Chapter 29: 29:Time To Showcase A Big Of Strength
He turned to Randall, his voice trembling slightly though his face was set. "Uncle, you can do it, right?"
Randall gave a solemn nod, his expression filled with pity.
Ethan stood still with a heart heavy, feeling as though a piece of his morality was slipping away from his grasp.
Randall slowly stepped closer to the cub. The little creature was curled against a large chunk of ice mana crystal, its chest rising and falling with each calm breath.
The air around it shimmered faintly with mana, and Randall could feel a pressure that made his skin crawl. His face grew tense as he tightened his grip on the sword, lifting it high with a heavy heart.
With one swift motion, he thrust the blade down. The steel pierced into the cub’s small body, and a sharp cry rang out.
The cub screamed in pain.
A raw and heartbreaking sound echoed through the place. Ethan, standing behind, clenched his fists and turned his head away, unable to watch as guilt pressed against his chest.
The cries dragged on for a few agonizing moments, filling the air with a sound that cut deeper than any weapon. Then, slowly, they faded into silence. The cavern grew heavy and still, the only sound now the faint drip of water from the icy walls.
Randall pulled his sword free and stood straight with a grim expression. "My Lord, it’s done," he said, his voice low.
Ethan breathed in sharply.He opened his lips that had become perched.
"Then clear the scene." His voice came out strained, as if each word carried weight.
He forced himself to walk toward the glowing spring at the center.
Kneeling down, he dipped his hands into the warm water. A soft, soothing energy ran through his body, easing the tightness in his chest and filling his limbs with renewed strength. His eyes widened. "This..."
Randall stepped closer, wiping the blood from his blade. "This isn’t just a normal spring. It’s a spiritual mana spring."
Ethan stared into the rippling surface, feeling the warmth course through his skin. The guilt in his chest did not fade, but the spring’s energy steadied him.
Randall gave a small nod and spoke with certainty. "That’s great. Bathing here will be very effective."
Ethan lifted his wet hands, water dripping down his fingers, and gave a short nod. His voice was calm, but his heart still carried the weight of what had just been lost. "Yes. It will."
Ethan allowed his men to use the spring to rejuvenate after which he asked people to search again.
During their inspection, they discovered another passage leading outside. It opened near a small hill within their territory. That was likely how the beast had entered. Ethan immediately commanded the passage to be sealed off from the outside, ensuring no trespassers could get in. He doubled the security, making sure the place couldn’t be broken into.
After some time, the survey team returned with their report. One of the men stepped forward. "My Lord, the ice crystal mana vein is large, but it will only last seven to eight years depending on how fast we mine."
Ethan sighed softly. "That’s not ideal. Still, anything is better than nothing."
He thought for a moment, then muttered to himself. "There may be more hidden veins, but finding them without proper mapping technology is risky. Maybe in the future..."
Finally, he turned back toward the group. "Let’s go. It’s time to return."
........
When Ethan returned home, the first thing that greeted him wasn’t a word or a smile. Instead, a dodgeball came flying straight at him, slamming into his chest.
Before he could react, a small figure rushed at him and wrapped her arms around him tightly. It was Sophia. She leapt into his embrace with all her strength, burying her face in his chest. Ethan staggered back a step but steadied himself quickly and held her close.
"Thank God... you are alright," Sophia whispered, her voice trembling. Her cheeks were pressed against him, and her arms clung as if she never wanted to let go. "I was so worried."
Ethan lowered his head and kissed the top of her hair, breathing in the faint scent that always calmed him. He stroked her back slowly, giving her all the warmth he could.
"I’m sorry for making you worry," he said softly. "But... I have good news."
Sophia lifted her face. Her eyes were wet but full of relief and curiosity. "Good news? What good news?"
Ethan didn’t answer her right away. Instead, he glanced around at the others in the house. Oliver and Nina had already stepped closer, both of them watching with tight expressions. The children peeked from behind Nina’s skirts, wide-eyed but quiet, sensing the tension in the air.
"Let’s gather everyone," Ethan said. "This should be shared together."
Soon they all gathered in the main room. The fire crackled faintly, but the air was heavy with questions. Nobody spoke. All eyes were on Ethan as he stood in front of them.
He began to explain everything that had happened in the mines. When he spoke about the beast, the room went completely still.
Oliver’s hand tightened on the armrest of his chair. Nina covered her mouth with both hands, her eyes wide with fear. Even Sophia reached for Ethan’s sleeve and held it, as if she feared he might vanish again.
Then Randall broke the silence. He stepped forward, his voice loud, his arms moving as he exaggerated the battle. He described how Ethan had beaten the monster to a pulp, making it sound like they had stood like heroes without a shred of fear. His words brought sparks of awe in the children’s eyes, and even Oliver looked shaken by the image.
But Ethan frowned. His eyes cut toward Randall in a sharp glare that clearly said, What are you doing?
Randall only gave an awkward grin, scratching his cheek as if he hadn’t gone overboard. Inside, Ethan sighed.
’I didn’t think this guy had a show-off disease.’
Still, the proof of the fight was undeniable. The beast’s carcass was outside
It was enormous and heavy and the brutally smashed skull told its own story. A shiver ran through the group as they thought about how close the danger had come.
"What... an ice crystal mine inside that can last for a decade?" Oliver’s voice finally broke the silence. His body leaned forward, his face pale with disbelief.
Sophia looked at Ethan as well, her lips parting slightly. "For real?"
"Yes," Ethan said firmly, his voice calm but steady.
Oliver straightened immediately, excitement replacing his shock. "I will oversee the work right away. But... should we sell the ice mana crystals?"
At his words, the room grew quiet again. Everyone exchanged uneasy looks.
Everyone waited for him to decide.
Ethan looked around the table, his gaze firm yet calm. Sophia leaned closer to him, her hand resting lightly on his arm. He reached up and gently stroked her hair, his expression softening for a moment before he spoke.
"Now," Ethan said with a faint smile, "we are finally capable of dealing with danger from other barons."
His voice carried through the room, steady and sure.
"It’s time for the Blank people to show the world what they can do."