Among evolvers of the same tier, strength varies widely depending on their exact level. For example, E-Tier evolvers are categorized as Level 1-9.
And Level 1=1-50 EM(Evolution Metrics).
Level 2=51-100 EM.
Level 3=101-150 EM.
Then so on.
An evolver's Evolution Metrics measure their evolution energy, which determines the damage they can inflict and their overall physical capabilities.
However, evolution metrics are not everything. Combat experience, skills, totem attributes, and special abilities also contribute significantly to an evolver's overall strength.
In fact, an evolver with higher metrics can still lose to a weaker opponent under the right circumstances. Ultimately, evolution metrics are merely a reference, not an absolute measure of power.
Cain sized up Billy, noting his imposing frame and confident demeanor. He wasn't just strong—his eyes radiated a killer's instinct, honed through countless battles.
Yet, the box Baiden mentioned was nowhere in sight. Cain suspected Billy had it hidden, and he knew the gang leader wouldn't surrender it willingly.
Cain steeled himself, knowing he might have to use extreme measures to force the truth out.
Suddenly, Dante's voice returned, but this time it was calmer, almost composed.
"Hmm, this mortal… he's a perfect sparring partner for you," Dante said smoothly.
Cain frowned, startled by the shift in tone.
"Dante? You… you seem different. Are you okay?"
"Me? Quite well. Why would you ask?"
Cain hesitated but pressed on. "Do you think… I'll survive this?"
Dante's reply was blunt. "Unlikely. But your real fear isn't death—it's what might happen to your totems, isn't it?"
Cain exhaled heavily, admitting, "Yeah. I don't know enough about evolvers or totems to understand what could go wrong."
Dante chuckled softly. "Then don't die. Problem solved."
"Great advice, Dante," Cain muttered sarcastically, rolling his eyes. But he couldn't shake the feeling that Dante knew more than he was letting on.
Whatever the case, Cain had no choice but to rely on himself.
Billy grinned wickedly, his battle axe glinting under the dim light.
"Before I kill you, I'm curious. You know this is Red Skull territory. Why would you pick a fight with us? Care to explain?"
Cain smirked. "I think you already know the answer."
Cain played his psychological game, watching for any sign of hesitation. Sure enough, while Billy was fearsome, his intellect left much to be desired.
"So, they sent you, huh? I should've known they'd come sniffing around this fast. But seriously? Sending a weakling like you to handle this?" Billy scoffed, his disdain evident.
"They?" Cain's mind latched onto the word, suspecting Billy might mean Baiden. But Cain wasn't interested in this Conspiracy—he just wanted to finish his mission and secure his new identity.
Cain decided to push further.
"There are others coming. Hand over the box, then you might live."
Billy's eyes flared with anger. His pride wouldn't let him back down.
"Hah! Let them come. I've never feared death, and I'll start with you!"
With a roar, Billy gripped his silver battle axe tightly, swinging it with a mighty force. A sharp energy slash erupted from the blade, tearing through the ground in a straight line toward Cain.
The sheer power of the attack forced Cain to leap to the side, narrowly avoiding being bisected.
But Billy was relentless. He closed the distance in a flash, bringing the axe down in a devastating arc.
"Die!" Billy bellowed.
Cain rolled away just in time, but Billy's attacks came in a relentless storm, each swing threatening to end the fight. Cain's breathing grew labored as he dodged blow after blow, his mind racing.
At this rate, he wouldn't last long. He could already see his fate—a single mistake, and he'd be cut down. His mark could save him, but he dreaded the consequences of using all three.
Billy's axe finally connected, slicing into Cain's right shoulder with brutal force.
"Ugh!" Cain cried out in pain, stumbling backward.
The blade severed his shoulder cleanly, sending his right arm crashing to the ground. Blood pooled around him as the pain threatened to overwhelm him.
Billy's men erupted into cheers, jeering at Cain.
"Boss, you're amazing!"
"That brat's finished!"
"Cut him into pieces!"
Billy, now in a bloodthirsty frenzy, licked the blood from his axe and sneered.
"Hurts, doesn't it? How does it feel to lose an arm, kid?"
Cain clutched his wound, staring at the severed arm on the ground. The pain was excruciating, but it brought clarity.
He realized now the vast gulf between himself and a trained evolver. Metrics alone couldn't make up for his lack of skill.
Against the lieutenant, Cain had relied on his totem's power, not combat technique. Against Billy, the gap was even more glaring.
The pain didn't break Cain. Instead, it sharpened his focus. If he didn't act now, his next loss wouldn't be an arm—it would be his head.
Cain turned inward, focusing on the 20% of totem power he had left. It was his only card to play.
But as he tried to summon the power, but his totem emitted a faint red flash—a signal of denial.
Cain's eyes widened. He immediately understood. The red light signified rejection or danger. The totem itself was warning him that the remaining power wasn't enough to defeat Billy outright.
This realization deepened Cain's understanding of his totem. It wasn't just a passive source of power—it had a will of its own, communicating through symbols Cain could barely comprehend.
If 20% wasn't enough to win outright, Cain needed another plan. Could he use the totem to weaken Billy? Or perhaps enhance himself enough to stand a chance?
Or something else....
Billy's patience wore thin.
"You're not even worth my time, kid. Maybe if I kill you, someone stronger will show up. Now DIE!"
His battle axe glowed faintly yellow as he swung it in a deadly arc toward Cain's head. The sheer force of the strike could have split a tank in two.
But at the last moment, Cain vanished.
Billy's axe struck empty air, slamming into the ground with a deafening crash. The impact left a massive crater, sending tremors through the alley and scaring away the mutant rats.
Billy froze, stunned by Cain's sudden disappearance. Before he could react, a sharp pain exploded in his back as something stabbed him.
"ARGH!" Billy roared, spinning around to counterattack, but his axe sliced through nothing but air.
His men watched in confusion, one of them stammering, "B-Boss, no one's there!"
Billy snarled, his rage mounting.
"Where is that brat? Someone tell me—NOW!"
Before anyone could respond, a second blow came. This time, a deep slash carved into Billy's right arm.