As Atticus left his island with the others, he found that he was more bothered about the Lucas matter than he had initially thought.
Lucas was part of the Ravenstein family and had been very helpful to him in the past, especially at the academy. However, he had just realized that he knew absolutely nothing about the boy. Nate was an open book, and his actions spoke loudly about his personality.
But Lucas was much more reserved. Even at the academy, Atticus couldn't remember a time when he had opened up, ever. He always provided logical solutions to situations, and Atticus got the sense that he was also a planner.
But one fact disturbed him the most: he had been too focused on his goal and hadn't paid much attention to those around him.
'I should make more effort in this part,' Atticus resolved. It wasn't just about Lucas; he felt the need to make an effort to speak to and learn more about those around him.
They each had a life. Each had aspirations. Each had a goal. They followed him without hesitation, it was only right that he showed, even if just a little, some interest in them.
Seeing as he couldn't do anything about the matter for now, Atticus decided to focus on something else.
His elements.
It had been a long time, but finally, Atticus was feeling excited about the future.
As it turned out, Ozeroth's way had been the right one, a fact that the spirit made sure to rub in without rest.
Because of his multiple elements and unique bloodline, Atticus had to account for his various elements as well.
However, during the one week of constant trials, he had discovered that he didn't need to level up all of his elements together. No.
This had been the reason why he couldn't grasp that feeling despite trying so hard. Not all the elements could be connected together with the same feeling, especially in their rawest forms.
As he figured this out, he instantly decided on his next course of action, he needed to select the elements that could be combined with a feeling and advance them together.
For this, Atticus had eventually chosen the basic elements of fire, water, air, and earth.
He was on the cusp of figuring out what exactly this feeling entailed and how to reach it, he just needed time.
'I'll do this after the banquet.'
Atticus sighed inwardly. If he could, he would have blown off the banquet entirely just to focus on his training. He was on the verge of a breakthrough, and this entire event felt like nothing more than an unnecessary distraction.
But, unfortunately, he had no choice.
The banquet was set to take place on the main island, the one at the highest elevation.
It dwarfed every other recruit island, stretching hundreds of kilometers in every direction. It wasn't just vast, it was grand, serving as the home to nearly all the high-ranking officers in the military training camp.
Atticus had visited this island multiple times. By now, he was used to its overwhelming presence, but even he had to admit, there was something surreal about a structure this massive floating effortlessly in the air, suspended by an unseen force.
Unlike him, however, this was the first time many of the leaders accompanying him had ever set foot here.
He didn't need heightened perception to notice their reactions.
The awe. The sheer disbelief.
He turned his gaze slightly and saw it, wide eyes, gaping mouths, expressions frozen in absolute wonder.
Atticus smirked. It was almost too easy.
"You should close your mouth before you catch something you won't like."
Aurora, the very person he had been speaking to, flinched at the sudden comment, her trance instantly broken. Her lips immediately snapped shut, and realization struck her a second later.
She whirled on him, glowering.
"You—!"
Atticus only chuckled.
His words had done their job.
Zoey and several others, who had also been caught gawking, quietly shut their mouths and lowered their gazes, choosing to silently accept their shame.
Atticus couldn't help but laugh.
…
The banquet hall was massive, stretching far and wide, its grand chandeliers casting a warm, golden glow across the space.
Ornate pillars lined the perimeter. Long tables filled with exotic dishes and fine wine adorned the sides, while in the center, an open area provided ample room for movement.
Music filled the air, a soft, refined melody played by a live orchestra stationed on an elevated platform. Their instruments hummed, adding to the ambiance of nobility and grandeur.
Yet, despite the beautiful décor, the lively music, and the air of sophistication, there was nothing but tension in the hall.
The banquet had gathered all the high-ranking sergeants and officers of the military training camp, along with the leaders of various divisions across multiple teams. Once again, under one roof, the different races had come together.
And yet, there was an unspoken unease that filled the air.
Everyone present was keenly aware that this was no mere social gathering.
The leaders of the various teams, Apexes of their respective races, stood scattered across the hall, each one surrounded by their own followers.
Each one radiated a presence so overwhelming that even some of the veteran sergeants, men and women who had been through war, felt small in comparison.
They weren't the veterans here.
The Apexes were.
To make matters worse, the final battle royale was scheduled to take place soon after this event. The competition that would decide the strongest team.
No one knew the rewards yet, but everyone knew they had to be significant.
It was enough to fuel the silent war that now played out in the room.
The probing conversations between leaders were layered with hidden intent, each side subtly fishing for information, trying to gain an upper hand before the real battle even began.
Yet, despite this silent chaos, somehow, the focus of the entire banquet remained fixed on six individuals.
The Six Apexes present.
Each of them stood at different parts of the hall, their presence impossible to ignore.
Their auras were thick, suffocating, completely dominating the atmosphere.
Yet, despite the growing tension around them, each one of them appeared as relaxed as ever.
The kings and queens of their own domains.