Chapter 12: The Path of No Return
Ethan sat on a training bench in the academy's courtyard, rolling his shoulders to ease the lingering aches from his battle with Darius. The confrontation had left him with bruises, but also something far more valuable—progress. His new ability, Unyielding Flesh, was proof that he was moving in the right direction.
His path wasn't one of sudden explosive power or mystical techniques. It was one of endurance. Of relentless, brutal progress.
Whispers and Rumors
News of Ethan's fight with Darius spread like wildfire through the academy.
"Did you hear? He actually stood up to Darius!"
"He didn't just stand up—he kept fighting. And I swear, he looked stronger by the end of it."
"But he's still just an F-Rank, right? How is he doing this without mana?"
Ethan ignored the whispers. He had long since stopped caring about the academy's opinion of him. He wasn't here to impress anyone. His only concern was getting stronger.
His fingers clenched into fists as he reviewed his current passive abilities:
Passive Ability Reminder:
Never Give Up (Progress: ???)
Iron Stride (Progress: 65%)
Bloodforged Tenacity (Progress: 30%)
Enduring Will (Progress: 20%)
Unyielding Flesh (Progress: 5%)
His training wasn't just about survival anymore. He needed to thrive. He needed to push his body beyond human limits. And that meant taking on greater challenges.
Seeking Greater Challenges
Ethan made his way to the academy's underground training hall. The restricted zone was one thing, but there were private combat chambers reserved for high-level duels and testing. A place where one could fight against true danger.
"You again?" Instructor Cain raised an eyebrow as Ethan approached. "Didn't get enough of a beating yesterday?"
Ethan smirked. "I need to keep pushing myself."
Cain sighed, rubbing his temple. "You're an idiot, you know that?"
"Maybe." Ethan shrugged. "But you're still letting me in, right?"
Cain grumbled but led him inside. The combat chamber was unlike anything Ethan had seen before. A reinforced arena, lined with mana-conductive stone, designed to withstand high-tier Awakened battles.
"This is beyond your level," Cain warned. "The training golems here aren't like the ones in the standard zones. They can kill."
Ethan stepped forward, his determination unwavering. "That's exactly what I need."
Cain studied him for a moment before sighing. "Fine. But don't come crying to me if you break every bone in your body."
A Battle of Survival
The chamber activated. A deep, rumbling sound echoed as a Titan-Class Golem materialized before him.
Towering over Ethan, its body was composed of dense black stone reinforced by mana veins glowing with crimson energy. Its eyes flickered to life as it locked onto its target.
[WARNING: This opponent is rated for B-Rank and above.]
Ethan cracked his knuckles. "Perfect."
The golem charged.
Ethan dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding a fist that cratered the ground where he once stood. Dust and debris exploded around him, but he focused. His footwork carried him swiftly—Iron Stride working overtime.
He leapt forward, delivering a punch to the golem's chest. His Bloodforged Tenacity dulled the impact of the recoil, but the attack barely left a scratch. He needed to adapt.
The golem's fist came down like a hammer. Ethan raised his arms, bracing for impact. The force shook his bones, but Unyielding Flesh absorbed some of the damage. He could feel the ability's influence growing with every blow.
Unyielding Flesh Progress: 10%... 12%... 15%
Pain sharpened his senses. He wasn't trying to dodge anymore—he was letting himself take hits strategically, training his body to withstand punishment beyond human limits.
BOOM!
Another strike sent him flying into the arena wall. He coughed, blood dripping from his lip, but he grinned.
"Is that all you've got?"
Breaking Through Limits
Minutes turned to an hour. Ethan's body was battered, his muscles screaming for relief, but his mind was sharper than ever. He had found a pattern, a way to fight back. He wasn't just taking hits anymore—he was learning.
He could feel it.
Iron Stride Progress: 70%Bloodforged Tenacity Progress: 35%Unyielding Flesh Progress: 25%
The golem lunged at him one final time.
Ethan sidestepped, his reflexes honed by battle. His fist shot forward, not with mana, not with skills—but with sheer, undeniable strength.
A thunderous impact.
The golem staggered. Cracks spread along its hardened form.
Cain, watching from the control room, leaned forward, eyes widening. "Impossible…"
Ethan exhaled sharply, steadying himself. He wasn't done yet.
This was just the beginning.
A Glimpse into the Future
As Ethan walked out of the chamber, his body battered but his spirit soaring, he caught sight of a familiar figure waiting for him outside.
Darius stood there, arms crossed. But this time, there was no scorn in his gaze.
"You're still standing," Darius muttered, almost to himself.
Ethan smirked. "Was there ever a doubt?"
Darius remained silent for a moment before turning away. "Don't fall behind."
Ethan chuckled. "I don't plan to."
As he left the training hall, he felt something shift inside him. He was no longer just a survivor.
He was a contender.
And soon, the world would know it.