The Evolution of Genius: Every Night, I Get Smarter!-Chapter 85: The Architect

"Lilian Veri?" I muttered to myself, bewildered. Memories from the Celebration of the Able Price flooded my mind. What was she doing here?

As if reading my thoughts, Lilian Veri approached us. "Max! It’s unbelievable that I can meet you again in such a random place.,", she smiled, "For now, let’s explore the house, shall we?"

I was extremely confused. Unable to contain my curiosity, I asked, "Lilian, what are you doing here? Are you working a side job or something?"

Her smile remained, but a hint of sincerity appeared in her eyes. "Well, yes. Being a Professor doesn’t pay as much as one might think. So, I’ve ventured into real estate. I even surprised myself, but I enjoy helping people find their dream homes."

I didn’t believe a single word. "That’s quite the career switch."

She chuckled, "Real estate has its charm, you know? Now, come. We can talk later."

Oliv and Veronica exchanged curious glances, but I agreed as if nothing unusual had happened.

We headed back to our car, and Lilian Veri briefed our driver on the address and entered her car. We took off, following her car closely behind.

In the car, Veronica couldn’t help but ask, "Max, do you know her?"

I hesitated for a moment before responding, "Yeah, we met after the Celebration of the Able Price."

We continued to tail Lilian Veri’s car through the city streets, eventually reaching the outskirts of Mainz.

Standing before us was a large two-story house, blending modern, minimalistic style with contemporary elements. The façade featured a captivating mix of sleek lines and red bricks. Large windows invited ample natural light into the interior.

As we stepped out of our car, the scent of blooming flowers filled the air coming from the entrance, which was adorned with a tasteful arrangement of greenery.

Lilian Veri exited her car and led us towards the entrance.

Inside the mansion, the atmosphere was as captivating as its exterior. The spacious living room featured contemporary furniture, with a perfect blend of comfort and style.

Large windows provided panoramic views of the surrounding greenery, creating a seamless connection between the interior and the lush outdoors.

Through the expansive windows in the living room, the sleek design of the swimming pool caught our eyes.

As we were walking through the mansion, Oliv and Veronica playfully jumped on the bed in one of the bedrooms.

Oliv, mid-jump, teased, "Max, you should join us! We need to test the durability of the bed, you know?"

I chuckled, "Let’s not break anything before we even move in."

Veronica, bouncing on the bed, added, "This place is amazing! Can you make a pool party once you settle in?"

Lilian Veri, observing the lively scene, couldn’t help but smile. "It’s a fantastic property, indeed. And about the pool party. As long as you purchase the property, why not?"

Lilian Veri maintained her professionalism, gracefully guiding us through each area.

We reconvened in a cozy sitting area, "Now, let’s discuss the details," Lilian Veri began, presenting the price with a well-prepared overview of the property. After a brief negotiation, we all agreed, and the transaction moved forward smoothly.

The final price ended up being 1,900,000€.

When I was signing the papers, Lilian Veri’s ringing phone interrupted the moment.

Apologetically, she said, "I’m sorry, one moment," and walked aside to answer the call.

While she engaged in the conversation, Olivia, Veronica, and I exchanged curious glances. The muffled sound of her voice hinted at a serious discussion.

And that’s when I found myself glancing at the papers once more. The name "Lilian Veri" stood out, and suddenly, it hit me. How had I not realized it earlier?

"Veri... Somnus Veri," I muttered to myself, the connection forming in my mind.

My gaze lingered on Lilian Veri, and memories from the Celebration of the Able Price flooded back. She has been asking me about the Quantum World back then. Who was she?

As if sensing my contemplation, Lilian Veri approached me with the phone still held in her hand. "Max, could you come aside for a second? The person on the phone would like to talk with you."

I looked at her with a mix of surprise and curiosity, "Okay. Sure."

There was more to Lilian Veri than met the eye.

I stood up, seized the phone from Liliana’s hand, and cautiously approached the entrance door.

I brought the phone to my ear and asked, "Yes. Who is it?"

A momentary pause, and then an unsettling sound could be heard from the other side. My nerves tingled with apprehension as I strained to discern if it was a recording, a malicious prank, or perhaps...

