So, a few days passed. I kept killing monsters on the 17th floor using Clone 16's body until I reached level 40, which allowed me to undergo the second evolution. And so, I evolved.
The moment I evolved, I immediately felt something had changed. I felt more energetic, more confident.
Even though my level reset to 1, I'm stronger than before because my stats increased significantly. I opened my status screen and got a surprise.
[Clone 16] - LV1
Third-Class Clone
Strength: 1,567
Endurance: 1,466
Agility: 1,654
Dexterity: 1,602
Magic: 1,499
Since I underwent the second evolution, this clone is now a third-class clone. But that's not what caught my attention—the real surprise was that my stats weren't capped at 1,500 like in my original body.
"Ah, I need to test something."
When my original body underwent the second evolution, it became much harder to level up. I want to see if the same applies to clones. "Come to think of it, I haven't contacted the clones in a while."
Most of them must be ready for the second evolution by now. They've probably all reached level 40.
So, I reached out to them.
'Have you all reached the point where you're ready for the second evolution?'
The clones heard my question and began responding positively.
Only Frieren, Akitsu, Madara, and Fang Yuan hadn't reached level 40 yet. "My Familia is already quite strong, isn't it? I bet each clone is as strong as a level 3 or 4 adventurer."
Not entirely sure, though.
So, I began my quest to evolve all of the clones.
Since I couldn't do it remotely, I had to visit each group personally. I took the opportunity to get a sense of what was going on.
The three groups I formed were exploring the deeper floors.
Characters like Asuna, Vergil, Tatsumaki, and Kurenai were exploring solo.
"Soon I'll dissolve those three groups and form new ones."
After quite a while, I finished evolving all the clones that needed it.
By now, they're definitely stronger than a level 4 adventurer.
Once I returned to Clone 16's body, I smiled in satisfaction and thought about my next steps.
"I think before I announce the creation of my Familia, I should evolve the 'Clones' skill one more time and find a suitable place to serve as our home."
Since I have a lot of money now, that shouldn't be a problem.
####
POV: Third Person
Freya, seated comfortably in her chair, said to Ottar, "Have you found anything new?"
"The only information I have is the same as yours. They're diving deeper and deeper into the dungeon."
"Do you think his goal is to clear all the floors?"
"You think he could really pull that off?" Ottar asked.
Freya smiled and replied, "I don't know, but maybe he can. Their numbers keep growing."
"But each one is only as strong as a level 3 adventurer, at best. There's no way they'll make it much further."
"But each of them continues to evolve individually. And as their numbers grow, they're becoming an unstoppable force."
"With all due respect, I think you're overestimating them, Goddess," Ottar said with a serious expression. "If you give the order, I can wipe them all out in no time."
"Hmmm…" Freya stared at Ottar for a few seconds, then chuckled. "Haha, no. I don't want you to do that."
"To be honest, Goddess, I think we're giving him too much freedom. We already know about his abilities and that he's not part of any Familia. We just need to eliminate him before it's too late."
"I know that. But I'm letting him have his fun—because it's entertaining for me, too."
"What do you mean by that?"
"It's been a while since something piqued my interest. And he has. That person... he said he wanted to speak with me, didn't he?"
"Yes, but that was days ago. You said you didn't want to contact him."
"I've changed my mind. Bring him to me."
Ottar gave Freya a long, serious look and then sighed.
"Very well. I'll take care of it."
Ottar left Freya's room.
Freya poured herself a glass of wine and walked to the window. From there, she looked out at the tower.
"I wonder what he's really like…"
Freya had never seen him before.
Ottar was the only one who had spoken "directly" to Zane.
Freya had been watching some of the clones, but she didn't know the original.
She was very curious.
"Denatus is approaching…"
Some gods had instructed everyone not to act against Zane or try to contact him until Denatus. They all wanted to discuss it together. It would be the main topic at the upcoming Denatus next week.
But Freya didn't care about that.
#####
POV: Tatsumaki
Using Master's gravity magic, I nullified the gravity around me, making my body float. I kicked off the walls to propel myself, bouncing from side to side.
As I "flew" around, I felt immense satisfaction. But still, it wasn't enough.
I wanted to fly more freely.
This magic is too limited.
Even though I could kill monsters easily while floating—there was no thrill in it.
I could make them float like me or use gravity to crush their bodies. That's it.
I wanted the freedom to grab their bodies and throw them around. I wanted to rip off each of their limbs with my mind.
"Maybe I should ask Master for that."
"Where is your master?" a voice called from below.
It was a tall man, looking up at me.
A strange man.
My brow furrowed—I felt incredibly threatened.
Without answering, I used gravity magic on him.
I poured the full force of the magic onto his body. I tried to crush him against the ground, like I do with every other monster on these floors. But to my surprise, he didn't budge.
The floor beneath him cracked, but he didn't move.
"What do you think you're doing?"
He looked at me coldly, and a chill ran through my whole body.
I immediately kicked off the wall and flew away at high speed.
"You're not getting away."
But the man leapt a few meters and appeared in front of me, grabbing me by the neck.
My magic was canceled, and we plummeted toward the ground.
Holding my small neck, the man began to choke me.
'Master, I'm going to die…'
And then—I lost consciousness.
####
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Next chapters: Chapter 56 - Conversation with Freya. / Chapter 57 - You will soon become a target. / Chapter 58 - Buy me the skill 'Telekinesis / Chapter 59 - War?