Chapter 11: Sanity

Henry responded with unwavering determination, "I am not obligated, nor is it allowed, to disclose the names of my comrades."

"Yes, yes, the rules. Hihihihi!" Eric laughed mockingly. "But unfortunately for you—" Eric signaled one of his cohorts, and suddenly Ethan felt the cold touch of a blade against his throat. It was the second time Ethan found himself threatened with death. His heart raced, pumping adrenaline through his veins, desperate for this nightmare to end. "He is my captive now, and my tracker sensed the energy of the dungeon on him. It seems you desire the location of the dungeon from him."

Ethan's heart pounded even faster upon hearing this revelation. *Batumbatumbatum.* To make matters worse, he heard Nova's voice in his head, alerting him of his skyrocketing heart rate. "Extremely high heart beats detected. The host is recommended to regulate his blood pressure." This usually calming feature only served to heighten Ethan's fear, confirming that everything happening around him was indeed real.

Understanding the fleeting confusion on Henry's face, Ethan's mind was flooded with the worst-case scenarios. Everyone seemed to be vying for control of the dungeon, and escape seemed impossible, no matter what he did. Perhaps they would even resort to killing him to ensure his silence. The blade against his neck only served as a chilling reminder of this possibility. *Batumbatumbatum.*

Ethan's heart pounded even faster upon hearing Eric's demand. *Batumbatumbatum.* To his dismay, he found himself trapped, unable to guarantee his safety by revealing the dungeon's location. Fighting a group of fifty awakened individuals, many of them at the peak of awakening or in the foundation realm, was out of the question. With no options left, he had to rely on his knowledge of the jungle.

Before a plan could form, the blade against his neck pressed deeper, causing him to wince in pain. Eric's voice echoed with sinister intensity, assaulting his ears from all directions. "If you want to live, tell me the location of the dungeon!"

Henry attempted to intervene, but Eric warned him against any movement. Fearful for Ethan's life, Henry halted, his face furrowed in concern. He couldn't allow Eric to gain the advantage in the dungeon, but he also couldn't let an innocent suffer due to his own selfishness. Unbeknownst to Henry, Ethan observed his hesitation, reading his micro expressions like an open book.

Drawing on his knowledge of psychology and micro expressions, Ethan had a sudden realization that would change him forever. He understood the selfish nature of people and the solitary path he would have to tread. Laughter erupted from his lips, echoing through the jungle. "Hahahahahahahahaha." Ethan laughed as if he had lost his mind, but in reality, it was a calculated move to buy himself time and assess the situation.

Eric questioned his own actions, doubting whether he had pushed Ethan to the brink of insanity. He never intended to kill him, only to intimidate. Meanwhile, Henry grappled with guilt, realizing the potential consequences of his hesitation. The weight of their actions was written on both brothers' faces, yet they remained unaware of Ethan's true state of mind.

Addressing them mockingly, Ethan said, "Hey, Mr. Sunshine and Mr. Wannabe Darkness." Both Eric and Henry were taken aback. Had this timid boy just made a sarcastic remark to two peak foundation realm experts? But they instinctively responded in unison, "What?"

"I will lead you to the entrance of the dungeon," Ethan declared, catching Eric's interest. However, Eric was conflicted as his mission prohibited any other school from entering. "I can't agr-." Before he could finish his sentence, a sudden surge in gravity caused everyone within a 500-meter radius to feel its immense weight increase fivefold.

Seizing the opportunity, Ethan swiftly disarmed the guy who held the blade against his throat, took his sword and made a deep cut to his legs. It was his first time using his martial arts skills and his newly awakened power. The predator-like eyes of his grandfather manifested in his own gaze, a testament to his newfound abilities.

One shouldn't underestimate the formidable impact of five times gravity. It surpasses the fictional portrayal seen in manga, where physical training seemingly affects only the muscles and skeletal structure. In reality, the sudden surge of gravitational force exerts immense pressure on the internal organs, compressing them uncomfortably. The heightened air density amplifies the resistance to every breath, making it a struggle to draw in enough oxygen.

As the gravity intensified, the once towering bushes and nearby trees were flattened and shattered under the strain. Their branches snapped and foliage crumpled beneath the weight, as if bowing to the overwhelming force. Anyone unfortunate enough to be standing on a tree branch suddenly found themselves losing balance and plummeting towards the ground. In their hasty descent, they had to swiftly maneuver their swords aside to avoid inadvertently injuring themselves on the way down. The disorienting chaos of the increased gravity challenged even the most skilled and agile warriors, leaving them struggling to adapt to this unforeseen physical trial.

