Adjustments to ch. 210 Evolution (Patreon)

I ended up adding this segment to the last chapter for several reasons. Numerous readers mentioned how Daniel shouldn't have struggled against Krog or Chrona, and that's understandable. I went back and took the edge off a few of Daniel's after fight reactions.

Aside from that, I also added some more context by injecting an additional after fight convo with Helios and Caprika. It should add extra context to how impressive defeating Chrona is and whatnot.

Also, slight reminder. Daniel is level 8,000. Chrona is level 12,800+. That's over 60% higher level, and she has a class while Daniel doesn't. Daniel still beat her right after defeating two other high-level opponents. Just putting that into perspective a bit. Here's the segment I added to the previous chapter, and I hope you guys enjoy it.

...After finishing my spill, I gave Kiki's shoulder a pat, "Thanks for keeping us safe man."

He looked down at my hand, then back up to me, "Of course. Glad to be of service." Kiki glanced across the arena, "And to all those here, have a wonderful rest of your year until the next Honoring of Lehesion. The champion will be given his rewards during the award ceremony back in Yildraza. Goodbye and goodnight!"

The crowd gave one last hoopla before I glanced towards Helios and Caprika. Caprika was cheering, making a considerable ruckus even from her wheelchair. She poked and prodded Helios as I flew over.

"Hah, I told you that my judgment was sound. Did you see him at his peak? Even our Emperor would be proud."

Helios crossed his arms, his mask hiding what was probably a deep frown,

"Perhaps...Perhaps not."

Caprika rolled her eyes so hard that her head rolled too, "I found talent. You can accept it or live in denial. It's your choice."

I landed beside them, lifting and flexing an arm, "Hope you guys are impressed. That was about all I've got."

Helios let out a groan before dragging his hand down his black facemask, "I might've even complimented you if your head wasn't already about to burst."

I scoffed, "If anything, I was humbled. Chrona almost won. I didn't see that coming."

"She should have," Helios said while shaking his head, "I will admit that I underestimated the potential of their species. Her temporal dilation, in particular, is extraordinary once augmented."

I shrugged, "They were strong before getting Schema's assistance. Obviously, they'd be unbelievable with it."

Helios raised a hand, "Yes, maybe, but I never anticipated such a rapid change in their output. I've forgotten the difference that Schema makes on an unadapted species."

"Well, it sounds like you were born with Schema already having assimilated your planet. See, I'm not in that same boat. It happened quite a bit after I was born. Trust me, the difference is night and day."

Helios threw up a hand, "That may be the issue, but the way Chrona dented you with such simplistic ease...From what I've heard and seen of you, you're rather difficult to harm. To put you on the edge of death with just physical force alone-"

Helios shook his head, "It is...simply unbelievable."

Caprika put a hand on my arm, "I've spoken with uncle about temporal dilation before. He considered it a defensive utility in most instances, but he neglected the hastening element. Perhaps that will be something he will explore."

She let her hand down, "I'm certain he will discuss it with her when you visit him, Daniel."

Helios gestured a hand to her, "I'd believed the impact of that style of magic not worth its investment. I may speak with the Emperor and uncover a few of his journals on the topic. He no doubt has knowledge of its inner workings if it's this effective."

I pointed at Helios, "Well this all makes me feel better about the situation and all, but I was meaning to ask what he plans on doing after we meet?"

Helios tilted his head, "His intentions are beyond me. I will simply say he finds you interesting. Whether or not that will prove to benefit or harm you, even Baldowah could not give you an answer."

Helios let out a laugh, "Why, I'm certain he viewed your performance in this fight even. He sounded rather intrigued last time we spoke."

"Really? Damn, I thought he'd have better shit to do."

Helios scoffed, "He didn't only view the fight. I'm certain he accomplished a dozen tasks as he did so. My point is this-" Helios adjusted his stance, looking a bit out of place for once, "I was wrong about you. You've exceeded my rather low expectations of you. Excellent work for a hick from a backwater world."

Caprika gave Helios a slow clap, "Well well, you have the ability to admit you're wrong. I never thought I'd see this day. Truly this is incredible."

"Hah, hah, live up your short-lived victory while you can. We must leave soon," Helios said.

Caprika turned to me, "As promised, you shall be receiving the highest status I can give you, and I guarantee a large guildhouse will be available to you in my city. I will advertise your legion for all ears that will hear it and eyes that will see it. The mythical compendium is yours as well."

I grinned, "Thanks."

Caprika leaned back into her seat, relaxing a bit, "Now, with business out of the way, I can't believe I'll finally be allowed back onto the homeworld."

Helios mumbled, "Neither can I."

She shoved him, succeeding in pushing herself back. She let out a puff before glancing back at me, "You know, I've never heard of a non-classer defeating a classer with an over 4,500 level lead. That's not even counting her unique class and skillset. Not even Helios was able to accomplish that."

Helios rolled his hand with impatience, "Enough with the egocentric praise. Perhaps you can attempt sucking his metaphorical dick when I'm not around?"

Caprika crossed her arms, "Ho, ho, is someone jealous?"

"It's time we leave," Helios grumbled, "Follow me unless you believe he'll protect you this time, unlike the last."

Helios stepped through a wormhole of his creation. Caprika molded her fur, hardening it into makeshift limbs. They pulled herself along by gripping the floor. She reached right beside the portal before turning to me,

"Thank you for helping me. You will not regret it."

I raised my eyebrows, "Eh, that depends on what kind of mood your uncle's in when we meet."

"Oooh, that will be fun to see. Do be prepared for a bit of eccentricity. He's...unusual, though a force to reckon with as well."

"I figured. Good luck."

"Likewise."

With our goodbyes said, Caprika rolled through the wormhole, the rift in spacetime closing right after. I glanced around, finding most of the crowd remaining after the fights. They chatted with animation in their voices. That was good. I would need quite a few volunteers to join my guild soon.

With that in mind, I flew off towards Emagrotha's old home and Chrona's current residence. The icy cavern sat near the mountain's peak, icy sculptures illuminated in the fading sunset. As orange light danced in the many frozen carvings, I took off my gray armor and began collecting strips of blackened metal...