The Genius Evolution Store

Eva looked curious, wondering what was going on. Auric had sent her a message, telling her he wanted to talk about something.

When she arrived at the location, she saw Auric with Katarina.

"Auric? Do you want to talk to me?" Eva asked.

"Let’s drop the pretense, Major Gloria Schaff." Auric went straight to the point.

"Major Gloria Schaff? Who is that?" Eva tilted her head in confusion.

"The genius of Dermania, good with a spear with an extreme light element. She is said to be the most talented person in the military, becoming a major at her age." Katarina stepped forward. "We are not here to expose you to this country or anything. Rather, we are here to give you a proposal."

Eva thought, ’How did they find out about me? My cover might look a bit suspicious, but they shouldn’t be able to figure out my identity. Or is it because of my spear technique?’

Auric continued, "There will soon be a big incident. At that time, there’s no telling what will happen. I want you to fight for us without holding back. In exchange, I’m willing to overlook your attempt at approaching me like this." Auric narrowed his eyes.

Eva felt a chill down her spine. Her mission was to form friendly ties with Auric if she didn’t manage to recruit him.

Depending on her answer, the success or failure of her mission would be decided.

Eva took a deep breath before saying, "I understand. I don’t mean any harm."

"Your intention is not the point." Auric shook his head. "Right now, there are plenty of rank 3 and rank 4 humans ready to cause trouble for us. We will need your help to solve this problem. Or else, I will just report you to the authorities."

"Is that a threat?"

"Yes. I’d rather not worry about such things when dealing with a problem at this level." Auric nodded gracefully.

"If I cooperate..."

"I am willing to overlook this situation. At the very least, I won’t report you to the authorities and let you stay in the group for the rest of the event."

"It doesn’t sound like it’s a tempting offer."

"I’m telling you that you have a month to show your intention to me without being reported."

"..." Gloria fell into a deep thought. It wasn’t a bad idea. At the very least, this would be enough to show Dermania’s goodwill.

Even if she couldn’t succeed, she would at least complete one objective.

Auric’s original plan was to use her for the rest of the hunting event before asking Arnie to capture her at the end of the event.

But the situation forced Auric to adjust his plan. Rather than throwing Gloria away, he could use her in another way.

Besides, Katarina even suggested the possibility of recruiting her. Hence, it would be better to maintain the current relationship instead of reporting her.

Even if it weren’t for the country, he could use Gloria for himself.

Gloria didn’t accept it right away. Having her cover blown was dangerous enough because it might provoke Auric’s anger. If he turned hostile to Dermania, there would soon be a killing order.

Unfortunately, there was no way she could assassinate Auric with Katarina present. Besides, Auric’s strength couldn’t be underestimated either. His sensitivity made him difficult to ambush.

Hence, Gloria said, "I understand. I’ll cooperate with you, but may I know the situation?"

Auric nodded as he explained the situation.

Gloria crossed her arms and contemplated. "Can’t we just call the military to come here? It will be over in a second."

"Unfortunately, we can’t do that this time. They have assigned the most inflexible general to be in charge."

"Then, this is going to be a losing battle. We can’t handle those people. I know how strong this group could be, but it’s not enough. This is different from fighting two rank 4 beasts. They’re humans. They can coordinate better and think harder. Even if we use the running tactics, they won’t pursue us blindly."

"I know. Fortunately, there will be a reinforcement. Six of them are rank 3 humans."

"I see." Gloria narrowed her eyes. "If that’s the case, we might have a chance. But that depends on how many people are targeting us right now. I doubt they’re showing all their cards easily."

"I expect that much." Auric nodded. "I’ve prepared for the worst-case scenario, but I can’t tell you about that plan. The only thing I can say is that when the worst-case scenario happens, we have to hold out for thirty to sixty seconds."

Gloria simulated the actual situation in her mind. "If it’s only that much, I should be able to do it in one way or another. Any requests?"

"None. Just kill them all, and if possible, I don’t want any casualties."

"No casualties, huh? Well, I will do my best, but I can’t guarantee that. But I can guarantee that I will drop my spear and unleash my full power if the situation has gone from bad to worse. At least my combat effectiveness will increase by forty percent."

"Okay, I’ll adjust my plan with that in mind."

...

The next day.

Auric gathered his group and explained, "I’m sorry, but today, something big might happen. It might be because of me. If you choose to leave right now, I won’t say a thing.

"For the time being, I’ve been authorized to explain the basic information about our circumstances.

