Chapter 57
Ethan wore a casual shirt and asked if he could get a disposable face mask to Ms. D, while Mr. Thomas took out an item inside his suit and handed it to Ethan, aka Nameless; it was his registration card. And asked him what his next plan is. Mr. Thomas mentioned the very moment he walks out that facility door, many would approach him to recruit him to join their team,
He asked Mr. W to send Nameless the files concerning the entire structure of the knight order. He briefly explains that the knight association is similar to the old medieval knights, but with a modern twist, and that Nameless would need to familiarize himself with their hierarchy and protocols before making any decisions.
Ethan, or Nameless, took out his phone as well as Mr. W., Nameless, nameless accessed his blue tooth and awaited the file he needed to read and understand. After a few minutes he placed the phone back into his pocket and asked where he should exit..
Mr. D smiled and showed him the way. Mr. Thomas last word was a simple question that shocked his two assistants.
"You haven't changed your number, right?"
"It's still the same number I gave you, Mr. Chairman Thomas."
"Good, you can expect my call soon."
Mr. Thomas and Nameless exchanged a knowing look before continuing on their way, wondering what important decision Chairman Thomas needed to discuss with them privately.
Ethan proceeded to walk, and while Ms. D was walking ahead of him, she was contemplating the last question her boss asked the new High Mashall, seeing his battle points and mana levels were higher than ever before. Her ability to see mana was top among the knights in her batch. Seeing the energy coming out of Namelss relax body was already frightening.
She was still processing everything she saw in the contro room. She still can understand why he didn't register earlier; was he training or in isolation? Too many questions entered her mind, so many aspects of his timely visit and assessment were very confusing.
"Was he the shadow hunter that was captured by CCTV cameras that were killing multiple rift outbreaks in the city a few months ago?"
"And if that was really him, so the person he was mentioning was his partner at that time also, the crimson hunter.!"
They both finally reach the end of the long corridor. A metal door was right in front of them. Ms. D placed her hand on the digital scanner and waited for the door to activate and open. She wanted to ask Nameless about the reason why she waited this long to get registered.
"Sir Nameless, pardon me for asking, but why did you wait this long to register? As you know, we are in dire need of a strong knight to stand along side our association.?" Nameless looked at Ms. D with a mysterious smile before responding,
"I have my reasons, but rest assured, I am here now to fulfill my duty as the knight."
With that, the metal door finally opened, revealing what lay beyond. It's the old vacant parking lot at the very far end of the knight association enclosed stadium. It's the only place where delivery trucks could park and unload supplies for the former athletic facility.
Ethan was finally done with his task and was delighted to see the outcome. His target was the highest rank but obtaining it might create more issues; having a high marshal rank was already a huge deal; he can't afford to expose his identity. He still wishes to live a normal life; having a rich girl friend is already socially complicating things enough. Despite the temptation of achieving the highest rank, Ethan knew he needed to prioritize his safety and anonymity above all else. His ultimate goal was to maintain a balance between his personal life and his responsibilities within the knight association.
And lucky for him, Katarine never cared about the social hierarchy many constantly aim to dominate; she was just too focused on her own personal needs. Ethan found solace in Katarine's indifference towards social status, as it allowed him to continue his duties without the added pressure of public scrutiny. He was grateful for her understanding and support in keeping his identity hidden.
As Ethan walked out of a vacant parking lot, he took out his phone and called Katarine,
"Hello, how are you doing, my sweet Ethan?"
"Huh? Sweet , that's a bit too much, don't you think, Besides that , somebody might hear you there at your work." "Sorry, I just miss you. And don't worry, I'm in a secluded area," Katarine replied with a soft chuckle. Ethan smiled, feeling grateful for her affection even in the midst of their secrecy.
" they already know iam already off the market, so saying sweet words to the man I love is not a problem for me." Ethan's heart swelled with happiness, knowing that Katarine was fully committed to their relationship. He couldn't wait to see her again and express his love in person.
"Many are still very interested in confirming our relationship status, but I'm glad we both know where we stand,"
"I really don't care what the social world thinks of your real identity; they might have taken illegal ways to capture your image , but you know me and my family are experts in manipulating the media.,"
" I just want you to know that I am a registered knight."
