Chapter 405 92.1 - Hidden Currents
What makes the main characters of any fiction distinct?
What makes them different from others? Why are they the main characters and not any random person that can be chosen from the world?
Why?
The answer is plain, simple, and obvious. It is because they possess something that others don't.
They are the chosen ones of the world.
Talent.
They are always talented regardless of what it is since, no matter how no one would love to listen to the story of those who fail, even after trying.
This is the reality of the world.
Some of them are genuinely kind. Heroic and selfless people.
Some of them are like me, who pursue the path of vengeance. The ones like me would do everything to reach the goal they set.
Then, what defines Ethan?
Is it genius?
That is not. Ethan is certainly talented. He may not be smart, but he inherently possesses a special understanding of combat.
Even without thinking, he does the most optimal things. He doesn't need to grasp the essence of everything.
But is this alone enough? Is only Ethan a genius?
No.
Julia is pretty similar to Ethan. She is good at combat and finding her way through awakenings.
Lilia is good at analyzing and understanding. She is good at understanding concepts and natural principles and commanding natural authority while only using mana.
Irina is smart. She is good at academics and good at understanding algorithms and magic.
Carl is strong, and while not exceptional at in-person combat, he is good at strategic combat. Victor.
He is a one-century genius who understands everything easily, absorbs mana easily, and controls mana as if he can control his breath.
Then, if such characters have all types of talents at the level of genius, what makes Ethan the main character?
When asking myself this question, the answer I came up with wasn't something that was scientific alone but satisfied the conditions.
He is the fated one.
Whatever happens, he has the ability to overcome the things that are thrown his way and get stronger with each opportunity.
His genius didn't rely on his efforts alone, nor his emotions.
His genius was simply affected by the world itself.
This was a special way of being blessed that no other person ever had.
Is this confirmed? It is not. After all, such a thing can not be confirmed since there is no distinct evidence.
But is it wrong to test it?
After all, if it is Ethan, he has the potential to become stronger than everyone in the world.
The future hero who saved humanity.
He is such a magnificent guy.
He will not falter in the face of hardship. Instead, he will awaken another one of his talents every time.
Since the storyline of the game had already been altered to the extent that it is nearly impossible to predict what will happen in the game, why not test if Ethan can face the difficulties?
The evidence was right before me since Ethan was able to defeat Kellan Stormrider, who was a future villain with strength that is parallel to the students ranking 200-100.
Even now, I am sure that if Kellan was allowed to challenge a higher-ranking student, he would win and increase his rank.
But that was no longer the case since I arranged everything in this way.
Kellan fell to his knees, breathing heavily, his eyes wide with disbelief.
The crowd erupted into cheers, their admiration for Ethan evident. It was a victory that defied logic, a result that made no sense given the disparity in their ranks.
But it was a victory nonetheless, and it confirmed my hypothesis.
As long as it is within a reasonable range, anything that seems illogical can be possible when Ethan is in the equation. He is the fated one, the hero destined to overcome any obstacle, no matter how insurmountable it may seem.
'He even awakened a part of his higher blood and used Sunderer of Aesir.' Ethan's triumph over Kellan was a testament to his unique genius, a confirmation that he possessed a special blessing that set him apart from everyone else.
'And now, the second seat will start showing interest.'
It was a reminder that in this unpredictable world, there are forces at play beyond our understanding.
But that was enough.
With a piece like Ethan, who can overcome everything, it wouldn't be wise not to use him.
'Grow more, Ethan. Grow more so that you will become a spear that destroys those who dared to take everything from me.'
*******
As the dust settled and the brightness of the explosion faded, the crowd was left in stunned silence. In the center of the crater stood Ethan, his spear still crackling with residual lightning. But before him stood a figure that no one had expected.
It was an old man, slightly bulky with a wrinkled face, his presence commanding and authoritative.
"Headmaster?" someone from the crowd whispered, the shock evident in their voice.
The amphitheater erupted into a flurry of murmurs and gasps. The headmaster himself had intervened in the duel, and his presence was nothing short of monumental. Jonathan Verdict, one of the strongest individuals in the Human Federation, had personally attended the fight.
Jonathan looked down at Ethan, who had already collapsed to the ground, his body charred and trembling from the immense strain of his final attack. He crouched down, placing a gentle hand on Ethan's shoulder, his eyes filled with a mix of concern and admiration.
"Why push yourself this far, to the point it destroys your body?" Jonathan mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper. There was a profound understanding in his tone, a recognition of the drive and determination that had led Ethan to this point.
He then turned his gaze to Kellan, who was still standing but with a look of utter fear in his eyes. Kellan's breathing was rough, his chest heaving as if he had just escaped the jaws of death. His greatsword was still held loosely in his trembling hands.
Jonathan's eyes narrowed slightly as he observed Kellan's state. The boy was clearly traumatized, his mind reeling from the experience of near death.
