"And now, after a long period of thorough discussion, the honourable judges have come to a conclusion."
The soft hum of countless trembling breaths filled the silence. Around 5000 people remained seated in a giant auditorium, all dressed perfectly in fine black suits.
The first half that sat near the stage consisted of the elderly. All of them sat comfortably over the slightly reclined cushion seats. Some clasped trembling hands, others tapped restless fingers.
While those sitting in the back, gulped in silence. Their bodies were stiff, afraid to make even the slightest sound. Cold sweat formed over their foreheads as men and women alike held their cameras high in the air with their trembling hands.
All of their eyes — wide open — were fixed to the stage, waiting for a single man whose name lately had been chanted like that of a god's across the world.
Ethan Blake.
An orphan who changed his fate. A man who changed the ways of society. Someone who shook the very foundation of the world and challenged the core fundamentals of education, all for the sake of his students.
A revolutionary to the normal citizens. It was an image that he had created for himself.
Local enforcers, the Judiciary, the Education ministry, and Politicians — he had faced them all head-on. All to give just a little bit more freedom to the students.
At first, his acts seemed futile. But with time, people joined hands together and backed his very presence.
"The True Leader", "The True Meaning of Democracy" — these were the names bestowed upon him by the public. All while he continued to teach in a small orphanage.
The uproar caused by him was like a tsunami. One by one, nations fell under his "Ethan Blake" effect. In the end, after 5 years of continuous struggle, The World governments decided to give in to the public and announced an award for the world's greatest educator.
Today, the world nervously looked into its screens. Crashing one website after another, all to support their winner.
The winner of the "Global Education Laureate".
The officials from the World Education Committee, Important leaders of the World Government, Foreign ministers of each country, as well as the media networks from all over the globe, sat frozen in their seats. Patiently waiting to hear the results.
Although vague, even the kids knew that the nominees were just a bunch of puppets for show. While the true winner hid amongst them in the brightest light.
*Step... Step...*
The sound of steps softly echoed in the auditorium. Upon seeing the results, the media softened up. All of a sudden, loud voices began to cheer a single name in unison. Not just the media, but the whole world sang in a single voice.
The government officials? Some frowned in frustration, some slammed their armrest in rage, while a very few cheered him on.
A young man in his late twenties, confidently slid his hand through his long black hair as he stepped forward toward the aisle. His lips stretched wide as his cerulean gaze stayed firm.
One after another, flashes sparkled in his vision. The mixed emotions of ministers, the nonstop flash of cameras, and the cheers of the world. Everything seemed like a melodious melancholy to him.
A reward he had earned honestly and righteously.
'You were right Chloe... Winning this way feels so much better... I wish you were here with me... I finally completed my promise...'
Ethan's thoughts were serene, reminiscing about his past. A promise he had made to someone precious.
*' Till the day I achieve something big enough to catch the whole world's eyes, Chloe, I promise... I won't die...'*
'Looking back, I really had it rough on you... On myself... I hope you would forgive me for that...'
Reaching the aisle, Ethan placed his left hand upon the already set versions of speech designated for him to speak and slid them down.
With his right hand, he began to adjust the mic, while giving a bittersweet smile. The cheers came to a halt, and the world cheerfully waited to hear the congratulatory speech of their new idol.
'Come to think of it, just a thought... My promise has been fulfilled... Imagine dying at this point, it'd be so hilarious and embarrassing at the same time...'
*'Hmph,'* Ethan let out a small hum and looked at the cameras confidently.
'No way in hell, that's happening with me though.'
"To all those who have supported me up until now..." All of a sudden, Ethan's hands began to grow numb and senseless. Thinking it was just his anxiousness, he shook it off his mind and continued.
"I, Ethan Blake, would like to tha—" The next instant, his vision blurred. His body began to lose its balance as his words grew slob.
"Urgh!" A sharp pain pierced through his forehead, forcing him to shut his eyes. He clasped his head tightly and before anyone could do anything, collapsed to the ground while letting out sharp groans of pain.
The other gasped as the medical team rushed to the stage. His body convulsed rapidly, making it hard for the doctors to assess his condition. While the world began to pray for his well-being.
But it was too late. Too late for him to go back on his words.
'You can't be serious with this...!'
His body movements, breathing, heartbeat — everything stopped at once. The doctors couldn't believe their eyes, for it seemed like an instant death. Looking towards the cameras with a saddened face, he shook his head sideways.
The world gasped, mourned, and grew sad altogether. After all, who would've thought their hero would leave them forever on the biggest day of his life? The public opinions split into two — one side proclaimed, he died happily, while the others debated if that truly was the case.
Nevertheless, it took a lot of burden from the government's shoulders as they let it go with a simplistic mourning ceremony.
However, for some reason, Ethan Blake seemed rather... Conscious?!
'Hm? What is this?'
"...profess..."
'profess?'
"...professor!"
'Professor? Is someone calling me?'
"Professor Lucian!"