Chapter 13: Gravity Crush

As his newfound sensory abilities kicked in, he became aware of a tingling fear emerging from the depths of his mind. The intensity of his perception indicated the presence of a staggering number of pursuers, estimated to be at least 200. While he had mentally prepared for the possibility of reinforcements, he hadn't anticipated such an overwhelming force. Just then, another group of approximately 80 individuals swiftly entered his field of awareness, with 40 approaching from the front and another 40 positioned strategically to intercept him should he attempt to flee left or right.

As his mind raced, Ethan quickly formulated a plan. He recalled how he had immobilized a larger group before using a fivefold gravitational force for three seconds. With that in mind, he devised a new strategy. "If I do this, I will remain with only 20% Mana left in my body."

With his plan in place, Ethan slowed his pace, positioning himself roughly 400 meters away from the group blocking his path. He feigned exhaustion, panting heavily and acting as if he could no longer run. It was a calculated move to draw them in. "STOP!" His voice echoed through the dense jungle, commanding attention.

Around 300 people surrounded him, including Eric, who wasted no time in mocking Ethan. "What, now you want to beg for forgiveness? It's too late for that!" Eric's words dripped with disdain, his humiliation from their previous encounter still fresh in his mind.

In response, Ethan maintained his act, portraying desperation. "I just want to live. I don't care about anything else. I'll tell you where the dungeon is, and you'll let me go!" His voice carried a sense of resignation.

"Hahahahahaha, the mindset of a loser! But it's too late for that. " Eric sneered, relishing in Ethan's apparent submission.

Those words triggered something in Ethan. Surrounded by 300 people, Eric's audacity pushed him to the brink. A primal instinct took over, and an aura of predatory power emanated from Ethan. His eyes glowed with an intense green hue, a sign of his unleashed power.

The sight of Ethan's transformation stunned Eric, Henry, and everyone else who had witnessed his initial attack. They knew what was about to unfold. Henry quickly issued a warning, sensing the impending danger. "Prepare for an attack! Get back as far as possible!"

Confusion rippled through the group as they grappled with the perplexing notion of Henry feeling treated despite his reputation for possessing a formidable defense. Before they could fully process the situation, it happens

Swoosh

The air crackled with energy as the gravitational force intensified, multiplying fivefold.

„What the.."

Instantly, everyone in the vicinity felt the immense weight bearing down on them, dropping them to the ground with a resounding thud.

The sudden surge in gravity left them immobilized, their movements restricted by the overwhelming force. Ethan's calculated attack had taken effect, disrupting their defenses and leaving them vulnerable.

As Ethan surged forward, the same scenario played out once again.

The grass and bushes flattened, the trees showing signs of breaking and the branches bent to the ground or even broke on some parts. Anyone unfortunate enough to be standing on a tree branch lost their footing, resulting in bone-breaking falls. Unfortunately, in the chaos, some were unable to evade their own swords entirely, leading to severe injuries among the pursuers.

*Ahhhhhhh*

The scene was filled with groans of pain and cries of anguish as the impact of Ethan's power reverberated through the area. His relentless pursuit and the havoc he wreaked left no doubt in anyone's mind about his formidable abilities.

Amidst the chaos, Ethan pressed on, his determination unyielding. He knew that he had to maintain his advantage and make the most of the opportunity that had presented itself.

At that moment, the tables had turned. Ethan stood amidst the fallen, his gaze steely and determined. With a mixture of fear and respect in their eyes, the pursuers now understood the true power that lay within the seemingly ordinary boy.

„Who are you?" someone standing while being supported by his sword asked. „Anyone who is this strong is supported by one of the big five, so who is backing you up?" the box with fiery red hair asked.

Ethan ignored the boy and just looked in Eric's and Henry's direction. From what he has seen so far those to are the ones respected, this he assumed them to be the strongest of the currently available.

Eric and Henry, having learned from their previous encounter, were better prepared this time. However, their preparations were not enough to anticipate the full extent of Ethan's power. As the gravitational force subsided, Eric assumed it was due to Ethan's depleted mana, fueling his anger even further.

