The Enigmalnk Citadel was filled with people who held the highest authority in the human domain, and at the same time, they were the most powerful individuals.
In the first place, the fact that they were all gathered together inside a single building made the atmosphere unbearable for many.
The tier three family heads, each at the master+ ranks, found it hard to breathe. In the hall, they were the most quiet.
This would have been the same for the Apex candidates; however, unlike the tier threes, the tier ones actually cared about them. The circular runes on the floor where they stood ensured they wouldn't be affected by the pressure.
However, these runes were located some distance away from the entrance of the hall, and anyone entering would have to walk to the center.
Everyone in the hall knew this fact well, which is why, as soon as the door opened and Atticus stepped in, not a single person in the hall didn't experience a wave of shock.
The first reason was the collective gaze of the most powerful people in the human domain. The focus of all these paragons and family heads would have overwhelmed many 16-year-olds, yet Atticus's expression remained calm, his eyes forward, and his steps measured as he walked.
The second reason was that Atticus made no attempt to hide his aura. In fact, he was actively radiating it outward so that everyone in the hall, even the Apex candidates, could feel it.
It was a master- rank aura.
There was no artifact in existence that could do this, and even if there were, it would not fool the eyes of paragons.
Atticus, this 16-year-old Ravenstein child, was truly in the master- rank.
The third and final reason was known only to the paragons. Their perception was beyond what the grandmasters could fathom. Despite Atticus being in the master- rank, they could each see that his strength was far beyond that.
The eyes of both Aurelius and Gavric, the paragons of the Frostbane and Emberforge families respectively, who had been silent until now, slowly opened, their gazes locking onto Atticus.
The entire hall descended into a frightening silence. At this point, many didn't realize it, but the arrival of one boy had silenced the powerhouses and rulers of humanity.
While the entire crowd was shocked, the Apex candidates instead immediately tensed up. Atticus was walking straight toward them. Despite being many years older, Atticus's aura was domineering.
The runes they stood on shielded them from the auras of those outside of it, but they did nothing to protect them from someone inside the circle.
Which was why, as soon as Atticus stepped onto the rune, the six Apex candidates, all geniuses of their respective families, felt an intense weight pressing down on them.
Their knees buckled slightly as they fought to remain standing. Should any of them fall here, the disgrace they would bring to their families would be immense.
The Resonara Apex candidate was the first to react. His aura exploded, the artifact headset on his head glowing brightly as he forced himself to stand. The others immediately mimicked his actions, each of their auras erupting.
However, Atticus calmly spoke one word: "Kneel," a red wave radiating outward.
They each felt their heartbeats involuntarily quicken, an intense sense of fear gripping their bodies. None of them could explain why, but despite their experiences with life-and-death battles and formidable enemies in the military, Atticus appeared like a predator, snuffing out their willingness to fight.
This was one of the useful skills Magnus had taught him—using his will to influence the emotions of others.
The knees of all six Apex candidates hit the ground in unison with a violent thud, unable to stand.
The silence in the hall intensified, despite how seemingly impossible that should be. However, it was soon broken by Atticus, who asked a simple question that made the blood of many in the hall boil.
"Is that all, Grandfather?"
Despite the fact that the question was directed towards Magnus, it stung each tier one family head and paragon deeply. The disregard was palpable.
"Well?" Magnus turned towards the other paragons. The purpose of this competition was to determine who was the most powerful among the youth, and the answer seemed clear already.
However, the Resonara family, known for their over-sensitivity, had always been quick to take offense.
Octavius, with a cold gaze, looked down on Atticus and spoke, the air becoming heavy.
"Were you not taught manners, boy?"
Atticus turned towards Octavius, the calmness in his eyes unchanging.
"I was taught to respect those who deserve it."
Octavius paused, but he wasn't the only one. Every single person in the hall widened their eyes in shock.
Never in their lifetimes had they witnessed such a scene before, or even imagined it could happen.
Someone who wasn't a paragon speaking to a paragon in such a manner and tone? It wasn't even about the audacity; it was more about how it was possible.
The rune he was standing on would help cancel out the effects of their aura, but it did nothing to the psychological aspect. The knowledge that the person in front of him could kill him with a thought was usually enough to discourage such acts.
However, Atticus had looked Octavius directly in the eyes and spoken, without a tremble in his voice.
"WHO DO YOU TH—"
"Calm down, Octavius, and you too, Magnus. Do not forget where you are."
Oberon's firm voice stopped Octavius, who had been on the verge of erupting, and Magnus, who had been staring at Octavius with intense lightning crackling around his body.
The armrest of Octavius's chair shattered as he gripped it tightly, his gaze still fixed on Atticus. He said nothing further, and Magnus also calmed down.
The other paragons observed silently. Atticus's words had been directed at all of them, yet none reacted like Octavius.
In fact, a serene smile was currently on Seraphina's face, her thoughts churning. 'He's perfect.'