The Raven Hall was bustling with people. It was large enough to accommodate more than a thousand guests, and tonight, it seemed the venue was reaching its capacity.
Classical music played in the background as people conversed in hushed tones. Every important figure in the human domain was present—from the heads and heirs of all tiered families to prominent merchants and famous warriors whose names had spread across the human domain.
Anastasia had spared no expense for this ball. She knew well enough that this wasn't Atticus's preferred setting, but she felt it was necessary.
It was a rare sight: representatives from all tiered families gathered under one roof. Despite the numerous feuds and rivalries among them, no one dared cause trouble.
The Ravensteins were untouchable, especially after the Nexus event, and their status would only continue to rise. No one wanted to risk incurring their wrath.
Even the other tier-one families, despite their pride, remained on their best behavior tonight. Each guest, regardless of their family, seemed to share a single goal.
They swarmed any Ravenstein they could find, eager to form even the slightest connection.
This scene played on until the large double doors of the Raven Hall swung open, and two figures stepped in.
The entire hall fell silent. Every gaze turned toward the entrance, eyes lighting up as they recognized one of the figures who had entered.
Atticus Ravenstein.
Every conversation halted, and all attention focused on him. For many, this was the first time seeing him in formal attire.
He was known for wearing his trademark trench coat or robe, but tonight, he was in a tuxedo. While a large portion of the guests were also dressed in tuxedos for the ball, something about him stood out.
With snow white hair, a tall, muscular build, strikingly handsome features, and a calm yet dominating presence, Atticus cut an imposing figure.
His appearance alone sent a subtle chill through the crowd, with many of the women fanning themselves even faster.
Atticus's expression remained composed, unaffected by the crowd's reaction. He had anticipated this and didn't bother to pause.
With Dario trailing behind, he continued walking along the path that guests instinctively cleared for him, his steps measured and his gaze unwavering.
Reaching one of the tables with drinks, Atticus picked up a glass, took a sip, and finally turned to face the crowd.
An awkward throat clearing sound echoed across the hall as people continued to stare. Many had planned to approach him the moment he entered, but none of them seemed able to take that first step.
His presence captivated everyone in the room, and yet, being in the same hall as him felt overwhelming for many.
When they considered the sheer power he possessed and his achievements in the Nexus, they couldn't help but draw in a sharp breath.
He was younger than most people present, yet he might as well have been the most powerful person in the room. Though they had all researched him, none were entirely sure of his personality. He seemed calm and composed, but what if he was quick to anger? The last thing anyone wanted was to find themselves on his bad side.
The silence in the hall lingered until a member of the Aquilore family, one of the tier-two families in Sector 3, finally mustered the courage to approach him.
Her cheeks were faintly pink, and though her steps were hesitant, her gaze was steady, as if she had made up her mind.
"Happy birthday, Apex Atticus," she said with a gentle smile. "My name is Yesmin Aquilore, and I wanted to personally wish you well. It's impressive to see someone like you, especially at such a young age." She gave him a small smile, clearly hoping to make a good impression.
Atticus nodded with a slight smile, his expression calm. "Thank you," he replied, "I appreciate it." His voice was steady, carrying a subtle weight.
The girl blinked, momentarily taken aback. Given Atticus's composed demeanor, she had anticipated someone distant or dismissive, but his simple, polite response and steady gaze left her flustered.
She stumbled over her next words. "I… um, if you ever need anything, you know… someone to talk to…"
Atticus gave a slight nod. "I'll keep that in mind. Thanks again for coming."
She froze, her initial composure faltering as she managed a quick, breathless smile before stepping back, looking somewhat disappointed.
Seeing the exchange between the two, the rest of the crowd realized that Atticus wasn't as unapproachable as they had assumed. He had been respectful and polite!
Almost immediately, a wave of people moved forward, each hoping to make an impression.
"Apex Atticus! Happy birthday! It's such an honor to be here!"
"Have you tried the wine yet? It's a rare vintage, just for tonight! Ah right, you're 17 haha!"
"You look incredible tonight, Apex Atticus. Truly commanding."
"If you ever want to discuss strategies, my family's been working on some really interesting methods…"
"My family's head sends his regards! He'd love to meet with you sometime."
"You're the youngest to reach such power… How do you do it?"
"Is it true you've mastered all the elements already?"
Voices overlapped, each trying to get a word in, excitement barely contained.
Atticus kept his expression calm, nodding politely in response to each question.
However, only he knew how many times he had cursed inwardly during these few minutes that felt like years. Whenever he trained, he always felt as though time flew by, but tonight, it was crawling at a snail's pace!
Atticus politely answered and ended countless conversations with various people. In all honesty, he barely remembered the faces or names of everyone who approached him.
By the end, he realized that, in just this night alone, he had spoken to more people than he had in the 17 years of his life on Eldoralth!
As the party stretched on, Atticus somehow managed to slip away from the crowd, finding a quiet spot by the large water fountain in the middle of the estate.
He gazed up at the moon, lost in thought.
"Tough night?"
He heard someone speak and, turning, his gaze widened as he saw a figure he never thought he'd encounter here: Whisker Von Pounce, the sovereign of the beast race.