Chapter 1648 – Wizard Ways

I think I hate you.

[Oh, I am well accustomed to being hated. If anything, I find it an honour to be hated by you. This is the human who didn’t hate his family, no matter how poorly they treated him.]

You never let that go, do you? My life wasn’t that remarkable. I had some hard times. Who doesn’t?

[You-]

I know how I died! Sheesh. Every time with this guy.

[Perhaps we should shift the conversation. I’m interested to see how your evolution is going to turn out. The process to this point has been… fascinating.]

Is that what you call it? I haven’t been a fan myself. I’d much rather be able to pick my own evolution than be boxed into a corner by a stupid Ancient.

[I understand your point of view, but I don’t think you quite appreciate what an opportunity has landed in your lap. The mana of Theorazzn is quite unique, and far more powerful than a monster of your tier could ever dream of being exposed to. Having it incorporated into your body will have effects that you haven’t even guessed at.]

Even if that’s true… I refuse to thank that slug… crab… fish thing.

[By all means, pour as much scorn on the Ancient as you wish. I encourage it.]

If Gandalf is telling me things are going to turn out better than I think, then maybe there’s hope for this evolution after all? When the golgari described the Colony Ascendant to me, I nearly bit my own antennae off in frustration. It sounded so good! I would have picked it for sure.

[Yes, having your helpers manage your evolution was also a good choice. They are much better at it than you.]

How rude! I’ve gotten this far, haven’t I? Clearly I’m doing something right.

[Part of what makes you so amusing to track is how you have continued to survive, seemingly without having spent any time or thought on how you might best improve yourself. This approach is… rather unique among the monsters who have achieved the level of strength you have.]

I feel like I’m being complimented and insulted at the same time. I’ve put thought in! A lot of thought!

[Have you really?]

Well… no. But I’ve listened to advice!

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

[Luckily for you, that advice has been good. They have done a good job cleaning up many of the inefficiencies in your base design. I think you will feel the difference immediately when you awaken.]

If I tell Granin and the others that their methods are Gandalf-approved, will that make them happy? I don’t suppose they’ll have any idea what the heck I’m talking about. He might be the voice of the System, but I’m not actually talking to the System, if that makes any sense. At any rate, the Gandalf I’m speaking to has been at pains to point out they aren’t the System itself.

Unless you feel like clarifying exactly who you are, for a change?