Others who had only been slightly affected by the gravitational crush now rose to their feet, their anger matching Eric's intensity. Eyes glowing with awakened energy, they prepared to unleash their own attacks, seeking vengeance against the young boy who had disrupted their pursuit.

Eric jumped in Ethan's direction, disregarding any Defense, he only wanted to wash the humiliation he suffered by his hands away.

„I got you this time you little monkey! Eat my sword, SHADOW SLA-."

What happened next took them all by surprise. Ethan's mocking gaze and predator-like smirk sent a chill down their spines.

It was like an instinct, as if this would be the right name to call:

"Gravitational - CRUSH."

Swooooshhhh.

The ground shattered beneath their feet, and trees rooted deeply to the earth. Within a 500-meter radius of Ethan, the moans of pain filled the air, and some even fainted from the sheer force. Those who had let their guard down were left helpless, unable to stand against the overwhelming power of Ethan's attack.

*Thud**Thud**Thud**Thud**Thud*

This time, even Eric fell to the ground, humbled by the strength of Ethan.

*Thud**Thud**Thud**Thud**Thud*

Out of the 288 people who had followed Ethan, 205 succumbed to the first attack, another 82 fell with the second. Only two individuals remained standing, one of them being Henry, who looked at Ethan with a mixture of awe and horror, his mouth agape.

The silence that followed was broken only by the heavy breathing of those still conscious, their faces etched with pain and disbelief.

Ethan looked at Eric's flattened body and said with a mocking voice mimicking him: "Loser!"

____________

As he sprinted through the dense undergrowth, Ethan's mind churned with thoughts of his mana usage. The recent battles had revealed the need for greater proficiency in managing his limited resources. He understood that his abilities as an Awakened relied heavily on his mastery of mana control.

"I must become more proficient in managing my mana," Ethan whispered to himself, his voice filled with determination. "I need to find a balance between using my powers effectively and conserving my energy for crucial moments."

He realized that his earlier mistakes had stemmed from an overreliance on powerful attacks, which drained his mana reserves rapidly. To navigate the challenges ahead, he needed to adopt a more strategic approach. This meant carefully choosing when to utilize his gravitational powers, considering the cost and impact of each action.

"I can't afford to waste a single drop of mana," Ethan muttered, his words punctuated by each pounding step. "I must be disciplined and discerning in my choices. Every action must be purposeful and calculated."

With this newfound understanding, Ethan committed himself to honing his mana control skills. He would strive for efficiency, seeking ways to optimize his powers while conserving precious energy. The realization that his success hinged on his ability to master the delicate balance between power and restraint fueled his determination to grow as an Awakened.

„I need to come up with a new skill." he thought while looking at the blade in his hand. „Nova, what would happen if I channeled my gravity control into the blade?"

„There are many possible outcomes.

1. Your sword would increase or decrease in weight depending on your purpose.

2. If one would try to block your sword, the change in gravitation could take him by surprise.

3. You would be able to overpower enemies, who did not infuse mana to their sword with ease.

But take note, that if there is someone with better mana control, he can dismantle your infused mana. So when facing stronger opponents, or opponents with better mana control, you shouldn't try that move."

"That makes sense. I should recover my mana before trying new methods."

In the midst of the chase, Ethan's mind sharpened, his focus laser-like. He knew that becoming more proficient with his mana control would not only enhance his abilities but also grant him a significant advantage in the battles that lay ahead. With every stride, he resolved to push his limits, pushing beyond his current capabilities and unlocking the true potential of his awakened powers.

______________________

In the midst of the pursuit, there were two individuals near the dungeon, one of them laughing happily and emitting a mighty aura: "Hahahahahaha, that's my boy. That's the way to go. Show the world the might of the Stormborn. Shine brighter than your senile grandfather ever did and make the world regret their decision to make us, the Stormborns, their enemy." he said while flashing his canines. "We will create you an opening brother and make them pay for everything. I will pray for your safety" She said with golden glowing eyes.