Chapter 56
In the midst of the chaos, each slash of his weapon feels futile against the hulking monstrosities that tower before him. Their metal exteriors gleam ominously, reflecting the dim light of the battered landscape, yet despite their fearsome appearance, these machines lack the willpower that fuels true survival.
Nameless recognizes this key weakness; while they may possess formidable strength and advanced weaponry, they are merely programmed constructs, devoid of instinct or emotion. Pain becomes a critical component of his strategy—he embraces the suffering that comes with combat, using each sting and bruise to sharpen his focus.
He studies his adversaries meticulously, watching their movements and analyzing their armor to uncover their vulnerabilities.
As Nameless engages in relentless combat, he adopts a tactical approach, directing his strikes toward the seams and joints of the machines where the armor is weakest. Each blow is calculated, aimed not just to inflict damage but to exploit any sign of wear or chink in their defenses.
This methodical dissection of their mechanical forms allows him to bend the tide of battle in his favor, turning fear into a weapon against the fearsome. Yet, victory demands more than just a keen eye; Nameless must also delve deep within himself, drawing on his own pain threshold and resilience to endure the onslaught.
With every jarring impact, he finds a new reserve of mental fortitude, harnessing the agony as fuel for his fight. In this brutal contest, the path to triumph is clear: he must unleash sheer force against these cold, unyielding giants, dismantling their bodies with an intensity that mirrors the ferocity of his spirit. Only through this savage brutality can he hope to outlast the relentless machines in the battle that looms ahead.
Everybody who was watching him was trembling in awe at his unwavering determination and unwavering focus, knowing that he was pushing himself to the absolute limit in pursuit of victory. The crowd held their breath, witnessing a display of raw power and unyielding resolve that left no doubt that he was truly a force to be reckoned with.
All of his movements were violent and brutal, and the force he exerted was intended to kill and destroy anything in his path. was incomprehensible. The marchal rank he just gained a few moments ago was no longer important to him; in his mind, he needs to understand what it feels to step into his father's shadow. Ethan could only wonder about the pain and suffering that had shaped the father he was now.
When he was younger, Ethen's mind was consumed by the moans and cold sweats he witnessed his father experiencing during a nightmare. Hearing him tell stories that run shivers down his young mind—stories that he could never forget.
The lives his father had to end to save those who were weak and helpless were truly haunting. Ethan at that age was still processing these dark memories, trying to understand the weight of his father's sacrifices and the burden he carried. As he grew older, Ethan realized the depth of his father's strength and resilience and felt a sense of both pride and trepidation at the thought of following in his footsteps.
He had to be cruel and unyielding when necessary, just like his father, in order to protect those who couldn't protect themselves. He knew it would be a heavy burden to carry, but he was willing to do whatever it took to uphold his family's legacy. And protect those he loved. Ethan knew that the path ahead would be difficult, but he was determined to honor his father's memory by being the same pillar of strength and protection for his own loved ones.
After a few hours, Ethan, aka nameless documented kill, was being tabulated; those who this could not understand what manner of person he was, but one person alone was sure that the being that broke all the records was the same person he knew a few months ago; Mr. Thomas was sure it was Ethan. Even with the mask he was wearing, his movements and actions could not escape his eyes.
For many months he had been observing every man who entered the Knight assessment facility move, carefully analyzing all of their behavior and actions. And this particular moment, he was sure this person was him.
Meanwhile, at the same time, Katarine was at her office conducting her weekly meeting with new appointed directors from different branches on their businesses, goals, and strategies for the upcoming quarter. Monica was the one who presided over the meeting, as Katarine was listening and reading the document given to her. These new directors were hired based on Monica's assessments and their expertise regarding the expansion plans of their company into the real estate and technology sectors.
Katarine nodded approvingly as she reviewed the detailed reports, confident in Monica's ability to select the best candidates for the job. The meeting concluded with a sense of excitement and anticipation for the future growth of their company.
The news concerning a new high-ranking knight was being overheard. The news concerning a new high-ranking knight was being overheard with great interest by everyone in the office. Katarine could hear the muffled noise coming from those who were outside the meeting room; this news did not annoy her because she knew this was connected to Ethan.
Those who saw her calm demeanor were surprised by the fact Katarine was known to hate gossip and drama in the workplace. She simply smiled to herself, knowing that Ethan's hard work was well-deserved and would only bring positive changes to his destiny.
