I couldn't believe what was happening. A black hole from the Core of Earth was launched at me, and I couldn't move because of Mr. Owl's ability. I could only watch as Alexa stood beside me, crying and looking worried with tears in her eyes.
But then, something unexpected happened. I felt an unusual power flowing through my body, a power that came from the ichor I had obtained from the MANTARA operation. Without realizing it, I unleashed the true power of the ichor, and I could feel that I had extraordinary abilities.
Alexa looked at me with surprised eyes, and I could see that she didn't believe what was happening. "Ethan, what are you doing?" she shouted, but I couldn't answer because I was focused on the power flowing through my body.
Mr. Owl kicked me with agility, and I felt intense pain. I couldn't believe that Mr. Owl would do such a thing, especially in front of people who were sitting seriously at the long table. They stared at me with sharp eyes, as if they were evaluating my abilities.
Chloe, who usually supported me, murmured in a low voice, "Ethan is starting to use the power of the ichor... though it's not perfect yet." I felt embarrassed and frustrated because I couldn't control my power well. But I also knew that I had to keep training and improving my abilities if I wanted to become strong.
Mr. Owl stared at me with sharp eyes, as if he was waiting for me to do something. I didn't know what he wanted, but I was sure that I had to be ready for whatever would happen next.
As Mr. Owl pulled and kicked me towards the black hole, I felt an extraordinary power flowing through my body. Without realizing it, I underwent an imperfect transformation, and I could feel changes in my body. Pointed ears like an elf appeared on my head, and I could feel my speed increasing incredibly. I used that speed to punch Mr. Owl, but he easily deflected my attack.
Mr. Owl stared at me with sharp eyes, as if he was evaluating my new abilities. "You're starting to show your true potential," he said in a cold voice.
I was still angry and frustrated because of Jian Chen's death, which I believed could have been prevented if Mr. Owl had handled it quickly and precisely. But now, I could only feel anger and hatred towards Mr. Owl.
Mr. Owl kicked me with incredible strength, and I was thrown back very quickly. I couldn't dodge or counter the kick, and I could only feel intense pain. "You won't be able to defeat me," Mr. Owl said in a cold voice. "Your abilities won't be perfect because you don't have enough control over the ichor's power."
I felt annoyed and angry at Mr. Owl's words. I knew I still had many shortcomings, but I didn't want to hear that I wouldn't be able to fight Mr. Owl. I wanted to prove that I could become strong and defeat Mr. Owl.
Mr. Owl stared at me with sharp eyes, as if ensuring that I understood the situation. "You won't be able to fight this world," he said in a cold voice. "Many people want Honkai to disappear, and I won't let you become an obstacle to our plans."
I felt annoyed and angry at Mr. Owl's words. I knew I still had many shortcomings, but I didn't want to hear that I wouldn't be able to fight this world.
"Overseer is planning something strange in the Izu Islands," Mr. Owl said. "I need to get quick access to attack the Helix Industries Corporation headquarters to prevent his evil plans."
Mr. Owl stared at me with a cold face that showed no emotion. I was weakened by him, and I couldn't move due to the weakness I felt. Chloe and Alexa immediately helped me, assisting me in healing from the MANTARA ichor's abilities.
As my body was still in the process of healing, I felt the imperfect transformation still ongoing. The pointed ears like an elf were still visible on my head, and I could feel the ichor's power still flowing through my body.
Mr. Owl didn't care about my condition and began briefing several people who were present. I couldn't hear what was being discussed, but I was sure it was related to Overseer's plans and the attack on the Helix Industries Corporation headquarters.
After the briefing was over, Mr. Owl turned to me and released me. "You can go now," he said in a cold voice. Then, he left us three, leaving me, Alexandria, and Chloe alone.
I still felt weak, but I was sure I would recover soon. Mr. Owl stared at me with sharp eyes, "Jian Chen's death makes you hurt and disbelieving that your teacher died like that."
I felt sadness and anger still burning in my heart. Chloe immediately approached me, trying to treat my physical and emotional wounds. The MANTARA transformation I experienced earlier had returned to normal, and I could feel my body returning to its original state.
Chloe calmed me down with gentle touch and soothing words. "You're not alone, Ethan," she said in a soft voice. "We're here for you."
Chloe invited me to eat and drink at a cozy and warm tavern. We three walked towards the tavern, enjoying the bright afternoon atmosphere. When we arrived, I saw various delicious dishes that looked appetizing.
Chloe smiled and said, "I'm treating you, Ethan! Choose whatever you like!" I chose several of my favorite dishes, and Chloe ordered them all with a sweet smile.
As the food and drinks arrived, we three sat together and enjoyed the delicious meal. Chloe tried to cheer me up with funny stories and jokes that made me smile. I felt a bit more at ease, although the sadness of Jian Chen's death still weighed heavily on my heart.
Chloe continued to entertain me, talking about lighter topics and making me forget about my sorrow for a while as we drank sake. Alexa was still quiet, but I could see a slight smile on her face when Chloe cheered me up.
When we finished eating, Chloe said, "You're not alone, Ethan. We're here for you." I felt a bit better, and I knew I could rely on Chloe and Alexa to support me during this difficult time.
As we were enjoying our meal and drinks at the tavern, Alexa suddenly burst into tears. Chloe and I were shocked and immediately turned to her. I could see tears streaming down her face, and I felt a deeper sense of sadness.
"Alexa, what's wrong?" Chloe asked in a soft voice, as she approached Alexa. I also approached Alexa, trying to calm her down.
Alexa couldn't speak, just crying softly. I could feel the deep sadness within her, and I knew she was also heavily affected by Jian Chen's death.
Chloe hugged Alexa, trying to calm her down. "We're here for you, Alexa. You're not alone," she said in a soft voice. I also hugged Alexa, trying to provide support and strength to her.
At that moment, I felt that we three were experiencing the same sadness, and we had to support each other to get through this difficult time.
I wanted to be strong, to have the ability to protect the people I care about and free humanity from this disaster. But for now, I could only feel weakness and helplessness.
Chloe tried to calm me down, but I knew I still had a long way to go to become strong. I hoped that someday, I would have the ability to face strong people and free humanity from this disaster. Alexa was still quiet, her tears still flowing, and I didn't know what was on her mind.