Kapitel 55: Chapter 44 - Wren Kain IV
(Arthur Leywin)
Are all humans equal?
That was the question on my mind when I first started my journey towards my new life at ANHS.
The concept of human equality has long been a topic of debate, with opinions and perspectives varying greatly.
When considering whether all humans are truly equal, one's initial thoughts may be conflicted.
At the outset, it may seem reasonable to answer in the affirmative, as all individuals are born with inherent dignity and worth, irrespective of their race, ethnicity, gender, or socio-economic status.
However, upon deeper reflection, the answer to this question may not be as simple as it initially appears.
While it is true that all humans possess an intrinsic value and should be treated with respect and dignity, the reality is that societal factors can create inequalities between individuals.
These may manifest in the form of discrimination, prejudice, or systemic disadvantage, which can impede certain groups' opportunities for success and fulfilment.
Thus, the answer to whether all humans are equal may be nuanced and multifaceted.
While individuals possess a shared humanity and inherent worth, factors such as their upbringing, access to resources, and societal structures can contribute to significant differences in their life outcomes.
Initially, I held the belief that all individuals were born with an inherent equality, and that their subsequent development and life experiences influenced their path.
However, my perspective underwent a profound transformation following my encounter with Sylvia.
In a world teeming with magical phenomena, it appeared that certain individuals were born with exceptional abilities, loved by mana and blessed physiques.
My curiosity led me to delve deeper into the annals of history, and I soon discovered that the inferiority that plagued humanity and became its trademark was rooted in a monopolistic control over the highly coveted mana and aether arts by Asuras.
The dragons, it seems, were a particularly egregious example.
They engaged in an outright act of genocide against a peaceful race, based solely on the flimsy presumption of potential hostility.
Such wanton disregard for the value of life is unfathomable to most rational minds.
Lord Indrath himself appeared to be consumed by an insatiable thirst for knowledge that would grant him greater power.
This relentless pursuit bordered on the verge of obsession, and he was willing to resort to any means necessary to achieve his goals.
Such an unyielding determination may be admirable in some circumstances, but in this case, it proved to be nothing more than a destructive force, leaving countless innocents in its wake.
Despite the Djinns' self-proclaimed status as a peace-loving people, it would be unwise to blindly accept their claims without any corroborating evidence.
Merely relying on their own testimony holds little weight, as it is a well-known fact that self-serving statements are often coloured by bias and subjective perspectives.
While it may sway the emotions of those more susceptible to such appeals, a rational examination of the facts renders such claims highly dubious.
After all, one cannot help but wonder: what ulterior motives might be lurking behind such protestations of innocence?
It is worth noting that the only supposed evidence of the Djinns' peaceful nature was their own self-professed innocence.
In light of this, one cannot help but question the veracity of such assertions, for relying solely on their own words leaves ample room for suspicion and skepticism.
Indeed, in the absence of any concrete, objective evidence to support their claims, one must approach the situation with a healthy dose of caution and circumspection.
It is only by subjecting their claims to rigorous scrutiny that the truth behind the Djinns' supposed peacefulness can be ascertained.
"We are here," Windsom said from my right, his voice being muffled by the subtle murmur of wind that brushed past my ear.
As my training session with Kordri came to a cessation, the bitter aftertaste of defeat lingered in my mouth, serving as a humbling reminder of the vast chasm that separated our abilities.
Despite my best efforts, his mastery of mana techniques far surpassed my own, and I was forced to concede that, with the aid of mana, he was truly my superior.
While we were not using mana, his superior physique was something that was troublesome but my adaptability was decent enough to catch up to his fighting patterns, not letting him kill me instantly.
It was only when we unleashed our full powers, unleashing the raw force of our mana, that my weaknesses were laid bare for all to see.
It was a harsh reminder that my comprehension of force-type mana still fell woefully short, and that I had much to learn before I could hope to match Kordri's expertise.
Despite my apparent progress, Windsom remained oblivious to the fact that I had successfully replicated Pantheon's mana arts, while Kordri alone seemed to have discerned the truth.
Nevertheless, he remained stoically silent, a testament to his unwavering discipline and respect for our training.
