The world was in danger and so is my family. If I cannot pass this trial, the burden of keeping the family safe will fall to Mum.
What would Dad think of that? That's not something he'd want to see, not something he'd ever allow to happen if he was alive today.
Not because she lacks capability, but because such responsibility traditionally falls to the man. It is natural for a man to worry for his family and ensure their safety for as long as he lives. With Father gone and me now an adult, that responsibility passes to me by default. To me as his pride.
He always believed in me, believed I'd grow into a strong man, guided by principle and will, capable of facing any challenge life throws my way. As long as I can remember he always made time for our father-son talks, to give me guidance and motivation.
But now, here I am, losing because I fear my body will give out on me.
If he were here… what would he think? Would he still see me as his pride?
No… no, that's not right. Would I even like myself? Would I like what I become?
What would I even become? If I lose.
A good for nothing over grown boy, shamelessly hiding behind his mother's skirts.
Trash, unable to stand up for himself or protect his loved ones.
Nothing but a burden to his family, a man whose voice couldn't be heard, not even by the lowest of men.
Is that even a life worth living? That's a wound my pride could never recover from not in a million years.
That… that is not me. That is not my philosophy.
"I think it's time I give you an answer, Dad," Kyle muttered, his voice trembling yet firm. "I refuse to be subject to anyone. I refuse to be looked down on. Anyone who dares stand between me and my goals will fall victim to my will."
Kyle struggled to rise from the rubble, his eyes gleaming with resolve and determination.
"I am the will! My will!"
He roared, unleashing a powerful burst of Shi'en several times stronger than before. The wound across his chest began to close at a speed visible to the eye. He rubbed his left ribcage. A few ribs were definitely broken, at least two.
That attack was unlike anything expected from a swordsman. It was explosive focusing on impact.
kyle felt like he was hit by a truck. His eardrums still rang from the impact.
"This guy… he was really holding back? What a weirdo." Zigi stopped in his tracks. Feeling the overwhelming surge of Shi'en, he smiled beneath his mask.
He didn't understand this man at all. Why would anyone hold back in a fight like this?
"I feel hurt knowing you were holding back against me," Zigi said, amused. "I gave everything I had, that's rude. Makes me think you're looking down on me."
"I'll hold back no more," Kyle replied coldly.
"Good," Zigi grinned. "This is about to get exciting."
His aura rose even higher, lightning flickering around him as the air itself shimmered.
"What good is a body that can't handle its own will?" Kyle murmured, grinning through the pain. "Let's break it, Kyle, wouldn't be the first time."
He ran his hand through his locks and sighed.
Even if he somehow reached the top three, there would be no happy ending for him today.
But if he gave up out of fear… he might never have another chance to be a ascender and gain the strength to face the coming threat. And even if another chance came, who said it would be any easier?
He had to do this, no matter the cost.
Taking a deep breath, Kyle swayed slightly, ready to flex his speed.
His perception shifted, the world around him slowed and his body adapted effortlessly to the change.
Without hesitation, he dashed forward.
Zigi didn't need an invitation. He launched to meet Kyle midway. The two moved so fast that only afterimages trailed their paths.
Boom!
A massive explosion echoed as a fist wrapped in silver, white light clashed against a saber crackling with lightning, creating a shockwave that blew away everything in its path. But the two figures at the center stood unmoved, exchanging blows relentlessly.
"Very few can keep up with my speed," Zigi said between strikes. "How do you do it?"
"Perception," Kyle replied. "I can increase my time perception through sheer will. My body adapts instantly."
Shi'en abilities embody the wielder's will and Kyle's represented his unyielding drive to subject anything, anyone, and even the laws of nature. He would bend reality itself if that's what it took to accomplish his goals.
"Manipulating time with your will, huh? You don't see that every day," Zigi laughed. "You've got immense potential, but that just makes this even more exciting for me."
"How far can you go?"
Eager, Zigi increased his attack speed even further and Kyle matched it effortlessly.
At least, that's how it seemed to his opponent.
Their clash continued, each blow echoing through the battlefield until Kyle had had enough.
A pulse of silver white Shi'en erupted from him, covering a ten meter radius.
Caught inside it, Zigi froze his mind went blank. Not a single thought formed.
But Zigi wasn't like the Kimto brothers. His chaotic Shi'en surged instinctively, restoring his clarity in less than a second.
But that brief opening was all Kyle needed. His fist connected with Zigi's chin in a clean uppercut.
"Tombstone!"
Kyle's fist glowed with a sinister aura as he slammed it into Zigi's chest.
Blood burst from Zigi's mouth as he was thrown off his feet, skidding across the ground before crashing several meters away.