Evolution: A Warlock's Rise To Power

Chapter 283: Keith Anderson

After admiring the view with Lucan for a minute, Super unrolled a map on his desk.  It was a map of the country that used to be known as Baramore.  Now it had been completely taken over by dark elves, also known as the drow.

"Currently, 90% of the force that invaded Baramore has returned to the capital, Avalon.  It looks like they intend to settle down there.  They have recently raised their defenses around the city so it has been harder to infiltrate to get information.  But with the help of long-range spying and a bit of peeping form the ethereal realm, I can confirm that they plan to make Avalon more than just a pit stop."

"Oh?  What makes you say that?"  Lucan asked.

"They have already started constructing a large formation around the city.  Every night, once the sun goes down, they come out and work on it."

"Hmm, I see.  If they are trying that hard to make defensive arrangements than yes, it is likely that they plan on staying for a good while."

Super shook his head.  "I have had my people study the formation and they don't believe that it is a defensive formation.  Well, actually in a way, it is, but at the same time it isn't."

Now Lucan was confused.  He didn't understand what Super was talking about.

"The formation is one that will darken the sky and block out light.  It will let the drow be able to roam the city during the day.  For a race of people that get weaker and are blinded by sun light, it could be considered a defensive formation."

"Okay, I understand."  Lucan said.  "Maybe it is time for me to approach them."

Super shook his head.  "Right now, their guard is up and they are attacking everything on sight.  I would suggest that you wait till their formation is complete and they feel a bit more comfortable. But ultimately, the decision is yours."

Lucan nodded and agreed with what Super had to say.  Checking the interface, the two of them decided it was time to log out of Evolution.

"See you tomorrow Lucan."  Super said before he disappeared.

***

A game capsule opened and an overweight man in his twenties pushed himself up while stretching. This was Keith Anderson, also known as SuperSleuth.  He was one of the players that didn't import his own looks into the game and created a brand-new identity for himself.  Waddling to the bathroom, Keith frown when he passed by the mirror before he went to relieve himself.

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After taking care of his business, the man went to the front door of his apartment.  Opening the door he found a bag placed on his doorstep.

When he opened the bag, he found the pre-portioned meal that was supposed to be his breakfast. Looking at it, he felt that there was barely any food, but supposedly the top health experts determined that it was an appropriately sized meal even though it left him feeling still hungry and wanting more.

After his disappointing meal, Keith turned on his computer and began to type up an article about the drow.  Ever since Evolution came out, his boss had been fine with him reporting on important events within the game.  The drow was something that everyone was concerned about, well everyone but the warlock he worked for.

An hour later, Keith was happy with the article he had written.  After twenty minutes of restructuring to improve the word count, he submitted the article to his editor.  Truthfully, he didn't need to be a reporter anymore, but since it was something he enjoyed, he tried to submit an article at least five times a week.  And the majority of them were approved and publish.

After taking care of his business, Keith got up and headed towards the kitchen without even thinking about it.  After opening the refrigerator, Keith started scolding himself.

'Stop it! What are you doing?  You are starving, you are barely hungry, you are just eating out of habit.'

Keith forced himself to change his clothes and head towards the exercise room in his building. When he poked his head in, he was happy to find that no one else was around.  He went straight for one of the treadmills and started to walk.

With his large size, that was the twice the weight of the average man, his heart was pumping hard and he was covered in sweat after forty minutes of walking at a brisk pace.  He pushed the 'stop' button and the treadmill came to a rest.  He was about to get down and head back up stairs when he caught himself.  He looked at the figure in the mirrored wall in front of him with disgust.

'What are you doing?  You can do more than this.  You have been given a chance.  Your friend has let you make tons of money inside Evolution.  You are now richer than you have been, mom and dad are both taken care.  They no longer need to work double shifts in the factory and have been able to retire early because of the money that Lucan helped you earned.  They didn't need to take out a crazy loan to pay for your sister's college education.  She was able to go to the school of her choice because you were able to pay for it.  You made that happen.  You have been able to lift your family out of poverty ever since Lucan helped you expand.  You may have heavy pockets that are filled with money, but is that enough?  Are you so easily satisfied?  Do you like what you see in the mirror?  Are you brave enough to go visit your friends in real life while you like this?  Do you want Lucan and Silent to see the current you?  Are you satisfied?'

"NO!"  Keith suddenly shouted at his reflection in the mirror.  "No, I am not satisfied."

His back was aching, but he wasn't done training for the day.  Keith got off the treadmill and moved towards the exercise bike.  Once he adjusted the seat, he got on and began to pedal while staring at his reflection in the mirror.

He pedaled and pedaled.  He was pedaling towards a knew future, one where he could be proud of himself.  One where he was happy.  He pedaled towards a future that he wanted.

An hour and a half later, Keith was wheezing and out of breath as he entered his apartment.  His heart was racing like a horse that had been set free and his legs were shaking like a newborn calf. He went to the shower and cleaned himself up before putting on a new set of clothes.

Now it was the most important moment of the day.  Keith stepped on the scale and looked down.

Once he was done, he went to the front door and found another meal waiting for him.

Today's lunch was tasty, but once again he felt that there wasn't enough food.  But he quickly put those complaints aside.

*Ring* *Ring*

"Hello."

"Oh, hey mom."

"Yeah, everything is going well."

"Are you and dad enjoying you vacation?  How is Italy?"

"That is great.  If you want me to extend your stay, I can book the hotel room for another couple nights."

"Really?  Are you sure?  It would be no trouble at all."

"Sure, that's fine.  I miss you and dad too."

"Yeah, it won't be a problem for me to pick you up at the airport tomorrow night."

"My diet?  It is going well.  I have already lost twenty pounds this month and I don't plan on stopping anytime soon.  It is already much easier to continue on now that I am seeing results."

"Yeah, that first week was the hardest, but now I keep motivating myself with something I am looking forward too."

"No, no, don't set me up on any dates, I am not ready yet."

"Please, mom, just give me a little more time."

"Ah, dad, you have to help me convince mom to not set me up on any blind dates right away."

"Ha, ha, great.  I knew you would have my back."

"You guys have fun on your last night out, I will see you tomorrow."

Keith hung up the phone and plopped down on the couch while pulling his laptop over.  He would spend the rest of the day surfing the Evolution Forums and compiling useful information.