Perplexed, I cautiously repeated, "I’m sorry? Who is it?"

The voice on the other end responded, "It’s me. I am Maximillian Sullivan."

I was as if momentarily suspended in time, staring at a wall. This wasn’t just a baseless claim; The voice I heard... the voice was eerily identical to mine.

Disturbed and unnerved, I moved outside of the house, closing the door behind me, and then continued the conversation with... with myself?

Stammering, I questioned, "What... what do you mean, Maximillian Sullivan?" The absurdity of the situation left me questioning reality.

The voice on the other side changed.

It was no longer mine.

Another chilling tone, a sinister laughter that sent tremors down my spine. A voice proclaimed, "It is precisely as you have perceived. He is Maximilian Sullivan, but fear not, Max. You needn’t harbor concerns. Our Max stands in a league unparalleled, a realm uniquely his own."

Disturbed, I demanded, "Who are you?"

The sinister voice responded, "I am a Zytherian.", then he said sarcastic-like, "Oh, Max. I’m so sorry for you. Your team is so clueless... It’s not too late to just resign. Intelligence isn’t supposed to be wasted like this. All this time, and they haven’t been able to make contact with our boy."

I demanded, "What do you mean, your boy? What is this all about?"

The Zytherian answered with an ecstatic voice, "Max, I express my deepest gratitude. I sincerely want to thank you and those unfortunate associates you collaborate with. The Zytherians are ready for the next step. The Architects! Their satisfaction is assured!", he laughed loudly, "Now, it’s time for me to tell you..."

"MAXIMILLIAN! Stop! Do not listen!" as the Zytherian was about to continue, I heard a loud yell from the side. I turned my head, and there stood a man in a familiar pink suit.

It was The Lord; he held a device in his hand that sliced through the air, sending shockwaves that shattered the phone I gripped tightly.

As I stared at The Lord in shock, his expression transformed before me. Initially, anger and frustration contorted his face, his jaw clenched, and his fist tightened.

Yet, gradually, his demeanor shifted into one of sadness and resignation. His eyes carried the weight of a burden as he slowly let go of the intense rage.

"What the hell is happening?", I asked him.

"Who gave you the phone!?", The Lord demanded to know.

I replied, "It was Miss Liliana Veri. She had just sold me the house."

The Lord, visibly distressed, began pacing back and forth, while looking at his watch.

He brought his hands to his forehead and muttered, "They just keep finding those ways that I don’t understand..."

Frustrated and concerned, I urged The Lord to disclose what was truly happening. "You should tell me exactly what is going on."

However, The Lord looked at me as if I were foolish, and his frustration erupted into anger. "That was exactly what we needed to avoid! You shouldn’t know! Do you understand?!" he shouted.

Contemplating the situation, I recognized that I needed to become more active. The urgency of the moment struck me. Even if withholding details might be beneficial, there was no time for hesitation.

From this point onward, I realized the need to seize control over all of this.

I approached The Lord, grabbed him by the shoulder, and pressed for answers, "First of all, why the fuck is there more than one of me?"

The Lord met my gaze, and after a brief pause, he began to reveal with a solemn expression. "It is not merely the existence of multiple versions of you," he declared. "Each cluster represents an iteration. The clusters, though evolving uniquely, are bound by symmetry where events unfold in a strikingly parallel fashion."

I instinctively brought my hand to my forehead, uttering, "Oh man, oh man. I am so done with this..."

Trying to grasp the situation, I questioned, "Jumping can only be performed between yours and your other body, then? And who are The Architects?"

The Lord, fixated on the house I had just purchased, stepped inside without hesitation.

I urgently shouted, "Wait! What are you doing?!" ƒгeewёbnovel.com

Oliv and Veronica, bewildered by the uninvited guests, called out to me, "Max! Who is this?!"

The Lord turned to them, inquiring, ’Where is Liliana Veri?’ The girls, still puzzled, responded, "She went to the bathroom..."

The Lord turned back to me and disclosed, "She is one of The Architects. They provided the serum to the Zytherians."