Lightning Is the Only Way

The entire atmosphere changed with Gravis' words. The kind and casual atmosphere transformed into one of annoyance and indignation.

If this had happened in any other Sect, at least one of the Elders or Vice Sect Masters would have jumped up and cried about disrespecting one's elders, but not this Sect. Individuality and freedom were important here, and when someone was disrespected, it was their job to handle the situation.

Everyone looked at Liran to see how he would react.

Liran closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"Please elaborate," he said slowly. Obviously, that comment had also riled him up, but he wanted to hear Gravis' explanation first.

Gravis grabbed another fruit. "Suppression and freedom," Gravis said. "Two opposite things on the same spectrum, yes?"

Liran nodded.

"Suppression and freedom are opposites like light and darkness," Gravis explained. "Yet, as you all know by now, light and darkness are still the same thing. There is only a gradient of light. One end is what we call light, and the other end is what we call darkness."

"Freedom and suppression are the same thing, basically. Both are things that only exist in the perception of an intelligent being. A rock can't be suppressed. A rock might be put under physical pressure, but that's an entirely different thing. Only when you're alive and smart enough to perceive your current situation will you be able to feel suppression or freedom."

Blub!

Gravis summoned some water that floated above his finger. "Microorganisms, or the things that we call Life Energy, are living things. Yet, they are not smart enough to comprehend suppression or freedom. I could keep one of them isolated, and it wouldn't feel a difference."

"Get to the point," an Elder said from beside Gravis.

Gravis looked at the Elder and smirked.

"Eh, I don't want to anymore," Gravis said.

Then, he stood up, grabbed another fruit, and began walking out of the room.

The entire hall became shocked. Gravis was leaving just like that?

"Siegfried! Calm down!" Liran shouted.

"But-"

"No! Sit down, Siegfried!" Liran shouted again.

Suddenly, Siegfried's gaze changed. "I'm not following any orders. I'm free to do what I want!" he shouted as he teleported in front of Gravis.

Gravis only looked at Siegfried while chewing his fruit.

"You will tell me, now!" Siegfried ordered. "I have been chasing freedom for my entire life, and my goal is just within reach. I won't be stopped so close to my goal!"

Another fruit started to float over to Gravis from the table. Gravis only opened his mouth and took another bite.

only sound being

Siegfried glared at Gravis.

silence, another fruit levitated over

BANG!

to the ground by Siegfried as

looked back at

don't wanna," Gravis

intensified. "You have no choice,"

"Or what?" Gravis asked.

suppress you until you tell me," Siegfried

looked around the room to watch how the others would act. Most of them only held neutral expressions. Two others were

Siegfried his freedom to do what he wanted. This was the Sect's philosophy. Yet, he also felt like it would be unfair to push Gravis into

around and waited for some seconds. When he saw that no one stepped up, Gravis only

said. "Yet, none

for Gravis vanished with this comment. They had felt bad for him due to his weakness, but now, when Gravis faced someone much more powerful than himself,

going wild. Why was

you acting this way? Wouldn't it

to follow the Sect philosophy, but everyone wants freedom so badly. For nearly a million years, we have searched for the secret of freedom, and now it's directly in front of us. I don't know if I can let such an opportunity

you want?"

his head. "No. If it were up

CLAP!

loudly into

there we go!" he said. "This is why you don't

that they

said, "but then you answered your own question without even realizing

want to," Gravis

need another

hall fell

"Ironically, the person seemed closest to

aback. He had just stopped Gravis and threatened

your uncomfortable expressions, you are not doing whatever you want.

"You wanted to save me so badly, but you didn't do it. Was this what the Unrestrained Sect is all about? To constrict your own

Gravis shook his head.

some reason, Gravis felt superior to Siegfried. "You stopped me,

of shame that I left because of your words? Was it because of

said. "You did what you wanted. Isn't that what freedom is all about?" Gravis asked with

eyes had been opened. His perception of freedom changed

comprehended the Law of

irrelevant explanations would all

another being had a suppressive effect on them. Freedom was the opposite, which

was something that required other beings to

was something that could only be learned