Genetic Ascension novel Chapter 2488

Chapter 2488: Beyond the Peak

The teleportation formation appeared in the center of the Nethum Clan’s ancestral hall, and as the golden light faded, Caelren’s corpse materialized upon the polished floor.

Several gazes shifted toward him, but not a single person moved from their seat. Even the elder who had personally sent Caelren into the Creation Tower only frowned for a moment before extending his Will toward the body, examining the remnants of the young man’s shattered Rune Seed.

"His foundation collapsed."

"It seems so. A pity."

The response came from a woman seated nearby, her attention lingering upon the corpse for a moment before returning to the elder. There was no sorrow in her expression, nor did she seem particularly disturbed by the death of someone who shared her bloodline.

Of course, none of them were.

The Nethum Clan had never been a place where familial affection could take precedence over the pursuit of evolution. Every person gathered here had survived the same trials, and many had watched their own brothers and sisters disappear into the lower worlds, never to return.

Caelren’s death was unfortunate, but that was all.

"Third fastest to return in our Clan’s history, yet he couldn’t even survive a few challenges against Sylas Grimblade. It seems we overestimated him."

"I wouldn’t go that far. His talent was genuine, and his Rune Path was quite remarkable for someone of his age. However, I warned him before he left that speed wasn’t everything."

The elder looked toward Caelren’s body and shook his head.

"Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast. He understood the words, but he never truly comprehended their meaning."

"That was inevitable, wasn’t it? He took too much pride in his record. Even after returning to the Clan, the first thing he cared about was how quickly he had accomplished it."

Several members nodded in agreement.

Being the third fastest descendant to return was certainly an impressive achievement, but it wasn’t necessarily the greatest accomplishment a Nethum could claim. There had been countless members throughout their history who had taken far longer to return, some even deliberately delaying their journeys despite possessing the qualifications to come home.

Those extra years weren’t wasted. They were spent consolidating foundations, gathering followers, seeking opportunities, and developing the sort of strength that couldn’t be measured by how quickly someone crossed the distance between two worlds.

And if they wanted an example from the current generation, they didn’t even need to look very far.

"What about Ekear? Has he made any movements?"

"Nothing significant. He’s still gathering his forces, and from the information we’ve received, he has no intention of returning until he’s satisfied with their preparations."

A few expressions brightened.

"That child is quite interesting. To think he was born with a Will strong enough to retain awareness of his origins despite our methods. He knew about the Nethum Clan from practically the moment he entered this world, and yet he hasn’t allowed that knowledge to rush him."

Ekear was certainly an unusual case.

His innate talent had allowed him to circumvent a significant portion of the Clan’s memory suppression, meaning that unlike most of his generation, he had known what awaited him from the very beginning. In theory, this should have given him an enormous advantage in returning to the Poise Heaven.

But had he returned?

No.

He remained within the lower Planes, strengthening his followers and building the forces he intended to bring back with him. The Nethum Clan hadn’t forgotten that their descendants were expected to return with more than personal strength. Their networks, allies, and the people they had gathered would eventually be tested as well.

Every year Ekear spent away from the Clan was another year he could use to prepare for what came afterward.

"That is what Caelren failed to understand. The purpose of our trials has never been to see who can return home the fastest."

"Speaking of which, what about Januar?"

The name caused several of the elders to exchange glances, and even the woman who had appeared uninterested in Caelren’s death leaned forward slightly.

"Still wandering around with that ridiculous typewriter of his, from what I understand."

A low chuckle spread through the hall.

"That brat... He certainly has his own way of doing things. Sometimes I wonder whether he remembers that he’s supposed to return at all."

"He remembers. In fact, I would be surprised if he wasn’t perfectly aware that we’re waiting for him."

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