At the same time ,the knight assessment registration and testing facility was filled with reporters and many different people from regular non ability user and those who were aspiring to be a knight, and those who were hoping to have a conversation with the new marshal rank knight—but seeing Nameless was still pursuing a higher rank they could only wait for him to finally end the test.
Mr. Thomas was watching from the control room. Those who were associated with the assessment battle android, as they were all upset seeing what was happening to their assets, were all calculating a vast amount of money they needed to repay the cost of these high-tech machines as they were torn apart piece by piece. due to the intense damage caused during the battle.
Mr. Thomas wants to ensure that the nameless candidate will be able to safeguard his identity. The high Marshal test was about to end, and it seems he was about to pass with flying colors. And seeing that his clothing was worn out already, exposing some parts of his body, Mr. Thomas could see he was already done as he raised his hands and gestured he was done. The assessment room was brutally quiet as the candidate awaited his results, his heart pounding with anticipation. The Mr. Thomas nodded in approval, signaling that the candidate had successfully completed the test.
Mr. Thomas orders facility staff to not open the main and secondary doors under any circumstances. As he feared those who were watching also knew the test was done and he was finally coming out, he asked the staff to open a private communication to the assessment hall he was in.
He addressed the nameless candidate and explained that he would exit the testing hall in a different area, as he wanted to avoid causing a huge disturbance in the place. Ethan looked at the CCTV camera with his broken half mask. Mr. Thomas zoomed in at his face and personally confirmed who he was based on Mr. Thomas assumptions.
" I am Thomas, the head chairman of the knight association here at this country; please rest assured we will do everything to protect your privacy as it is our highest priority."
Ethan knew who was speaking to him by the distinctive voice, as he could still recall the events at the so called free university slash survival class, that he recognized Mr Thomas low rough tone voice coming from inside testing hall two way broadcasting communication system .
He nodded in acknowledgment and felt a sense of relief knowing that his identity was safe with Mr. Thomas and the Knight Association. Ethan then proceeded to explain his situation and seek their assistance in resolving the issue at hand.
"Please, you can speak freely; I can hear you."
" I am here to help in any way that I can," Mr. Thomas reassured Ethan."
"Please, I wish to remain anonymous."
"But people would still ask, What would I say to them?"
"Officially register me as the Nameless."
"Soon my partner will enter your facility and take the same test as I did."
" So please , can you treat her well like what you are currently doing,"
"we do not wish to, indulge into those politicians manipulation and involvement on our life,"
" because unlike me , my partner isn't that sensible when it comes to her private life,"
"Another powerful ability user in the same place."
"Understood, your anonymity will be respected," Mr. Thomas replied. "We will be prepared for your partner's arrival and ensure a smooth testing process," Ethan was assured by the Knight Association.
With a mild voice, Mr. Thomas elaborates that he wanted the new high Marshall to venture out into the world as a true protector and guardian and not just be another fame and greedy individual , like many that came before him, without revealing his true identity to the public. So nobody can use him for their own selfish gains, as had happened with the other knight Marshalls.
" Nameless Sovereign, as head of the knight association, please be a symbol of true warrior."
" I WANT YOU TO STAND ON TOP OF THE WORLD AND PROTECT ALL HUMANITY."
Ethan nodded in understanding, grateful for Mr. Thomas's trust in him and eager to fulfill his new role with honor and discretion. As Ethan walked toward a separate, smaller door leading toward another part of the facility, Mr. Thomas wanted to meet him personally. As he rushed toward the secret area, Ethan was already entering the specified room as medical staff were waiting for him, His was different from other knights that secretly passed this long corridor; his aura was heavy and thick.
The clothing he was wearing was worn out and had cuts and tears, a stark contrast to the pristine uniforms of the medical staff. Ethan's eyes scanned the corridor, taking in the unfamiliar equipment and serious expressions of those around him. They asked that he needs to go with them to get medical treatment, but he politely refused and told them he just needs to change.
One nurse assisted him and pointed to the room he was supposed to enter after the medical treatment, but as he refused to do so , the female nurse opened the door. As she noticed, he was holding the broken half mask to protect his identity. As he entered the room, Ethan saw the place was filled with so much different clothing, equipment, food,
Ethan relaxed into the plush cushions of the lounge sofa, a momentary sense of relief washing over him as he felt its sturdy frame beneath him. However, the comfort was short-lived; as he sat, a worrying creak echoed through the air, and the metal structure beneath him began to bend under the pressure of his weight. Panic flickered in his mind, but before he could react, Mr. Thomas, flanked by his two assistants, entered the secret knight waiting room. Their eyes widened in disbelief at the sight before them.
