Chapter 2914: Change of Mentality (1/2)

Ketis Larkinson underwent a complete metamorphosis after her incredibly stellar breakthrough at the First Sword Arena.

Most people thought that she had become a very talented swordmaster, but no one knew that she had also experienced a breakthrough as a mech designer.

It was difficult for other people to recognize a high-ranking mech designer due to their lack of spiritual sensitivity. Even Ketis was only a little better off in this regard due to her unique quirks.

When Ketis woke up a few days after releasing her excess energy, she immediately knew she had become a different human being.

The best way to describe it was that she had become greater than the average human. Whenever she was in the company of other people like her fellow Swordmaidens, a sense of superiority and alienation welled up inside her heart.

Deep within her bones, she recognized the truth that she had risen above them. Not even Commander Sendra, who she used to look up to as the third-generation leader of the Swordmaiden, held as much sway to her anymore!

In fact, as Ketis quickly recovered and became accustomed to her vastly-expanded capabilities, her behavior and thought patterns had undergone a drastic shift.

As a proud swordmaster and ambitious Journeyman, it was impossible for her to act like a follower again!

Her incredible strength introduced a sense of superiority in her. She became addicted to making other Swordmaidens look up to her as if she was an idol. Her will and intellect had grown so much that every action and word from her possessed a distinct charm that clearly marked her out as a demigod!

”I can accept the allegiance of other fallen sword schools, but their heritage must be of value to the Swordmaidens.”

”The recruitment of mech designers is not our purview. The Larkinson Patriarch is in charge of the LMC's Design Department. Its staffing is under his arrangement.”

”We won't accept any alliances. We'll be leaving soon, so the friendship of fellow swordmasters and established sword schools is irrelevant. We can take care of our own.”

”We can use our own money to procure the extra mechs and starships we need to accommodate our new recruits. Don't accept any favors or discounts. Just buy what we need at market price. With my identity, the sellers won't dare to delay the transactions.”

As Ketis began to exercise her authority, Venerable Dise carefully observed the new swordmaster for a few days.

Eventually, the expert pilot couldn't remain passive anymore. She invited Ketis to a small room and held a private discussion.

”Ketis.”

”Yes, Dise?”

Although Ketis still respected the first expert pilot of the Swordmaidens, her demeanor had changed. She was finally able to face Dise as an equal!

The strong force of will that radiated from her body did not lose out that much against Dise's more restrained presence. Ketis' only shortcoming was that she had broken through later and was further behind the curve.

”Have you looked at yourself?”

”I have. What about it?” Ketis furrowed her brows.

Dise sighed. ”I know it feels great for you to become the woman you have always wanted to be, but do you really need to throw away everything that defines the old you? Your past self wouldn't be able to recognize your current self!”

”Is there something wrong with that?” Ketis defensively replied while crossing her arms. ”I have shed my weakness. I can finally stand on an equal basis in front of you and Ves. Isn't that great? I'm not the kid I used to be. I've grown up now. With my new capabilities, I can contribute much more to our fellow sisters.”

Although she was right, Dise still felt uncomfortable about the sudden swing.

”I'm not suggesting that it is bad for you to change, but your shift is too extreme. I have observed you long enough to ascertain that you have lost something in the process of your evolution. If you continue to act this way, then I'm afraid that this quality will be forever out of your reach.”

Ketis may have changed a lot, but she was also a clever woman. She did not think that Venerable Dise was messing with her. ”What is the quality that you are talking about?”

”Compassion.” Venerable Dise placed her palm on her heart. ”Look, when I broke through, I experienced a rush quite like yours. However, I also had a lot of help who made sure I became more grounded. Look at yourself now. Are you treating your fellow Swordmaidens as sisters and comrades, or are you treating them like pawns and underlings?”

Ketis' force of will grew a bit unstable as she reflected on herself. Despite her stubbornness, she did recognize that her change in attitude was a bit drastic.

As she reflected on how she acted since she recovered, she realized that she was unconsciously modeling her behavior after Ves. To her, the mech designer she admired for several years had always served as a successful example.

Now that she finally managed to close the gap, she automatically assumed she was qualified to take charge in the same way!

Though she did not see any problem with this at first, now that Venerable Dise brought this matter to her attention, Ketis could not remain ignorant.

”Maybe I have changed a bit too much…”

Diagnosing the problem wasn't difficult, but fixing it was another thing. Ketis had fully awakened her unyielding spirit now. The inferiority complex that she had developed after being in the shadow of so many great figures had haunted her for a long time. She felt now that she was able to extinguish it from existence. How could she ever go back?

She talked frankly with Venerable Dise about this issue. The latter had already tempered her mentality to a large extent but there was only so much advice she could give.

”From my experience, every expert pilot is different.” Venerable Dise said. ”I am in frequent contact with the other expert pilots of the Larkinson Clan, and they all have their different quirks. Right now, I feel you are resembling Venerable Jannzi a little too much. Just like you, her personality swing was also on the extreme end. While I consider her a friend and battle comrade, she has become a bit too dedicated to her goal.”

”Is that a bad thing?” Ketis sat down and asked. ”Dedication is great. It keeps us on the right track.”