Aurelius approached the next figure, which had an air of nobility and wisdom about it. The figure stood tall and elegant, with ethereal, glowing patterns adorning its skin. As Aurelius drew closer, he noticed that these patterns were actually runes. Even more fascinating, the runes were constantly shifting, and a mysterious aura came off every single rune.

Evolution: The Runic Chosen 

Description: This wise and enigmatic being harnesses the power of runes, using them to channel potent magic. Their connection to the mystical world grants them unparalleled insight into the secrets of the universe, and their runic patterns bestow unique defensive capabilities. 

Effects: Upon reaching an overall level of 15, the Runic Chosen will gain access to a diverse array of runes, each providing different effects. Their wisdom and intelligence attributes are increased by (Overall Level * 2)%, and their mana regeneration receives a permanent boost of 15%. 

Compared to the other evolutions, this one seemed lackluster. It was still powerful, with stat boosts and an overall mana regeneration buff that were somewhat enticing. However, when pitted against the mighty Chrono-Warrior, it clearly fell to a lower tier. It was reasonable to assume that Aurelius couldn't expect every single evolution to be massively overpowered. Aurelius would most likely rule this figure out of his consideration later. With a sense of contentment, Aurelius moved on to the next figure.

As Aurelius approached the third figure, he could immediately feel the power radiating off of the figure. The third figure seemed to shimmer with stardust, and its eyes sparkled like distant galaxies. It had an otherworldly aura that left Aurelius in awe. As if in response to its celestial energy,  the figure’s hair transformed into a resplendent silvery-gray, gracefully cascading as if it were caught in an unseen, ethereal breeze. 

Evolution: The Celestial Chosen

Description: The Celestial Chosen has unlocked the secrets of the cosmos, channeling the power of stars and celestial bodies. They wield space magic with a finesse that few can comprehend, bending the fabric of reality to their will. 

Effects: Upon reaching an overall level of 15, the Celestial Sorcerer will receive a space-related skill every 3 overall levels. Their affinity with space magic becomes significantly greater, demanding less mana to cast spells and featuring reduced cooldowns. Their Intelligence and Wisdom attributes receive a boost of (Overall Level * 2)%. Granted the starting skill: Starlight Infusion.

This evolution bore striking similarities to the Chrono-Warrior path, yet it was imbued with the essence of Space Magic. Out of the two, however, Aurelius would have no idea which one to choose, both seemed like amazing options as an evolution. Luckily, Aurelius didn’t have to make that decision — not yet at least. He still had another 4 evolutions to browse. 

Taking a step back, Aurelius turned and walked to the next figure, looking it up and down. This figure seemed to share many of Aurelius’ qualities, keeping his eyes, hair color and overall height. However, what caught Aurelius’ attention were the large, ever-shifting text books held in each hand, and the figure's scholarly appearance, accentuated by the presence of reading glasses perched on its nose.

Intrigued, Aurelius read the description in front of the figure. 

Evolution: The Scholar Chosen

Description: The Scholar Chosen delves deep into the mysteries of magic, becoming a master of spellcasting and arcane knowledge. Their mana pool expands exponentially as they learn to tap into new sources of power, and they gain access to a vast array of spells from various schools of magic. 

Effects: Upon reaching an overall level of 15, the Arcane Scholor’s mana pool receives a permanent 50% boost. Their Intelligence and Wisdom attribute receives a boost of (Overall Level * 2)%. Granted the starting skill: Arcane Lore.

Aurelius’ eyes widened slightly, this was another powerful evolution. He wasn’t quite sure if it was on the same level as the Celestial or Chrono-Warrior Chosens, but it was up there. The buffs it had on the users mana pool was the most appealing part for Aurelius particularly. Not even 30 minutes ago he had been struggling to pick an ability because he had worried that the mana cost would be too prohibitive. Here seemed the solution to his problem. 

Aurelius nodded, definitely considering this option. Turning his head, Aurelius made his way to the fifth variant of himself. This figure was the one with 6 six arms he had spotted earlier. As he walked up to it, he could also see that it sprouted horns from its forehead and sported a pair of red eyes. Aurelius read the description, interested to see what the creature was and why he qualified for this evolution.

Evolution: The Deceitful Chosen 

Description: The Deceitful Chosen embodies the art of deception and manipulation, mastering the craft of misdirection and illusion. They weave a web of lies that ensnare their foes, making them doubt their own senses and decisions. With a silver tongue and a mind as sharp as a dagger, the Deceitful Chosen excels in subverting the truth to their advantage.

Effects: Upon reaching an overall level of 15, the Deceitful Chosen gains the ability: Shapeshifter. Their Intelligence and Charisma attribute receives a boost of (Overall Level * 2)%. 