There stood the new high Marshal, casually removing a torn long-sleeved hoodie, entirely unfazed by the fragile state of the sofa. But what truly captured their attention were the arm guards strapped onto his forearms—massive, one-centimeter-thick metal that glinted ominously under the fluorescent lights.
Mr. Thomas's gaze darted from the damaged sofa to the candidate's nonchalant demeanor. Just as the room settled into an uneasy silence, the Nameless, the new high Marshal let the locks holding the arm guards in place fall away. The heavy pieces clattered onto the marble floor, the sound resounding like a thunderous crash that sent vibrations through the room.
The impact was catastrophic; the once pristine marble seemed to shatter under the weight of the guards, cracks spider-webbing across its surface as if it were made of glass. Everyone stood frozen in disbelief, their minds racing to comprehend the sheer force that had just been unleashed in their midst. Finally, breaking the tension, the candidate shrugged with nonchalance and quipped, "I never leave home without them." His response shattered any lingering shock, leaving Mr. Thomas and his assistants grappling with the unexpected hazards of their new high marshal.
Whose unpredictable nature was as strong as the burden he bore? Mr. W wanted to know how heavy it was just on one of his arms. He was still wondering how a man could wear something so casually and walk as if it were nothing. Mr. W approached the arm guard and leaned in as though he were simply taking up a regular object. He shuddered in shock at this motion since the metal arm guard was heavy.
As he lifted it, Mr. W felt the weight pressing down on his arm, causing him to struggle to keep it raised. The realization of the burden that the high marshal carried became more apparent to him in that moment.
"Excuse me, sir, how heavy is this arm guard? " You mean that you have been wearing this since the very beginning?" The inquiry had sparked curiosity, as the imposing metal arm guard seemed to weigh down not just his arm but also the atmosphere around them.
"Oh, sorry about that," he replied, a hint of embarrassment creeping into his voice. "I just wanted to clean my arm; I was just too tired to notice it actually ruined the facility floor." His words hung in the air, offering a glimpse into the unrelenting commitment he had to both his training and personal hygiene, albeit inadvertently causing a minor mishap in the process.
"Don't worry about that, sir, you just want to know how heavy this arm guard is?" There was no malice in the question, only genuine intrigue. "Ah, that one? It's around 28lbs; it's made from fused osmium and steel. My father made them for me." The pride in his voice was unmistakable, showing how much this piece of equipment meant to him—not just as a tool for strength but as a tangible connection to his lineage.
"It must be quite durable then. Do you find it cumbersome to wear all the time?" the observer asked, genuinely interested in how one could endure such a burden continually. "Not at all; I've gotten used to it over a year. It's a small price to pay for the protection it provides." His dismissive tone suggested that the weight was simply part of his identity, an extension of himself, forged in the fires of rigorous training and familial legacy.
"I still plan to add more weight to it," he continued, his determination evident. "I just want to make sure I'm prepared for anything that comes my way." The gravity of those words struck a chord, emphasizing the mental and physical preparation he diligently pursued.
"So it means you're still wearing more on your body right now?" the question lingered, curious yet slightly incredulous. "Yes," he confirmed, nodding firmly. "I have gradually been adding more weight as I build up my strength. It's all part of my training regimen to be ready for any situation." The weight he bore was not merely physical; it encapsulated the drive to overcome obstacles. "I am wearing a total of 140 pounds of weight," he concluded, his posture unwavering, embodying a resolute spirit undeterred by the daunting load.
As he removed his torn hoodie jacket, a surprising sight revealed itself; strapped to his body were an array of metal weights. Mr. W's eyes widened in disbelief as he took in the sheer magnitude of this unusual burden. The weights, meticulously affixed to various parts of his torso, totaled an astonishing 140 lbs—equivalent to lifting a hefty sack of cement.
Each plate glinted dully under the fluorescent lights, reflecting not just the weight but the determination lying within the man who bore them. The scene was both intimidating and fascinating; it was hard to fathom how anyone could carry such a load and still move with any semblance of grace. Mr. W couldn't help but admire the grit required to endure such a challenge, yet he also felt a twinge of concern for the toll it might take on the individual's body over time. What drove him to this extreme? Was it a quest for strength, redemption, or perhaps a cathartic escape from past burdens? Each possibility lingered in the air, thick with unspoken narratives.
