The Glorious Evolution Chapter 454: A Key to his Ascension.

Levi promptly dismissed his own thoughts, realizing that hawking some of Alzhukar’s artifacts could bring about unfavorable consequences, especially if the Supervising Radian was still actively seeking the S+ Grade Helio Fusion Cannon.

Given that the majority of Alzhukar's prized possessions were officially recorded under his name, any attempt to introduce even one item into circulation, whether through legitimate markets or the underworld, would swiftly alert an authority as formidable as the Supervising Radian.

The reach of Supervising Radians extended far and wide within their designated Dimensional Sector and even into the vastness of the Boundless Expanse. Levi had absolutely no desire to provoke such a powerful entity prematurely.

As for the remaining unregistered items, such as elixirs and raw materials, Levi intended to display them in his own shop. His goal was to enhance sales, attract more patrons, and generate buzz. Dispersing such rare and ancient treasures indiscriminately in the open market struck him as a colossal waste.

"A spinning wheel isn't an ideal solution either," Levi muttered, glancing at the message interface for The Dealer and Madam Future. He was keen to arrange a meeting to discuss the possibility of reducing the likelihood of landing on the Trap Section of the wheel.

He hadn't forgotten the dire fate of Ash'Kral's former associate. According to Ash'Kral, the moment his partner landed on the trap, he was abruptly thrust into a Death Game with virtually no time to study the rules or prepare. The reason? The original Rifter failed to appear for the game (having met an untimely demise), compelling the System to select the most suitable available replacement that met the game's criteria.

"While the traps on the Wheel of Fortune and Madness aren't solely reserved for last-minute stand-ins, I doubt any of the other outcomes would prove any less perilous."

Following his contemplation, Levi brought up the dimensional interface for the Wheel of Fortune and Madness. Just as before, Levi was struck with awe by the array of randomized rewards he had the potential to attain:

A staggering 95% discount on a single item at the Infinity Shop; twenty Citadel-graded fragments; an 'A' Grade package containing ten tokens; and most significantly, an SS-Grade Recovery Totem.

However, his burgeoning excitement waned slightly upon noticing the six menacing trap cards interspersed among the potential prizes.

"Ah… this is far too risky," Levi remarked with a wry smile.

He understood the immense challenge of surviving incarceration in a Baron-rank Death Game, especially when his Dominion remained unawakened.

Since The Dealer and Madam Future could not offer any guarantees of success, he simply could not afford to gamble with such unfavorable odds, at least not in his current state.

"Wait…"

Suddenly, Levi's eyebrows shot up in surprise as a memory surfaced: he might possess the perfect 'cheat code' to ensure victory!

"Omnithar... is it possible to grant a wish that guarantees my win of the SS Grade Recovery Totem, irrespective of the stipulated restrictions? If so, what would be the associated cost?" Levi inquired, his tone filled with burgeoning hope.

The Omnithar Genie remained silent for a few moments, seemingly engaged in a complex calculation.

After a brief pause, he raised his head and responded with a calm demeanor, "It is unfeasible for me to grant a wish that enables direct interference with the Wheel's operational mechanism in my present state..."

"Sigh... I thought as much..."

However, just as Levi began to succumb to disappointment, the Genie continued his utterance.

"Unless... you were to wish for the temporary infusion of a soul into the Wheel, which you could then command to halt at your desired card."

Levi felt a surge of surprise, having not anticipated such a possibility. He had assumed that the Wheels of Fortune and Madness operated under the direct purview of the System, rendering such a wish impossible. That is, unless…

"The cost would approximate a minimum of five million AU, and this figure would escalate based on the soul's designated duration."

"You don't say?" Levi's eyebrows twitched involuntarily.

Five million AU? Levi was certain that even if he were to claim every single reward the wheel offered, the total value would not suffice to cover such an exorbitant expense!

Nevertheless, he grudgingly acknowledged the logic behind the pricing, recognizing that the wish necessitated the incorporation of detection countermeasures against the System.

