Arnold thought to himself, ‘I’ve never met Ethan before, and I didn’t even know that he met my instructor. It’s probably because he didn’t pick me.’
“Was I eliminated?”
Ethan nodded. “You’re indeed talented, but you didn’t meet my standards back then. Even now, you still haven’t changed much.”
Those words hit Arnold hard. He was a top-tier soldier who not only worked hard but was exceptionally talented. However, he still did not make an impression on Ethan. “That’s a shame,” he smiled bitterly.
Ethan did not continue the topic and asked, “So, what brings you here to see me?”
Arnold snapped out of his thoughts and explained his purpose. “I went on a mission outside the borders yesterday. The villagers there asked me to deliver a message: they’ll always wait for you.”
Ethan understood what happened. The people beyond the borders hoped that he would intervene and bring peace to them. Previously, Andy had also come to him for the same purpose.
Ethan said calmly, “I see. You may leave now.”
Arnold frowned, confused by Ethan’s calm reaction. He thought that Ethan would be shocked or taken aback. He asked, “What is your decision?”
Ethan glanced at him. “I’ve decided not to care.”
Arnold was stunned. “Not to care?” He recalled the hopeful eyes of the villagers. “Those people are eagerly waiting for your return!”
Ethan smiled. “For one, their fate is in their own hands. Besides, I’m just a criminal now. Are you going to let me go?”
Arnold was instantly silenced. He suddenly remembered that Ethan was a heinous villain and had to be locked away forever. How could he allow Ethan to leave?
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Guardian's Return (Ethan Rivers)