Seeing that both of them had settled, Oberon turned toward Atticus.
"Your willpower is very impressive, child, especially for someone so young. Seeing you in action at the leader's summit, I assumed you were an intellectual, which is why I find it difficult to understand your actions now. You're currently addressing nine beings, each of whom can easily end your life. Why are you trying to provoke us?"
Oberon spoke calmly, without a hint of anger in his voice. A paragon losing his composure over the words of a child would be embarrassing.
Atticus turned toward Magnus and responded calmly after receiving a nod of approval.
"I stated nothing but the facts."
Oberon smiled slightly.
"Your actions speak volumes, Atticus. You've managed to do what few can—speak to paragons with such disregard. But be mindful, a lion cub must remember that it's still surrounded by lions, even if it shows the potential to become the fiercest of them all."
"I understand perfectly where I stand, Lord Oberon," Atticus replied in a steady tone. "But a lion cub that never tests its strength will never grow into the king of the pride. My actions today are not born of arrogance but necessity. I will state the facts…
"I am the greatest genius to ever exist in the human domain. The Nexus event is occurring in 20 days, and I am the best chance you all have to not lose Sector 10.
"The human domain is at the bottom of the food chain among the other races in Eldoralth; we're treated like dirt. Only one thing can change that: overwhelming power. A power that you all clearly don't have. However, I have the potential to become that person, a potential you all can clearly see would be for the betterment of humanity.
And yet, when I stepped into this hall, all I could see on your faces was insecurity.
"Not just you paragons, but on the faces of almost all the tiered family heads present. I know that look because I've seen it more times than I can count. 'He's a threat.' 'He has to be taken care of.' 'He will ruin the power balance.' This is what the majority of you are thinking—people who are supposed to have the best interests of humanity in mind, and yet, you demand respect from me?"
"I like him."
Many in the hall turned toward Seraphina, who had just spoken, a wide smile on her face. She wasn't the only one; Gale Stormrider, Kael's father, also had a wide smile, his blood boiling.
He had heard about Atticus from Aric, his father. He knew Atticus was Kael's friend and his mark. He was starting to like Atticus.
"So what?"
Atticus turned his gaze toward the third row, his eyes landing on Eleanor Alverian, who had just spoken.
"So what if you're the greatest talent to ever appear in the human domain? This doesn't excuse your actions. Do you expect us to bow and worship you? So what if you're representing the human domain? You're doing your part as a member of humanity. Why should you be treated specially?
You're currently addressing the people who have kept the human domain safe for decades. Speak with respect!" Eleanor's voice simmered with anger.
Seeing the boy who had broken his son was infuriating on many levels. It didn't help that the boy was acting so condescending.
Atticus's disregard didn't just sting the paragons; it was an affront to the tier-one families as a whole. Even the other tiered families felt disrespected.
"So why don't you bring your son and every 16-year-old in your family? Let them do their part for humanity."
Eleanor gritted his teeth so hard that it was audible, followed by the sound of his armrest cracking. His eyes blazed with intense anger, but he said nothing, simply glaring at Atticus. Everyone knew that no battles could be fought in the Enigmalnk sector. 'Soon Eleanor, soon,'
"The gap between humans and the other races is vast. What makes you think you're our best option?"
Atticus turned toward Celestial Starhaven next. She was looking at him with a cold expression, and he could instantly sense that something was coming.
She might be Zoey's mother, but it was clear she didn't mean well. He couldn't afford to show any form of weakness here.
"I have just crushed the people you deem 'your greatest geniuses.' What other option do you have? Besides, I have battled the apex of the Aeonians and fought him to a draw."
The hall erupted into a storm of murmurs as the tier two and three family heads began discussing among themselves. Many were dissatisfied with the way Atticus was addressing the paragons, but the revelation that he had battled the apex of the Aeonians to a draw shocked them into silence.
The tier ones, however, were more composed. Along with the other paragons, they turned their gazes towards Magnus, who gave a slight nod, confirming Atticus's words.
Magnus never lied. Every paragon knew this well; he valued honor above all else.
Seeing this, even Celestial didn't dare say anything further. If she did, it would imply that she was accusing Magnus of lying. While Atticus might be bold enough to disregard the paragons, not all could afford to do so.
The pressure in the hall intensified, particularly around the paragon's row. If Atticus had indeed battled an apex to a standstill, then he truly was their best option. Losing sector 10 would cripple the human domain, and that was the last thing any of them wanted. But…
"Sign a mana contract," came a voice, shattering the tense silence.
Atticus's expression darkened as he turned towards the speaker, Thorne Alverian, the paragon of the Alverian family, who had remained silent until now.
"A mana contract would ass—"
"No," Atticus cut him off, his refusal immediate and firm. There was no need to hear or think about it; he would not be bound by anything.
Thorne's gaze narrowed slightly, ignoring Magnus, who had also turned to look at him.
"It would be in your best interest, boy," Thorne continued. "You said it yourself—the majority of us want to maintain the power balance between the families of the human domain. Many are cautious about a future where you might use your strength against humanity. In simple terms, you're a gamble. A risky one. Your protection is guaranteed in this sector, but what about when you leave?
You've already pissed off so many powerful people. This is your best option."
Suddenly, lightning crackled, and an overwhelming aura descended upon the entire hall. Magnus's eyes shone with an intense white light, his aura shifting dramatically.
He asked a simple question, but it carried the weight of a thunderclap:
"Are you threatening him?"
The hearts of everyone in the hall began to pound with intensity. There was no doubt about it—Magnus was ready to fight.