The Glorious Evolution Chapter 441: On to Him.

~5 minute read · 1,350 words
Previously on The Glorious Evolution...
Levi Larson miraculously saved his allies from the abyss, securing a stunning victory for the Raiders. Declared the 'Chosen One,' Levi's heroic actions drew immense attention to himself and his team. As the crowd celebrated, Levi shifted his focus to the approaching auras of Jasmine, Arthur, Jojo, and Shia, ensuring their safety. With Earth now exposed to powerful Noble Houses, Levi decides to relocate his core group to the Boundless Expanse for training, accepting an offer from Jasmine for shelter.

Before they could offer a response, Levi and all the Daywalkers found themselves gathered in a single area... even Jojo, who was still unconscious after being healed by Gamemaster Envy, was brought to their side.

"She must have expended a significant amount of her lifeforce," Nurah murmured, her fingers gently stroking Jojo’s pale cheeks.

Nurah understood that while the system could mend nearly all injuries once a game concluded, lifeforce itself was not part of the recovery process.

This was precisely why all Rifters exercised extreme caution when considering the use of their lifeforce in games; they were acutely aware that lost lifeforce was irretrievable and would present a considerable challenge to replenish, given the scarcity and exorbitant cost of natural resources that could aid in its recovery.

"Without her making that extreme effort, it's possible we wouldn't have survived."

Tyrese acknowledged this sentiment with a respectful nod...

"I pledge to contribute any lifeforce-related treasures we discover in the treasuries towards her treatment."

Evangeline and the others echoed his promise, comprehending that had Jojo not provided Jasmine with the crucial time needed, Rain would have plunged them into a realm of sheer terror.

"I can utilize my wish to instantly restore her depleted lifeforce..." Shia offered casually, positioning herself next to Jojo. Before Arthur and his companions could object, Shia calmly added, "You bestowed upon me the wish during our inaugural game. It is now my turn to reciprocate."

Levi signaled his disagreement with a shake of his head.

"No, conserve your wish for your own advancement," Levi stated calmly. "Wishes granted during events are tied to exclusive Genies derived from one’s Main Aspect... do not squander such a valuable chance to enhance your own capabilities."

Tyrese and the others expressed their agreement... Typically, games on the CRS Platform awarded Genies pertinent to the game's central theme. However, events were distinct in their nature, necessitating an elevated tier of rewards from the platform.

As for Levi’s Unique Wish? That was something even more exceptional... but more on that later.

"And what about Jojo?" Arthur inquired.

"Leave it to me."

Levi's concise response immediately diffused any further discussion on the matter. When their captain assured them he had it under control, it was understood as being completely handled.

"Are you concluded?" Gamemaster Envy reiterated with sternness. "Will you be accepting your wishes here, or would you prefer a private setting?"

"Later."

Levi voiced the decision for his companions, who affirmed his choice with understanding nods. They recognized Gamemaster Envy's intention to foster discord among the three squads, particularly since Heliodor’s Raiders were the sole group with direct access to wishes.

Tyrese's and Evangeline's squads were only entitled to a portion of the treasury spoils; nevertheless, none of them appeared displeased by this arrangement. Tyrese even extended a telepathic offer to Levi, suggesting they would ensure privacy for Levi's group to make their wishes without interruption.

Levi declined this offer, citing that he had not yet devised a suitable wish and did not wish to be rushed. After resolving this matter discreetly, Gamemaster Envy clicked his tongue and conjured three portals before them.

"Let us reconvene at the World Tree Plaza."

"Understood."

"See you there."

Without hesitation, Tyrese selected the leftmost portal and proceeded through it with his surviving teammates.

Evangeline's team opted for the portal on the right, leaving the central one for Levi’s squad. Levi and the other captains had previously agreed upon an equitable three-way division of the treasury in the event of their victory.

The individual performance metrics were inconsequential, as the wishes ensured a level playing field for all participants. Considering Levi possessed a Unique Wish and his teammates had exclusive wishes, the division was acceptable; they were not excessively avaricious.

