The frost started to dissipate as Jenny's emotions started to settle. Everyone saw with keen attention as she placed a hand on Luna's snout. Even from this far out, Aenon could feel the cold clinging to the wolf's fur. But Jenny didn't feel any discomfort. In fact, she almost welcomed it.

The soul links that connected Jenny with the pups was unmistakable to both Aenon and Thalindra. She had forged a bond similar to what Aenon had with Bane and the others.

She finally turned towards Aenon, a complicated look on her face. Without a second thought she took a knee, as did the snow wolves.

"You will always be our Alpha," Jenny said with conviction. "But I will lead this off shoot of your pack with the same principles as you."

Aenon smiled and nodded. "I'm sure you will. I trust you."

Jenny rose up and walked back to her earlier spot, the wolf pups standing behind her. Borin clapped once, the sound snapping everyone back.

"Alright, with that out of the way, lets get this ceremony on the road proper," he announced. "I got some goodies to give out too. Another surprise from Lord Fenrast."

That got a lot of inquisitive looks. After the earlier display, expectations were quite high. Aenon just hoped Borin could match the high bar that the snow wolf reveal set.

"Let me explain what is going to happen soon since many in the crowd may not be aware of it," Borin continued, his tone uncharacteristically formal by his standards. "Evolution is a way for our bodies to grow into the ideal form set by our souls. And since a soul changes with life experiences, so does the ideal image. That is what Titles are primarily for—a way for the System to show you your progress. The numbers are a good bonus, but it's the accomplishments that matter more."

This was another piece of information that most noble houses kept under wraps from the common populace. Most people just focused on the number of stats given and didn't really bother to achieve impressive feats. Not that the requirements for those were shared either. But by limiting the commoners to focus on utility Titles, they indirectly controlled what kind of races were added to their ranks. A blacksmith with Titles focused on their craft, or an adventurer with beast slaying ones would get evolved races appropriate to their profession. That way, no one from the lower rungs of society could threaten their leadership focused Titles.

"Another to thing to note: the sudden change in power can cause problems. I recommend putting on these suppression rings for the next few days. They are easy to drop if needed."

Aenon and the others were given simple rings that would restrict their power if they were equipped. The effects could be dispelled at will if the ring couldn't be removed for whatever reason.

"Now, most people in the Multiverse are content with a C-grade evolution," Borin continued. "Very rarely does one see a B, or an A. These are called the elites of the elites among the people. And if someone gets an S, well, they are considered a supreme genius destined for the stars. In fact, the lie that an S-grade evolution is nigh impossible to reach has been purported so far and wide, that most people do not even bother thinking about it. But today, I am here to shatter that belief to pieces. Every single evolution today will be at the S-rank."

Shocked murmurs broke out in the crowd below. Especially among the non-Earthlings. The idea that one tiny city can have these many S-rank evolutions was unheard of.

"Boff, Toff, step forth," Borin called out.

The proud dwarven warriors took center stage, as Mira approached with a tray that concealed something below a silk cloth. Aenon could see the thick mana wisps hovering around it, along with some thick…something. It only reacted to his Sovereign's Dominion—there was soul magic involved. Thankfully it was the beneficial kind.

"You protected the walls as its last line of defense," Borin spoke proudly. "No monster could breach the barriers you setup. For that, Lord Fenrast has decided to give you these."

Borin removed the cover to reveal two rings embedded with polished stones. The thing had very intricate runes carved into it. But the most eye-catching engraving was in the largest crystal—a rook. The Identify text of both rings was the same.

Soul Ring of the Rook | Ring | Mythic | A ring forged using soul ore by a savant level crafter, this creation symbolizes harmony and defense. Reinforces the soul against foreign influence, making sure the wielders and their allies remain free.

Boff and Toff took a knee and received the tokens with reverence. As they stood and put them on along with the suppression rings, they triggered their evolution simultaneously. A bright light erupted before a cocoon of earth mana enveloped the brothers. The barrier fell after fifteen seconds to finally reveal two rugged warriors.

Nothing had changed in terms of physique, the twins sporting the same hardy exterior. But Aenon clearly sensed their fortified souls. The thin barriers to their inner souls now felt like unyielding steel. The best part—its effects extended to everyone the two cared about.

