After walking for a few seconds, the children, Atticus, Ember, Caldor, and Aurora all veered off course and went towards the trainees' section where all the children were all seated.
As Atticus approached the trainees, every pair of eyes in the section focused intently on him.
Such attention was only natural, after all, apart from the others who simply heard rumors about his feats, the surviving trainees all bore direct witness to it. They all gazed at Atticus as if he were a priceless treasure.
Every trainee was in attendance, including Lucas, Nate, Orion, Hella, and Sophie, who was waving at Atticus excitedly.
But not all gazes were with good intentions, as a particular boy with thin eyes gazed at Atticus with cold eyes and a smirk. 'Let's see how you handle this,' he thought in giddy anticipation.
Regardless of all the stares, Atticus remained unruffled and sat down at the forefront of the trainees, with Ember, Caldor, and Aurora sitting next to him.
There were only four thrones on the elevated platform, one each for Magnus, Freya, Avalon, and Anastasia.
On a normal occasion, only Avalon, the family head, and Anastasia would attend, as Magnus had left everything related to family matters to Avalon to focus on increasing his power and getting stronger.
But because of the current situation, with the attack on the camp and the death of some youths, many family members were trying to lay blame on the main family.
Magnus had to make occasional appearances to show that the main family was still strong, and his presence also served to quiet anyone who was trying to start or do something stupid.
Magnus took his seat on the imposing throne and declared, "Begin," his voice resounded throughout the expansive Raven hall, brimming with the gravitas befitting his presence.
Following Magnus's command, a man bearing an aura of master rank and the distinctive Ravenstein white hair, advanced to the center of the hall.
The event was pretty straightforward and routine, with little deviation.
The proceedings moved swiftly, with the master rank individual delivering a speech talking about the virtues of being a member of the Ravenstein family, while also showering praise upon the trainees for their bravery during the attack on the Raven camp.
Each trainees were recognized and rewarded based on the merit of their contributions during the escape.
Lyanna had questioned every one of the trainees about every single thing that happened during the attack, so they were well aware of everything that happened and everyone's contribution.
Depending on how significant one's contribution was, they were each given an award, with the value being as high as an Empowered potential art or a master rank weapon.
The event went by quickly, and soon the man got to the last name. It was a name everyone in the hall had been anticipating, the one whose contribution had been completely invaluable during the escape.
"Atticus Ravenstein," the man announced, and the attention of the entire hall shifted to the 10 year old boy with piercing blue eyes sitting nonchalantly at the trainees section.
This action might have frightened many, but Atticus remained undaunted. He simply stood up and started walking toward the man.
However, he hadn't even gotten halfway when a man suddenly stood up, capturing the attention of everyone present and momentarily halting the event.
The man had occupied a seat not far from Sirius, Nathan, and Lyanna, indicating that his standing in the family wasn't low.
He had the distinctive white hair of the Ravensteins and thin eyes. Anyone who had met a particular thin eyed trainee would be able to see a resemblance between them.
As he rose from his seat, the man immediately pivoted towards the direction of the imposing thrones and got down on one knee, bowing deeply with a show of utmost respect.
In a composed manner, he addressed the figures on the thrones, "Forgive me for my transgressions, Master Magnus, Lord Avalon. I wish to draw your attention to a matter I deem significant," he declared.
Anastasia's features contorted with a faint frown upon recognizing the man. She, of course was well aware of his identity— William's father.
After the attack on the Raven camp, Anastasia had meticulously gathered information regarding the events that had transpired.
She had learned about the incident with Atticus and William during the escape, where Atticus had forcibly removed William and two others away from the platform, leaving them behind. It was obvious what this man intended to address.
Although interrupting an event hosted by the main family was regarded as impolite, but because the man who had done it, Edward, was one of the heads of the three main branches of the Raven Vanguard, an important member of the family, and the fact that he had appropriately paid his respects and asked for permission to speak, they were inclined to grant him the chance to speak.
"Speak," Magnus commanded, his voice commanding the attention of all present in the hall.
Edward, still maintaining his bow, smiled as he was given permission, then he spoke, making sure his voice reached the ears of everyone in attendance.
"Indeed, young Master Atticus's contribution during the attack on the Raven camp had been completely invaluable, but there's something important that I believe everyone is turning a blind eye to. During the escape, young Master Atticus had kicked off and left three trainees behind while running away,"
Edward lowered his head even further as he continued, "I ask that this incident shouldn't be ignored, Master Magnus."
As soon as he said that, the parents of the two trainees whom Atticus had left behind with William immediately stepped forward. Kneeling and bowing, they spoke in unison, "We ask that this shouldn't be ignored, Master Magnus."
Following this, the Raven hall immediately erupted into murmurs and chatter about the unfolding events.
Meanwhile, William, seated among the trainees, turned his gaze towards Atticus, his smirk growing. 'This is what you get for standing in my way.'