A man stood facing a transparent wall in a plain-looking office. He had his hands clasped behind his back and, although to many the man appeared to have no expression on his face, to the more observant and to those who knew him well, it was clear that he was slightly worried.
The man's shadow suddenly shifted and stretched, and in the next second, a man clothed in completely black attire appeared, instantly sinking to one knee.
"Master Magnus, if I may be so presumptuous," the man, Vector, spoke. If Atticus had been there, he would instantly recognize Vector. He was Magnus's Ravenblade that Atticus had seen the first time he met Magnus when he was seven.
Magnus maintained his silence for a few seconds, allowing the room to descend into silence. Vector didn't dare say anything else, and after a few moments, Magnus commanded, "Speak."
His voice was low, but its weight was undeniable. Even if Vector had nothing to say, he would immediately think of something for fear of disobeying.
"Lord Magnus, from your order, I've watched the young master since the day he was born, and although he turned out to be one of the most frightening 16-year-olds I've ever seen, his love for his family is undeniable. I truly believe you have nothing to be worried about."
Many would have been shocked beyond words, with others completely denying it. Magnus Ravenstein, one of the powerhouses of the human domain, a paragon, worried? Their shock was completely justifiable.
Magnus truly was slightly worried, but not for the reasons Vector was thinking. He was well aware of Atticus's personality.
In every one of his ideals, his family would always be an exception. If Magnus hadn't been sure of that small simple fact, he wouldn't have done everything he had done, at least not in that way.
What Magnus was worried about was something else. He was about to ask Atticus to do something difficult that many wouldn't even consider, but immediately accept because of the incredible benefits.
But it was because Magnus knew Atticus well that he was worried.
That boy could refuse!
Magnus let out a small sigh. 'Although it's slightly embarrassing to do it for my grandson, I might have to do that.'
"Let's hope so. He's almost here. Leave us," he ordered.
Vector bowed deeper before suddenly vanishing into the darkness, leaving Magnus alone in the office.
…
Atticus hadn't wasted any time and immediately followed Isabella. They both took the elevator, with Isabella selecting the highest floor of the building.
The ride was completely silent, with neither of them saying anything.
Even though Atticus hardly knew Isabella personally, he could see that she was in a good mood, a small smile on her face.
This small fact further intensified the feeling that Atticus initially had.
"Is there anything I should be worried about?"
Atticus suddenly spoke, startling Isabella who hadn't been expecting him to.
Regaining her composure in a few seconds, Isabella responded to Atticus's question with a simple shake of her head. "There's nothing for you to be worried about. You're safe." Raising her right hand, she awkwardly scratched her head.
"I understand where your mistrust is coming from, and although I've said it before, I am truly sorry about that incident. You will understand everything in a few moments, and I hope you will take back your words about repaying all of us tenfolds."
Isabella's last words were followed by the chime and sound of the elevator door opening.
Isabella gestured ahead. "It's the door at the end of the hall."
Atticus paused for a few seconds, with Isabella having to stop the elevator door from closing by placing her hands between them.
Atticus stared at the door, then at Isabella, before his gaze settled on the door, his thoughts racing.
He would learn everything?
Atticus was having a hard time telling if that was good news to him or not. Isabella might have been happy, but that didn't mean he would be too.
After some time, Atticus finally moved, walking out of the elevator.
"Then, student Atticus, I wish you good luck," Isabella said, the elevator doors closing as she headed back down.
The smile on Isabella's face widened as she recalled everything that had happened after the leaders' summit.
For months now, Isabella had always wondered just what was going on in her father's head, but that one evening answered all her questions, and from her happy demeanor, it was plenty obvious that she loved everything she had found out.
'Finally! Everything I wanted will come to pass,' she thought. Then, she couldn't help but worry slightly. "I hope he accepts," she muttered.
Atticus walked through the hallway and reached the door after a few seconds. There was a lot going on in his head. Why had he been called?
He would find out the reason for everything in a few seconds? Who was he going to meet behind this door?
'It has to be Harrison. Only he should have this kind of influence,' he thought. He was currently on the highest floor of the massive building; he felt it was only natural the vice principal of the academy be in this position.
'Is it him?' Atticus suddenly recalled the figure of Alric, his thoughts spinning until he ultimately shook his head. He doubted if it was him.
Atticus took a deep breath, turning his gaze to his arm and making sure his artifact was still on his wrist. Although Isabella had told him he was safe, he still wasn't taking any chances and wanted to be prepared for any scenario.
Atticus took a step forward, the door immediately sliding open for him.
To Atticus, it felt as though a majestic lion had roared, a wave of air suddenly bursting out of the room, making his clothes flutter.
Atticus didn't even need to look or think. Although the aura was being restrained, there was no way he would mistake that man's aura, especially after feeling it every day for five years.
"Grandfather?" Atticus muttered, his shock palpable.