Evolution’s Grace was so absurdly overpowered that Evan still struggled to believe it came from a first?tier extract.

  There had to be deeper secrets behind it, but he was far too weak right now to investigate.

  He continued sorting through the memories that had resurfaced in his mind…

  After Liam Zhao gained Evolution’s Grace, he was ecstatic.

  Only then did he confess everything to his father, Elias Zhao — a classic “act first, explain later.”

  By then, Liam was already wanted nationwide, but he believed his powerful father would save him.

  With things already out of control, Elias had no choice.

  He devised the plan: create a clone, let the clone take the fall, fake Liam’s death, and smuggle him out of the country.

  Elias instructed Liam to hide, digest Princess Seraphine’s extract, intensify his training, strengthen his body, and prepare to absorb a fourth extract to complete his first evolution.

  Once the clone was executed, Liam would be sent abroad.

  The memories ended there.

  The rest was trivial.

  Evan stopped reviewing and pulled out the documents from the bag.

  An ID card.

  The photo looked 80–90% like Liam, but the name was different:

  Ken Chen.

  A brand?new identity arranged by Elias Zhao.

  There was also a passport under the same name, complete with a visa for the neighboring country of Rovan.

  So Elias had already prepared everything to send Liam across the border.

  Evan put the documents away and stared out at the shifting city lights—

  then suddenly froze.

  A critical problem hit him.

  This clone body was created half a month ago.

  He had none of Liam’s memories from the past two weeks.

  And in those two weeks…

  Had Liam absorbed the fourth extract?

  Had he completed his first evolution?

  If Liam had already evolved, Evan’s impersonation would fall apart instantly.

  He hadn’t evolved.

  He didn’t have Liam’s fourth skill.

  He would be exposed sooner or later.

  And right on cue, Zhang Fante, driving the car, glanced at him through the rearview mirror and said in a rare attempt at comfort:

  “Don’t worry. Becoming a Chrysalis?tier evolutionist at seventeen, with three top?tier first?level skills… even in Rovan, you’ll be treated as a prodigy.”

  If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  Evan’s heart sank.

  Liam really had evolved.

  The first three evolution stages were collectively called Transcendent?tier, named after the metamorphosis of insects:

  Chrysalis → Cocoonbreak → Butterfly.

  Four evolutions and above were Saint?tier.

  And someone like Evan, who had never evolved, was still Mortal?tier.

  The gap between Mortal?tier and Chrysalis?tier was massive.

  If he ever had to fight in front of Zhang Fante or Elias Zhao, he’d be exposed instantly.

  He could only hope Elias would send him out of the country quickly.

  Once he reached Rovan and left Elias’s line of sight, he wouldn’t have to worry about being exposed.

  He needed to find a chance to complete his first evolution as soon as possible.

  ——

  The car sped through the capital’s early?morning streets.

  Once they entered downtown, neon lights flickered, drunken youths staggered along the sidewalks, and scantily dressed women lingered under streetlamps.

  Arden’s capital, Crestfall City, had a lively nightlife.

  The Zhao family owned many businesses here, both openly and secretly.

  Zhang Fante drove into a narrow alley, stopping at a quiet courtyard tucked away from the noise.

  He parked.

  Evan was about to get out when he noticed Zhang hadn’t unlocked the doors.

  Instead, he lowered the window.

  Outside, a distinguished middle?aged man with graying temples approached.

  Elias Zhao.

  “The warden of Ironhold called me,” Elias said calmly. “He claims you caused quite a commotion.”

  “There was an accident,” Evan replied. “But I took care of the loose ends.”

  Elias nodded, unconcerned.

  A few dead death?row inmates meant nothing to him.

  He had already appeased the warden with promises of increased funding next year and agreed to help cover up the incident.

  “I’ve arranged a private jet at Crestfall Airport. It’ll take you to Blackrock City. From there, you’ll drive into Rovan. Once you arrive, find General Yemuni — an old friend of mine. He’ll take care of your studies and living arrangements.”

  He paused.

  “Work hard there. Strive to become a Saint?tier evolutionist as soon as possible. With Evolution’s Grace, even the King won’t be able to threaten you. You’ll return to Arden openly one day.”

  Evan’s heart leapt.

  He was sending him away now?

  Perfect.

  Once he left the Zhao family’s reach, he wouldn’t have to worry about being exposed.

  Evan nodded eagerly.

  “I won’t slack off. I’ll become a Saint?tier evolutionist as fast as I can.”

  If this were Liam, he would’ve taken the chance to sweet?talk his father, strengthen their bond, maybe even shed a tear.

  But Evan couldn’t.

  He might share the Zhao family’s blood, but Elias hadn’t raised him — he’d planned to execute him as a scapegoat.

  Evan would never acknowledge such a man as his father.

  A person needed dignity and boundaries.

  Then Elias pulled out a bank card and handed it to him.

  “You’ll need money abroad. I deposited two hundred million in this account. The password is your birthday. Ask me if you need more.”

  “Thank you, Dad!”

  Evan accepted the card with heartfelt sincerity.

  He was a clone with no parents.

  Recognizing a rich dad wasn’t too much to ask.

  “Go. Don’t waste time.”

  Elias waved him off, then turned to Zhang Fante.

  “Fante, I’ll be counting on you to look after Liam from now on.”

  “Minister, your kindness to me is immeasurable. This is my duty,” Zhang replied solemnly.

  Evan suddenly froze.

  Wait.

  Something was wrong.

  Zhang Fante…

  was going with him?

  And would continue protecting him even after they reached Rovan?

  Evan’s heart tightened again.

  Zhang Fante could protect him —

  but he could also kill him.

  If Evan was exposed as a clone, he wouldn’t even have time to run.

  And exposure was inevitable.

  He couldn’t avoid fighting in front of Zhang forever.

  Damn it.

  Out of the wolf’s den…

  and straight into the tiger’s jaws.

  Evan finally escaped Ironhold… only to discover his “freedom” comes with a personal bodyguard who could snap him in half if he ever slips. Evolution’s Grace might be a blessing, but traveling with a Butterfly?tier babysitter feels like walking with a loaded gun pointed at your back.

  What do you think —

  If you were Evan, would you trust Zhang Fante, or would you start planning an escape route already?

  Tell me your take. I’m curious how many of you think Evan can keep this act going.