<------------------------------------>

[Evolution: The Hollow Knight]

[Species: Adult Zion]

[Rank: Special]

[Description: Alive because of the blessing of both divine and corruption, it is your duty to uphold justice. Recognized by both noble and fallen beings, you get their adoration and hatred. Abandoned by the gods, you stood beneath dying light. It is your purpose to keep the light alive.]

[Authority: Shadow and Light]

[Skill: <Shadow Manipulation>, <Light manipulation> and <Upright> 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

[Bonus: +15 Spirit, +10 Unassigned]

<------------------------------------>

’Again with this divine and corruption bit... this doesn’t seem good that it has come this many times. I don’t want to get wrapped up in some unfortunate things because of it. I’ve to look into it.’ Thinking, Dhruv tried interpreting the description.

’Why is it my duty to uphold justice, and what would happen if I don’t?’ Dhruv asked the system, but once again, no reply came.

As he understood more and more, Dhruv found this evolution overly complicated for a tier II evolution. There are many things inside it that he didn’t understand.

’What are noble and fallen creatures, whose adoration and whose hatred I will get? If I get the adoration of the stronger party, then I would love to evolve into this.’ Without understanding these things, he didn’t want to take any unnecessary risks.

There are gods, and they have abandoned me... not me, this species? Why, though, did some sort of disagreement happen between them? Hmm! The gods are arrogant creatures.. No.. No, what am I thinking? I shouldn’t say things like this.

These words really have gods, and I might get smited because of having sacrilege thought.

Hmm!! If these words have gods.. Does Earth have gods as well? Huh! It would’ve been intresting to know which of the religions were right and who had plagiarized others. Well, for all I know, this is an alternate dimension or a completely different universe.

Sigh!! Let’s not waste too much time on the past. What I’ve to worry about is what could happen if I choose this evolution.

First of all, I might get hated... which is great if one side turned ally. Second is the god problem... even more than that is this purpose thing. My duty is to keep the light alive... how am I supposed to do that when I can’t keep myself alive?

For many minutes, Dhruv continues to ponders about whatever becoming a Zion is a feasible way forward or not.

And the answer he got was maybe. That is after considering the authority it provided.

Compared to only one authority previous evolution gives, The Hollow Knight was giving twice as much. Shadow and light aren’t some basic elements as well. Their synergies could work wonders as well.

The reward for the additional 5 unassigned stats could help balance his stats as well. The only problem, or more accurately one of the problems he had with this evolution was its skill, upright.

First of all its wasn’t an active skill like the rest but a passive one, one at the max tier as well. This might sound good until one understand it restrictions.

[Upright: An oath chained to a knight. Every selfless act will make you stronger. And any cruelty, deceit, and selfishness bind you in restraints.

Rank: Max]

Selfless and me in a single sentence could never work together...’ Dhruv sighed, finding it difficult to choose this evolution.

Having read all the options, it was time to make a decision. Which species does he want to evolve into? If he were in control, Dhruv wanted to remain him, but when had he ever been in control?

For obvious reasons, the uncommon ones are out, the goblin lord is a no-go... at least for now. If I find a way and improve the dungeon significantly, then this sort of evolution can be beneficial... if given the opportunity in the future, then I might look into it.

Hollow Knight is a dud... so, the choice is between the Deceiver and the Blight.

Sighing, Dhruv closed the panel and began walking into the realm. Bending down, he tried picking up gems, but his hand would pass right through them.

They were nothing but a mirage concocted by his mind.

Seeing this, a chuckle escaped his mouth as he found a rather connection with the Deceiver evolution.

Now I understand why I got the deceiver option. My whole life has been nothing but a mirage, an illusion I never seem to get out of. No matter how much I tried, how much I struggled, the filth always drags me back. And soon enough, I began seeing that filth as the truth.

Having had enough of it, Dhruv looked at the panel for the last time. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath and made his choice.

[Do you want to continue your evolution as The Blight?]

[Yes/No]

Dhruv nodded as he felt his body getting heavier and heavier. Soon, he sank deeper into the realm as the process of evolution began to take its place.

******

The goblin warrior brought Michael’s corpse from the jungle and placed it in front of the core.

Instead of looking at it, Misha turned her head away. Closing her eyes, she clasped her hands together and muttered, "Please, do it quickly."

Instead of proceeding forward, Lucian looked at her and asked, "Before I proceed with reviving him, you have to swear that you won’t hurt anyone inside the dungeon or the dungeon itself in any intentional or indirect way."

Nodding her head away, she whispered, "I swore on the light that I won’t show any hostility toward the dunger and its inhabitants."

"I don’t know how truthful you are, but because we have a bond together, I will choose to put my trust in you." Saying Lucian touched the core and proceeded with the reanimating.

The corpse turned into particles, and that particals soon molded themselves into the image of a human.

Opening his eyes, the very first thing Michael saw in front of him was the demon.

"YOU!!"

Seeing the monster on the death door, anger clouded his judgement, and Michael instantly weaved a fireball together.

Before Lucian could create a shield, a fireball was hurled in his way.