Chapter 549 The Game
Steven couldn't figure out what had gone wrong. After absorbing Natasha's essence, he hadn't become nearly as powerful as she had been.
Maybe her recent ascension left her foundation unstable. Or perhaps her stolen power had begun dissipating with her death. Either way, Steven had only captured a fraction of her essence.
Power conversion always came with a cost—he couldn't instantly become a world-destroying Level 5. But even that partial essence had given him a massive boost.
The shelter buzzed with celebration. Everyone believed Steven's newfound strength meant greater safety for them all. But one worry still gnawed at him: the investigation team from Silvercrest District.
They undoubtedly suspected his connection to Otha's death. Once they returned to Blizzard City, they'd report everything about him to their superiors. Not exactly great news.
In the past, his abilities hadn't drawn much attention. Now, though? He'd killed Natasha and absorbed her essence—anyone with half a brain could figure that out. Would Silvercrest District simply ignore someone of his caliber?
They'd eventually send people to recruit him. If he accepted, he might end up like Otha—constantly handling crises, dancing on the edge of death.
If he refused, he'd make powerful enemies. With leadership petty enough to think "if we can't have him, no one can," they might even move against him.
Steven wasn't about to gamble with those odds. He needed to control the situation, and fast. After careful consideration, he decided to lay his cards on the table with the investigation team.
After a brief talk with everyone, he drove alone from the shelter to Frostwood Base, contacting both Sebastian and Theron beforehand.
Sebastian had no objections, of course. His attitude toward Steven was exceptionally warm, almost fawning—not surprising, really. Starlight City was essentially Steven's territory now. The five factions existed in name only, the Snowfall Cult wiped out, the three major bases stripped of fighting power.
With his extraordinary abilities, Steven had undisputedly become Starlight City's ruler. Even Theron spoke with remarkable civility, his words carrying hints of recruitment.
"After all, we're both in Silvercrest District. You'll visit Blizzard City sometime!" Theron smiled. "With Otha gone, we need new blood."
Steven's lips curled into a cold smile. "If your captain died, shouldn't you be looking for a new captain?"
Theron's expression shifted slightly, but he could only laugh awkwardly. "We can discuss this when you arrive."
"Fine. See you then," Steven replied coldly before hanging up.
Back with the investigation team, Theron's brow furrowed with concern. Otha's death had gutted their strength. He'd hoped Steven would fill part of that void—the man was intelligent and had proven himself powerful during the Starlight City battle.
In Blizzard City, resources were allocated based on contribution. Only by maintaining their elite status could they ensure adequate provisions. But Steven's tone revealed his naked ambition—he wanted to be captain.
A newcomer eyeing the captain's position—with formidable abilities, no less—naturally worried Theron. After all, he was next in line after Otha's sacrifice.
"Steven's ambition runs deep," Theron sighed, wondering if they should even let him join. But without Steven, how would they compensate for Otha's loss? As a Psychic approaching Level 5, Otha had been among Blizzard City's top powers. Such individuals were captain-level even in elite teams.
Troubled, Theron entered the room where his team members were recovering.
After days of healing, Lanny's condition had improved, though his hair remained permanently silver-white. The others all carried injuries from the battle with Natasha.
Seeing Theron's grim expression, they asked what was wrong. After a moment's consideration, he shared Steven's implied demand.
"If we want him to join our team, he wants to be captain."
Complex emotions crossed his teammates' faces. Some grew angry, cursing Steven's outsized ambition. Others remained silent, seemingly acknowledging Steven's qualifications.
Theron shrugged, appearing objective. "I think his attitude makes sense. Everyone wants to climb higher, and he was our biggest asset in Starlight City."
"If he wants to be captain, his abilities aren't the issue. But he has no experience with us. Being captain requires more than just power!" He used Otha as an example. "Otha commanded our respect through both ability and character. But Steven? We barely know him."
Lanny couldn't contain himself. "Who does Steven think he is? What gives a newcomer the right to be captain immediately? If he comes, I'm leaving!"
Daron folded his arms. "Is that really what he told you? That's incredibly arrogant."
"In my heart, only Theron deserves to succeed as captain," Leandro stated firmly. "No matter how strong Steven is, he needs to respect our hierarchy."
Rolf frowned silently, while Eris observed without commenting. They knew Theron wanted the position—and had no objections. His abilities and character commanded everyone's respect. But they also hoped Steven would strengthen the team.
Theron smiled dismissively. "Who becomes captain is ultimately leadership's decision. Whether it's me doesn't matter—what's important is our team's future."
"Steven will be here soon," he added. "Let's see what his attitude is really like."
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