"Oh...?"

The more Montez learned about this little mink the more curious he became.

From what he knew, Shadow World was an extremely exclusive and legendary ability of Shadow Magic users. The fact this little mink had it meant that it wasn't limited in the Shadow abilities it could use, whether it was the magic system's offensive, defensive, evasive, or auxiliary abilities, he could learn them all.

"A good chance that this little one could indeed..." Montez mumbled.

"A good chance? For what?"

Montez smiled mysteriously. "Every world has its own Champions. The Champion of the humans is the wielder of the World Spirit. But, when it comes to newly evolved worlds like yours, beasts are at a great disadvantage... Did you think that the universe just favored humanoid creatures? Of course beasts have their own opportunities.

"Whether or not you can find out more will depend on yourself and this little one."

Leonel's gaze sparkled but didn't ask anymore.

"This vial is from the Dark Illusion Mouse. It's a creature especially known for its speed and evasive maneuvers. It has the ability to disappear in the shadows and become incorporeal. This falls within the Movement Branch of Shadow Magic.

"This vial is from the Purple Red-Eyed Spider. It's known for its corrosive energy. This falls within the Attack Branch of Shadow Magic and specifically within the Corrosive Force Sub-Branch.

"This vial is from the Prowling ..."

Leonel listened to Montez seriously.

Of the vials, one focused on the Mimicry Branch, one of the Movement Branch, two of the Offensive Branch, and the final was a special case that could fit in the Attack and Defensive Branch.

Leonel had thought he would settle on the Mimicry Branch the moment he heard about it. This was because the little mink seemed to have already awakened a like ability. Plus, the little guy's attack wasn't lacking.

But, after he heard about the final beast, the Undying Abyss Bear, he hesitated.

The Bear had a special evolution of Dark Elemental Force that carried some characteristics of a Blackhole. It allowed attacks to be easily nullified, giving it great defenses. But, it likewise had a devastating attack as a result.

It was a hard decision, but Leonel ultimately decided upon the Mimicry Branch.

His reasoning was simple. Choosing the Undying Abyss Bear blood would be like cornering the little mink's future progress, while the Mimicry Branch was the exact opposite.

If Leonel made the foundation of the little mink's ability mimicry, it would lay a foundation that could deviate with endless possibilities. However, if he chose the blood of the Undying Abyss Bear, it would lock in the little mink's Dark Elemental Force to a certain type unless the blood was purged.

"Hutch, I suggest you put the blade away."

A man whose momentum seemed no less than Hutch stood opposing him. Monet and Violet Rain had already exited, but judging by the fact no others had come with them, it was clear that everyone else had died.

However, according to these women, Leonel was just fine.

Hutch had stormed to this place the moment he heard about the actions Monet took behind his back that day. But, by then, they had already long since entered the Zone so he could only wait.

Unfortunately, his movements had alerted others. And, this matter only blew up further after it was found out that several promising geniuses and Commanders had died within the Zone, one of which actually personally died at Leonel's hand.

On the sidelines, Badger stood with reddened eyes, the rain soaking him all the way through. When he heard that Mayfly had died, it hit him like a ton of bricks. Any hatred he held for not being allowed to enter the Zone had been transferred toward his hatred for Leonel. He wanted nothing more than to rip him limb from limb.

"Oh? And are you going to take my blade from me, Catris? Come and take it!"

Catris' face darkened. His standing was no less than Hutch's, a retired Supreme. So, why would he fear him?

"I think it's best you think about your next steps carefully." Catris practically growled, his figure seemingly growing by a size beneath his billowing aura. "Others are already dissatisfied with you. Do you think you can just boot an appointed Supreme from their position just because you feel like it? Did you already forget what happened all those years ago?"

Hutch's aura sharpened and he sneered a toothy grin.

"It seems that my machete hasn't tasted blood in so long that some people really think they can talk to me however it is they want. I'll let you choose. Would you rather lose your left or right arm? Or would you prefer to lose a leg?"

Hutch's blood thirsty aura caused those spectating members of the Slayer Legion who had been tasked with protecting the island to feel as though their blood had frozen over.

It was then that the whirring of the Zone suddenly caught everyone's attention.

At that moment, a teenage boy dressed in rags stepped out, his bronze hair becoming practically the only light in this dark atmosphere.

The boy yawned. He seemed to genuinely be tired and couldn't be bothered by what was happening around him.

When he wiped the tears from his eyes enough to clear his vision, he saw that he had been surrounded.

"Oh? Hey, old man."

The boy smiled.

Who else could it be if not Leonel Morales?