In the aftermath of our no-holds-barred, mana-fueled duel, the final tally stood at a sobering 36 losses, 14 draws, and a mere 10 victories. Such a lopsided record was quite humbling.
Upon closer examination, it became clear that my few hard-earned triumphs were the result of seizing fleeting opportunities, catching Kordri off-guard with deft manoeuvre that showcased my agility and finesse.
For instance, by mastering the intricacies of the Realmheart and harnessing the power of Sylvia's 3rd phase, I was able to unleash a technique that took Kordri totally off-guard, since he wasn't able to tell what technique I activated because the technique was released in minor bursts.
"You will be training with a Titan," Windsom said breaking my monologue as a hand made of earth broke through the ground and picked me up.
"Is this the pup you were talking about so much?" A voice said from afar.
Closing my eyes I focused on the earthen hand. It was made of Earth mana. My compatibility with earth mana was the second highest.
Drawing upon my innate affinity for this elemental force, I honed in on the individual specks of mana that comprised this structure, each one pulsing with raw power and potential.
It was as though I could sense the very bonds that held this construct together, the invisible threads of energy that bound each particle to the next in a delicate dance of harmony and balance.
And then, with a sudden burst of clarity, I knew what I must do. With a mere thought, I began to unravel these bonds, tearing apart the very fabric of this construct with a surgeon's precision.
The earthy hand crumbled before my eyes, reduced to a heap of dust and debris,
The hand crumbled and I levitated just an inch above the ground as the figure landed beside me too.
The figure looked like a shabby individual with tired half-closed eyes that wore an oversized coat and had greasy black hair which spread over his face like wet seaweed.
"Arthur, this is Wren Kain. Your mentor for now." Windsom introduced as Wren lowered, holding his chin as he started to scan me while circling all around me.
Scratching his head, he spoke, "Ugh, ok, I will make a weapon for him."
"Good," Windsom replied with a smile.
"Now show me what you got and how you fight," Wren said lazily.
"I prefer hand-to-hand combat," I replied, not wanting him to get ahold of Dawn.
Given how greedy they were, they would definitely take her away.
"You had a weapon with you, no?" Windsom said from behind, placing his hand on my shoulder.
Reaching out for Dawn, I summoned her. However, there was no tether to be established. It was like she was here physically but the connection I felt every time I took her out was not established.
Wren's eyes widened and I could see the excitement in Windsom's eyes. However, it all started to fall into one piece. The way he looked at the sword. The initials inscribed onto Dawn; WK IV.
WK = Wren Kain.
He was the creator of Dawn.
"I never knew a failed creation of mine would end up in the hands of 'Savior of lesser beings'. Windsom, were you aware when you brought him here?"
"I was mildly aware," Windsom replied.
Failed creation. There was a certain essence to his words. He was not proud of his creation. Not because it was not up to the mark. It was without a shred of doubt, the best sword in Dicathen. However, there was something else.
"You don't forge swords?" I asked.
His brows raised, surprise evident and the tiredness in his eyes vanished. He looked at Windsom who shrugged his shoulders, "Looks like Windsom wasn't exaggerating when he talked about you. Your perception is something else."
"You were pretty vocal about that. So it was pretty easy." I replied, trying to shrug it off.
"Well, Little Pup, you are right. I don't forge swords. I create them."
It all made sense now. He creates them. Sentient Weapons. Since in his eyes Dawn isn't like that, she is a failed weapon. But why can't he figure out that Dawn has sentience and even her own ego. It's suppressed but it's there.
Suddenly Windsom turned and started to walk away.
Just as I turned back, Wren's voice echoed in my mind.
"Time to train, Mr Hero." He said and clapped as thousands of golems made of earth mana were conjured.
"The red ones are your enemies, blue ones are your allies. Kill the red, save the blue. Simple as that. Isn't it, Mr Genius?" He said as I looked at the Golems.
2000 red, 1999 blue.
One was already lost.
I shouldn't waste time now. But most importantly.
What happened to Dawn?
"Now now, no dilly dallying. Get to work now." Wren said as an all out war broke between red and blue golems.
(*****)
Author's Note
So I fell really bad and won't be able to update for some time.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein