'Why? Why? Why? Why?' Ivan bit his lips when he saw Clovis bringing the frog back to this camp.
For as long as he remembered, he was the one in the center of attention.
"You're very good, Ivan! How do you even learn that technique?"
"Can you teach me your technique?"
"Ivan, I love you. Will you go out with me?"
The people had been flocking around him before he even awakened. He had learned a lot of techniques, which impressed people.
Eventually, he reached sixteen years old and officially awakened.
"What? 99% evolution rate?"
He still remembered the shocked faces of all the people present during his awakening. He already had a genius reputation since he managed to learn all kinds of techniques. So, when people knew the true value of his evolution rate, his reputation turned to a whole new level.
There were some people who had evolution rates close to his, like Jay. However, they couldn't surpass the rising star, especially an orphan like him.
People could relate to him and use him as an inspiration.
He had gotten used to people flocking around him, but during his first exploration, he met Kanaria.
His first exploration was a mess because he lacked experience. The supplies, the route, and other things were not prepared.
However, in the second exploration, he met her. Kanaria single-handedly took care of everything and became the key to the success of the exploration.
Unlike the others, Kanaria had never bothered with him. In her eyes, he looked like a normal stranger, not related to him.
Even people like Lovelia would lower themselves to him, so this kind of equal relationship struck his heart.
Unfortunately for him, no matter what he did, she never looked at him that way. It was as if she already had someone in her heart.
It might be because of all the praises sung about him that all of it has entered his head. He thought it wouldn't be that hard to make her his.
But that was his biggest mistake.
A few months later, there was this man, Clovis, who ruined everything he had built so far. He appeared out of nowhere, ruined all his plans, and got all the glory.
After the first humiliation, Ivan started hearing all kinds of bad things about him.
"What is this? I guess he has become too complacent about his ability."
"Hahaha. He is too arrogant."
"Is this what they call Star Syndrome? He has been the most talented person in this city, but he has finally found his match."
"That's probably the best description of his current situation."
Ivan didn't care much at first, considering this might be just their lucky day because of that Tier 2 snake.
However, it all changed when President Thomas told him not to do anything to Clovis. For the first time, he was rejected.
He never thought that the president, who had always backed him up no matter what, would actually stop him. Their conversation even turned into a threat.
The seed of hatred began to grow. It then bloomed during the second raid. He was completely obliterated. All the plans failed, and Clovis even forced him to endure the humiliation in front of other explorers.
Even Elina's uncles berated him.
That was when he couldn't leave Clovis alone anymore and chose to take this matter into his own hands. He asked his own connection to eliminate Clovis and set up a position where he could take all the glory.
Sadly, all his efforts were futile. Clovis managed to overcome all the problems presented to him and even got the praise of the people.
When Clovis was pushed off the truck and surrounded by beasts, he was happy. This time, the threat had been removed.
Yet Clovis proved him wrong once more. Not only did he survive, but assassins appeared and disfigured his face.
The people started looking at him in disgust or disdain. They never thought that the greatest genius of the city would be reduced to something .
Even if he managed to gain new members, they were just trying to get a ride before dumping him once they got what they wanted. More importantly, those people were also interested in Clovis but chose to settle on him.
His pride couldn't take it anymore.
That was when Hana appeared.
Such a beautiful, rich, and graceful lady blessed the city with her presence. He thought this might be his next chance to shine.
He was happy when Clovis wasn't included in the list. Yet Clovis somehow managed to enter the expedition team.
Even President Thomas was frustrated of his existence. He tried to stop him from going by using the police, but to no avail. For some reasons, his evolution rate changed.
Hence, they resorted to the backup plabyby spreading the rumor about him. At first, it looked like the rumor succeeded as the people were suspicious of Clovis.
However, it all changed the moment he dragged the Tier 3 Beelzebufo into the camp. In addition, he even shared the meat and the video, changing everyone's opinion.
Clovis even roused the spirits of the participants by helping them.
Because of these, they began to suspect the rumor. Obviously, their first target was him, who had a grudge against Clovis.
"He might be the one who did it since he had a grudge."
"Yeah. What a shame. To think that the genius has fallen this low."
"Unlike him, Clovis is actually a good person who is strong and generous. He is able to see the bigger picture and doesn't care about the rift between us."
He kept hearing all those praises and comparisons.
When he saw Clovis's nonchalant expression, it was like a slap on his face. It was the same as others. Those expressions were implying that he didn't care about him like a significant ant.
Ivan couldn't help but clench his fists.
'Just you all wait. I will show you all tomorrow…' Ivan's eyes were filled with bloodlust as he was planning to hunt these Tier 3 beasts no matter the cost.