As the overwhelming force of the heightened gravity pressed everyone else to the ground, only Eric, Henry, and the leader of the group with the eagle emblem remained standing. It wasn't due to their exceptional strength alone, but rather their remarkable adaptive abilities and the strategic support of their swords. The weight of the gravity was partially borne by the swords they held, serving as makeshift supports that alleviated some of the burden on their bodies. Though their muscles strained and their breathing became labored, they maintained a semblance of upright posture amidst the chaotic scene, defying the oppressive force that rendered others helpless on the ground.

With a single activation of his formidable power, Ethan exerted an incredible force against the gravitational field, causing it to surge with even greater intensity. As a result, 47 individuals, caught in the radius of this enhanced gravity, were forcefully pressed to the ground, their bodies flattened under the immense pressure. Bones cracked and snapped under the strain, inflicting pain and rendering some of them immobilized. Even the leaders of the respective groups, known for their resilience and prowess, found themselves unable to move, overwhelmed by the sheer force exerted upon them. The impact of Ethan's power sent shockwaves through the battlefield, leaving a trail of incapacitated opponents in its wake.

As Ethan gripped the blade tightly, he couldn't ignore the draining sensation of his mana, but he remained resolute. Locking eyes with the leaders of the three groups, he spoke with an air of confidence, addressing them collectively. "That is, if you can even follow me!"

In the blink of an eye, the overwhelming gravity abruptly subsided, returning to its normal state. Released from its oppressive grip, everyone regained their mobility. However, by that time, Ethan was already a blur in motion, propelled by sheer determination and aided by his agile movement technique. His speed and agility left his pursuers stunned, unable to keep up with his rapid escape.

In a whirlwind of events that unfolded within a mere three seconds, neither Eric nor Henry had a chance to react to the sudden change. The rapid shift in gravity, Ethan's daring escape, and the ensuing chaos left them momentarily stunned and unable to respond. It was a testament to Ethan's swift thinking and decisive action that he managed to seize the opportunity and make his getaway before anyone could catch up.

As Eric grappled with the humiliation of being challenged and stopped in his tracks by a newly awakened boy, a wave of irritation washed over him. His voice carried a menacing tone that sent shivers down the spines of everyone, including his own comrades. In the midst of his frustration, a sudden smirk followed by laughter echoing nearby, catching Eric's attention.

Henry couldn't contain his amusement and burst into laughter. "Hahahaha! And here I thought I was something special. It seems I've found myself a strong competitor," he said, directing his gaze towards Eric. "I suppose it will only be our three schools that enter this time," he continued, assessing the remaining 47 individuals, with 30 of them immobilized. After a quick count, a smirk appeared on his face as he remarked, "It seems my group has suffered the lightest injuries, with no broken bones among us." With determination, Henry followed in Ethan's footsteps, ready to pursue the entrance of the dungeon.

Not willing to let Henry venture after Ethan alone, Eric swiftly joined him in pursuit, his mind consumed with a burning determination. The adrenaline surged through his veins, heightening his senses and sharpening his focus. Being in close proximity to Ethan earlier, Eric had a keen sense of the boy's mana, granting him a potential advantage in this treacherous game of cat and mouse.

The pursuit began with a group of 30 individuals, their footsteps pounding against the dense jungle floor like war drums. They moved with calculated precision, a relentless force driven by ambition and the thirst for power. Twelve shadows silently weaved through the undergrowth, their presence shrouded in darkness. Ten individuals emanating the fiery essence of the sun blazed forward, their determination shining as bright as their emblem. Ten others, swift and agile like the eagle, soared through the foliage, their eyes fixed on the prize ahead.

As word spread, each leader called upon their remaining teammates, summoning them to join the chase. The jungle echoed with the thunderous roar of hundreds of determined souls, their combined steps creating an almost palpable tension. A symphony of anticipation filled the air as they pressed deeper into the unknown, the weight of their expectations resting heavy upon their shoulders.

Every footfall carried with it a sense of urgency, a reminder that time was of the essence. Heartbeats quickened, breaths became shallow, and a silent competition arose among the pursuers. They were propelled forward by a magnetic force, their minds consumed by the thrill of the chase. The atmosphere crackled with electricity as the collective will of the group surged, eager to uncover the secrets hidden within the depths of the jungle.