Atticus's thoughts firmed as he suddenly gave Yotad an order,
"Enter my shadow, we're heading out."
Yotad reacted in a surprising way. His expression, which had only ever shown indifference and coldness, changed, a look of surprise with a hint of happiness appearing on his face.
This had been what he had been waiting for! Yotad wasted absolutely no time, his figure dissolving into a black mass that instantly merged with Atticus's shadow.
The others were startled by the sudden action but didn't do anything.
Atticus turned to Dario, "I'm only allowed to take Yotad, so I'll see you in a few months."
Atticus could immediately notice a shift in Dario's mood, as though he suddenly became somber.
Dario had always made it a point to never show his true emotions in public. It was paramount to know how to control your emotions, especially in high-pressure situations.
But he just couldn't help it this time around.
Atticus was sure to have more subordinates in the future, and unlike the Ravenblade, fighting wasn't his forte. He had to make himself useful in some way.
These early stages were the perfect time to make Atticus a little bit reliant on him, but it seemed that would be hard.
Atticus ignored Dario's obvious sadness and turned to the crew members next, "Looks like I will be going down on my own. Thank you for everything, and I'll see you later."
The captain and the other crew members were a little taken aback. But they regained their composure and then bowed.
"The honor is ours, young master. I wish you a safe return."
Atticus nodded at the captain's words before he turned and started making his way to the exit.
"How long do you think he'll spend before graduating?" One of the crew members suddenly spoke up, causing the others' ears to perk up.
"Let's even forget the fact that he's just 16! But it has to take years, right?" Another crew member added, a hint of hesitation in his last words. Even he wasn't sure anymore.
Atticus had reached this level at such a young age; that alone was enough indication that he wasn't going to follow the conventional path.
"Captain, what do you think?" Amara turned and asked. Her finger had already found its way to her hair, the current matter intriguing her.
The captain furrowed his eyebrows, his eyes fixed on the fire sanctum ahead,
"If my speculations are right, then the young master is participating in the Veriatega Nexus in a year. I think it's safe to assume that he is expected to be done before this time frame."
The crew members all sucked in a cold breath, including Amara. This was because they had just realized something crazy.
Atticus had multiple elements! The years that they had been talking about had been for just one element!
He was going to learn multiple elements in the span of months!?
"I bet 70 thousand points he'll be done in five months."
The gazes of the crew members flashed in unison, their eyes fixed on Amara, who had a small smile on her face. That… that was a lot of points.
"Six months!" another crew member instantly exclaimed.
"Seven months!"
"Seven months and five days!"
The control room became bustling in an instant, with each throwing out different bets.
The captain shook his head, seeing their over-enthusiasm. He turned his gaze to the side to see Dario simply standing there, nervously biting the nails of his index fingers in deep thought.
He stared at Dario for a while before taking his gaze away and focusing it on his front, where the airship was landing on a large platform.
As the airship gently lowered itself onto the landing dock, Atticus prepared to disembark. The hum of the engines quieted, and the crew landed the ship with practiced ease.
The hatch opened, and a rush of hot, intense air greeted him, making him raise an eyebrow. Atticus stepped out onto the gangplank, his boots clanking against the metal surface.
The platform where the airship had landed was akin to a helipad. A long, five-meter-wide path stretched out from the open gate of the fortress, ending in a large circular platform.
As soon as Atticus disembarked from the airship, he was instantly met with a grand sight.
The enormous Fire Sanctum loomed ahead, awe-inspiring in its entirety.
Atticus focused his gaze ahead, at the end of the pathway where the gates of the sanctum lay.
He took a large inhale, feeling the hot air coursing through his lungs. Feeling his resolve steeled, he opened his eyes and started approaching the gates.
'Don't worry, master. I have your back.'
Atticus heard Yotad's very subtle encouragement, a slight chuckle escaping his lips. He nodded his head without turning back, leaving Yotad feeling elated at his response.
Atticus soon crossed the path and reached the open gate of the sanctum.
The main gate was an enormous archway, framed by pillars that seemed to be made of pure magma.
The gates themselves were made of blackened iron, adorned with intricate designs of mythical fire beasts and ancient symbols of power. Currently, they were wide open.
Atticus's steps paused, his gaze narrowing as he saw a procession of people who were on both knees in front of the gate, facing his direction.
'It can't be for me. Is it for Grandfather?'
Reaching this conclusion, Atticus continued his steps and approached, scrutinizing each of them thoroughly.
They each had snow-white hair with different styles and were each wearing almost the same identical outfit.
A simple armless robe littered with the colors and formless shapes of searing fire.
If there was one thing that was apparent, it was the insane amount of fire elemental cues that each one of the people on the floor was emitting. Well, almost all of them.
Atticus walked towards and stood in front of an old man who was also on both knees, bowing respectfully.
He was so surprised that he completely forgot all his inhibitions and scrutinized the man thoroughly.
Why was Atticus surprised?
Well, it was simple. Out of everyone in the area, no matter how much Atticus tried, he couldn't see or feel even a single inch of any elemental cues emanating from him.