Evolving My Undead Legion In A Game-Like World

Chapter 603: Jester

Staring at Jester’s “smiling” face on a body that looked like a younger version of himself, Michael couldn’t help but recall some of their earlier conversations from a few hours ago.

After hearing Jester describe the state of the clone in cultivation terms, Michael finally pieced together why it had turned out the way it did.

The dark element made sense. It had been his dominant affinity since the very beginning, one that had only grown stronger the further he advanced. But the second element… that was likely tied to his recent comprehension of water. That insight had deepened his connection to the element, raising his affinity to an impressive level—so much so that it stood just below his dark affinity.

From the way things were shaping up, Michael suspected that if he studied the water element further, its spirit root might evolve into a heaven-grade root. And if he pursued it to the extreme, even his dark element could reach the fabled supreme grade.

The same logic applied to his other elements. If he nurtured and refined them properly, his next clone creation could surpass this one entirely.

Michael voiced the thought aloud, suggesting to Jester that it might be better to wait for the next attempt. But because his tone was casual—more a discussion than a command—Jester was free to offer his own opinion in return.

“Master… to think not only could you create copies of your marvelous self, but you can casually grant them such treasures.” His tone dripped with something between admiration and hunger. “Tell me truly—are you sure you are not a god already?”

Michael didn’t answer, his expression flat.

Jester didn’t seem to mind the silence. He pressed on smoothly.

“Still, more spirit roots is not always better. Do not be deceived by the shine of quantity. In the cultivation world, there were many with multi-roots who ended as wastes—forced to abandon them because one was too low in grade, or because their cultivation speed was slowed, or simply because they lacked an art to harmonize them.”

“Even among Li Yang’s vast recollections, there were not many arts that used many elements at once. But there was one art, dark and water together and it could go all the way to the nascent soul stage. It was an opportunity he got from a ruin when he was still alive. And for this vessel to bear those exact roots…”

From their earlier conversations, Michael already understood that this so-called “Nascent Soul Stage” Jester referred to corresponded loosely to his own Awakener Rank 3 stage.

“If Master also wishes to give me a better body in the future, then that is not a bad thought,” he said, his tone almost thoughtful. “But to me, this vessel feels… correct. A body with too many elemental roots is not exactly perfect at times. This one, with only two elements, carries harmony. It is not excessive, it is balanced. That is why I believe it is the perfect body for me.”

Michael arched his brow slightly.

Such a bold undead.

“Perhaps it is because I’m following the path of cultivation,” Jester continued, his words smooth and deliberate. “For those of us on this system, the grade of the spirit root matters more than the number.”

It was then that understanding came to Michael.

It wasn’t that having many elemental spirit roots was bad for Jester, but rather that the cultivation power system simply didn’t require it.

If it had been a magic-based system, however, possessing more elements would have been better than relying on just one.

This wasn’t a matter of which path was superior.

It was a matter of what suited the person walking it.

To Jester, having just this two spirit roots was perfect for it.

*

“Jester?”

The two women of Michael’s family muttered in unison as they looked at the miniature version of Michael standing before them.

“What a weird name.” Lily, after recovering from her initial surprise, was blunt as always.

“Michael, who’s… what?” Aunt Mia asked uncertainly. She didn’t quite know how to phrase the question. Should she say who is this? But Michael had already given a name, so perhaps what was the more accurate question.

Fortunately, Michael spared her the struggle.

“Remember, I just spoke to you about my undead, right?”

In the end, Michael gave them a roundabout explanation. He told them that due to a particular skill, one of his undead had evolved in an unexpected way.

For some reasons he couldn’t quite say, he wanted it to remain here with them before he needed it.

It wasn’t the complete truth, but it was enough to ease their doubts.

Michael’s voice softened a fraction as he added, “Treat Jester like you would any other human. He may be one of my undead, but now he has a body of his own. For the sake of appearances, he has to blend in. If I wasn’t pressed for time, I’d have already registered him in school, but since I can’t, I’ll leave this matter to you, Aunt.”

Aunt Mia’s brows lifted slightly, surprise flickering in her expression. Then she nodded slowly, accepting the responsibility with the calm steadiness she always showed when it came to family. Still, she asked, “Then what name should we give him?”

Michael hesitated for a brief moment. His gaze lingered on the boy’s face—so similar to his own. Then he gave the answer. “Jester Norman.”

At the name, Jester’s lips curved faintly.

“Don’t worry, Master. I’ll make sure to protect your family,” Jester said to Michael through their mind link.

This was the main reason Michael had brought Jester into the main world. Though the body it inhabited was still weak, “Jester” itself wasn’t weak.

Compared to the previous “security,” Jester was many times stronger.

But security wasn’t the only reason. Michael also figured Jester could help fill the void in the family after his departure, while at the same time overseeing Lily’s training as it trained itself.

After Lily successfully lit up her life seed, Michael already planned to evolve her. If she didn’t slack off, he was certain that by the new year she would reach her breaking point—and that was less than four months away.

Before then, however, he needed to test evolving some life specimens first, before attempting it on his cousin.