With Arthur hoisting Jojo onto his back, he led the way through the central portal, closely followed by Shia, Jasmine, and Nurah. Precisely as Levi offered Gamemaster Envy a nod and was about to enter, he heard the Gamemaster utter:

"You bear a striking resemblance to a rapidly ascending individual within the Nocturnal Ring... The Celestial... Have you ever encountered the name?"

Levi faltered for a fleeting moment at this unexpected question, but he was already prepared. He immediately responded with a serene smile, shaking his head. "Oh... my apologies, but I'm not particularly involved with the Nocturnal Ring... I don't even possess a profile there."

Upon hearing this, Gamemaster Envy scrutinized Levi's expression in silence. His authority over Levi had diminished significantly since the conclusion of the game, precluding him from verifying Levi's veracity without resorting to an abuse of power.

"You ought to investigate him... his weapon bears a similarity to yours, and he also command Aspects such as Aether, Illusion, Melody, and Sound," Gamemaster Envy added abruptly. "Now that I recall, his emergence coincided closely with your own appearance..."

"Is that so? Is he any capable?" Levi inquired, raising an eyebrow in feigned surprise. "It is indeed a remarkable coincidence. Thank you for the heads-up; I shall certainly look into him to ascertain if there's anything I can learn."

Levi maintained his facade of unawareness without missing a beat. He had long anticipated that the parallels between his true self and his alternate persona would inevitably attract attention as he became more prominent in subsequent games.

Remaining hidden eternally was never an option anymore unless he had never participated in the games using his genuine identity; nevertheless, he possessed a trump card ready to dispel suspicion.

"Coincidence... Is that so."

Gamemaster Envy contemplated this for a moment before shaking his head after re-verifying Levi’s unique contract ID; it bore no resemblance whatsoever to the Celestial’s unique ID.

As it was common knowledge that every serial code was derived from a Seed, everyone would naturally assume Levi and the Celestial were distinct individuals with shared similarities, rather than entertaining the notion that they were the same person utilizing two unique seeds.

"Is that all? My companions are anticipating my return," Levi inquired.

"Be gone with you..."

Gamemaster Envy gestured dismissively, watching Levi vanish through the portal. Even after Levi’s departure, Envy’s gaze remained fixed on the spot where he had stood.

'My Lord has sanctioned the protection of approximately eight powers and mutations associated with this young man... While their exact nature eludes me, I am perfectly aware of what the Celestial is not concealing.' Gamemaster Envy’s eyes narrowed significantly, unable to let the matter rest.

Although he recognized the apparent impossibility of Levi possessing more than one seed and registering on both platforms, when it came to the Celestial, the word 'impossible' seemed to lose its meaning.

"There are already several points of convergence... I simply need to maintain surveillance on these two individuals," Gamemaster Envy muttered to himself. "One of them is bound to falter, inadvertently revealing an irrefutable clue if they are indeed the same person."

While the public believed owning more than one seed was unattainable, the Gamemasters were far from ordinary individuals. As immortal entities endowed with profound knowledge and omnipotence within the Boundless Expanse, they were aware that the theoretical possibility of possessing multiple seeds existed.

However, the concept of Levi... a mere mortal... achieving such a feat seemed utterly inconceivable to him.

"Time will reveal all..." Gamemaster Envy's lips curled into a subtle smirk as his gaze swept over the two silent colossi. "Oh, how I yearn for it to be true... I keenly anticipate some delightful chaos gracing the Chained Universe."

Gamemaster Envy's moniker was not without reason; he harbored a genuine envy towards anyone possessing the capability to depart from the Boundless Expanse.

Given his immutable duties, his sole desire was for turmoil to befall all those residing beyond its confines.

It was a malicious wish, yet he remained entirely indifferent.

He was a Gamemaster, and beings of their stature could afford to act with impunity, as no one within their domain could challenge them.