A powerful wind blew in everyone's souls, erecting an additional barrier that made them feel safe. Thalindra's eyes widened as she turned towards Aenon. He merely smiled and winked, having kept this entire thing a surprise as usual. He cast Identify on the twins, still unable to tell them apart.

Dwarf/Khazrun | Warrior | Level 100

Dwarf/Khazrun | Warrior | Level 100

Aenon didn't know what a Khazrun was, but he assumed it was a dwarven race of some kind. He would investigate it later but based on the shock on Borin's face it must be something rare. Even the twins looked at each other with disbelief before hurrying back to their places.

"Ahem, right," Borin gathered his bearings. "Ignar, and Velastra. Step forth."

The married couple stared at the evolved teammates, before walking forward slowly. There was a sharp uptick of anticipation in their souls.

"You two decimated enemy lines, making sure their backlines were the most dangerous place to be," Borin said. "For that, Lord Fenrast bequeaths you these."

Soul Ring of the Knight | Ring | Mythic | A ring forged using soul ore by a savant level crafter, this creation symbolizes chaos and offense. Empowers the soul to fight foreign influence, making sure the wielders and their allies can shatter their foes.

Ignar and Velastra knelt to receive the knight engraved rings but didn't put them on immediately. Instead, they each put it on the other, like a silent engagement ceremony. And once again, a fiery barrier enveloped the lovers.

Again, the effects of their rings extended to the group at large, setting up some kind of array around their inner souls. Aenon could tell these weren't just for defense. And as the couple emerged, their races spoke volumes about their bond.

Ignar | Human/Pyrothane | Warrior | Level 100

Velastra | Human/Pyrrhan | Mage | Level 100

Ignar's Goliath name had been replaced, as was evident from the subtle heat his body started to emit, a change his wife seemed to enjoy. Aenon was curious to see how their paired evolutions would go down the line. As they marched back, Aenon could smell the sulfur off them.

Borin was again momentarily lost; his face had run out of energy to express shock. He turned to the next ones in line, as if he was contemplating calling them.

"Jenny, Thalindra," he called out. "Step forth."

The two dual affinity mages walked uneasily. The long list of surprises was just too much to take in at once.

"Your support on the battlefront cannot be overstated," Borin said with a proud smile. "While one healed, the other protected them from harm. Thus, Lord Fenrast has chosen these for you."

Soul Ring of the Bishop | Ring | Mythic | A ring forged using soul ore by a savant level crafter, this creation symbolizes support and healing. Energizes the soul to heal and withstand damage, making sure the wielders and their allies can outlast their foes.

The two women knelt and received the gifts. They shared a look of mutual respect before putting them on, starting their evolution. The wolves—especially Venge and the pups—were the most eager to see the outcome. A healing aura radiated in Aenon's soul as the barriers fell.

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Thalindra | Human/Verdara | Mage | Level 100

Jenny | Human/Glacivan | Mage | Level 100

The races sent everyone for a loop once again, and Aenon had no clue what they were becoming, but the power that they now exuded couldn't be denied. But this put Aenon in a precarious situation. He was already beyond a human—an Ascended Human—which meant the upcoming change would push him further away.

As Jenny and Thalindra returned, the wolves took their place. Bane and Venge sat on their haunches, their chest puffed out with pride. The other six wolves mimicked their former Alpha.

"Our first line of defense," Borin said with respect, "you all threaded the battlefield like an unwavering front. Lord Fenrast's first chosen family, you are an embodiment of what he envisions—a cohesive unit that moves as one. These bands represent that motif."

Mira brought forward a tray holding eight bangles, each fitting the arms right above their paw. Aenon had been very particular about the design for his wolves. Borin had suggested collars, but he shot it down instantly. They weren't his pets; they were his pack-brothers and sisters.

Soul Band of the Soldier | Wristband | Mythic | A wristband forged using soul ore by a savant level crafter, this creation symbolizes the frontline. Warns the soul of outside influence, making sure the wielders and their allies are always informed of the danger.

The wolves each lifted their paws to accept the bands, as Mira put them on. Right after the last one was put on, a void sphere similar to his Kingdom of Darkness covered his pack. But this time he was able to see within the dark with ease.

And the change made his jaw drop.

For the first time, the changes were not just symbolic. They were changing form.

"What is it?" Thalindra asked, sensing his surprise.

