Genetic Ascension novel Chapter 6

Chapter 6 Only One

"Anyway, this old man has already properly vented." Magnus patted Sylas' shoulder. "This isn't what I came here to talk to you about. Instead, I want to speak to you about the Bronze Stele. You are sharp, I'm sure you've already realized…"

"That there's only one?" Sylas finished.

Magnus' smile widened, his teary eyes flashing with pride. He loved his family dearly, and this grandson of his never failed to impress him.

"Indeed. There is only one. There will only be one City Lord, and the choice will only come from those three. Even if I hadn't made that mistake all those years ago, it would be your father, and not you, that would have an opportunity to compete for this chance."

Sylas nodded. He wasn't surprised.

The president of the United Coalition of Terranova had a minimum cut-off age of 35 years old. According to the science, Sylas' brain had only recently stopped growing, and he didn't have nearly enough life experience yet. Plus, while he was a tenured professor at such a tender age, what was that compared to three billionaires?

If the Browns only had one City Stele, and they were going to put their hopes in someone, even if it wasn't someone of the immediate family, it definitely wouldn't be someone as young as Sylas.

Magnus chuckled. He knew that his grandson had a great deal of self-pride; it was reflected in the way he was so strict with himself and in his discipline. But he was also logical to a fault. He wouldn't be mad about something like this even though Magnus knew Sylas only had one thought in his mind right now…

'I'm definitely the best choice.'

"I can tell you what the plans of the family are in advance and you can make the choice for yourself. If you go off on your own, though, I'm sure you can understand the consequences. This is a matter of life and death, so the punishment for dissension will be proportional."

Sylas nodded. Even if Sylas proved himself to be a talent, the family would want him to consolidate under them and help. If he placed his efforts elsewhere, it would be as good as going against them.

"The City Stele is the most valuable commodity in the Ascension Realm. The most common of them are actually just titled "Common City Stele". Over 99% of cities will be like this."

"Is that the reason for the buffers?" Sylas asked.

"Yes. The Bronze City Stele is an upgrade, so it receives more territory per level, more residents, etcetera.

"However, the trial to gain one is excessive and heavy. For the Grimblade Lineage to gain one of the Bronze grade, it required a sacrifice they weren't willing to make until it was already clear that we would fail our sixth attempt."