Chapter 237 – Vengeance Continues.

“The changes are subtle…”

“( • ̀ω •́ )✧”

“Yes, those antennae look… how do the humanoids say it? Oh right, quite fashionable…”

Rusty was not sure what to say about Gleam’s new appearance. While he had been training his new skill, she had finally evolved into the Small Greater Silvergleam Ant. The change was subtle, as her overall appearance had not altered much. The most noticeable difference was her antennae, which now had blue tips that glowed whenever she activated her magic.

“It does look like a great evolution for casting spells, Gleam!”

“( •̀ ᴗ •́ )و”

The initial skill was impressive, but she had also gained another upon reaching the threshold of her last class.

This skill required further testing, as they had proceeded with Gleam’s evolution immediately. From the description alone, however, it was clearly a defensive ability against magical attacks. Since it was passive, it permanently enhanced her resistance to magic, which was always valuable.

The rest of Gleam’s gains from her previous evolution were new spells, such as the defensive array she had cast during their attack on the mercenaries. Even though their levels were increasing, the number of skills they gained did not seem to rise as quickly. Still, this was not a cause for concern.

Their older skills, acquired at F and E rank, continued to evolve alongside them. When they reached level nine and advanced to another evolutionary stage, those abilities were usually upgraded as well. There did appear to be a limit for certain skills, but it was not something they worried about much.

“Great, I think that’s enough for now.”

As Gleam returned, Rusty released the skill that was keeping Alexander’s armor animated. Their test had succeeded, and he had managed to gain control over the Dash Step skill. This meant he could raise his skills much faster, as long as Alexander and Aburdon fought at his side.

“I wonder if sharing your skill with more than just me would make it level faster.”

Alexander floated in his wisp form, speaking once their test concluded.

“That… that feels like it could work. Wait, how much mana would that cost me? And how many times can I even share my skills?”

Rusty directed the question to Alexander, but he had no answer.

“You will have to test it out. It is not like we have anything better to do right now. The mercenaries are gone, which leaves only the merchants and that noble.”

Rusty nodded. He planned to keep a lower profile from now on. The mercenaries were gone, and he did not believe anyone suspected him, but caution was still necessary. The merchants who had recruited him were still damaging his business, though it was not a major issue. The true enemy was the noble who controlled everything from behind his walls.

“It would be best to build more power first, my dear Rusty. We could also use that noble’s greed to our advantage.”

“Oh? We can?”

Aburdon interrupted as his wisp drifted out of Rusty’s helmet.

“Indeed. These lesser races are easy to read. There is nothing they love more than gold and their positions of power, gained not through true strength but through lies.”

Rusty was not truly following what his guide meant, so he decided to voice his concerns.

“I’m not sure I follow…”

“Confused?”