"Why hasn't the evolution process started? Is something the matter?
Could it be that my skills can't work on vessels?" Rean thought.
'That makes no sense. If all vessels are being tested or something, then why give a vessel a skill that's ineffective against other vessels?'
A system notification popped up.
[Seventh Wall Restriction Broken]
"What? What does that mean? Restrictions? Does that mean—"
"The Seven Walls were set up by the Seat Holders to limit intel access to vessels," a voice in Rean's head said.
'Wow, no text notification. The system can be audio-based as well,' he thought.
"Why isn't the clone able to use my skills?" Rean asked.
He got no response.
"What's going on? Ok, let me try this again. Why has forced evolution not begun?"
"Well, that's not correct. The process is underway. It may take time, but the evolution is, in fact, going on even in this very moment," the voice clarified.
Another figure fell from above—this one looked like Zeus. Then another.
Three more fell.
"Wow, six clones. It really just needed time to create one, and then it could immediately reproduce the others. That's probably because we're identical in some way. But none of us are genetically related, so what could—"
Rean stopped.
'Ohhh… we are all fundamentally husks. We're all this "vessel" thing.'
"Everyone stay sharp. Chances are these six are just as capable as ourselves," Xander said.
"Since we know our own abilities best, I think we should exorcise our respective clones," Zane said.
Xander nodded, then dismissed the idea. "No, that won't work. Why?" he asked rhetorically. "Well, that's because of something the Seat Holder said.
We should state our skills, but not explain their descriptions. The answer is in that."
"Why aren't they attacking?" Zane asked.
"I suggest we go up against any clone besides our own. We should endeavor to exorcise the clones before the time limit," Xander concluded.
"They're probably waiting for us to initiate the attack," Rean said.
"You're probably right. Onto what Xander said—I'll be taking on the Zeus copy," Kara said.
"I'll go with Rean's," Xander said.
"I'll be taking on Kara," Zeus said.
"Guess I'll go with Victor's," Zane said.
"I'll take Zane's," Rean said.
"I guess that leaves me with Xander," Victor ended.
Immediately Victor spoke, all six got pulled away. It felt like a pull—as if they were deflected in different directions. It was still the null space, but this time they were alone.
Just as the vessels got pulled apart, the respective clones followed like flies to a flame.
"I guess we're going to be doing this on our own. Makes sense why they didn't want us to have insight. I bet fighting another vessel has something to do with the gauntlet," Rean said.
Not long after, all six were presented with their clones to deal with.
'Wait, all this time, evolution has still been ongoing. I bet the assimilation will start in no time. I hope Xander will be ok,' Rean thought.
'No, no, no. I don't have time to be thinking of anyone else right now.'
'I chose this Zane clone. The only difference between it and the actual Zane is probably its black eye and white hair. All the clones seem to have these features. It screams defective.'
'Zane… what was his ability again? Yeah, I think he said he could copy skills of dead opponents.'
'If he can… would the clone already have Zane's copied abilities, or would its arsenal be blank since it technically hasn't killed anyone yet? Damn, there are so many possibilities.'
'It's still not attacking. I guess they're giving us the benefit of striking first.'
"Ok… come."
Rean summoned his mana skin. It now covered from his elbow down to his palm. It wasn't much, but the increase in his mana stats wasn't for nothing.
'My first hit has to be decisive. I can't just use mana pulses. I'll have to use one of my three assimilated talents.'
'So which do we open with?'
'Rootship…'
'Multi Main…'
'Or… Man Not Main.'
'Arhhh, this is tricky. Damn, I'm already having issues making decisions, and I still have only a measly three skills.'
'I'll try something different and hope for the best. This is the kind of hunter I want to be.'
"Multi Main."
He chanted, immediately multiplying into three.
All three simultaneously chanted, "Man Not Main."
They ran in different directions. Rean assumed a charge-up stance, and then two went invisible using the established Man Not Main.
Without wasting a second, Rean opened fire with a massive mana beam.
It wasn't just one the clone had to contend with—it was being targeted from three positions.
All three beams made contact with the clone. The smoke was vicious. The crater stretched far beyond.
Before Rean could think, a figure ascended from the smoke.
It was the clone.
It was scratched, but still very much intact.
"Damn, all that, and I barely got a scratch off."
"Damn, this thing's tough. Am I regretting not investing in strength right about now?"
'No, that's not it. I'm just filled with anxiety. I want to test out all my upgrades. I've got new combinations like that one I just pulled off.'
'It's good to know you won't collapse from my attacks. I guess I can test new moves as much as I want with you, huh?'
"Ok, let's go… one more."
Back in the normal world.
"Shom, the president requested you submit your presentation for the new division's quota," a receptionist told Shom.
"Ok, sure. Here you go," Shom replied, passing her a file.
"Oh, no. He wants you to bring it over by yourself. I'm sure you won't have an issue handling that."
Far off from the city's urban areas, in the slums of Portland, Tylan stepped into a B-rank gate.
He dropped a stopwatch outside before saying something and activating it.
"Let's see if I can beat my best time again," he said before stepping in.