Meanwhile, Mr. Thomas was delighted to see Ethan again, under the impression that he did not know him personally. As the newly appointed chairman of the Knight Association in this region, the two assistants were unaware of their shared history that connected them. Despite the warmth of their reunion, Mr. Thomas failed to mention anything to his assistants, Mr. W and Ms. D, whose curiosity was piqued by the tension in the air.
Ethan, standing silently, exchanged fleeting glances with Mr. Thomas that hinted at a deeper bond—one cloaked in mutual recognition. Neither assistant grasped the true significance of the moment, a remnant of the past lingering just beneath the surface of their present interaction. It was not just a casual encounter; it was a convergence of two paths woven together by time and circumstances. Ethan's eyes held secrets that only he and Mr. Thomas understood, promises of resilience and shared history that echoed in the silence between them.
Mr. Thomas as his two assistants to manage all of his needs as a new registered and licensed high marshal; he wanted him to work for the association if they proved themselves capable. But as for now they just want to get through the pressing tasks at hand, oblivious to the unspoken narrative that enveloped their boss and the enigmatic figure standing before them. Mr. Thomas's voice carried a note of authority as he outlined their duties, yet his eyes betrayed a flicker of nostalgia each time they darted toward Ethan. Meanwhile, Mr. W and Ms. D focused on their responsibilities, keen to impress their new knowledge but unable to ignore the subtle undercurrents of tension that played out in the corners of the room. They exchanged glances, their minds racing with questions that lingered just out of reach.
As the meeting progressed, Ethan remained a picture of calm, the embodiment of someone who had weathered storms that others could only imagine. The way he stood there—confident yet grounded—spoke volumes of a shared past that was rich with experiences and perhaps hardships. Mr. Thomas, too, felt the weight of their history pressing upon him, an invisible thread binding them together through unspoken acknowledgments. Behind the professional façade of the Knight Association's operations, their meeting was a reminder of newly found friendships that will sure be tested and weathered time and trials.
With each task delegated and strategy discussed, both assistants remained blissfully unaware of the layered significance of Ethan's presence. They were busy orienting themselves in their new roles, hoping to prove their worthiness for the responsibilities assigned by Mr. Thomas. Yet, within the exchanges—be it a simple nod or a lingering pause—there was an electric charge of familiarity that hinted at a story untold. As the day unfolded, the air thickened with possibilities, leaving Mr. W and Ms. D to ponder the silent harmony between their chairman and the mysterious Ethan, a subtle yet poignant reminder that not every connection could be defined by mere introductions.
As the hour passed, the air grew thick with the weight of anticipation, marking the dawn of a new chapter in the age-old struggle between the knights and the shadowy creatures of the night. Once guardians of the realm, these new knights, endowed with unique abilities, found themselves at a crossroads, realizing that their traditional methods of combat were no longer sufficient against the relentless tide of darkness encroaching upon Earth.
Creatures that had long been relegated to the annals of folklore, who were unseen, suddenly emerged from the shadows, their ravenous hunger driving them closer to humanity's heart. With each passing moment, the tension escalated, a taut wire stretched between the forces of light and the feral instincts of night.
As skirmishes erupted across the landscape, the knights began to forge unlikely alliances, recognizing that this new reality demanded cooperation rather than division. Whispers of camaraderie spread among the beleaguered, a fragile thread of hope woven amidst the chaos. Strategies evolved, blending ancient combat techniques with newfound technology , as knights adapted to face the merciless predators that sought to extinguish their light. Yet, with each victory came a deeper understanding of their foes—these creatures were not merely mindless hunters but entities driven by their own scars and desires. The clash that loomed over them was more than a battle for survival; it was a confrontation of ideologies, an exploration of what it meant to protect a world caught in a delicate balance between light and darkness.
What began as a struggle for dominance transformed into a journey of understanding, as both factions grappled with the concept of coexistence while the landscape of their existence shifted irrevocably.
As the hour ebbed into twilight, most of the knights stood resolute, embodying the hope for a new era even as shadows whispered around them, signaling that the battle ahead would not merely redefine their abilities but their very understanding of what it meant to fight for their kind. In this crucible of conflict, alliances would be tested, and heroes would emerge from the most unexpected places, heralding the dawn of a new legacy fighting against the coming night.