"Twelve sections?"
"Rank One, Twelfth Tier?"
The president of the Evolutionary Association stood stunned for a moment.
He wasn't surprised by the existence of a Rank One Twelfth Tier evolver. That level of power was the ceiling of most local cities, including Dongning City.
What stunned him was that Aeron, a first-time registrant, had already reached it.
In the Universal Human Alliance, strength development is expected to be gradual. One doesn't jump ranks overnight.
The gap between Rank One and Rank Two was vast—energy fluctuations in the body at Rank Two are over a hundred times stronger than Rank One.
Which made Aeron's performance all the more baffling.
The president considered two possibilities:
First, Aeron was a hidden expert—he'd been an evolver for years, staying under the radar. But that was unlikely. The Alliance monitored unregistered evolvers closely.
Even with second-level citizenship protecting him from legal repercussions, his record should have triggered alerts. But there had been none.
Second possibility: Aeron's talent was monstrous.
He may have reached Rank One Twelfth Tier within just a few years—or less. Given the Alliance's life-extension technology, this timeline was still incredibly short.
The president leaned toward the second theory—and it sent a chill down his spine.
Nearby, Claire Jensen sat frozen, her lips parted.
"Oh my God… this guy is a full twelve-tier evolver."
She'd worked at the Association for two years and never seen one in person. In Dongning City, they were as rare as second-level citizens.
That this unassuming young man—Aeron—held such power left her dumbfounded.
Just one strike from someone like him could level a skyscraper.
And yet, he looked so normal.
"Let's go."
"Escort Mr. Aeron personally."
The president only paused two breaths before deciding. He'd originally intended a polite greeting.
Now, realizing the talent in front of him, he knew to lower his posture.
---
Inside the assessment room, Aeron opened his eyes and sat up.
"Pity."
He shook his head. After defeating the Rank One Twelfth Tier opponent, he was pitted against a Rank Two simulation.
He didn't back down.
Instead, he wanted to see the gap.
In three moves, he was defeated.
And yet, Aeron smiled.
"So that's Rank Two…"
Ideas flashed in his mind. His Heaven-Defying Comprehension activated, and he instantly began understanding the next stage of evolution.
One sparring match was enough to reveal the essence of Rank Two.
If others knew this, they'd be coughing blood out of jealousy.
While most evolvers struggled through walls for decades, Aeron simply observed and learned.
This, for him, was normal.
Enlightenment came constantly.
Even if he never fought again, his path to Rank Two was inevitable.
"I'll break through within five years," he estimated.
Today's visit to the Evolutionary Association had been worth far more than registration.
He now had a clear understanding of his future path.
Click.
Aeron pushed open the door and stepped out.
Waiting outside were Claire Jensen and a middle-aged man with a sharp presence.
"Mr. Aeron, this is our president," Claire said quickly.
"President?"
Aeron glanced at the man.
He was no ordinary figure. As president of the Association, he ranked among the top five most powerful people in Dongning City.
"Liao. Name's Liao." The man smiled warmly. "But if you don't mind, just call me Brother Liao."
They chatted casually for a while.
When Aeron left, President Liao personally walked him to the door.
---
The next morning.
Aeron sat at home.
"Tomorrow, be polite," his mother, Karen Jensen, reminded him while cooking.
"You're an evolver now, yes, but don't be cold. They're still family. You never know when you'll need them."
"Got it."
Aeron devoured his sister's cake in two bites and rummaged through a nearby bag of snacks.
Tomorrow was the family banquet.
His father had arranged for extended relatives to gather—both to celebrate Aeron's achievement and reconnect.
"Hey Mark," Karen said to her husband, "should we book the banquet at Starshine Hotel?"
Starshine was the most upscale hotel in Donghai City. Just one table would cost months of Mark's salary.
"If we're doing it, we're doing it right," Mark Jensen said firmly.
"Uncle Neal invited someone important—Edward, the secretary to one of Dongning's directors. We can't lose face."
"Edward?" Karen's eyes widened.
They were nowhere near that man's league. Normally, Mark wouldn't even get a hello.
"And he's coming just because Aeron became an evolver…"
"Then yes, Starshine it is." Karen nodded. They had to do it right.
---
Elsewhere in the city, inside a luxurious estate...
Chris Sheldon stood with head bowed before an elderly man with a beard.
"You checked your classmate's file—and got a warning from the Goddess of Wisdom?"
The elder's face was grim.
"Yes, Grandfather. I didn't mean to."
Chris trembled.
The man was none other than Jacob Sheldon, founder of the Sheldon Group.
And he was not pleased.
"If your classmate's data is shielded by the Goddess herself, his background isn't simple."
"You didn't offend him—yet. But if he took it seriously, we'd be in deep trouble."
"Tomorrow, we're visiting his house. Personally."
Jacob was not taking chances.
When it came to the Goddess of Wisdom—no mistake was minor.
Even Star Lords feared her judgment.
The Sheldon family had no room to play with fire.
Chris gulped and nodded.
---
Meanwhile, in a military compound across the city...
Grant Hawkins stood upright, talking through a secure video line.
On the other end was a stern man in uniform—his uncle, General Raymond Hawkins.
"That classmate of yours," Raymond said, "he's likely under direct watch by the Goddess of Wisdom."
"He'll be someone big—far beyond Dongning."
Grant swallowed.
His uncle's judgment was never wrong. If he said so, Aeron was destined for greatness.
"You caused a mess."
Raymond sighed.
"But I'll clean it up. Tomorrow, you're coming with me."
"Apologize, make peace. Don't become enemies—at the very least."
"Claiming you could change the draft list? Anyone who knows the system would think you're a fool."
---
Back at the Evolutionary Association.
President Liao sat deep in thought.
His secretary entered with a file.
"Any updates on Aeron's background?"
"None, sir." The secretary looked nervous. "His records are sealed—by the Goddess of Wisdom."
"Sealed?" Liao's brow furrowed.
Even a second-level citizen wouldn't normally get such protection.
"There has to be another reason…"
"We did trace his parents, though," the secretary offered. "Born and raised in Dongning. Local roots. Minimal outside contact."
"Then Aeron's also from here…"
A gleam appeared in Liao's eye.
"Shou
ld we proceed?" the secretary asked.
"Yes." Liao stood. "Cancel everything tomorrow. I'm going to visit Aeron's home personally."
"Whatever this is—it's worth the effort."
---
(End of Chapter)
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