Genetic Ascension

Chapter 1037  Because I Do

Sylas calmly scanned the room, making eye contact with most, at least most of those who could manage to keep their images from floundering uncontrollably.

There was an unexplained serenity to him, as though he had already seen too much to care about such minor matters at all. But it was this calmness that made those observing him feel the need to sit up just a little bit straighter in their seats.

It was difficult to get a read on the current Sylas, and to their astonishment, they found that without their real bodies here, they couldnʼt read his stats either.

Of course, they didnʼt know that this wasnʼt just because Sylasʼ Will was astonishing, but also that he had yet to fully integrate with the wider system.

Summoning Worlds had their own scales to deal with. Usually, outside of this, there were the scales on a galaxy level that one had to contend with.

Even so, though every power on a large enough scale had their own system integration to deal with, it could still be converted easily enough, much the same way Sylas didnʼt even speak the language of these people, but could understand them.

However, as a method of protection, Summoned Worlds were placed in a different category for obvious reasons. If Sylasʼ stats were too good, that could easily cause many to wonder why that was the case, and it would place Earth in danger…

Not that he was doing a very good job of hiding the fact that they were at this point.

Of course, it also had to be said that Sylasʼ ability to understand languages other than his own came from his Will and Ancient Ithkuil more than it did the systemʼs help. But that was hardly relevant now.

Not when he was being ogled ten different ways by dozens of D-Grade and maybe even above powerhouses.

But Sylas certainly wasnʼt going to be the first one to speak.

This seemed like it was only natural. After all, he should be the defendant in this situation. But somehow, the longer he said nothing, the more those around him felt uncomfortable, as though he should be at least greeting them first in order to show them some respect.

The silence grew longer and longer until it was another figure who walked in that finally fixed things.

Zayreus.

”Iʼve been called in today in an attempt to mediate things. Iʼll have to thank my seniors for trusting me with this process.”

Though Zayreus knew that he was here only to help these old fogies save some face for themselves, he was quite good at twisting a light that would otherwise cause him to pale into one that made him shine quite well.

”The Golden Grove Council of Elders only has some questions about you and our origins, Sylas Grimblade. As far as we understand it, you originate from a Skai 11331 Galaxy and are currently the Czar of a Level 30 Bazaar, is that correct?”

”Thatʼs correct.”

Zayreus gave Sylas a once-over, seemingly not prepared for him to answer so smoothly. Didnʼt he just have his lips sealed tight?

Something within the young heir adjusted as he felt that Sylas wasnʼt what he was expecting.

”Which world are you from?”

”A Summoned World.” Sylas replied simply, another answer that made Zayreus pause.

”And which world is that? Where is it located?”

Sylas didnʼt bother to reply. He just stared at Zayreus, his expression not changing.

”Non-answers will go into the public record as such,” Zayreus said simply.

Sylas didnʼt respond once again.

”Mm,” Zayreus nodded. ”Your Rune Mastery, where did you learn it?”

”Mostly on my own.”

”Mostly? What does this mean?”

”I have a master.”

”And who would that be?”

Sylas didnʼt respond.

”Mm.” Zayreus nodded. ”Your Rune Armor is very familiar. It carries with it accents of the Thryskai Rune Armor. Is your master a Thryskai?”

”No.”

Zayreus seemed taken aback by this answer once again. He had been expecting either a non-answer once again, or a confirmation. This was not what he was expecting, however.

Why would Sylas not tell them who his master was, and yet draw such a clear line now?

For a moment, Zayreus didnʼt know what question to ask next. They had spent a while analyzing the armor, and they were sure of their answer.

But back then, Sylas had only used the first layer because he was focused on trying to refine a poison unique to himself. Because of all the color changes and Will fluctuations, picking out the specific form of the Scorpion Warlord Armor had become several times more difficult.

As distorted as it all had become, they could only make faint recollections of what they were used to seeing. But now they were suddenly lost.

The obvious answer was that Sylas was lying, but this room was too special. The Will detection methods they had were too strong. Lying in the face of it was far too difficult.

”In that case, why wonʼt you tell us who your master is?”

Sylas tilted his head to the side. ”Are you insinuating that you have some sort of conflict with the Thryskai?”

Zayreusʼ gaze sharpened. He realized that he had made a mistake with a choice of his words, mostly out of confusion, but that didnʼt mean he was okay with Sylas pointing it out.

Unfortunately, there was no easy way for him to rebut this.

”In case youʼve forgotten, itʼs you on trial, not the Golden Grove. Your answers are peculiar. Why would you refuse to make your master known, and yet draw such a clear line between yourself and the Thryskai? Do you have a conflict with them?”

”Yes.”

Zayreus was floored again.

”The Thryskai are cowards that targeted my Summoning World. I donʼt have a particular fondness for them, so I donʼt like the assumption that I am under the care of one. As for why I wonʼt tell you who my master is, itʼs because Iʼm not sure who he is, where he is, or if it would be helpful to me to mention him.

”As far as Iʼm concerned, itʼs better that youʼre in the dark so you can assume him to be a great figure even in the case that he isnʼt. Wouldnʼt that keep me safer?”