Chapter 464: Heartbeat

*Thump!*

Another sound wave rippled across the air, confirming the already rising suspicion, that something extraordinary was happening.

Yet, it didn't give time to residents of Haven to process what was happening, a moment later it came again.

*Thump!* *Thump!*

This time, it came with even more ferocity and an increased rhythm. Once again confirming that something momentous, something going against the very laws of the universe was going down. 

A taboo, a forbidden evolution was nearing its completion. 

*Thump!* *Thump!*

Once more, the rhythmic heartbeats traversed the air. As the realization hit him, Aiden could no longer stay still. His attention focused on the direction of the ziggurat in the distance, he was grinning with excitement.

"Young Master… Is it… time?" Thuk asked his gaze following his Master's. 

"[Orc] Is it time to meet our newest sister?" Roas asked as well, his voice trembling, his figure shaking with the sheer joy. Another one that his master pulls to his side, another one that would now share the secrets they all knew.

Another sister, another sibling to their growing family.

"Yes, it is time." Aiden nodded, his grin stretching his face wide. 

*Thump!* *Thump!*

Just as the next round of sound waves reached them, Aiden could no longer sit still. He was about to jolt into a charge, but before that, he waved at his servants.

"Come guys, let's meet her!"

He exclaimed,  just as his figure vanished from its spot only to reappear several steps away. He was charging, rushing towards the distance, even going as far as activating his [Mystic Martial Arts] skill to further enhance his body and leaving only a blurry streak as he bolted towards his emerging Master.

It didn't take long for the group to arrive in front of the ziggurat, where the stationed guards were already standing at full attention, holding their spears in front of their bodies shakily, unsure of what they should be doing.

Suddenly, a faint golden light seeped out from the small cracks of the ziggurat's walls, as another heartbeat resonated within the air.

*Thump!* *Thump!*

The shockwave was even more powerful this time. Maybe because they were right at the center, or perhaps Number 3's evolution has reached its completion and she was now ready to break away the thick layer of protective, solidified energy-made shell, and step into the light once more.

Following the latest heartbeats, a peculiar change happened. The air itself surrounding the ziggurat has changed, causing the guards to heavily cough and to be forced to take a step back, walking out of its reach, lest they would lose their consciousness.

On the other hand, Aiden and his servants found the quality of the air to be much higher as if something new, something… familiar was now added to the mix.

Aiden only needed a single moment to realize; this air was vastly similar to that of the underground sanctum beneath the Orc Camp's tower! 

"Soul Power!" He exclaimed with surprise as he felt the reinvigorating effects in his body. At the same time, his servants felt unlike ever before. The air felt cooler, even fresher than it already was… but most importantly, they felt that their dwindling used up stamina, their reserves were slowly, gradually being refilled. The daily wear and tear, the drowsiness was slowly being washed away, restoring them to their daily peak states.

*Thump!* *Thump!*

Once again, the rippling sound waves pushed even more of the underlying energies towards the surface and were transforming the area into something habitable only to those that could handle the much higher quality energy filling the air.

Knowing the dangers this could mean to the average citizenry, Aiden turned towards his servants. Flashing a serious outlook, he commanded them.

"Stay outside and guard the perimeter. Do not let anybody approach, as it could be dangerous to them! Also, send the guards away, there is no need for them any longer."

"[Orc] Yes, Young Master!"

"[Goblin] At your command!" 

They exclaimed, rushing to their places in such a manner that one could think that it was already practiced beforehand. Each one of them took one side of the structure, pushing the guards and the approaching crowd away. Their cold stature, their terrifying presence served more than enough warning to keep the curious eyes away.

Giving it a moment, Aiden waited for the next round of heartbeats to arrive before taking a step forward. 

He didn't need to wait long, but just a few seconds, as the beats were gradually increasing in power and in intensity as well.

*Thump!* *Thump!*

Inhaling the gradually thickening air and filling his lungs with the restorative energies, Aiden didn't falter any longer, and walked towards the entrance of the ziggurat, while focusing his attention towards the direction where the egg should be placed. He had to admit, his servants did a splendid job at erecting such a building and even going as far as to create a quick underground chamber and place the egg inside it in such a short time. 

Though the building lacked any of the runic carvings or real enhancements, some faint traces of magic could be felt coming from its walls.

As soon as he stepped inside, Aiden felt as if he stepped into another world entirely. The air was even thicker, the [Soul Power] was much more intense than just on the outside. It was as if a magical barrier, a thin layer of membrane covered the structures, a filter that forced most of the highly tense, and empowering traits to stay within the stone walls and not let it go to waste and waft away with the gentle breezes outside.

Aiden felt an increasing familiarity as he took his time to get used to this peculiarity. Still, it would be a lie to say that he didn't enjoy it, that he didn't feel comfortable. No, it just filled his mind with thoughts, desires to spend time in the future in trying to replicate these effects and create a ground, a territory for him and his growing family of evolved entities.

Taking only a couple of short moments Aiden took a look around, taking in the inner design of the structure. Small carvings of a figure, that though it was a rough, crude representation, he could still guess that it was supposed to be himself filled the walls all around. 

Taking a few steps inside and leaving the entrance, Aiden found himself in a short and slim corridor. Immediately, he was met with a stone stairway that would have led him higher, towards the top of the structure whilst a dark entrance was looking ominously at his way from the opposite end. 

As if waiting for him only, as soon as his golden eyes glanced towards the eerie darkness, a faint golden light glimmered from its depths, followed by the now-familiar beat coming from the Evolutionary Cocoon.

*Thump!* *Thump!*

With the growing giddiness and excitement, Aiden was barely able to contain himself, as he slowly paced towards the far end of the small hallway. His mind was filled with questions and theories about what he would be witnessing in just a few moments. 

What had come of Number 3? What did the artificial addition of a Monster Core made her turn out to be? 

There was one dreadful thought, making Aiden be slightly wary and careful as he got closer to the staircase leading down towards her chamber: Would she retain her sanity and continue to be his Master and family, or would she turn out to be an amalgamation, a monstrous entity?

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