Aenon was lost for words, as the shadows eventually dissipated. And in place of eight Abyssal Wolves, there now stood humanoids with equally intimidating presence.

Bane | Void Lycanthrope | Level 100

Venge | Void Lycanthrope | Level 100

They looked like werewolves with human features rather than the opposite. And they were dressed in all black armor. The vests that Borin had made for them had changed with them, covering their entire body. The newly transformed Lycanthropes started to study their new visages with curiosity.

Bane—an adult male with sharp features and lithe build—tried out the use of his fingers, which also had retractable claws. The savage grin on his face displayed his sharp animalistic canines. They still emanated smoke from their bodies, but it was subtle and didn't hide their features as much. Venge on the other hand had the face of a stern middle-aged woman. They all had dark hair like Aenon's.

"Will take some getting used to," Bane commented with a deep baritone. "But I can see the advantageous of this form."

"I agree," Venge said in a no nonsense kind of voice. She was observing her sleek long hair. "Although I may need to cut this annoyance."

That was the first time anyone had heard Bane and Venge's voices out loud. Talia's eyes shone with childish glee, while Jenny was bursting with longing and excitement. The two broke protocol and ran forward—Talia jumping into Bane's arms, Jenny in Venge's.

The parent wolves didn't object though, neither did anyone else. Bane lifted Talia with ease, a fatherly smile forming effortlessly. Venge stern look stayed for a moment longer, before she too returned Jenny's hug as she stroked her head.

"Hello, little one," Bane spoke affectionately like a proud uncle.

"No more wolf rides?" Talia asked innocently.

Bane laughed. "I can change back any time you want." That delighted the six-year-old, who hugged Bane harder.

Jenny stepped back in embarrassment. Venge's strict demeanor didn't help.

"Stand straight," Venge chided, but her voice lacked the weight. Aenon could see the subtle smile she was trying to suppress. Her gaze turned to the other snow wolves. "You still have a ways to go before reaching this form."

Venge's children nodded demurely, their eyes set on the target.

Aenon observed the six others, their eyes showing sapience for the first time. He took a while to recover, before chuckling. Guess I need six more names now, he thought.

Bane finally looked up, his eyes meeting Aenon's. He put down Talia gently before snapping his fingers, arresting the attention of the eight-lethal warriors. They all had wristbands on their right or left arms, each with the symbols of a chess soldier.

"We greet the Alpha," they all spoke in unison, bowing at their waist.

Of all the changes, this was by far the best surprise. His bonds with the wolves felt stronger than ever, and he was able to communicate better due to the myriads of facial expressions that their humanoid bodies allowed.

Aenon grinned while extending his hand. Bane looked at it before shaking it firmly. Everyone walked back to their assigned locations.

All eyes locked onto Aenon. Borin had a knowing smile on his face as he simply bowed to call on him. Under the encouragement of Nocthrya and Talia, he stepped forward.

But before Borin could say anything, something weird happened. Aenon sensed a familiar presence from above. And seeing no reaction from Thalindra, it was obvious only he could feel it. And the barrier around the city felt more powerful than before.

"And then there is you," Borin said in a strange tone. "The lynchpin of this entire fiasco. The one responsible for breaking every norm I had come to accept. Aloof, yet perceptive. Dangerous, yet the source of hope. You don't command, yet others follow. You don't expect, yet others want to give you their lives and souls. The other rings were easy to forge. But yours…haven't had a challenge like that in a long time."

Borin nodded at Mira, who returned with another tray. But the concentration of mana wisps on this one was too extreme. Even the people who were less receptive to mana could feel it.

"Luckily, I had a helper," Borin looked at Talia fondly, "who hinted and even procured what I needed. And thus, I was able to forge something worthy of you."

The look was brief, only noticeable by those on stage. Borin neither named her, nor did her indicate Talia had helped. Aenon didn't know what she had done either. He decided to ask later.

As the ring was revealed, Aenon was stunned yet again. An obsidian ring, with a crown engraved on its face. And right below the crown were a pair of grey eyes—his newly chosen House sigil.

Soul Ring of the Sovereign | Ring | Mythic | A band forged using soul ore by a savant level crafter, this creation symbolizes unity. Like a beating heart it pumps life into the soul, multiplying power several times over. Also conceals the user and their allies from all tracking spell and effects.

