Chapter 44: Connection
Ethan descended gracefully towards the daughter of the Goddess, his heart filled with curiosity and anticipation. As he drew closer, he noticed a subtle change in her appearance, as if his mere presence caused reality itself to distort. Her eyes shimmered with a new hue, and her hair seemed to cascade in a different shade.
With a gentle smile, Ethan approached the blushing Sumiki. "Tell me, Sumiki(a Warrior in the tourney told her name was before dying by ethan), is there anyone in this universe who can offer me a true challenge? Someone stronger than the Goddess herself?"
Sumiki's cheeks flushed a deep crimson, and she averted her gaze, unable to find her voice. Her silence spoke volumes, conveying a sense of awe and hesitation.
Ethan, sensing her reticence, reached out and lightly touched her arm, wordlessly assuring her. He led her away from the prying eyes of the spectators, into the quiet expanse of space where their conversation could unfold undisturbed.
In the solitude of their shared moment, Sumiki mustered the courage to speak, her voice barely above a whisper. "B-before you came... what happened to you?"
Ethan's expression softened as he recounted the trials and battles he had faced on his journey. "I've encountered godlike Beings that could destroy Stars, participated in a colossal tournament, and even faced off against the Goddess and her siblings. Each confrontation has tested my strength and pushed me to new limits(Not really but trying to make more interesting)."
Sumiki listened intently, her eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and admiration. Despite her reserved nature, her quiet presence conveyed a genuine interest in Ethan's experiences.
"But before that I was once a normal human, known as Ethan," he began, his voice carrying a touch of reminiscence. "But a divine talisman granted me unimaginable powers, transforming me into what I am now."
Sumiki nodded, her gaze meeting Ethan's for a brief moment before casting her eyes downwards once more. The weight of her unspoken question lingered between them, prompting Ethan to provide a summarized account of his recent battles and encounters.
Ethan's gaze flickered with memories as he recalled his battles, each one a testament to his newfound abilities. "I fought against Damon, the embodiment of chaos, and emerged victorious. Then came the confrontation with the God himself, a battle that shook the very foundations of existence."
Sumiki's lips curved into a shy smile, her quiet presence expressing a mixture of fascination and determination. Though her words remained scarce, her actions and expressions revealed a desire to be a part of Ethan's extraordinary journey.
Ethan observed Sumiki's unwavering resolve, recognizing that her actions spoke louder than any words she could utter. He nodded, acknowledging her unspoken decision, and a mixture of admiration and concern flickered across his features.
"And now, here we stand," Ethan continued, his voice gentle yet filled with a profound longing. "I yearn to explore more dimensions, more universes, to unravel the mysteries of this reality. There is an infinite cosmos waiting to be discovered, and I am but a traveler on this boundless journey."
"Sumiki," he murmured softly, his voice laced with both caution and acceptance, "I cannot guarantee your safety or the outcome of our journey. But if you choose to walk this path with me, know that we will face unimaginable challenges together. And if you're still willing to go, then let our destinies intertwine."
Ethan's gaze met Sumiki's, his eyes reflecting his unquenchable thirst for knowledge and truth. He understood that her quiet nature spoke volumes, and he respected her desire to listen rather than speak.
"You have a beautiful world here," Ethan remarked, his voice filled with genuine appreciation. "I'm intrigued by this massive island and the wonders it holds. Are there other gods besides the Goddess? And do you know if there are other universes out there?"
Sumiki's response was hesitant, her voice soft and barely audible. "Um... Yes, there were gods before the Goddess. They ruled over different aspects of existence. And as for other universes... I'm not sure."
Ethan's curiosity ignited further, his eyes bright with anticipation. "Fascinating. I have this insatiable desire to know more, to explore beyond the boundaries of what I've seen. There must be so much more to discover."
Sumiki nodded shyly, her gaze shifting to the ground. She seemed captivated by Ethan's adventurous spirit, finding herself drawn to his unyielding curiosity.
Sumiki blushed and looked up briefly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I... I want to see other universes. I want to witness things that no one else has seen before."
"Sumiki," Ethan began, his voice filled with a blend of concern and respect, "I must embark on this journey alone. To seek out the strongest beings and test my limits. By joining me, you would be betraying your brothers and your mother. It's not a path I can ask you to take."
Sumiki remained silent, her eyes fixed on the vast expanse before them. She seemed to weigh Ethan's words carefully, her expression shifting subtly with each passing moment. Though her voice remained absent, her determination began to seep through her gaze.
Ethan observed Sumiki's unwavering resolve, recognizing that her actions spoke louder than any words she could utter. He nodded, acknowledging her unspoken decision, and a mixture of admiration and concern flickered across his features.
"But before we venture into another world, let's be honest with each other," Ethan gently said, his tone filled with genuine curiosity. "Is the sole reason for your desire to explore the unknown truly just curiosity? Or is there perhaps a hidden motivation? A longing for revenge against your mother?"
Sumiki's blush deepened, her gaze now fixed on a point in the distance. Her voice came out softly, almost a whisper. "N-no, there's no other reason. It's just... I want to see what lies beyond our world."
Ethan's laughter resonated through the air, warm and sincere. He couldn't help but find her response endearing, her attempt to hide her true feelings. It was a moment of vulnerability that spoke volumes.
"Ah, Sumiki, your expression says otherwise," Ethan teased, his smile widening. "There's more to your desire than meets the eye. And that's perfectly fine. We all have our reasons and motivations. But I assure you, I won't let anything or anyone stand in the way of our exploration, be it revenge or any other hidden agenda."
Sumiki's eyes widened, surprise mingled with a trace of relief. Ethan's words reassured her that he understood, that he accepted whatever her true intentions might be.
Sumiki hesitated for a moment, her eyes flickering between Ethan's hand and his earnest expression. Slowly, she reached out, her fingers intertwining with his. A fleeting smile played on her lips, a silent agreement forged in that simple touch.