The Glorious Evolution

He roared into the skies, feeling like he was being punked by his opponents... nothing he planned worked, and now, he wasn’t given even the satisfaction of blowing someone off with his ultimate ability.

How could he not be pissed?

Drayven started walking in circles, each step left behind a scorched mark... he was absolutely livid, and the only thought coursing through his mind was:

’Bastards! I am going to kill every one of you and claim all the Joker cards!’

While he was thinking of ways to slay Levi and the rest to offset some of his rage, Gamemaster Gamble concluded the third round and permitted the Rifters to leave their rooms.

Drayven and Levi were the only ones stepping out of their rooms alone... this left the other four to glance in their direction with different looks.

”You sure are a brutal one, Celestial.” The Dealer chuckled with his hands resting behind his neck, ”Does no one survive against you? I am starting to feel that you have spared my life because you like me.”

”...”

Levi’s brow twitched behind the mask, but he said nothing back. He went to the platform and stood there like a statue, awaiting the start of the fourth round. Though he did scan everyone’s situations.

When he noticed that Drayven left the room without a single wound, he wasn’t too surprised... he was just glad that he took a moment to think things thoroughly instead of going with the flow.

However, when he noticed that five remained and all of them looked still in their peak forms, Levi understood that he needed to go turtle mode for the next rounds.

’I have three Joker cards and will be challenged in the next round... probably by Drayven or the Ruiner. I can’t give up on my Joker cards, but fortunately... I still have special cards saved. I just need to predict who still has his Joker cards and who doesn’t... these predictions will win me the game.’

Levi discerned that his best next move was to let them fight it out amongst each other while he kept the Joker cards protected... he didn’t need to fight for the kill, but just survive until the later rounds where their numbers were reduced.

He had already taken two Rifters on his own... it was time for them to start fighting seriously amongst each other instead of playing it safe.

After the remaining six Rifters were sent to their rooms, Levi had their names displayed on the screen again. He started analyzing everyone’s cards based on their performance in the previous round.

’The Dealer and the Ruiner emerged with no damages... this assures me both have used Joker cards and defensive cards... which meant, the Ruiner should have no usable Joker card while the Dealer will have one left.’

’If the Ruiner challenges me, special cards will be enough to stop him.’

Next, Levi moved his finger over Drayven.

’He should have at least one Joker card usable after eliminating the Wanderer... I doubt he used his own since it means the fight would have ended in a stalemate.’

Levi was almost certain that the Wanderer must have used his own Joker card against Drayven... he didn’t know how he managed to still lose his battle, but this only solidified Drayven’s immense prowess in his mind.

’There is also a possibility of Madam Future challenging me... but I am not too scared of her. Those with equal spiritual prowess can handle each other just fine. The other two are the problem.’

Levi was certain that Madam Future would rather challenge the Dealer or Hollow Titan again than risk putting her fate on a die throw.

After all, it was almost certain that Drayven was coming for Levi... if she challenged him too, she might end up fighting the others with cards meant to target Levi... It was an unnecessary risk when there were still plenty of rounds left to recover the Joker cards.

’If it’s going to be between these two, then I know the exact cards to get out of the challenge free of injuries.’

***

Four rounds later...

The game had reached its climax point with five remaining Rifters... The Ruiner, The Dealer, Drayven, Madam Future, and Levi... Hollow Titan was the only one eliminated in the past four rounds.

When Levi chose turtle mode, he managed to come out of all four rounds with barely any injuries... all due to his predictions coming mostly true.

His plan was simple... if he was challenged by someone holding the Joker card, Levi used it as well with a defensive card. This ensured a stalemate and trade of Joker cards, losing nothing for both sides.

He did this against Madam Future and the Dealer, allowing him to survive the later rounds... as for what happened in the fourth round.

His prediction came true as Drayven did challenge him; however, he was forced to bring a Joker card with him after realizing that Levi wasn’t a simple opponent to bully.

He killed both Masked Butcher and Light Eater... this was more than enough to establish Levi’s insane prowess amongst this circle of monsters.

He earned their respect, and none of them could afford to challenge him without ample preparations.

Too bad, because Levi had access to three Joker cards, he could alternate between them each round without losing any, since he used them only when he was certain that his challenger was going to bring his own.

Because of this, his battle against Drayven ended in a stalemate with both trading their Joker cards.

Though Levi did mess up with his prediction on the sixth round when challenged by the Ruiner. He assumed the Ruiner would come swinging at him, considering that the game was getting closer to a conclusion.

This made Levi utilize a Queen Card to gain immunity from one of his attacks or even an ultimate ability... but the Ruiner bluffed him. Even at such a crucial period, the Ruiner dared to challenge Levi with useless low-numbered cards.

Since Levi went defensive with both cards, he could only mourn the loss of the Queen card. On the bright side, he did come out of the round still holding his triple Joker cards.

So, it wasn’t too bad a trade-off.

However, this changed when the Dealer somehow managed to eliminate Hollow Titan and take his Joker card!

This left them possessing an equal number of Joker cards, and only two rounds remained with five Rifters.

At the moment, Levi and the rest of the Rifters were gathered in the plaza, preparing for the shuffle to kickstart the ninth round.

The atmosphere was as tense as it could be... everyone knew the next shuffle was going to decide the fate of the game.

”Five Rifters... two rounds remained.” Gamemaster Gamble showed himself above them and said with a smile, ”Celestial and the Dealer are currently the closest to the promotion... but, it’s not over until it’s over... all five of you still have a chance to become a Boundless Noble. All it takes is one battle, one win.”

Hearing this, Drayven gave everyone a bloodthirsty glare, making them understand that if he was chosen as a challenger, he was coming for the kill... no questions asked.

He had two Joker cards and badly needed a win in the ninth round to equal Levi and the Dealer’s collection.

”Since there are only five of you... The shuffle will also choose one Rifter that will sit this round out.”

Gamemaster Gamble chuckled after noticing Drayven and the Ruiner’s expressions turning solemn... he knew that it might sound like a favor to sit a round out, but in reality, it wasn’t for those still behind. It only meant losing a chance of turning the game in their favor.

Hence, he added, ”The Rifter chosen to sit the round has the right to trade his position with any other Rifter as long as there is a mutual agreement.”

Drayven’s expression soothed a bit... he understood that if he was picked, he could trade his position with the Dealer or the Celestial.

He was certain one of them would agree... after all, they didn’t need to take unnecessary fights, but just hold their superior position until the last round.

No further ado, Gamemaster Gamble kicked off the shuffle, and everyone held their breath in anticipation of the results.

A couple of seconds later... the screen before Levi displayed the worst possible outcome.

-Challengee.-