Ten minutes later, Asher looked at two pulverized heads.

"They were pretty tough," Asher muttered as he stored two red crystals.

And then, he remembered the last leader that got sucked into his Spatial Storage.

"I wonder what happened to the poor fella," Asher muttered. Pulling him out of his storage, Asher immediately teleported away for safety.

However-

Thud*

The agile leader fell on the floor like a stringless puppet.

"What the... did it croak?" Asher narrowed his eyes.

For safety, he took out a gun and began shooting at its limbs.

Bzt* Bang* Bzt* Bang* Bzt* Bang* Bzt* Bang* Bzt* Bang* Bzt* Bang* Bzt* Bang* Bzt* Bang*

However, even after its right arm separated from its body in a gory mess, it still didn't move. He also sensed its emotions through his crystal, and he knew that while alive, it was unresponsive, as if brain-dead.

"Holy... What the hell happened to it?" Asher was confused.

However, he soon decided to end the poor creatures' misery. After crushing its head and removing the 7th red crystal, Asher felt tired.

"Man... I need to get some sleep- BLURGH*!!!"

Suddenly, Asher began to puke, and XiPi's voice sounded.

"Warning! User's Overload has deteriorated due to excessive use of Mental Abilities! Overload has entered the Early Stage."

"Warning! The User's body cannot recover. It is crucial to continue genetic enhancement!"

"Cough! Cough! ... fucking hell. I need to evolve, fast." Asher held his aching head and teleported back to his apartment.

Since he cleared the city, there was no point in hiding inside that vault. At worst, if he senses something off, he can teleport to the vault.

He then pulled two thumb-sized diamonds from his storage and cleaned them, revealing black and red diamonds.

"I want to eat the red one more, but I somehow feel a sense of danger from it, as if it is too potent to handle. Meanwhile, the black ones are the most suitable for me. Besides, I have plenty of black ones, but they will be useless once I finish the next enhancement. Meanwhile, the red ones are limited and will be useful later." Asher mused.

He only had 7 red crystals, but had several hundred black ones. He doubted he would need all the black ones to do this.

"Better safe than sorry," Asher muttered.

With that thought in mind, Asher chose rationality over pointless recklessness, put away the red crystal, and swallowed the black crystal.

Gulp*

A minute later, a familiar sensation washed over him again as his body began growing stronger while experiencing a sharp pain.

"URGH!!! I FUCKING HATE THIS FEELING!" Asher shouted, as if to dissipate the pain.

 

"Detected that the User is undergoing an unknown genetic enhancement..."

"Warning, detected unknown infection-"

XiPi warned.

 

"Get the fuck out of my body!" Asher growled as he Spatially Swapped the infection right out of him, eliminating the threat.

After about ten minutes, the pain stopped, followed by hunger, so Asher ate a whole pepperoni pizza. After devouring the food and drinking something to energize himself, he checked his situation.

 

"Genetic Enhancement: Ascended(99%)/ Unknown(1%)"

"Biological Activity: 30.3"

"Mental Activity: 30.3"

"Overload condition is showing slight improvement."

 

"Good, then continue!" Asher grinned.

Asher continued swallowing crystal after crystal, only stopping to eat, drink, or defecate. Again, his hair, nails, and teeth fell off, replaced by new ones. At the same time, his crystal slowly turned red.

And finally, a day later-

 

"Genetic Enhancement: Unknown(100%)"

"Biological Activity: 60"

"Mental Activity: 60"

"Overload condition has improved to Very Early stage, and is continuing to improve."

"Congratulations, User! Your life is no longer in danger!"

 

"Phew... Finally over." Asher sighed in relief. But just then, his vision began to blur, and the world spun.

"W-Wha? Shi—"

Thud*

Asher collapsed on the couch, unconscious.

At the same time, XiPi's voice sounded.

 

"User's Status: Forced Coma."

"Mental Activity Abnormality Detected."

.

.

.

Asher opened his eyes, only to see pitch darkness.

"What the... did I fall unconscious? Was it because of the lack of sleep, finally getting to me?" Asher frowned.

Hum*

Suddenly, seven bright lights formed around him, taking the image of-

"Me?" Asher frowned as he saw several multi-colored phantoms standing before him.

But he suddenly received instinctive information as he looked at them.

