up and take something of value in the process.

But instead…

They were the ones taught a lesson.

Not just in strength—though Michael had easily subdued them both—but in something far more rare in their world: restraint.

Michael hadnʼt harmed them more than necessary. No broken bones. No mocking words. No punishment beyond the humiliation of being thoroughly outclassed.

He could have reported them. Had them branded or enslaved under noble law.

But instead…

He let them stay.

He didnʼt treat them like friends, no.

But he didnʼt treat them like trash either.

He treated them as people.

And for two commoners who had lived their lives walking hunched beneath the weight of noble arrogance, that was more jarring than any beating.

Over time, things shifted.

He gave them food. A roof. Work.

He didnʼt bark orders, but he expected effort.

He didnʼt flatter them, but he noticed improvement.

That alone was enough to earn their grudging respect.

But what truly shattered their old perception—what broke the invisible wall that made them look at him as another noble to resent—was the day Michael handed them both a set of refined cultivation supplements.

He handed them over with no fanfare. No speech. Just instructions.

That was it.

He had no reason to help them.

No gain.

They werenʼt talented. Theyʼd both found out soon enough their talents were barely average.

But Michael didnʼt care.

He still gave them a chance.

And somehow, that hit harder than any generosity born of pity.

He treated them like servants, yes—but never like slaves. He gave orders, but not insults. He maintained distance, but not disdain.

He treated them like people with a place in his world.

And now, weeks later, when they stood at his doorstep and bowed instinctively—not because they had to, but because they wanted to—they didnʼt do it out of fear.

They did it out of respect.

And a quiet, growing loyalty they never expected to feel.

Michael turned and activated [Detect] on the two after giving a small nod in response to their greeting.

Lia was now Level 4, while Ace had reached Level 5.

Just over a week ago, theyʼd both been stuck at Level 1 with no sign of progress.

But with the help of the spirit liquid and other resources Michael had brought from Aurora—items specifically useful for unranked cultivators—their growth had accelerated rapidly.

Of course, there was a limit to everything.

This burst of improvement wouldnʼt last forever.

Still, at the current pace, they should reach the peak of the unranked stage within four months.

And if all went well, they could break into the ranked stage in half a year.

Michael deactivated [Detect], his gaze lingering on the two for a moment longer. They stood upright, hands at their sides, waiting silently for permission to speak.

He broke the silence first.

”Where are you two headed?”

Lia answered promptly. ”To the market, my lord. We were planning to restock the food supply. Most of the storage is empty.”

Michael raised an eyebrow. ”Is it?”

He honestly had no idea.

It wasnʼt that he was negligent—though, in this case, maybe he was. He simply didnʼt eat at home very often.

Still, he nodded. ”Alright. Do you have enough coins?”

Ace gave a short nod. ”Yes, my lord. The last amount you gave us was still enough. Weʼve managed the spending well.”

Michael didnʼt press further. ”Good. Go ahead then.”

”Yes, my lord,” they replied in unison, giving another short bow.

Without further delay, they turned and made their way down the path, steps brisk but orderly.

Michael watched them leave for a brief moment before turning.

Michael returned to his room and sat down to meditate.

Lately, there hadnʼt been much for him to do.

At the moment, he had the competition to focus on—a goal he believed was progressing smoothly.

Then there were his undead, waiting patiently to be evolved.

He currently had enough evolution points to raise ten of them to the Extraordinary Rank.

That alone would be enough to complete his Rank Advancement quest.

But Michael wasnʼt satisfied.

Ten wasnʼt enough.

Ten wouldnʼt even earn him a perfect rating on his advancement evaluation—and that was the bare minimum he was aiming for.

And then, of course, there were the college exams approaching fast.

Thankfully, there was no conflict. If everything went according to plan, he could handle all of them without issue.

For now, there was nothing to do but ride the current.

And so, Michael meditated—for a long time.

---

The next day.

Michael awoke early.

After washing up, he reached into the wardrobe and picked out another black robe—sleek, simple, but cut just well enough to suit his taste. He ran a hand down the fabric and gave a faint nod. It looked good. That was enough.

Dressed and ready, he stepped out of the house and onto the familiar road leading toward the arena.

But something was different this morning.

Yesterday, the roads had been lined mostly with commoners.

Today, though, the crowd had changed.

There were nobles.

Not many, but enough to stand out.

Their carriages rolled by with polished coats of arms glinting in the early light. Their attendants moved with practiced precision, clearing paths with subtle gestures. Cloaks embroidered with silver trim. Boots with metal caps that barely touched dust.

******

Please support by voting! A little surprise coming soon but i donʼt want to disappoint by making promises. When it does arrive though, I hope yʼall are satisfied with it.