Chapter Seventy-Seven: Return

The competition was in full swing, and Lando’s gains were even greater. As expected from top awakened fighters who had emerged from the world’s ranks, each one’s abilities were exceptionally unique and difficult to deal with.

There was the wind power that flowed like liquid; the alloy body, both ten times harder and more flexible than ordinary steel; water abilities with intense corrosiveness and penetrative force; and the bewildering mist that not only confused perception but also induced hallucinations.

Because the tournament followed an elimination format, Lando not only faced his immediate opponents but also 'exchanged pointers' in private with those who had lost earlier matches. Some were easy to approach and sparred normally; for those unwilling to entertain him, a little provocation was almost always effective.

As the competition progressed, the global response grew more intense, and the atmosphere within the House of the Awakened became increasingly somber. They had long since prepared for the best and worst outcomes. The best was, of course, the tournament’s successful conclusion and the integration of awakened individuals into society through various means; the worst was that nations would not tolerate the awakened acting outside their control and would move to suppress them.

Now, it seemed things were moving in a positive direction. The reason was simple: awakened individuals had become a force that none of the world’s great powers could ignore. Even if some countries were displeased by their actions, none would risk open hostility—pushing the House of the Awakened into enemy hands would be a loss too great to bear.

The final match was between Lando and a composed young man whose ability was a variant of spatial power. He had once been struck at close range, only for his figure and the surrounding space to shatter together, blasting his opponent into serious injury while he walked out from the fractured space unharmed.

Glancing toward the stands, Lando immediately spotted Alice and her two friends waving flags and cheering for him with loud megaphones. He waved in their direction, instantly provoking a wave of screams and applause.

Lando wielded a sharp sword. Already a master swordsman, his combat power had become truly fearsome with the addition of telekinetic abilities—not only was he swift as the wind, flying and dodging through the air with ease, but he could also harass or directly attack his opponent with psychic force.

His opponent was worthy of the finals as well: his mastery over space was exquisite, with vortices and fractured traps swirling all around him. Had Lando not possessed extraordinary senses, he would have already lost.

This opponent was a tough one. Fortunately, to avoid unnecessary trouble, Lando had already decided to lose the match—the title of “King of the World” meant nothing to him.

After analyzing the young man’s abilities and fighting for a while longer, he deliberately left an opening and was caught by a hidden spatial vortex. Seizing the opportunity, the young man detonated the space around Lando, sending him flying.

As Lando struggled to rise, the young man appeared before him, reaching out his hand while spatial fractures shimmered in the air.

Lando slumped to the ground in defeat, conceding the match.

Just as the referee stepped onto the stage to announce the young man’s victory, he was unexpectedly stopped by the finalist. The young man first dispelled the spatial energy around them, then approached Lando and extended his hand.

“My path ahead is full of hardship, and I have nowhere left to retreat. Though I do not regret stepping onto the road of destiny, the journey through this land of trials would be dangerous and dull if I faced it alone, no matter how strong I am. Therefore, I need a companion! Walk beside me—I need you!”

“???!”

His voice rang out, and for a moment, the entire audience fell silent, as if waiting for Lando’s answer.

…

After a long pause, the young man continued to gaze at Lando with unwavering, passionate eyes, unfazed by the silence.

This left Lando in an awkward spot. He realized that if he didn’t say something soon, there would be no end to this situation. On impulse, he blurted out, “I have stood atop the peaks and descended into the valleys—both have benefited me greatly. Now, all I seek is a peaceful life.”

As he spoke, Lando unconsciously glanced toward Alice.

The young man froze, followed Lando’s gaze, and seemed to understand. He withdrew his hand and, with a voice tinged with both regret and consolation, said, “If that is your choice, I respect it. Farewell, my friend!”

With those words, he departed gracefully.

Lando watched the figure of his unknown ‘friend’ recede amid the thunderous cheers all around, feeling as though it were all a dream.

Who am I?
Where am I?
What just happened?!
Did I say something I shouldn’t have?!

With a glimmer of hope, Lando looked toward Alice, only to find her and her two friends staring at him in astonishment, as if they were meeting him for the first time.

I hate melodrama!

Alice teased Lando about this incident for a long time afterward.

…

The “King of the World” tournament concluded successfully. The major powers remained silent, but many smaller nations soon welcomed the awakened.

The process of integrating awakened individuals into the world began to accelerate. Many international research institutions joined forces with the House of the Awakened to study the root causes of the phenomenon. Numerous prestigious academies established departments focused on the awakened.

Lando had no idea what the explorers before him had experienced, but he felt he had witnessed a grand event. The world’s pace seemed to quicken, with changes every day.

Though there were occasional disturbances, overall things remained stable. During this time, Lando was not idle. With the exposure of the awakened, many of their abilities were no longer secrets, and he sought out those with interesting or unusual talents to ‘exchange pointers.’ Thanks to his runner-up status in the tournament, he rarely encountered trouble.

There were certainly many attempts to win him over, but with Alice, Sade, and Jenna’s abilities, they always managed to slip away unhindered. Over time, the four of them were considered harmless, and their pursuers dwindled.

The day of their return drew ever closer. Along the way, they encountered several suspected arcanists, but there was little interaction.

One day, they climbed to the highest peak of this world, where the panoramic view and fresh air were privileges few could enjoy.

Suddenly, Alice exclaimed, “Ah! I have stood atop the peaks!”

Sade grinned and chimed in, “And descended into the valleys!”

Jenna was already laughing so hard she could barely stand: “Both have benefited me greatly!”

Seeing their playful banter, Lando’s mouth twitched. He couldn’t even be bothered to reply.

…

The dimly lit room suddenly illuminated as the hibernation pods’ indicators flashed on and one by one opened.

Lando stepped out of his pod, stretching his stiffened body as the awkward rigidity quickly faded.

Alice emerged from the pod beside him, greeting Lando with a cheerful smile.

For a moment, Lando found her familiar, radiant smile dazzling.

PS: Someone finally guessed it—congratulations! This reader, Fat Bro 1314, was right—it’s “Sentinel”! From the elemental golems, to the flexible mindspace settings, and the awakened in the new world resembling mutants with a variety of powers. Of course, calling it “Sentinel” means it’s been arcanely modified and won’t be exactly like the original. Are there really so few Marvel fans among my readers? I thought someone would guess it right away!