It was an experience that left a lasting mark on those who lived through it—the knowledge that their life had been moments away from ending, with nothing they could do to stop it.
But that was the reality of the Hunter field. This was something these youngsters would experience countless times. Therefore, there was nothing he could do.
Those who could overcome this feeling would be successful hunters, while those who couldn't would be left behind.
Life itself was a test.
"I am…..I am alive," Kellan stammered, his voice shaking.
Jonathan nodded slowly. "Indeed. But it should not have come to this." His voice was firm, carrying the weight of authority and wisdom. "The purpose of these duels is to challenge and grow, not to break and destroy."
The crowd, now understanding the gravity of the situation, watched in respectful silence. The presence of the headmaster had shifted the atmosphere, filling it with a sense of solemnity and introspection.
Kaya Hartley, who had been ready to intervene, now watched with a mixture of relief and anger.
The headmaster's timely intervention saved both boys from what could have been a tragic outcome, but at the same time, it showed that he purposefully didn't bat an eye to what was happening here. But, of course, for Jonathan, it was different.
"….."
The announcer couldn't even say anything as he felt that he couldn't understand what was happening.
A giant appeared from the sky, split the thunder, and attacked the arena, and as if this was enough, the Headmaster personally intervened.
"The result of this duel is crystal clear. The victor is Ethan Hartley."
Headmaster announced.
"Do you have any problems with that kid?"
Seeing Kellan not even having any ounce of rebuttal, Jonathan nodded his head.
'At least you are not stupid enough to deny what happened before everyone.'
Though this kid's demeanor and his actions didn't match what happened in the arena, Jonathan couldn't think about those things right now.
Since, after all, this student was able to use the magic of higher beings.
'Firstly, that girl, and now this boy.'
Jonathan thought to himself.
Two students who would bring change to everything appeared in the academy. This attack just now.
If he hadn't interfered, the arena would be destroyed to the dust, and there would be nothing remaining from the student that he had just protected.
And that wouldn't be enough; even the onlookers would be massacred. That attack contained such high-ranking power that he noticed at the last second.
'First, the imprint of First Lord. And then the imprint of Dragons. What is happening to the world?'
Tides had been changing. He was constantly being reminded of this fact. But, still. It was the first time he had directly experienced what was about to come.
'The next generation is in the Golden Generation.'
Jonathan Verdict, his presence commanding the attention of everyone in the amphitheater, took a deep breath before making the final announcement. "This concludes the duels for today," he declared, his voice resonating through the arena. "All participants have shown remarkable skill and determination. Let today serve as a lesson in the balance of power and wisdom."
The crowd, still buzzing from the unexpected events, began to disperse, their minds filled with the extraordinary displays of strength and spirit they had witnessed. The headmaster turned his attention back to Ethan, who lay on the ground, his body still trembling from the aftereffects of his powerful attack.
Jonathan knelt beside Ethan, his expression softening. "Ethan Hartley," he said gently, his voice carrying a tone of admiration. "Your spirit is truly remarkable. Your desire to uphold the honor and fight with everything you have is commendable."
Ethan, struggling to stay conscious, managed to look up at the headmaster. His eyes, filled with a mix of pain and determination, met Jonathan's gaze. "Thank you, Headmaster," he whispered, his voice weak but resolute.
Jonathan placed a reassuring hand on Ethan's shoulder. "You have shown us all the true meaning of resilience and courage. But remember, there is a fine line between bravery and recklessness. Pushing yourself to the point of destruction is not the path to greatness. Learn to temper your strength with wisdom."
Ethan nodded slowly, his body aching but his spirit unbroken. "I understand, Headmaster. I will strive to become stronger but also wiser."
The headmaster smiled warmly. "That is the spirit of a true hunter. Continue to hone your skills, and you will achieve great things."
As medics arrived to attend to Ethan, Jonathan stood up, his gaze shifting to Kellan. The boy was still shaken, his eyes wide with fear and confusion. Jonathan approached him, his expression stern but not unkind.
"Kellan Stormrider," he said, his voice firm. "You have experienced the brink of death today. Let this be a lesson to you. The path of a hunter is fraught with danger, and understanding the gravity of your actions is crucial. Use this experience to grow stronger, both in body and mind."
Kellan nodded, his voice barely a whisper. "Yes, Headmaster."
Jonathan turned back to the crowd, his voice once again commanding their attention. "Let today serve as a reminder to all of you. Strength and power are important, but they must be balanced with wisdom and restraint. Only then can you truly become great hunters."
With that, Jonathan Verdict left the arena, his presence leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. The students and spectators slowly began to leave, their minds filled with the lessons and events of the day.
As Ethan was carried away by the medics, he looked up at the sky, the storm clouds slowly dispersing.
"….."
His thoughts unknown.
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