Nick talked a bit more with the Technician before he went to the Left Arm's office.
As he entered the office, he looked at the spot where the Left Arm usually sat.
It was strange to see that spot empty.
With time, the Politician would most likely take over this office.
Nick walked past the office and opened the door in the back, entering the Champion of Light's office.
The Champion had his eyes closed as he sat on his throne.
"What is it?" the Champion asked without opening his eyes.
"The Left Arm isn't here anymore. I am unsure who my superior is now," Nick said.
"The Politician will take over the Left Arm's job," the Champion said. "Until then, you can do whatever you want."
Nick wasn't sure why he was disheartened.
Was it Aegis' current situation?
Was it the Left Arm's death?
"My other job is progressing smoothly," Nick said.
"Good," the Champion answered curtly.
"I managed to lead the Protectors to kill Gluttony," Nick said. "I believe I deserve a reward for that. I want the next 30 years to focus on some things before I want to receive Aegis' help to become an Early Fallen."
"Early Fallen?" he asked.
Nick nodded. "My indirect impact on the world will push me into the realm of the Fallen within these 30 years."
The Champion furrowed his brows before focusing on the other peculiarity in Nick's request. "What are these things you want to focus on? Is there something Specters want more than to become more powerful?" ȑἁ𐌽Ο𝖇Ё𝓢
"No," Nick said. "But there are many kinds of power. Personal power is only one aspect."
"Humans use weapons and technology, which gives them an edge over the Specters."
"I am working on my own technologies and on my own weapons."
"Zephyx Manipulation is one part of that. I'm focusing on that for the 30 years I want. With more experience in Zephyx Manipulation, I can also contribute more to Aegis."
The Champion looked at Nick for a bit.
He seemed to be lost in thought.
"It's fine," the Champion said. "Do whatever you want. Aegis needs time to recover anyway. Every time you get involved, we lose a lot of resources. Aegis can't withstand another hit like that."
"We need time to recover."
Nick nodded. "Then, I will be off."
He turned around and walked towards the exit.
"I have a question," the Champion suddenly said.
"Yes?" Nick asked, turning around.
The Champion frowned.
"How do you become stronger?" he asked.
"I cause suffering," Nick answered.
"That's not what I mean," the Champion said. "You must have a substantial power during battle. How confident are you in winning a fight against a Peak Demon or Peak Hero?"
Nick raised a brow.
This question came as a surprise.
"99.9%," Nick said. "I can also fight Initial Fallen and Protectors, but I avoid such confrontations."
If anyone else had said something like this, the Champion would just attribute this high degree of confidence to arrogance and stupidity.
But this was Julian Winter.
He had effectively killed three Corruptors.
Someone like that couldn't be stupid.
"How do you achieve such a power? Just causing suffering shouldn't be enough," the Champion asked.
"Experience," Nick said. "When you fight a lot, you see what works and what doesn't. You see how enemies tend to move and act, and with experience, you learn to foresee their movements."
"Another big part of success in a battle is preparation. Know your enemy, and don't let them know you. If your enemy can't surprise you, you can plan everything."
"Besides that, you need speed, defense, and offense. These things are the hardest to improve as a Specter. I can't train my body like humans. The only thing I can improve is my versatility."
"I know my enemies, and with my great versatility, I have an answer to all of their tactics and attacks."
"If two people with equal power and weight try to push each other, the surroundings and tactics decide everything. If one of them pushes from a higher ground, gravity will be on their side, and they will win."
"I try to get the high ground before entering a battle."
Nick finished his explanation.
By now, he knew what bothered the Champion.
He was unhappy with his power.
Nick didn't see the battle, but he heard that the Champion was essentially useless in the fight.
Death just trapped him.
Nick also remembered the time the Left Arm had praised the old Champion's power.
'He's doubting his power,' Nick thought. 'As far as I know, the Sun just granted him his power. He's unfamiliar with it, and he hasn't been in many fights so far.'
'The only thing he can do is use his light in a focused beam.'
"What would you do if you were surrounded by consuming darkness that you can't escape from?" the Champion asked.
"Do I know where my opponent is?" Nick asked.
"Yes," the Champion answered.
"I might not be able to escape based on the rules of the hypothetical, but I would assume that I could move my prison. I would push in the direction of my opponent. As long as they don't move, I will eventually reach them."
"Alternatively, I would move in irregular patterns and attack random spots of the prison with focused attacks. Creating such an encompassing attack needs a lot of focus, and resisting my focused strikes requires constant splitting of focus and power."
"With luck, I will strike a spot that the opponent hasn't strengthened quickly enough, and I will be able to slip out."
The Champion remained silent for a while.
"You may leave," he said.
Nick performed a quick bow before walking out of the office.
'I doubt that the Champion will stop working for the Sun. I don't even think that's possible.'
'But for now, the Champion is still fighting for humanity.'
'If his power increases, things will only get better.'
'Killing the Champion only happens at the very end.'
'And by that point, we will have a couple of level nine Extractors.'
'By then, the Champion's power will not be of consequence anymore.'
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