King of Evolution

“[Ding! ‘Merit’ +2!]”

Oh? So that’s how you get Merit? How fascinating.

“[Current ‘Merit’: 2. Use immediately?]”

“Yes!”

“[‘Merit’ -1! [King of Caprice] cooldown complete. Current ‘Merit’: 1.]”

When it came to her weaknesses, Liyahiss felt her combat magic was somewhat lacking. Typically, learning a new spell required a certain level of elemental affinity. Then, one had to manipulate their mana based on their own understanding until it produced the desired effect—a process that could take a great deal of time.

If only there were a way to simplify the process, she wished.

“[Ding—]”

“[Congratulations! You have acquired the Caprice Skill: [King of Evolution].]”

“[[King of Caprice] is now on cooldown. Time remaining: 59 days, 23 hours, 59 minutes, 59 seconds…]”

“[Consuming one ‘Merit’ will complete the cooldown instantly.]”

“[Current ‘Merit’: 1. Use immediately?]”

“No.”

I haven’t even figured out this new skill yet. As for my remaining Merit point, I’d better save it.

She examined the details of her new skill.

I see… By consuming two same-tier spells of any attribute, I can generate either a new same-tier spell of any attribute or a higher-tier spell of one of the original two attributes. And consuming two spells of the same attribute creates a new spell of that same attribute, with a level equal to the sum of the original two. There’s one restriction, though: each spell can only be consumed once.

After a moment of consideration, she knew exactly what she would do.

“I’ll set [Ice Cone] and [Shadow Step] to the generation port. Emerge!”

“[Congratulations! You have obtained [Shadow Clone].]”

“Next, I’ll combine [Frost Barrier] and [Icicle Rush]. Appear!”

“[Congratulations! You have obtained [Spatial Imprisonment].]”

“And finally, I will upgrade [Lightning Spear] and [Thunderstorm Blast]. Descend!”

“[Congratulations! You have obtained [Heaven and Earth Thunder Annihilation Formation].]”

A level-seven spell. That was super-tier magic. Now, if anyone ever displeased her, she could simply blast them.

With that, she nodded in satisfaction. Her mood was excellent, all thanks to this nameless good Samaritan, so she decided to let the woman go. Liyahiss glanced at the chaotic scene before her and frowned in distaste. She decided to leave Hillisa to clean up the mess.

After heading upstairs to give her instructions, she returned to her chambers. She was tempted to test her new spells, but she had done enough for one day.

I’ll start tomorrow.

Hillisa watched Liyahiss leave with a satisfied smile, then turned her gaze to the wrecked room.

I was here first, she thought, a complicated feeling stirring within her. Why did things turn out this way? Perhaps I should just confess sooner…

She casually cast a cleaning spell, and the room was finally restored to a presentable state.

“Why did you stop? I want more…” the dazed woman mumbled.

“…”

Can she even walk home like this? Hillisa wondered. Someone might just pick her up on the way and treat her like a trophy. I don’t even know where she lives. It can’t be helped. I’ll have to use that.

Hillisa first manipulated the wind, wrapping the woman in a current of air and flying her to a deserted spot far away. Then, with a flick of her right hand, she doused the woman in magically conjured cold water.

The woman felt as if a bucket of ice water had been dumped over her head, and the daze she was in instantly vanished.

Who am I? Where am I? What am I doing?

“My master has shown you great mercy by letting you go. Now scram!” Hillisa’s cold voice cut through the air.

The woman recalled the hazy memories in her mind. Overcome with shame and fear, she flushed red and fled into the distance.