Nameless King

Wain left the Osvald's area in high spirits. Though the Cosmic Beetle incident had delayed him, Wain had achieved much more than he had originally hoped for. He had learned useful techniques and met all the conditions to begin his third evolution.

'I told Ern I'd be back quickly, but I ended up missing for a week, though I think they have a lot to do. I wonder if Erza has already cooled down or if she will try to grab me again.'

The Erza situation bothered him. He didn't know how to relate to her. She was kind of an enemy and kind of an ally. It was because of her special attitude towards Wain, that she wanted to get him, but there was no way she could do it even if she were stronger.

'Okay, anyway, she won't be a threat to me anymore after I evolve. That problem is pretty much solved, but if she finds out about Eva... it'll be a real headache.' Wain shook his head as he entered the ice gate.

He returned to his Void, Frozen of Frozen Land. It was the best place to begin the extremely important process of anyone, evolution.

'Oh, things have changed quite a bit here.' Wain looked at the central square in the icy territory.

Now instead of tunnels, there were neat paths along which monsters ran. Some of them were carrying something as they helped to Goblins, others were running to different points in the area.

"Wain, you're back." Elegan stepped out of the aisle as he waved his hand in greeting.

"Yeah... I haven't been out here for quite a while." Wain nodded weakly, "How are you doing? No problems?"

"Everything's fine. The monsters develop, resources grow, Frigus teaches the monsters, he's an amazing teacher. The monsters are many times stronger. The combination of energy-rich resources and a good mentor has an amazing effect."

"I see. How many monsters have approached the frontier of Second Chronicle? How many are ready to evolve but can't make the final move?"

"Hmmm..." Elegan wondered, "About fifty percent, many still need time to get there. By the way, Edena and Lui Bu asked me where you were. They've asked me that question over a hundred times. Did something happen?"

"No, I'm just a little late." Wain sighed, "Elegan, I'm about to start my third evolution, so get a proper place ready for me."

"Of course, I'll make the best of it. Any preferences?"

Nothing in particular. I just need a quiet and peaceful place, though, as we all do."

Elegan smiled as he nodded in approval.

His aura was calm but very powerful. He was one of the first to reach the border of the Second Chronicle. Frigus and Reto were not far behind either. They were the strongest in the area and were waiting for the right moment to start their evolution.

After talking to Elegan, Wain headed to Edena and Lui Bu. They were not very strong, their task was different - they developed the area by creating potions and effectively used all the resources.

Their laboratory was in the forest, in a cave behind a waterfall. The lab had grown larger over time, with new pathways, rooms, and helpers.

'Well... It's probably even better that Lui Bu and Edena found them a job.' Wain muttered inwardly as he looked at the goblins.

They were breaking crystals, grinding roots and plants into powder, and distributing it all to the storerooms.

Wain headed toward a room that gave off a strong bloody smell. A massive, iron door blocked the entrance to the room. Edena had set it so that no one could disturb them, though Wain didn't care about that.

He squeezed the doorknob tightly as he slid it open. The door creaked open, and a stream of red particles burst out of the room.

"What the fuck?! I told you not to disturb me!" Edena yelled angrily as she headed for the door.

"Take it easy. Aren't you a little too emotional for a Construct?" Wain smiled.

"Wain... You finally made it."

"Yes." He nodded.

Edena stepped closer to him and stared at him.

"Bastard! Why did I have to wait so long for you?!" Edena uttered as she punched Wain in the chest.

His eyes went wide, but he didn't duck.

"Ouch!" Edena pressed her hand against his. She felt as if she had struck an iron beam rather than a man.

"Damn! What are you made of? Why does it hurt me and not you, even though I hit you and not the other way around?"

"Huh, it's called instant karma. Okay, enough of these games. I'm here on business." Wain looked around, "Where's Lui Bu? I have gifts for you."

"Hmm?" Edena's eyes sparkled, "Did you get what we asked you for?"

"Yes." Wain nodded, "I was a little late, but I kept my word."

"He's in the other room; I'll get him now."

"No need, let's go to him together. Edena, tell me, what is it?" Wain pointed to the alchemical installation.

There was a red, bubbling liquid in the flasks and several jars of a viscous, bloody substance nearby.

"Well... I've been experimenting and trying to create a Blood Essence Potion for the last few days, but as you can see, I haven't succeeded."

"Even though I'm no expert in alchemy, I think you've already taken a big step forward. This system looks impressive."

"Huh, you think so. I'm still a nobody compared to the best alchemists. They would have done it in an hour and with fewer resources. It took me so long, though." Edena said sadly.

"Don't worry." Wain put his hand on her shoulder, "Not everyone can succeed in one day, but that doesn't mean that such people are incapable of surpassing those who have done it."

"Sure..." Edena mumbled as a blush appeared on her face.

Her temper was stern and rigid, but like any human, she needed encouragement from time to time, however slight.