"I apologize for not being of greater assistance..." The Omnithar Genie lowered his head apologetically, "I am constrained by unbreakable laws... always."

"There is no need for apologies... we will find a way to make it work."

Levi waved a dismissive hand, refraining from projecting his frustration onto the Genie. Although the Genie appeared somewhat impotent and his pronouncements exorbitantly priced, Levi harbored a profound conviction that a future moment would arrive when he would be immensely grateful for the Genie's presence on his side.

Recognizing that his available options had significantly dwindled and that all financially-driven pursuits were currently impeded by his nascent, non-operational business venture, Levi concluded that he had but one viable path forward – a route requiring minimal immediate sacrifice.

"To hell with them..." he sneered with indifference, "I am postponing all scheduled meetings until my business is operational and I can amass the necessary resources for the wish."

Levi genuinely attempted to find a solution to avoid postponing for a second time. It wasn’t that he particularly valued the Bishop’s respect, but he understood that such an action would establish him as someone unreliable and untrustworthy.

Initially, he wished to avoid creating such an impression, but now? He no longer concerned himself with it. If he were to collaborate with a Bishop, he intended to do so on his own conditions.

This shift in Levi’s perspective occurred only after the intensely potent Sun corruption infiltrated his primary soul. Now, with his pride challenged, it had awakened, intending to set him on the right path—or, perhaps, to exacerbate his predicament far beyond his wildest imagination.

Without the slightest hesitation, Levi dispatched another D-mail to Wei-Lan and subsequently reactivated the dimensional real estate market within Nocturn’s Heart City.

...

While he was engrossed in perusing the listings for a suitable establishment, Bishop Va’ren was present in his dimly illuminated laboratory, his gaze intently fixed upon a vigorously bubbling bronze cauldron.

The viscous liquid contained within shimmered with a profound shade of purple, exuding a dense, cloyingly sweet vapor. He clutched a small vial filled with finely crushed silver herbs, poised to act at the precise moment the concoction achieved a gentle simmer.

"Just a few more moments," he murmured, his complete focus dedicated to the task at hand.

Precisely as he prepared to introduce the pulverized herbs, a subtle chime resonated within his mind. Immediately thereafter, an automated dimensional notification materialized in the air, radiating the distinct insignia of a D-mail. It had been rerouted to him by Wei-Lan.

Bishop Va’ren’s attention remained glued to his work.

"Display it," he instructed, a hint of irritation coloring his tone as his critical work was interrupted.

It wasn't as if he had neglected to disable his notifications prior to entering the laboratory; he had done so for nearly everyone, with the sole exception of Wei-Lan.

In anticipation of a situation like this...

The message unfurled, revealing Levi’s communication. As Bishop Va’ren absorbed the words, his hand froze in mid-motion. A deep furrow formed on his brow, and the serene demeanor he typically maintained dissolved completely.

"Postponed for another month… Why?" he inquired softly.

The potion within the cauldron began to emit a rapid sizzle as an ember of orange light flickered within the purple fluid, indicating an alarming surge in temperature.

Maintaining his composure, Bishop Va’ren skillfully adjusted the heat back to its appropriate level and secured the lid upon the cauldron. He then took a seat, crossed one leg over the other, the D-mail still clearly visible before him.

"Is he experiencing second thoughts? Or is this a ploy to gauge my true intentions?"

Bishop Va’ren rhythmically tapped his finger against his elbow, lost in profound contemplation. After a brief pause, he offered a nonchalant shrug, his gaze drifting towards the cauldron.

"This outcome is also acceptable, I suppose… It affords me additional time to finalize my contingency strategy."

A broad, somewhat unsettling grin stretched across Bishop Va’ren’s face as he observed the cauldron’s surface. The reflection captured an image of Levi, enveloped in verdant, ethereal flames, traversing through a tempest.

"This young man is the linchpin for my advancement. The Glorious Evolution… It is no longer a mere fantasy; it is finally within reach." He uttered these words to himself, his eyes alight with a spark of disquieting delirium.