As Aurelius read the description of the evolution, he couldn't help but feel a personal sting, and a small wave of guilt washed over him. It seemed he qualified for this figure due to his tendency to often lie or conceal the truth, all to protect his identity as a Chosen.

At first, he hadn't considered hiding his true self from even his closest friends, like Valen or Rourke, to be so morally troubling. After all, he believed it was necessary for the safety and well-being of everyone involved. However, as he delved deeper into the description, an unsettling feeling crept over him, and he couldn't shake the sense that the actions he had taken might have been wrong, in a peculiar way.

A strange existential moment washed over Aurelius as he questioned his true purpose. Was it all worth it? Hiding his true identity? In a weird way, he felt as if his entire life had been a lie. He was no Chosen, no hero; just a poor commoner, scraping by and searching for any means of survival amidst the city's scraps. Who was he trying to fool? Standing here, at one point conversing with literal gods.

Stepping back, Aurelius shook his head, dispelling the doubts that had begun to cloud his mind. As he gazed back at the figure before him, he made a firm decision—he wouldn’t become this figure. He wouldn’t hide forever.

Approaching the sixth figure, Aurelius's smile returned. This was someone he could stand behind. The first thing that caught his eye were the swirling blue shards of crystal that surrounded the figure, in a constant state of motion, yet never colliding.

The figure shared most characteristics with Aurelius, except for the hair. Though the figure’s hair still held a blue hue, unlike Aurelius' dark silvery blue, it had a light and vibrant tinge, reminiscent of a clear lake's shimmering waters.

Interested, Aurelius read the description. 

Evolution: The Arcane Battlemage Chosen

Description: The Arcane Battlemage embodies the harmony between magic and combat. Holding dominion over mana itself, they wield a wide array of spells while expertly wielding traditional weapons. Their mastery over the arcane arts and martial prowess makes them a formidable force on the battlefield. 

Effects: Upon reaching an overall level of 15, the  will gain a new mana-related skill every three overall-levels. Their Intelligence and Agility attributes receive a boost of (Overall Level * 2)%. Granted the starting skill: Aura of the Arcane

Aurelius’ smile widened even further. Out of all the evolutions so far, this one might be his favorite. Like both the Chrono-Warrior Chosen and the Celestial Chosen, this evolution seemed to give Aurelius some sort of control of one of the fundamental realities of the universe. However, with this evolution, it was mana. In a way, the evolution fit Aurelius nearly perfectly and was sort of what he was aiming for: a combination of magic and swords. However, the question became, what would be better to control: mana, time, or space? It was something Aurelius seemed like he would have to answer very soon.

Walking up to the final evolution, Aurelius was ready to see what it held for him. Compared to the other enigmatic and grandeur figures, this one seemed weak, insignificant. It held none of the emanating aura or swirling magic that the other evolutions held. In fact, it looked exactly like Aurelius. Yet, when Aurelius looked into the eyes of the figure, staring at a reflection of himself, the eyes contained a weight incomparable to any of the earlier figures. A weight, a pain, and a strength, unlike anything Aurelius had ever seen before.

Evolution: The Fractured Chosen

Description: Forgotten, dismissed, and once deemed defeated—the Fractured Chosen stands as a testament to resilience and unwavering determination. Despite insurmountable odds, this Chosen learns and advances rapidly, carving a path forward with sheer willpower. Lacking specialization in any particular area, the Fractured Chosen harnesses whatever resources are available to gain a strategic advantage. 

Effects: Upon reaching an overall level of 15, they will receive a skill (related to one of their classes) every 2 overall levels. Their Constitution, Intelligence, and Luck attributes receive a boost of (Overall Level * 2)%. Selecting this Evolution grants the skill Adaptive Resilience, permanently increasing essence gain by 50%.

This evolution struck a chord deep within Aurelius, and he instantly knew, without even glancing at the others, that this was the one for him. A strong inner intuition urged him to select this path, and Aurelius was more than willing to heed its call.

It felt as though the evolution had been tailor-made to suit him perfectly, and to top it off, it appeared to be incredibly overpowered. A staggering 50% extra essence boost? That alone would make it worthwhile.

Aurelius couldn't help but be drawn to the Fractured Chosen. In this figure, he saw a reflection of his own journey, as if its evolution resonated with his innermost struggles and desires. It represented the hardships he had faced, the pain he had endured, and the determination that had carried him through it all. It was a testament to resilience and the ability to adapt, qualities that had shaped Aurelius into the person he was today. 

With this evolution, Aurelius could continue walking the path he had chosen without any doubts. As the description had pointed out, it wouldn't confine him to a specific area or school of magic; instead, it would enhance his ability to benefit from a diverse mix of classes. Without a moment's hesitation, Aurelius confidently approached the figure and made his selection.