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.
"....."
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.