"Two months ago, Eric, Ellia, Vera and I witnessed a transaction conducted by a certain organization. And that organization is planning to kill all of us, except for me. It looks like I’m essential to their plan, so they intend to kidnap me.

"We are currently here, so we will first enter the Alps ruins through the normal method. In other words, your bodies will have to suffer some injuries from entering the barrier. But at least I will fix the problem right away.

"We’ve confirmed at least two rank 4 and ten rank 3 humans, but looking at their M.O., they will probably come with beasts as well. So, they might do something unexpected.

"I’ve prepared a few things for the worst-case scenario, but for now, I want to deal with this problem if possible."

Ellia, Eric, and Vera narrowed their eyes. The situation didn’t look good for them. They really shouldn’t have taken that joint mission.

Eric asked, "What is the plan?"

"For now, we will enter the Alps ruins and come closer to the center. This will definitely lure them out or force them to start whatever they’re planning. Then, we’ll adjust the plan depending on the kind of trouble they cause. If possible, I want to kill them all."

Vera was amused. "You don’t intend to capture them?"

"With our current strength, it’s possible, but the risk is too high. I’d rather not have any information than put ourselves in a much worse situation than the one we are currently in. I don’t plan to be that reckless."

Vera nodded in understanding. "All right. I’ll follow the plan. If we can kill them, it will be good. Still, what’s the organization all about? It looks like you know more about them."

"There used to be an organization that almost stopped this country from being founded." Katarina stepped forward. "That organization was called Apocalypse. It was something that was rarely mentioned in the history book because of how dark it was.

"The one we’re dealing with should be the remnants of the organization. It’s still just speculation for now.

"So, we will have to be careful against them. They’re the type of people who are willing to do anything to achieve their goal, even if it means sacrificing their lives."

Vera’s expression turned grim. She never thought that the organization also forced her uncle to take charge of this competition and almost harmed her family.

"That’s all I can share right now, so if you want to back out right now, I won’t say anything." Auric sighed.

"I am one of the causes of this problem, so I will stay." Vera nodded with a resolute expression.

"Same." Eric didn’t intend to leave even if Auric wanted him to.

"Isn’t this why we’re getting stronger? It’s to prepare for this kind of situation. Besides, I need to pay them back for the kidnapping incident." Ellia’s eyes turned cold.

"Very well. Since no one is leaving, it’s time for us to begin our plan. Lure them out and kill them, but the enemy has more people than we do and they’re all strong. We need to be extra careful when dealing with them. They want to keep me alive, but only me..."

They understood that they could be killed by them, but it didn’t matter. No one backed out.

"Let’s go then." Auric smiled. "I believe in you guys."

All of them walked toward the Alps ruins. As soon as they reached the barrier, Auric sped up so that they could enter the Alps ruins with minimal damage.

Auric could feel the energy from the barrier flooding his body. It was just for a brief moment, so the amount of energy sticking in his body wasn’t high.

Still, it was an amount that could worsen his performance. The same applied to the others.

Auric immediately cured himself and the others. Although they were hurt, the damage wasn’t too severe.

’Lindwurm.’ Auric asked Lindwurm for assistance.

"Nothing for now. However, it looks like they’ve set up a camera on the military’s post. It will at least alert them when you re-enter the ruins." Lindwurm looked around. He couldn’t find anyone yet.

’I see. Maintain the surveillance.’

"I’m afraid that they’re expanding their surveillance. They don’t know exactly where you’re going after all. In fact, they might be leading some beasts to prevent you from going in another direction."

’Leading me?’

"Yeah. That’s the easiest way. The problem will be just how insane they’re going to be. They might be leading those beasts to trouble you and exhaust your team. Once you guys are worn out, they will attack."

Auric’s expression turned solemn. "Let’s follow the original plan and head to the center. Be wary of your surroundings."

They nodded and walked carefully, but without showing any aggression. This way, the enemy would think they didn’t know they were being monitored.

’Lindwurm, please check whether there are snipers or archers.’

"Got it." Lindwurm flew up and maintained that altitude.

Auric and his team continued to advance, killing one beast after another. There was nothing weird about their actions. Of course, he specifically asked them to conserve their stamina as well as hide their true combat prowess.

He wanted the enemy to underestimate them.

However, Auric might have underestimated their enemy this time. They were on a whole different level of craziness.

Thirty minutes after they re-entered the Alps ruins, a massive explosion occurred.

Boom!

"!!!" Auric raised his head as Lindwurm dropped his jaw.

"Are they insane? Are they trying to blow up the Alps and cause elemental turbulence?!"