Ethan: Mysterious

"Holy sh*t," Libert gasped in fear, his heart pounding as his eyes locked with those of the mysterious man standing before him. Each passing second only served to intensify Libert's mounting anticipation, though it was hardly surprising given his past encounters with powerful individuals.

"You okay? I noticed you staring at me," the young man remarked, his voice carrying a delicate yet commanding tone.

"Y-yeah," Libert stammered, his words faltering as he struggled to find the right response.

"Do you mind if I cut in? The line seems to be moving at a snail's pace," the young man asked, diverting his gaze towards the colossal queue that stretched out behind them.

"S-sure," Libert replied, his eyes fixed on the enigmatic figure before him. The man was clad in dark, utilitarian attire, accentuating his air of seriousness.

"Ethan Grant, 19," the young man professionally introduced himself, extending his hand for a handshake.

"Libert," Libert responded, his answer trailing off as a sense of familiarity washed over him. For some inexplicable reason, Ethan reminded him of Mr. Xavier, evoking a mix of curiosity and unease.

"Okay..." Ethan muttered awkwardly, retracting his outstretched hand as he sensed the palpable tension lingering in the air.

At long last, the seemingly interminable wait came to an end, and Libert found himself standing before the majestic portal, his apprehension reaching an all-time high.

Libert's heart raced as he stood before the grand portal, its majestic presence looming over him like a colossal gateway to the unknown. The air crackled with anticipation, every molecule vibrating with the energy of countless possibilities. He couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and trepidation as he contemplated what lay beyond.

The swirling vortex before him seemed to pulsate with a life of its own, drawing Libert into its ethereal embrace. Colors he had never seen before danced within its depths, an intricate kaleidoscope of vibrant hues that beckoned him closer. Each step towards the portal felt like stepping into a new world, a world where anything was possible.

As Libert took that first step, a rush of adrenaline coursed through his veins. The very ground beneath him seemed to tremble with the weight of his decision as if the universe itself recognized the significance of this moment.

The echoes of his footsteps reverberated in the cavernous space, heightening the sense of anticipation that gripped him.

With every passing second, the portal's gravitational pull grew stronger, as if it possessed an insatiable hunger to devour all who dared to cross its threshold.

The faint whispers of distant voices echoed in Libert's ears, faint echoes of those who had ventured before him.

As he approached the swirling tempest, Libert stole a glance at Ethan, who stood nearby, his eyes fixed on the enigmatic portal. There was a flicker of uncertainty in Ethan's gaze, a vulnerability that mirrored Libert's own.

The bond of shared anticipation between them brought a sense of camaraderie, a silent acknowledgment that they were both embarking on a journey that would forever alter their lives.

The portal's magnetic pull intensified, drawing Libert closer with an irresistible force. He could almost feel the tingling energy in the air, like tiny sparks of electricity dancing across his skin. The unknown awaited him, a realm of infinite possibilities and unfathomable dangers.

But before Libert could continue his stride into the enticing portal, a stern voice broke the tranquility of the vicinity, shattering the calm like a stone thrown into still waters.

"Hey," the assertive voice rang out, instantly recognizable to Libert as the one that had addressed him earlier. He averted his gaze, following the sound to the source—a towering figure draped in a meticulously tailored professional suit.

With a mix of surprise and apprehension, Libert absorbed the man's commanding presence. Every line of his broad frame exuded authority, and his sharp features were etched with an unwavering seriousness. It was clear that he held power within this realm.

"No serfs allowed," the imposing figure bellowed, his voice cutting through the air like a sharp blade.

A wave of anxiety washed over Libert, threatening to derail his journey. He felt his hopes and aspirations stand on a precipice as if one wrong move could send them crashing down into the abyss of disappointment.

Stepping forward with conviction, Ethan interrupted the disapproving figure with a resolute tone that brooked no argument.

"He's with me," Ethan declared, his voice infused with an unwavering confidence that demanded attention.

The giant of a man turned his attention to Ethan, his gaze sharp and probing. There was a momentary standoff, a battle of wills between two formidable forces. Ethan's determination clashed with the skepticism etched into the furrows of the imposing figure's brow.

"If he's a serf... you risk disqualification," the giant finally retorted, his voice a low rumble that reverberated in the air.

Unfazed by the challenge, Ethan stood his ground, unyielding in his loyalty to his newfound companion.

"I said he's with me," Ethan emphasized, his voice ringing with authority like a bell tolling in the silence.

Libert could scarcely believe his ears. He stood there, caught between gratitude and disbelief, his heart pounding in his chest. He had never expected a stranger, especially one with such an air of power, to come to his defense. It was an act of kindness that felt almost otherworldly in a realm where self-preservation and ambition often reigned supreme.

With the departure of the imposing figure, Libert found his voice, though it trembled with a mixture of awe and uncertainty.

"W-why did you do that?" he managed to stutter out, his voice barely above a whisper.

Ethan turned towards Libert, his gaze filled with a mix of determination and empathy.

"Because you help me, I help you," Ethan replied, his words laced with a sense of purpose. In a world that often viewed kindness as a weakness, he seemed to defy the conventions, forging a path that celebrated compassion and collaboration.

The weight of Ethan's words settled upon Libert's shoulders, leaving him both bewildered and grateful. At that moment, he couldn't help but feel a newfound sense of purpose and connection.

"Ho-how did you know..." Libert's voice trailed off, curiosity tinged with a hint of trepidation.

"That you're a serf? Well, you're too quiet," Ethan answered with a trace of a smile, his eyes glimmering with understanding. "Are you ready?"

A tremor coursed through Libert's body, a mix of excitement and nerves intertwining within him. He took a deep breath, gathered his resolve, and stepped forward into the unknown.