Aenon took the enchanting ring into his hands, his eyes unable to look away. As the cool surface touched his skin, an electric current passed through his body and soul. His Abyssal Armor set that was stored in his inventory felt a pull, as did his mask. Even his twin daggers felt alive from the brief contact. Borin bowed and retreated, letting Aenon put it on.

And as he did, the boosting effects shot up to an extreme. The other ring bearers doubled over from the sudden influx of raw power, even the wolves and Nocthrya unable to contain themselves. A notification popped up.

Conditions for evolution met. Start evolution? Y/N?

He had been suppressing this notification for a while. Seeing no other reason to delay, he acknowledged the prompt. The world paused as dark tendrils crept from the shadows, all heading towards Aenon.

Analyzing Titles, stats, and achievements. Done.

Current Race: Ascended Human.

Starting Evolution. Please Standby.

Absorbing Titles into Evolution.

Cannot Merge: Unfettered Soul, Domain Walker.

The sky suddenly shattered like glass as reality sundered. Aenon felt the void seep into him, its hold deepening. His outer soul space reveled, while the boundaries of his inner soul space were pushed back. Even the runic boundary that limited his potential expanded. He couldn't quite see how far out they went, but Aenon knew his soul space was 128 times larger now.

He pulled up his stat sheet to confirm.

Aenon/Ashryn Fenrast

Race: Ascended Human/Void Touched (M)

Age: 13 years

Level 100

Class: Void Regent (Level 100)

Subclass: Abyssal Warden (Level 100)

HP: 25910

HP Regen: 759.4/min

MP: 28280

MP Regen: 807/min

Stats - Multiplier: 128 x 128 (Unlockable: 2, Duration: 1 hour)

STR: 2591

CON: 3797

DEX: 3578

INT: 2828

WIL: 4036

PER: 3026

Titles (0 points)

Unfettered Soul, Domain Walker (Withheld),

Nature's Attendant (+200 all stats when within 50 meters of sapling)

Skills (Available SP: 556)

Weapons (Unarmed, Daggers, Traps) | Savant

Stealth and Tracking (Woods, Urban) | Savant

Mana Manipulation | Savant

Cooking | Adept

Empty

Empty

Internalized Skills

Identify

Mana Sense

Soul Authority (Unfettered Soul) – Sovereign's Dominion, Soul Beacon, Soul Purge, Soul Syphon

System's Grace

Overclock

The only changes were the additional multiplier, the two extra Skill slots, and the Titles that got absorbed. His updated race didn't really tell him much either. The effect of the multiplier was very apparent, as Aenon found it hard to manage his strength. He realized why they had to put on suppression rings.

As emerged from his own evolution, the entire place was dead silent. The effect of his ring was still too much for everyone. The ring bearers had the bulk of the effect, but even the citizens could feel the boost.

Borin smirked before turning to the audience. "Normally this would be the end of the ceremony, but there is one other thing you need to know. These rings were forged using soul ore, an exceptionally rare material coveted by all. Its value cannot be described easily but know that the amount that went in the forging of these is enough for kingdoms to wage war."

Aenon picked up where he was going with this. He wanted to intervene, but Borin didn't let him.

"And all of it belonged to Lord Fenrast," Borin announced. "The armor I could have forged with it, would have been beyond Mythic rarity. Instead, I was asked to make sixteen rings. Because he chose to outfit his allies first."

Several people gasped, while Aenon felt his ears heat up. Even his inner circle was shocked by the revelation. Aenon didn't see what the big deal was.

"All the facets that have been split, could have been tied to his armor alone. A ruler who truly cares for his subjects to such a degree—I am yet to meet one." Borin held up the last ring he had forged.

Soul Ring of the King | Ring | Mythic | A band forged using soul ore by a savant level crafter, this creation symbolizes potential. Its only function is to draw the effects from the other rings, shrouding the targets in absolute protection. No harm can befall them till all the other ring wielders have fallen.

"Come forward, princess," Borin called warmly.

Talia looked nervous but started walking after some encouragement from Nocthrya. As Borin put on the ring on her finger, an explosion of raw mana shot outwards. Even though Talia was the one to put it on, the effects had enveloped the entire city, and even Nocthrya.

"This city cannot be breached till every one of our ringbearers is dead," Borin declared proudly. "And dare I say, I have never seen a stronger defense than an army of Awakened."

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