Chapter 4 A year and a Half

Marie Geoise

Ethan POV

A year and a half ago today was the day they tried to kidnap me and the day I decided to become stronger. Since I returned from Elegia, I had been training with instructors my parents hired for me. I started with physical conditioning from Monday to Friday, and in the last six months, my father had begun to teach me how to use a sword. According to him, I was a prodigy in swordsmanship and had an unusually strong physique for a child my age.

Now, I was doing basic sword training with my father. In the distance, my grandfather Marcus Mars and a man I didn't know were watching us.

It was noon, and the sun shone brightly over the training field, situated in the vast gardens of our mansion in Marie Geoise. The grass was perfectly manicured, and a gentle breeze made the leaves of the nearby trees whisper in the air. My father and I were at the center of the field, both dressed in light training clothes. My father wore a fitted white tunic, while I wore a sleeveless shirt and dark blue shorts.

"Prepare yourself, Ethan," said my father, his voice as encouraging as ever.

I nodded, adjusting my grip on the handle of the training sword. I began to unleash quick bursts of attacks in his direction. My father, with unwavering calm and precision, blocked each of my attacks with ease. Despite my effort and speed, I couldn't land a single hit.

I tried different angles and combinations of movements, but every time I thought I had found an opening, his sword was there to stop me. After several attempts, I decided to step back and change tactics.

"Don't stop, keep trying!" my father encouraged me.

I charged again, this time moving even faster. I launched a direct attack at his right side, but at the last moment, he deflected my sword and, with a swift movement, blocked my wrist with his knee, causing me to drop my sword. Before I could react, I felt the cold blade of his training sword at my throat.

"You lost, Ethan," he said, withdrawing the sword and smiling. "But you've improved a lot. I'm proud of you."

While all this was happening, my grandfather Marcus and the mysterious man were talking under the shade of a large nearby tree. The man had a curious appearance: messy silver hair and round glasses. He wore a white lab coat that gave him the air of an eccentric scientist.

Marcus: "Ethan's progress is impressive, don't you think, Vegapunk?"

Vegapunk nodded, observing Ethan with interest. "Yes, he seems to be a successful experiment of the lineage factor modification we did. His emotions haven't been affected by the genetic enhancements, which is a good sign."

Marcus: "What improvements have you noticed in his physical reports over the past year and a half?"

Vegapunk: "Mainly his strength and speed, which are extraordinary for a 7-year-old. Also, his vision and reaction time are almost inhuman in combat."

Marcus smiled, satisfied. "I always knew Ethan had great potential; that he survived the modifications and began to unlock the potential of his genetic enhancements is proof of it."

Vegapunk continued: "I agree with you. The boy has great potential. Now, there are only three limiters that keep him weak. His underdeveloped body and mind are two of them, but that will be resolved over time. The third limiter is his motivation. Being a Celestial Dragon, it's likely that in the future, he'll settle for the level of a normal Vice Admiral and not seek more."

Marcus frowned but nodded. "I understand your concerns. But I hope to change that. I want Ethan to aspire to be the best; I want him to become strong enough to fight a Yonkou and survive or even win."

Vegapunk: "That will be a challenge, but if anyone can make your grandson reach that level, it's you, Marcus. You have the determination and resources to do it."

Marcus: "What would you do to ensure Ethan reaches his full potential?"

Vegapunk stroked his chin thoughtfully. "First, he must continue training rigorously. His physique will improve over time, but he needs a solid foundation. I suggest increasing the intensity of his physical conditioning and diversifying his training by incorporating more advanced combat techniques and martial arts."

Marcus nodded. "And what about his mind?"

Vegapunk: "It must be sharp. He needs constant intellectual stimulation. You could expose him to combat strategies, military tactics, and logic problems. Also, his education should be comprehensive; a good knowledge of history, politics, and science will help him develop critical thinking and ensure that no one tries to take advantage of him."

Marcus: "And about his motivation?"

Vegapunk smiled slightly. "That's the most complicated aspect. He must find a reason to fight, a purpose that goes beyond mere duty. It could be an ideal, a person he wants to protect, or a personal dream. He must have something that pushes him beyond his limits."

Marcus: "That's the hardest thing to change. But I'll do whatever it takes to help Ethan find his path."

Vegapunk: "You could also consider using advanced technology to monitor and optimize his progress. I could develop devices to measure his performance and adjust his training accordingly."

Marcus: "That sounds like an excellent idea. I'll make the necessary arrangements for you to have everything you need for those devices."

Back to Training

After our training session, my father patted me on the back. "Well done, Ethan. Now, rest a bit. You deserve a break after all that effort."

I headed toward where my grandfather and Vegapunk were. I was curious to know what they were talking about. As I approached, my grandfather smiled at me.

"Ethan, I want to introduce you to someone. This is Dr. Vegapunk, the most brilliant scientist in the world."

I bowed respectfully. "It's an honor to meet you, Dr. Vegapunk."

Vegapunk smiled and looked at me with bright eyes. "The honor is mine, young Ethan. I've heard a lot about you, and I'm impressed by your tremendous progress for your age."

"Thank you," I replied, a bit embarrassed by the praise.

My grandfather placed a hand on my shoulder. "Ethan, keep training hard. You have a great future ahead of you."

I nodded, determined not to disappoint their expectations. I knew I had a long way to go, but with the support of my family and mentors, I was ready to face any challenge.

Marcus: "Ethan, I want you to listen to Dr. Vegapunk. He has some important advice for you."

Vegapunk: "Ethan, your strength and speed are remarkable, but you must continue training rigorously. We will increase the intensity of your physical conditioning and diversify your training with advanced combat techniques and martial arts."

I simply nodded at his words, not very interested in what he was saying.

Vegapunk continued: "Also, you need to stimulate your mind. You will study combat strategies, military tactics, and logic problems. You'll also be provided with top-level education in history, politics, and science."

Marcus: "All of this is to help you reach your full potential, Ethan. We want you to be the best."

Vegapunk: "And finally, Ethan, I'll give you this as advice from a man with years of experience: you must find a reason to fight, something that motivates you to go beyond your limits. It could be an ideal, a person you want to protect, or a personal dream."

I felt a spark of determination reignite the fire within me and said, "I'll do what I can to find and achieve my dreams."

Marcus and Vegapunk nodded, satisfied. I knew that with their guidance and support, I was on the right path to becoming someone extraordinary.