"Father," Ray's voice grew sharp, "you aren't kidding me, right?"
Ethan let out a heavy sigh. "I am not lying. In fact, before I came here, I tested my potential. It was F rank." His lips curved into a small smile. "But look at me now. I reached the Advanced Stage. I proved everyone wrong, didn't I?"
Ray swallowed hard, his throat became dry. He stared at his father, and for some reason, in his eyes, Ethan's figure seemed to glow faintly with light, as if a halo surrounded him. Ray's body trembled.
"Then… can I too?" Ray whispered.
Ethan fell into silence. His eyes lowered as if he was lost in thought.
Finally, he spoke."Yes. You can too."
Ray's chest tightened.
"What matters in the end is perseverance. Both times I broke through were moments when my life was in danger. That crisis gave me the push I needed." Ethan's eyes grew distant, his voice heavier.
"What you need to do is give everything. Everyone fails, but sincere efforts will always be seen and rewarded by heaven."