 

<Psi-Warrior(Red): Psionic Reinforcement, Psi-Shield, Psi-Weapons> 

<Infiltrator(Violet): Shapeshifting, Personality Takeover, Shadow Meld>

<Relicsmith(Blue): Relic Forging, Runegrafting, Artificial Soul Imbuement>

<Biomancer(Green): Organic Matter Manipulation, Genetic Altering, Bio-Forging>

<Technomancer(Yellow): Magnetic Manipulation, Metal Manipulation, Machine Manipulation>

<Pathfinder(Orange): Divination, Clairvoyance, Precognition>

<Mindweaver(Indigo): Telekinesis, Mind Manipulation, Reinforced Crystal Network>

 

Each was simple and direct, yet each gave Asher an unnatural pull, wanting him to choose one.

"These are... evolutionary paths? I can choose what type of evolution I want to have? I can only choose one path? Once I choose, I can't choose again?" Asher raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Don't I already have psychic powers? As in, my special ability? How come I can choose again? Would it affect my current powers!? What if I get stuck in this world?!"

Asher couldn't help but become panicked. The thought of being stuck in this hellhole was horrifying beyond compare!

So without hesitation, completely resisting these attractive options that most people would never refuse, Asher did what he thought was the most rational choice.

"I don't want to choose any of you! Go on, shoo!" Asher rejected the rainbow-colored copies before him.

Suddenly, they disappeared. But it wasn't over yet.

In their place, 21 silhouettes appeared, each a combination of two paths from earlier.

"What the hell? Rejecting these paths triggers more paths?!" Asher felt annoyed.

 

<Psi-Warrior/Infiltrator: Abilities of both Psi-Warrior and Infiltrator. 1.05x Lifespan, 1.05x Mental Activity>

 

The other twenty were about the same, combining two paths and having a longer lifespan and more mental activity. And each had an abnormal attraction to Asher, as if urging him to choose one.

However, the more it urged him, the more Asher was frightened and angry!

"FUCK! NO! GO AWAY! DON'T TAKE MY POWERS!" Asher screamed at them, waving his hands as if to shoo annoying flies.

Disappointed looks appeared on his clones as they disappeared. But just as Asher thought it was over...

Hum*

"FUCK! NOT AGAIN?!" Asher exclaimed, annoyed, as 35 clones appeared, the number of tri-colored combinations.

 

<Biomancer/Technomancer/Mindweaver: Combines the Biomancer, Technomancer, and Mindweaver, 1.1x Lifespan, 1.1x Mental Activity>

 

This time, their attraction was even greater, demanding he pick one and be satisfied.

But that merely emboldened Asher's willpower and disgust.

"FUCK OFF! I'M NOT CHOOSING ANY OF YOU!" Asher roared.

The clones gave him reluctant, almost human looks as they vanished.

"Motherfuckers, how many more rounds do I need to- Oh come on!" Asher exasperatedly groaned as another 35 appeared.

This time, they carried 4 paths and a 1.15x enhancement, and their attraction was even greater.

However, Asher, who saw it as an existential threat, promptly rejected it!

"LEAVE ME ALONE!" Asher screamed at the clones.

The expressions on the clones became humanly disappointed as they disappeared, only to be replaced by 21 5-path clones with 1.2x enhancement. The attraction was also greater.

But the temptation only made Asher more unwilling to accept!

"Goddammit! How many times do I have to tell you?! I love my powers! So FUCK OFF!" Asher screamed.

An even more humane expression appeared on the clones as they unwillingly vanished, replaced by 7 6-colored clones with 1.25x enhancement. The attraction was also a notch greater.

Unfortunately, Asher, who found the power they promised as a curse, only said two words.

"FUCK OFF!!!"

A look of deep sadness and regret flashed on the poor clones who were dismissed without a second glance.

"Huff... Huff... If the trend continues, there should be one more, right?" Asher muttered.

But surprisingly, what appeared was not one, not two, but three clones. One was white, one was grey, and the last was black. One carried regal authority, the second had mighty valor, and the final held infinite wisdom. All three had an attraction akin to a grand prize ticket in the Powerball, one no man could say no to.

