As soon as the grandmaster gestured for Atticus to enter, he stepped forward without hesitation and pushed the door open.
The moment he walked through the open doorway, it felt as though he had entered a different world.
The air was dense, almost crushing in its weight, as if the atmosphere itself was thick with power. Any normal person below the rank of grandmaster would have been overwhelmed, perhaps even suffocated by the sheer pressure in the room.
Seated around him were 15 individuals, their auras barely contained, yet screaming of the raw and primal power that simmered deep inside them.
Their eyes were closed, hands resting near their weapons, and though none of them moved, the room was engulfed with killing intent.
It was as if Atticus had walked into the lair of predators, the kind of place where even the air itself threatened to tear you apart.
Each of these figures was a force to be reckoned with, the apex of their race:
Carion Valarius of the Dimensari race.
Lirae Bloodveil of the Vampyros race.
Karn Voss of the Nullites race.
Maera Nihilus of the Obliteri race.
Kynara Flux of the Evolari race.
Torren Vialis of the Regenerari race.
Zarial Umbrian of the Lucendi race.
Erevan Noctis of the Requiem race.
Valen Raxel of the Transmutari race.
Draktharion Ignisyth of the Dragon race.
Orifiel Radiantwing of the Angel race.
Zarathos Malzareth of the Demon race.
Ae'ark Eternis of the Aeonians.
Elandor Sylvanis of the Elven race.
Harlgrim Grundar of the Dwarven race.
These were the apexes participating in the Nexus, and not a single one of them lacked an overwhelming aura.
Atticus took in all of this in a mere second, his movement not pausing. Even as he walked toward an empty seat in the room, none of the apexes opened their eyes to acknowledge him.
And yet, Atticus could still feel all eyes on him. However, he remained undaunted, his movements precise and measured. No rush. No sense of urgency. Despite the intense tension in the room, nothing could disturbed his calm.
As he sat and closed his eyes, the screens across the human domain flickered to life.
---
In Sector 3, at the Ravenstein estate, the crowd erupted. A deafening wave of cheers swept through the estate, the entire sector, and the human domain alike as soon as they saw their apex appear on the screen.
"WOAHHHHHHHHHHH!"
The cheers were equally loud in the White Omen Division.
"Finally! Look, it's the leader!" someone shouted.
"Did he grow taller?" another voice chimed in, disbelief filling their tone. "How is that even possible?"
The Ravenstein youths standing at the forefront broke into smiles. That cold, icy look constantly on his face—that was the Atticus they all remembered.
At the front of the crowd, Nate stood beside Lucas, unable to contain his excitement. "Damn, he looks even stronger!" he said, eyes wide in disbelief. "I told him to take it easy, but does he ever listen?"
Even through the screen, although it seemed impossible, everyone could still feel it—the sheer power emanating from that room.
Lucas shot Nate a baffled look. "You thought he'd actually hold back?" His voice was incredulous. "Why would anyone with a functioning brain hold back just because you asked him?"
With how dangerous this world was, why would anyone in their right mind hold back just to let someone catch up with them?
Nate ignored him and focused on the other apexes in the room with Atticus, his expression twisting into a frown.
"But damn, those other guys look way too powerful. Will he really be okay?" he muttered.
Chubby, while munching on a cracker, nodded in agreement. The thought of fighting those monsters or even being in the same room with them was frightening. 'I really don't want to be in his shoes right now.'
The expressions of many of the other Ravenstein youths also changed. They had learned about the powers and dangers of the other races in their second year.
Back then, many had immediately lost hope of ever matching them after seeing how overpowered they were.
And now, Atticus was facing the individuals considered the best of those monsters' generation.
A skepticism started to form in their minds.
However...
"Have you ever seen him lose?"
The Ravenstein youths turned toward Aurora. She had just spoken without turning to face them, her gaze still fixed on the screen.
The Ravenstein youths paused, memories flashing through their minds.
Since they had known Atticus, even when he was just 10 years old, he had never once lost a fight.
During the Raven camp, when he was only 10, he defeated people who were far above his rank and more than twice his age.
Even when he had battled with Jared, an instructor, he had managed to draw! With multiple scenes flashing in their minds, many couldn't help but fall silent.
Aurora was right. None of them could imagine a scene of Atticus Ravenstein losing.
"If you understand, then just open your eyes wide and watch," Aurora added.
Throughout the conversation, she hadn't turned to face the group. With just a few words, she had dispelled their uncertainty.
Many might say it was thanks to her great leadership skills, but Aurora knew better. It was all because of Atticus. This was simply how he had imposed himself in their minds.
Aurora's heart pounded hard against her chest. 'That bastard. I'll burn you to a crisp when I see you.'
Though her thoughts were harsh, the small smile forming on her face said otherwise.
…
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!" A voice suddenly boomed across the coliseum, interrupting the cheers and jubilations.
The crowd instantly quieted down, eager to listen. The event was finally starting!
A man with the features of the Dimensari race appeared high in the sky.
"Welcome to the Verietaga Nexus!" the MC shouted, spreading his arms wide. His voice echoed throughout the coliseum and across the domains of the various races watching the live broadcast.
"Are you ready to have your minds blown?" The crowd instantly erupted, their cheers and roars bouncing off the massive coliseum walls.