"Didn't you say, Sister Lily, that if I successfully awakened my ability, you'd tell me about the supernatural world?" Cier asked, his voice laced with a mix of hope and nervousness. He couldn't help but feel apprehensive, knowing how tightly information about the supernatural world was guarded, especially among the elite.
In Aridale, such secrets were even more closely held, particularly after the crowning of the new king, which had worsened the city's already dire situation. Cier glanced at Lily, his eyes betraying both expectancy and unease before lowering his head, awaiting her decision.
"Ah, yes, I did say something like that," Lily said with a faint smile, taking another sip of her wine. She leaned back in her chair and continued, "Well, it's not exactly a forbidden secret among us 'Evolvers,' and you'll come to know more about it in time."
She placed her glass down and explained, "As you already know, awakening your innate ability is the first step into the supernatural world, marking you as an 'Evolver' or what we call a 'First-Layer Evolver.' At this stage, both your soul and body begin to evolve beyond those of ordinary humans. The special abilities you've gained and your physical enhancements are proof of this transformation."
"However," she added, her voice turning sharp, "the truth is, you're just at the beginning of the path. At this stage, your priority is to hone your innate abilities until you've pushed them to their absolute limits. Only then can you gradually advance to the Second Layer. How long this takes varies—some manage it within weeks, while others take years to do same."
"When you reach the Second Layer," Lily continued, her tone carrying a note of pride, "that's when you're recognized as a true 'Evolved Being.' Your strength, speed, and abilities will take a significant leap forward. But the real task in this stage isn't just about power—it's about making a name for yourself. You see, the Second Layer thrives on reputation and the emotions you evoke in others. The more people who recognize your abilities and your name, the stronger your evolution to the Third Layer will be. Otherwise, do you think it's just for show that people call me 'Black Spider'?"
"As for the Third Layer," Lily continued, her voice taking on a more serious tone, "that's far beyond your concern for now. Even in the inner city, the most powerful people are typically at this level—at least on the surface. For someone like you, a Second Layer Evolver is more than enough to handle anything in Aridale, as long as you don't upset those people." She leaned forward slightly, her piercing gaze locking onto Cier. "This much information should be plenty for you to digest, don't you think, little Cier?"
"Yes, thank you, Sister Lily, for telling me all this," replied Cier, showing an appropriate amount of humility in his expression.
"One more thing, little Cier," Lily said, finishing the last sip of her wine and setting the glass down with a soft clink. "Come see me tomorrow at this time. I have some work for you. Since you're an Evolver now, it'll pay you several times more than before."
"Okay, Sister Lily," Cier replied, his voice steady, though inside he felt a sense of relief. Buying the awakening potion had drained most of his savings, and this opportunity came at just the right time.
"Yawn," Lily stretched, her posture languid yet elegant, exuding an air of effortless dominance. "Well, if there's nothing else you need to ask, you may leave now."
"Yes," Cier said, nodding as he turned toward the door.
Just as he was about to step out, Lily's voice stopped him. "Oh, and one more thing—be cautious when handling those people from the Lizardborn gang if you plan to settle your old grudge. Their leader is close to becoming a Second Layer Evolver."
Her tone turned slightly dismissive as she added, "As for the other supervisor... deal with him however you like. He's not particularly favored by anyone important, anyway."
Cier nodded silently and left the room. He wasn't surprised that Lily knew about his personal vendettas; anyone who cared to ask around in the outer city could uncover such things, let alone someone as well-connected as Lily.
Exiting the room, Cier walked briskly toward the stairs, his shoulders relaxing ever so slightly. Standing in front of Lily, even as an Evolver, still felt as overwhelming as it did when he was just an ordinary mortal. Her presence had a way of pressing down on him, like a weight he couldn't shake.
Reaching the ground floor, he spotted Jessica behind the counter. With a quick nod and a casual "Bye, Jessica," he made his way out of the inn, eager to put some distance between himself and the suffocating aura of the "Black Spider." Outside, the lively hustle and bustle of the outer city market greeted him, a stark contrast to the tension he felt moments ago.
Walking for a while, Cier's steps slowed as his eyes caught a stall brimming with colorful toys. Among the clutter of carved animals, spinning tops, and dolls, his gaze locked onto a peculiar puppet. Its wooden limbs hung limply, attached to thin strings, with painted eyes that seemed to stare back at him.
Lily's words echoed in his mind: In this stage, developing your abilities is crucial. The puppet seemed perfect for practice. It offered a way to refine his control without the trouble of constantly finding living creatures to experiment on.
Without much hesitation, he handed over a few copper coins to the vendor, who smiled and handed him the puppet.
As Cier held the puppet, an odd sensation washed over him. It felt almost alive in his grasp, as though it resonated with his newfound powers. A curious thought surfaced in his mind—if he were to insert one of his threads into the puppet, it might reveal some kind of surprise.
But the bustling street around him quickly pulled him back to reality. The laughter of children, the chatter of merchants, and the watchful eyes of passersby reminded him of the risk. Using his abilities here would undoubtedly draw unwanted attention.
Suppressing his curiosity with a deep breath, he tucked the puppet away, deciding to experiment with it in the privacy of his home. For now, caution had to prevail.