'It's all that accursed kid's fault,' Nathan thought bitterly.
He and Atticus hadn't officially met, but there wasn't a single thing Atticus had done that Nathan hadn't heard about. There wasn't a moment when Avalon wouldn't brag about him whenever he had the chance.
While Nathan could honestly understand Atticus's actions, he couldn't help but still blame him for everything that was happening.
'Why couldn't he have defeated or tortured them more gently? Or why the hell is a 16-year-old going around torturing people in the first place!?'
Nathan was already exhausted, and the trouble hadn't even begun yet.
'Just look at them,' Nathan thought as he glanced at the people gathered inside the room. The entire human domain might attack them soon, yet they were chatting and talking calmly among themselves.
Laughter filled the space, and the atmosphere seemed free and friendly.
Only madmen could act with such nonchalance.
…
Sector 4 was a region dominated by flora and fauna. It was all green.
The buildings were structured in a way that reflected the inhabitants' close relationship with nature, with green-covered buildings wrapped in vines.
However, contrary to what one might think, this didn't make the area appear ancient or old in any way. The sleek architectural designs and advanced equipment dispelled that notion.
The air was filled with hover cars zooming through, along with people riding airborne magical beasts. The sky above bustled with activity as people went about their business.
It wasn't only the Ravensteins who were engaged in a serious meeting.
At the center of Sector 4 was a vast forest with trees spanning as far as the eye could see. This large forest was centered in the sector and spaced at a distance from the city. In the middle of this vast forest was a wooden estate spanning miles.
This was where the ruling family of Sector 4 resided—the Alverian family's estate.
In one of the large buildings, a group of powerful people was gathered in a grand hall, engaged in an intense discussion. Unlike the Ravensteins' calm meeting, this one was anything but peaceful.
"We need to call off this war, Family Head," advised an aged man among those present, looking at the man seated on a throne at one end of the hallway.
The man on the throne was none other than Elenor, the head of the Alverian family and Dell's father—the same Dell whom Atticus had broken at the academy.
Seated beside him on his left was a black-haired woman whose demeanor screamed control—Luna, his main wife.
On either side were numerous red-haired youths who bore a resemblance to him. Unlike Avalon, Elenor had not only married multiple wives but had also fathered numerous offspring, all in the hope that one of them would possess mind-blowing talent.
The aged man's words made a frown appear on Elenor's face. However, before he could respond, another elder with the distinct red hair of the Alverians suddenly chimed in.
"Are you suggesting we let this action go unpunished!? It's a direct challenge to our family! Besides, it's too late to stop; everything is almost in place."
"We all understand, but going to war with the Ravensteins? We're an alchemist family, for goodness' sake!"
The hall erupted into another round of chatter. By this point, Elenor's expression had already turned cold as he watched the elders argue.
Unlike the Ravensteins, who had their major aspects led by only three people, the Alverian family adopted a different approach.
Instead, they had an alchemical council consisting of numerous councilors responsible for different aspects of things in the sector.
Just as Elenor was about to unleash his aura, he suddenly felt Luna's gentle touch and paused. Taking a calming breath, he spoke.
"The Ravensteins tortured and broke my son, my heir, turning him useless. You want me to let this go?" The hall fell silent as Elenor spoke.
However, a man who had remained silent all this while suddenly spoke up. "With all due respect, Family Head, the Ravensteins did nothing. It was a dispute between two teenagers, and according to the report, Dell started it. Holding the entire family accountable sounds ludicrous to me."
"Councilor Ferro!" one of the other councilors in support of Elenor shouted. "Watch your words!"
But Ferro maintained his calm demeanor. "I have said nothing disrespectful. I merely stated the facts."
The first man clenched his fists, but before he could say anything, Elenor interrupted.
"Are you refusing to participate? I'm asking each one of you too."
Ferro met Elenor's gaze, his eyes steady without any ripples.
It was clear that many were against the idea of going to war with the Ravensteins, especially when their paragon didn't seem to support it. However…
"No, Family Head. We councilors are here to offer advice; the final decision lies with you. I will follow whatever you choose," Ferro replied, bowing slightly as a show of respect, followed by the rest of the councilors.
While it was evident that they disagreed with the decision, Elenor was set to become the next paragon of the Alverian family. Offending him now was something none of them could afford to do.
"Good. I want you to be in charge of the direct attack, War Councilor Ferro."
Ferro paused for a few seconds before responding, "As you wish."
Among the numerous councilors, War Councilor Ferro was responsible for developing alchemical weapons, potions, and traps for battle. If there was anyone perfect for the task, it was him.
"You are all dismissed."
With the matter concluded, Elenor dismissed the council and immediately stormed out of the hall, followed closely by his wife, Luna.
"You're walking too fast," Luna sighed slightly, trying to match her husband's pace.
"Any response?" Elenor slowed down slightly and asked.
Luna shook her head. "For now, just one. It seems like the others are still hesitant about joining."
Elenor fell into deep thought. The only reason he was proposing a war with the Ravensteins now was because they had offended the other families.
Elenor saw this as an opportunity to knock them down a peg. He was angry about Dell's condition, however, he had never been one to act purely on anger.
'Why are they hesitating ?' Eleanor thought as he and his wife made his way through the hall.
"It's fine then. One is enough. Who answered?"
"The Stellaris family,"