In any case, he continued reading through a section about possible dangers of ranking up.

The dangers of attempting to reach E Rank are legion, and many are deadly. At the most basic level, even successful E Rank ascensions can leave the ascendant fatigued for days afterwards, as they become used to their new bodies. However, far worse can happen. Many report intense soul strain, as their previous minds cannot easily adjust to their new situation. The body of an E Ranker is one unnatural to all save for those who follow the path of cultivation. Less common is a total divorce of body and soul, with either a powerless shell left inhabited by the mind of an E Ranker, or the reversal of that, creating a mindless brute with the power to level cities. Both are intensely dangerous. In the worst cases, the would be ascendent will simply die, either because their will is too weak for the process, or because it overwhelms their bodies. Reaching for a level of ascension beyond one’s potential can only spell death. Of the five levels of ascension, the vast majority of ascendents only can hope for the second one, or rarely the third. The fourth step is one of legend, and the fifth, of pure myth.

Sam had to say, reading through the book painted a picture in his mind that made him apprehensive. Perhaps that was the point. The powers that be hardly wanted loose cannons wandering around, out of their control.

A bit later, he closed the book and stretched. He was waiting for some things to fall into place so that the planet could finally be cleansed of the alien scourge. The aliens would never come near the city while under the impression that Sam was there, and he did not wish to have to chase them down across the planet. What would have solved all his problems was reaching E Rank, as that would grant him System acknowledged governance. He had recently learned that would give him full control over all transportation in and out of the planet from other universes, as well as knowledge of all threats moving into its space. For now though, he would have to do things the old fashioned way, with his own strength.

He rose from his chair, and watched as the Overlord rose as well.

“If you’re going off to train, I will join you,” the man said, sounding a bit enthused. “I need to consolidate my power if I am to help your faction.”

“We have no need of your help,” one of the captains spat. “All you care about is your-”

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

“Enough,” Sam said wearily. “Let him come. It doesn’t matter to me.”

Ever since the Overlord had come into his city, everyone had been up in arms about it, afraid that the man would suddenly go on a rampage and destroy everything they had worked for. Sam knew the man better than anyone else however, and was sure that when he said something, he meant it. His Dao would not allow him to lie in order to avoid combat.

With a wave of his hand, Sam exited the room and the Overlord followed him. With a grin, the man cracked his knuckles. If he had been feeling any withdrawal from the loss of his weapon, he did not seem to care.

They walked together down the hallway, and towards the city proper. As they walked, the Overlord remarked on the design of the city hall.

“You do me proud, Sam,” he said, pointing at the designs of the murals on the walls.

“Just don’t. I know you don’t actually care about what I’ve done here. You’re just trying to pretend that you have some sort of connection to me. You might wear my father’s body, but you are not him.”

“No, but I could be.”

“What the hell do you mean?” Sam asked, whirling around.

“Well, I still have all of Jacob Atlas’ memories, if not his personality. We could be a family again.”

“Fuck off,” Sam spat. He had no wish to have any sort of familial connection to the Overlord. “You’re just trying to get in my head.”

“Eh, it was worth a shot. I don’t care about you, Sam. Only the power that you can grant me. However, I will fight by your side.”

“That’s good enough for me,” Sam replied. He kept walking, and exited the city hall, moving out towards the training arenas. There were many of them, but most were not large enough for people of their power to fight. Instead, Sam headed towards one meant for training small armies. As they went, people looked at the Overlord in fear, their faces twisted in an expression of hatred. He represented everything that their city was not, and that instilled fear in everyone around him. He seemed to relish the attention, and his body began to spark with red light.

“Rein it in a bit,” Sam commanded, as he spotted the energy display.

“Why should I? It feels great. Their hatred fuels my power.”

“Because if nobody wants you here, I’ll have to banish you from the city. Try to prove that you can work with us.”

“Damn, you’re no fun. Well, I shall have to hone myself upon you. The tricks that you used last time will not work again.”

The Overlord raced forwards, and Sam found himself wondering if he had made the right decision here. After all, it had either been this, or killing the man, which was something that he would never do, unless he had no choice. It was better to have him safe here, with the potential of being able to rescue his mind, than to simply kill him because he was an inconvenience.