"I never doubt you will fail my love; I have seen how good you are at protecting those who are in need of your strength."
"That's one of the reasons I fell in love with you," I said, looking into his eyes, filled with both admiration and warmth. There was something so undeniably magnetic about the way he never hesitated to do what was right, no matter how challenging the circumstances could be.
His integrity and courage shone through in every decision he made, effortlessly casting him as my knight in shining armor, a beacon of strength in a world that often seemed chaotic and unjust.
"You always stand up for what is just and fair, even when it means going against the tide,"
She continued, knowing that her words were a testament to all the times she had watched him advocate for those who couldn't speak for themselves. It inspired her; his unwavering dedication to truth and justice set him apart from others.
While many chose easier paths, he embraced the difficult conversations and stood firm on principles, proving that honor still existed in the world.
"Thank you, hon," he replied, his voice softening with genuine humility. A smile crept across his face, and I couldn't help but laugh as he added,
"Oh my God, you called me 'hon!'" The words slipped from her lips with an incredulous glee, as if he had just bestowed upon her a precious gift. She could feel the joy in his heart, a playful spark that flickered in his eyes, igniting a warmth that made her believe in the magic of their connection.
In that intimate moment, surrounded by sincerity and affection, he realized that it was these little exchanges—simple yet profound—that nurtured their bond. Each sweet nickname, each shared laugh, was a stitch in the fabric of their relationship, intricately woven together by admiration for her formidable character, her unyielding spirit, and the gentleness that belied her strength.
"I can't wait to see you soon, hon," he said, his voice dipped in earnestness, promising countless more moments where words became bridges between their hearts. The simplicity of the term made her grin, reinforcing the familiarity that drew them closer.
"Bye, Ethan, no, bye, hon," she replied, the laughter still dancing in her tone, each word a testament to the playful intimacy they had cultivated. It was as if in that brief exchange, echoes of their history resounded—the late-night talks, the shared dreams, the moments of vulnerability—all packed within that single affectionate term. And as they hung up, a sense of anticipation swirled around her, foreshadowing a reunion filled with even more joy and shared secrets.
Ethan ended the call. While walking around the facility and seeing the vast number of people still waiting to see and meet the new high marshal , Ethan opened the file Mr. W sent to him about the knight's initial background and the social implications of this change toward the word. The file contained detailed information about the knight's upbringing, education, and previous accomplishments, shedding light on the significance of his appointment as high marshal.
In this modern age, the role of knights has evolved dramatically compared to their historical counterparts, who served sovereign rulers unquestioningly. Registered knights now possess the autonomy to challenge or even disregard the current leaders of their cities or governments, focusing instead on a singular mission: to protect humanity.
This shift in dynamics not only empowers knights to make decisions that align with their moral compass but also fosters a more adaptive environment where each knight can leverage their unique skills to respond effectively to emerging threats. The guidelines they follow are not rigid mandates but rather flexible frameworks, allowing them to navigate complex situations with greater agility and insight.
However, the advent of this new registration system has not come without its challenges. The allure of power has drawn some ability users down dark paths, using their talents for selfish or malevolent ends. In response, a stringent vetting process has been implemented to ensure that only those with genuine, altruistic motives are allowed to take on the esteemed title of knight.
This system of checks and balances serves as a safeguard, guarding the knightly order against corruption and maintaining the integrity of its mission to protect humanity, thereby distinguishing genuine guardians from those who seek to exploit their abilities.
Amidst this changing landscape, wealth and influence still wield significant power. Individuals with substantial resources often attempt to mimic the nobility, yet fall short of genuine knightly prowess. These pseudo-nobles are prone to hiring knights as personal protectors, treating them as mercenaries rather than the esteemed defenders of justice they aspire to be. This reliance on hired knights raises questions about loyalty and the purpose of knighthood itself, complicating the motives and objectives within the burgeoning knightly community.