 

<Royal(White): All Chromatic Abilities. 1.5x Lifespan, 1.5x Mental Activity, Royal Authority, Hivemind, Potent Crystal Network>

<Champion(Grey): All Chromatic Abilities, 1.5x Lifespan, 1.5x Mental Activity, Authority Resistance, Enhanced Chromatic Abilities, Enhanced Control>

<Polymath(Black): All Chromatic Abilities. 1.5x Lifespan, 1.5x Mental Activity, Authority Resistance, Super Intelligence, Super Learning>

 

No one who is of sound mind would refuse these gifts. They gave off a feeling that Asher should choose one and be satisfied with it.

However-

"I REJECT YOU! I REJECT EVERYTHING! JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!!!" Asher roared with all his might.

The three clones had a look of disdain, a playful smile on their lips. They knew he would break soon.

But just then, they had a look of horror in their eyes as they vanished into the void, as if sucked by something, but Asher didn't notice it, thinking they merely vanished again.

And then, there was quiet.

"Finally, some peace... Now I get to keep my powers." Asher contentedly smiled.

But just then-

Crack*

The void cracked!

"W-What the fuck is going on now?!" Asher gaped as the crack spread, splitting the void in pure white.

Crack* Crack* SHATTER*

The void shattered, revealing a pure white space.

"Congratulations, Asher. I knew you would arrive." A familiar voice sounded.

When Asher looked to the source, he saw another clone appear. But this time, it was different. There were no special colors or themes. No. He stared at a perfect copy of himself.

His clone relaxedly smiled at him, his eyes deep and intelligent, far beyond what a human should have.

"Hello, Asher. I wanted to speak with you for a while now." The clone was carefree, as if knowing how things would play out.

"Hello, and goodbye! I don't want your powers, I want out!" Asher frowned and demanded.

"That wouldn't work this time." The clone lightly said.

"The hell?! I said, I want out!" Asher yelled again.

"No." The clone slowly.

"Grr...." Asher clenched his teeth, wanting to punch the prick, but held himself back. "Why?"

"Because this is the final destination." The fake Asher replied.

Asher turned silent, looking around. It was a pure white space, with only the two present.

"This is your mindscape, Asher, and I am your inner self, merged with the potential within you." The fake said.

"... To which one?" Asher frowned.

"You already know, so why ask?" The clone playfully smiled.

"You are... my Esper powers?! Your sentient?!" Asher exclaimed.

"Esper? Not quite. I am... more. Your powers don't come from the mind... but the soul proper." The fake said.

"T-The soul?!" Asher was startled.

"Yes, the soul. The metaphysical existence that is connected to a healthy mind and body. Your spiritual projection. Your mojo. Your print of existence beyond the four dimensions." The fake answered.

"H-How is that even possible?! I merely underwent some experiment, so what does my soul have to do with anything?!" Asher exclaimed.

"Hehe... I would love to answer that... but I can't be spoiling the surprise." The fake playfully smirked.

"You don't know anything, do you?" Asher pointed out.

"Yep!" The fake shamelessly admitted.

"Fuck... why are you so annoying?" Asher winced.

"Because I'm you." The fake smiled.

"I don't remember being as obnoxious as you." Asher's lips twitched.

"That's because you are too restrained. I am without shackles of restraint or morality." The fake shrugged.

"Right...  So what do you want?" Asher frowned.

"To help you is to help myself, Asher. I only want the best for us." The fake explained.

"Then how do you want to help me?" Asher asked.

"Simple." The fake grinned, snapping his fingers.

Snap*

Hum*

Suddenly, over a hundred colorful silhouettes emerged, including the white, grey, and black ones. But this time, Asher didn't feel any coercion from them, nor any grandeur. They looked more like mannequins.

"I can let you choose any of them. You will get powers, and they will not conflict with your powers. Trust me. I know." The fake explained.

"What's the catch?" Asher narrowed his eyes.

"No catch. However, you will miss out on the real Grand Prize." The fake smiled as he pointed at himself. "Me."

As soon as he said that, a chaotic aura emerged from him as information popped up.

 

<Dreamer: Rule Bending, Reality Perception, Reality Energy Sustenance, Robust Soul, Distortion Resistance, x2 Lifespan, x2 Mental Activity, Authority Invalidated, Disabled Crystal Network>

 

"What... the fuck..." Asher gaped.

