RE: Evolution System

Listening to what Salazar said, Ashley snorted at him.

Her confidence in Javier had already reached a new level—she was certain she wouldn't be captured as long as she stayed near him.

Javier looked at the two bodyguards standing beside Salazar. They were creations of one of Salazar's servants, Verdugo.

Javier could easily assume he would probably lose if he had to fight them unarmed.

After Salazar left, many cultists appeared in the castle and began surrounding Javier and his group.

"We need to get out of here first and find Salazar. We don't know how many people are in the castle. Let's move quickly." Javier began to retreat with everyone while shooting.

The castle was enormous. Javier and his team moved through it, eliminating several cultists along the way.

Eventually, they found an elevator inside a room. They took it down, and it stopped at the castle's basement.

There, they saw that the entire bottom of the castle had been excavated. There were mines and mining equipment everywhere, and several underground villages appeared to house miners.

Salazar's ancestors were the first to discover the Las Plagas parasite, but upon realizing the horror it represented, they buried it beneath the castle. Salazar, a dwarf with a minor intelligence issue, was easily deceived by Sadler and ordered the villagers to unearth the parasite.

When the miners saw Javier and his companions, they drew their weapons and attacked. Some even carried explosives.

To avoid being buried alive, Javier and his group swiftly eliminated them all.

They reached a minecart track and jumped into a cart, speeding along the trail. The minecart raced through the underground system before finally stopping at the end of the line.

After disembarking, they found another elevator. It took them up to the highest point of the castle, where a large door awaited.

Javier opened the door and entered. Inside was a long corridor. At its center was a massive nest that resembled a wasp hive.

Suddenly, an insect flew toward Ashley from behind. Javier, already alert to danger, immediately rushed to her, pulled her into his arms, and shot the creature mid-air.

After that Novistador died, more swarmed out of the hallway and the nest. Javier and his group began firing, bringing them down mid-flight.

Javier released Ashley and shot at the nest. The blast broke the floor beneath it, causing the nest to fall into the chasm below.

The castle's foundations had been deeply excavated, and magma was visible in some sections. It could be said the entire castle was hollow—any earthquake would bring it crumbling down.

When the insect nest fell, it revealed a hidden passage. The group followed the corridor and exited the area.

They emerged into a walkway that connected to another high building.

Crossing the passage, they arrived at the building's entrance. After opening the door and stepping inside, they saw no monsters—but in the center stood a massive statue. Everyone recognized it instantly: it was a statue of Salazar.

"This guy is so narcissistic," Leon said with a smirk. It almost seemed like Salazar became angry at the comment.

The statue began to move. "Run!" Javier shouted, grabbing Ashley and sprinting away. As the statue advanced, the building began to collapse.

Everyone followed Javier, running as fast as they could, with the giant statue close behind.

They escaped the hall just in time, and the building completely collapsed behind them. But the statue emerged from the rubble, continuing its pursuit.

Due to its immense weight, the bridge ahead gave way, and the statue plunged into the depths below. The group seized the opportunity and rushed toward the final high-rise structure.

Looking back at the collapsing castle, Javier thought bitterly that if Salazar's ancestors were alive, they would strangle him to death for being such a loud, foolish idiot.

They quickly entered the tall building.

"Welcome, all. You've arrived at the perfect time. I want to express my respect for your strong will," Salazar said, standing at an altar and addressing them.

"What's this guy up to now?" Leon asked, intrigued.

Salazar then raised his arms atop the altar. Behind him, a massive plant was revealed.

As he finished speaking, the plant opened its mouth and swallowed Salazar and his two bodyguards. The group immediately raised their weapons and took aim.

Moments later, the plant's mouth opened again—Salazar had fused with the creature. He now looked even more grotesque, yet he was still laughing.

"Let me show you my power!" he shouted. Tentacles sprouted from his body, attacking the group.

Everyone opened fire, targeting the tentacles.

Javier, not wanting to waste any time, pulled out a rocket launcher and fired directly at Salazar.

Salazar screamed as the plant attached to him began to wither. Deprived of nutrients, his body shrank.

The massive plant oxidized and crumbled to dust, and Salazar fell to the ground. At that point, he no longer had legs—only his upper torso remained. He was on the verge of death.

Javier and the others approached him.

"Don't get cocky... Lord Sadler will avenge me," Salazar rasped.

Javier raised his pistol and shot him in the head.

With Salazar dealt with, the group left. On the way, they found Luis, but his condition was critical. He was lying on the floor, covered in blood.

Leon rushed to help and attempted to bandage him, but Javier realized it was futile. Luis's chest had been pierced, leaving a gaping hole.

There was no way he could survive.

"You don't need to do that, Leon…" Luis said weakly, cutting him off. "Sadler... he took the sample... you have to recover it." With those final words, Luis died.

(End of Chapter)

I intend to return with the normal updates, guys, but don't be surprised if I end up not posting anything for a day, a lot is happening lately. Also, I've noticed that my immunity is low; I am getting sick very easily.

"Hmph. If you really want to be useful, then entertain me, try to throw those pathetic power stones at me. Let's see if even your insolence can amuse a king."