Chapter 271 63.3 - Divergence

Chapter 271 Chapter 63.3 - Divergence

"Why does it have to be you? Why can't it be me?" The anguished voice echoed in the tense atmosphere of the final exam.

The duels between students were underway; each confrontation met with eager eyes from the onlooking students.

In the midst of the arena, Ethan found himself face to face with a mysterious opponent, his eyes meeting the hollow black-purple eyes of the other student.

FLINCH!

A shiver ran down Ethan's spine as an unsettling feeling settled in the pit of his stomach. Of course, he knew who this person was.

It was the gloomy student who never talked with others. After all, he was quite famous for being the last ranked in the academy, and Ethan had heard his name quite a few times.

"What do you mean?" However, Ethan was having a hard time comprehending his words.

"What do I mean? Of course, you wouldn't understand." His response didn't explain much as well, as the student just looked at him.

As the two locked eyes, it was as if time momentarily stood still. The purple hue of the student's eyes seemed otherworldly, but within that vibrant color, Ethan detected a small but distinct blackness, as if something sinister lurked within.

Ethan continued to study the person before him, attempting to understand the cryptic words and the unsettling gaze. However, the young man remained silent, offering no further explanation.

The judge raised his hand, signaling the commencement of the duel. "Ethan Hartley versus Astron Natusalune. Begin!"

The judge's words hung in the air as Ethan and Astron Natusalune prepared to face off. The tension escalated, and the onlookers leaned in, their eyes fixed on the impending clash.

Ethan tightened his grip on his spear, a determined glint in his eyes. Astron, on the other hand, wielded a pair of gleaming daggers, his expression unreadable. The arena crackled with anticipation as the duel began.

SWOOSH!

Ethan lunged forward, his spear cutting through the air with precision. Astron swiftly dodged the initial strike, showcasing agility that contradicted his low rank.

'Hmm?'

However, Ethan continued his relentless assault, pressing Astron back with each calculated move.

CLANK!

The clash of metal resonated as Astron desperately parried Ethan's spear with his daggers.

The power and skill gap between them was evident, with Ethan easily overpowering his mysterious opponent. The onlookers exchanged glances, surprised by the one-sided nature of the confrontation.

Astron's movements became more erratic, and beads of sweat formed on his forehead. Despite his best efforts, he struggled to keep up with Ethan's speed and strength.

"Tch."

The hollow black-purple eyes betrayed a hint of frustration, a stark contrast to Ethan's focused determination.

Ethan's spear danced through the air, its movements fluid and controlled. He anticipated Astron's every move, exploiting weaknesses in his defense. It was clear that Ethan had the upper hand, and the arena buzzed with murmurs as the disparity in skill became more apparent.

'I don't know what is his deal, but I will end it with this.'

「Spear of Hartley. Tiger's Thrust.?」

CLANK!

With a powerful thrust, Ethan disarmed Astron, sending one of the daggers flying across the arena.

"Wow, he did it."

The spectators gasped in amazement at the sheer dominance displayed by Ethan.

However, instead of reveling in his victory, Ethan hesitated for a moment, his gaze fixed on Astron's remaining dagger and his face.

"In the end, I couldn't even do this on my own."

His eyes were locked on his hands as he mumbled to himself. The aura surrounding himself started to change as well, as Ethan started to feel that sinister aura emanating from him.

"I don't know what your deal is, but I won't let you do whatever you are doing."

Ethan's internal conflict fueled his determination as he refocused on the duel. With a newfound resolve, he charged at Astron, his spear poised for another strike.

Astron, despite being disarmed by one dagger, exuded an air of calm confidence as he mumbled expressionlessly. "It is easy to say for you, isn't it? After all, you are Ethan Hartley. The genius of the Hartley family."

CLANK!

As Ethan lunged forward with the Spear of Hartley, Astron effortlessly parried the attack with his remaining dagger.

"I'm sorry," Ethan mumbled under his breath, the weight of his words carried by the gravity of the situation.

He felt the surge of strength coursing through his body as if drawn from an untapped source.

THUD!

Following that, Ethan threw a kick to him, sending him crashing to the other side of the arena.

SMASH!

There were already explosions occurring everywhere around, and Ethan knew he needed to help. But it was going to be a lot more dangerous to let this person go.

Feeling the newfound power, Ethan spat to the ground, a symbolic gesture of defiance against the impending darkness that threatened to engulf them both.

The air crackled with tension as Astron, consumed by the dark energy surrounding him, prepared to unleash his daggers.

"You are sorry for what?"

Astron's hands gripped the daggers tightly, the black energy swirling around him like a malevolent storm.

"....."

"You can't answer, can you? Just like your motives, even your apologies are shallow."

"No matter what I give you as an answer, you will never see it as honest."

"There is no honesty in this world."

Ethan, fueled by a mix of sympathy and determination, readied his spear. The arena seemed to hold its breath, the chaotic sounds of panic and destruction fading into the background.

SWOOSH!

The clash between the two students, now armed with their respective weapons, was imminent.

Ethan, scarred and battered, knew that he had to bring an end to Astron's suffering, even if it meant sacrificing a part of himself in the process.

"YOU DON'T KNOW ANYTHING!"

With a primal scream, Astron lunged forward, daggers gleaming with ominous intent. In response, Ethan met him head-on, the clash of weapons resonating with a melancholic melody.

The black energy surrounding Astron intensified, creating an ethereal display of darkness.

Despite Ethan's determined efforts, the battle took its toll on both fighters. Each strike left its mark – scars etched into their very beings.

As the clash reached its crescendo, Ethan was able to get the feeling.

"I am sorry, you lost soul." He mumbled as he closed his eyes.

「Spear of Hartley. Derived form. Gentle Farewell. 」

With a surge of determination, Ethan executed the technique, a manifestation of both strength and mercy.

The spear, bathed in an otherworldly light, moved with a grace that contradicted the brutal nature of the battle.

It pierced through Astron's dark energy, reaching his very core with a gentleness that seemed out of place in the chaos.

Astron's primal scream was silenced as the ethereal display of darkness dissipated, leaving only the fading echoes of their clash.

"Kurgh-!"

SILENCE!

The arena fell into an eerie silence as Ethan withdrew the spear, ending Astron's life gently.

THUD!

As Astron fell to the ground, the last thing he saw was the face of the very person he yearned for.

However, the victory was not without its cost. As the spear of mercy fulfilled its purpose, Astron's dagger, fueled by the last vestiges of his dark energy, pierced through Ethan's shoulder. The pain was intense, and a scar marked the spot where the dagger had made its impact.

Yet, Ethan's face didn't even grimace at all.

"I am sorry.....for failing everything and seeing such a person turning in this way...."

He bowed his head, leaning on his spear with one.

"May the lord bless your soul....."