Above The Sky

Chapter 1960 - 9: The Power to Choose Wisdom_2

If successful, with Ian’s earnest efforts, at the very least our child would reach the Fourth Energy Level. Marquis Grant didn’t think he could achieve the Fourth Energy Level, and without surprises, Cometes might not be able to either. A life in exchange for a stable opportunity at the Fourth Energy Level—Grant Family wouldn’t miss such a great opportunity.

"Ian, a genius surpasses a fool a thousandfold. You are such a genius."

Confronted with Ian’s sigh, Marquis Grant straightened his expression: "You would not intentionally harm Cometes, have him die in your experiment—as long as you can ensure this, guess what, how many nobles on this land would want to send their legitimate children and heirs to you as ’experiment subjects’?"

"Your research on Aether, your development on the Arcane Pathway, have now been acknowledged by the world, many are willing to risk their lives to become your disciple."

"Cometes..."

Saying so, Marquis Grant looked at his child, although his eyes held reluctance, they gradually became firm: "In this world, if one cannot become strong, they will become like me, adrift, unable to determine their own destiny, mere ’grass.’ Even if a Perpetual Motion Machine descends, it would still be so."

"Even the Third Energy Level is no more than grass. I hope my child can surpass me, at the very least, to be a mighty tree that stands firm in the storm."

"If unable to do so, living in the future would only be painful."

"I’ll live very happily, Dad." But Little Komet did not grasp the depth of his father’s resolve in his words, he just cheerfully waved his little hands: "I will strive to survive my teacher’s tutelage!"

"... It’s not that dangerous. Don’t make it out like I’m some man-eating Great Demon, as if surviving me is a feat."

Ian sighed, placing Cometes aside, and in a serious tone said, "I originally intended to tell you after lunch what exactly I plan to do to Cometes, but it seems I must clarify now."

"Grant. What I want to do to Cometes is akin to what Axel did to all of the Setal Imperial Family, and like what Axel has done to all ordinary people of this world—I want to transform him into a better person."

"However, the power to decide what kind of person to become remains with Cometes himself."

Upon hearing this, not only was Cometes stunned (he didn’t understand), but Marquis Grant also froze on the sofa.

"... Your Majesty?"

He murmured, recalling the meaning these words represented, his eyes gradually turning a little frightened: "You mean... the kind of super brainwashing capable of bringing forth a second personality?"

"Yes and no."

Ian nodded slightly, casting a sidelong glance at the blue-haired little boy blinking at him, gently saying, "I simply drew inspiration from Axel’s actions."

"Grant, what do you think of the nature of most human personalities in this world?"

"What?"

Marquis Grant took a deep breath, beginning to seriously ponder Ian’s question, then chuckled: "Of course, it’s terrible—I as a noble master may not experience those with bad and rotten personalities, but those fools, oblivious to their stupidity, overly self-confident, even arrogant, and conceited, are indeed a bit too many."

"Human nature is just so."

Ian calmly said: "Humans cannot live without confidence, self-doubt is the onset of depression and choosing death—to put it extremely, the arrogance and unwarranted confidence of the ignorant are precisely the placebo for this tragic world, allowing many to live in their own world, peacefully passing their lives."

"Humans have the power to choose foolishness—I do not intend to be like Axel, forcibly turning everyone into geniuses like the former Emperor Inega II."

"However, I believe, humans should also have the power to choose ’wisdom.’"

At this moment, Grant finally understood Ian’s meaning, he couldn’t help but exclaim: "You mean... to let people choose for themselves whether they can become Inega II..."

"No." Ian interrupted him: "Inega II is hardly the ’wisdom’ template. If anything, I think I am more suitable, or if not, Kerraith could work too."

Marquis Grant dared not respond—Ian mentioned three Fifth Energy Level beings in a sentence, even if one died and another was sealed, he couldn’t jest about them. The sweating marquis gritted his teeth, saying: "Then, Ian, what exactly do you mean?"

"Self-discipline. Pursuit of truth. Not avoiding issues, not shirking responsibility when encountering errors."

Ian slowly said: "One is one, two is two. You may have double standards, but be aware that you do, don’t refuse to admit it. Fairly acknowledge anyone’s achievements, not brainlessly disparage or blindly agree due to them being your enemy, friend, or idol."

"Perseverance, diligence, able to endure mundane repetitions, and remain composed and steady when surprises arise. Capable of learning and having fun, able to correctly identify others’ goodwill or malice, able to properly express their emotions and thoughts, not remaining silent during critical moments, not causing misunderstandings due to failure to explain."

"And many more... not necessarily an intelligent person, because intelligent people are selfish and good at self-preservation. But definitely a wise person, who, if more existed in this world, would make it a better place."