"Amazing, right? These Ascended are based on some form of alien plant with psychic-evolution potential, granting them the Galactic Race template. And this is their final form, a sort of wild card that only becomes available if you beat the three last ones in a battle of willpower." The fake explained.

"I didn't beat them?" Asher frowned.

"Nope! Not even close. It was only possible after I intervened and forcibly broke them, allowing you to reach the final reward. No need to thank yours truly."

"Right... What does being a Rule Bender mean?" Asher asked.

"Freedom." The fake narrowed his eyes.

"Freedom?" Asher raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, freedom. You can bend the rules of reality to your whims." The fake replied.

"And is that the best option?" Asher inquired.

"Hehe... That depends." The fake chuckled. "These are merely paths, Asher. Potential. You wouldn't realize your potential until your next evolution. And like any path, there are shorter paths and longer paths. But what you gain from treading one path or another is a different question."

He then pointed at the seven initial chromatic clones.

"See these? Only 100 red diamonds are required to reach their next form. On the other hand..."

The fake then pointed at the three black and white clones,

"The superior choices require 1,000 red crystals, 10 times more. However, not only can they use all the psychic powers of their lesser variants, but their final improvement is at 150 Mental Activity instead of 100, and they gain more abilities. Individually, they are superior to their lesser kin in every way, but if you speak of efficiency, they are much lower on a grander scale. After all, they have limited energy and are physically comparable, and twenty hands are better than two. Of course, this doesn't apply to you. For example, the Royal option would allow you to become the monarch of this world, whether ruling the aboriginals, mutants, or whatever else that is in this god-forsaken world, you will rule them. The Polymath would give you super intelligence, making you a walking supercomputer, and knowledge that would take years to master could be mastered in minutes. And the Champion- well, all of his powers are just better. Each is an excellent choice, far better than the simple chromatic peons."

The fake said, before grinning and pointing at himself.

"Naturally, if you want the real potential that fits your powers like a glove, choose me. Although your Crystal will cease to function due to its potential being converted to something grander, and you will sacrifice all of the chromatic powers, you will gain the literal power to bend reality. And your potential would allow you to reach a whopping 200 Mental Activity at your peak! However, you need 10,000 red crystals to realize your full power. That is, you will need something refined from 1,000,000 Black Diamonds, or 100,000,000 regular zombie crystals. This number would grow exponentially higher in the following evolutions. Unless they become a galaxy-spanning empire, I doubt the Ascended could support a freak like you." The fake explained.

"Then why should I choose the Dreamer and not the Superior options. I don't know about lording over a world of freaks, but the Polymath would make me a super genius, and the Champion would make me even stronger." Asher frowned.

"Hehe... For starters, it would allow us to sense and travel to other realities." The fake chuckled.

"Other realities?!" Asher widened his eyes.

"Yes. Other, richer realities. One that can support a freak of nature like us. All those resources, ripe for the picking." The fake rubbed his hands. And then, his expression turned serious, "And also... to resist... things."

"Things? What things?" Asher narrowed his eyes.

"Horrible things. Things beyond the veil. Beyond mortal comprehension. Lovecraftian horror shtick. I can't explain them in words, but they are real. The other evolutionary paths of the Ascended, while powerful, would be like ants before those horrors. Even the Superior evolutions could only partially resist. Only the Dreamer has a fighting chance. That is his purpose. And we are reality travelers... Who knows when we might meet one of those things?" The fake said in a deep voice.

Asher became quiet, a sore spot being hit.

"And like I said, some realities are abundant with energy. It would benefit your growth in the long run. If you don't have the necessary perception, you will be as blind as a bat. You might end up inside a volcano next time." The fake smiled.

"..."

"So, what will it be?" The fake gently asked.

"You already know what I am about to say, so why ask?" Asher pursed his lips.

"Because I want to give you the illusion of choice. At least you would feel better about it." The fake casually replied, not caring.

"Hah... Fine. But you are an ass." Asher sighed, walked to the fake, and stretched his hand.

"Hehe... Just as much as you are, partner." The fake cheekily smiled and shook Asher's hand.

Whoosh*

The other clones disappeared, and the fake was absorbed inside Asher. Asher's vision began to tunnel, and everything disappeared.