As the knight orders and guilds proliferate, they embody a wide spectrum of intentions and purposes. Some prioritize the stalwart defense of justice and the downtrodden, while others operate on a more transactional basis, ready to serve whoever can meet their price.
This diversity enriches the modern knighthood, presenting a multitude of paths for individuals to follow, each driven by different aspirations. The resulting tapestry of motivations and goals underlines the complexity of this new age of chivalry, where the very notion of knighthood is being redefined in profound and transformative ways.
As the knight orders and guilds proliferate, the landscape of knighthood has evolved to reflect a myriad of intentions and purposes, creating a rich tapestry of ideals and aspirations. Some groups stand resolute as vanguards of justice, dedicated to defending the vulnerable and championing the causes of the oppressed.
These orders often view their missions through an ethical lens, seeing knighthood as a sacred duty imbued with moral responsibility. In sharp contrast, other guilds adopt a more pragmatic approach, navigating the complexities of a world driven by commerce and power. For them, service is available to the highest bidder, casting a different kind of light on the age-old romanticism associated with chivalry.
This duality and diversity not only enrich the modern portrayal of knighthood but also invite individuals to engage with chivalric ideals in various ways, whether through noble pursuits or calculated alliances.
In this new age of chivalry, the motivations of those who identify as knights are as varied as the guilds themselves. Individuals may be drawn to the call of adventure, seeking glory and recognition, or they may aspire to forge their own path through tactical maneuvering within the socio-political landscape.
The evolution of what it means to be a knight compels a re-examination of the values traditionally associated with the title; honor and valor are now juxtaposed with ambition and self-interest. As such, aspiring knights must navigate this complexity, weighing their personal ambitions against the broader implications of their choices.
This dynamic interplay of motivations serves to redefine not only the concept of knighthood but also the inherent responsibilities that come with it as individuals grapple with the weight of their actions in a world where the lines between right and wrong are increasingly blurred. In embracing this multifaceted identity, the modern knight emerges as a figure of profound transformation, reflecting the diverse and ever-evolving nature of contemporary society.
It was a strange way of informing a registered knight; the details were more focused on the social relevance of gaining a title. This shift in focus highlights a departure from traditional notions of knighthood as purely a symbol of honor and valor, instead emphasizing the complexities of moral decision-making in a complex world. By exploring the intersection of personal ambition, societal expectations, and ethical dilemmas, the modern knight is portrayed as a nuanced and introspective figure navigating the complexities of a rapidly changing world.
Ethan wasn't that naive not to see what some people would do with their abilities, some might be average, but gaining abilities that could hurt and kill a person is a different matter, a few ability users and even Knight became criminals , using their powers for personal gain or to harm others. This added layer of moral ambiguity challenges the traditional ideals of knighthood and forces characters like Ethan to confront difficult choices in a world where power can be both a blessing and a curse.
From a young age, Ethan felt an undeniable pull toward protecting those who were weak and helpless, a calling that whispered to him in the quiet moments of childhood. He watched his father, a figure of strength and compassion, as he stood resolute against injustice, embodying the very ideals that Ethan aspired to uphold.
To him, his father was more than just a parent; he was a beacon of integrity, a living testament to the notion that true strength lies in standing up for others. With every story told at bedtime, every lesson imparted through their shared experiences, Ethan began to grasp a profound understanding of life and death, realizing that they weren't merely opposing forces.
He learned that while death could be seen as evil in its senselessness, it also held a nuanced reality; sometimes, killing could serve a valid purpose—a necessary action to protect the innocent or to uphold a greater good.
Ethan's early experiences molded his worldview, teaching him that morality was often complex and fraught with gray areas. He wrestled with the weight of these revelations, knowing that the path of a protector was riddled with difficult choices and ethical dilemmas. Yet, within that struggle, he found clarity.
The lessons of compassion from his father resonated deep within him, urging him to become a guardian of those who could not guard themselves. As he grew older, this calling transformed into a mission, guiding him through the trials of life and pushing him to confront not only external threats but also the inner demons that came with the burden of responsibility. In every act of bravery, no matter how small, Ethan honored his father's legacy while carving out his own understanding of what it meant to be a protector in an imperfect world.