As Atticus's words dropped, the sanctum masters could swear they heard something shatter.
Ulithi's expression twisted, and his lips trembled as he asked,
"W-why?"
Atticus smiled wryly, shaking his head.
"I'm trying to hold off on something for now. I'm sorry," he explained, offering only as much information as he felt comfortable with.
The other sanctum masters tried hard to stifle their laughter, but a few chuckles still slipped out as they saw the profound sadness on Ulithi's face. Atticus had managed to form all the other domains except his, and now he was saying he had to stop? Ulithi felt cheated.
"W-when?"
He managed to ask.
"Honestly, I'm not sure yet. But it will be very soon. You don't have to worry. I still plan on forming my domain… just not now."
Ulithi's mouth moved as though to speak, but no words came out. His mind churned with different scenarios. What if he died without witnessing the boy forming his domain? His thoughts shifted toward his poor life habits. As a grandmaster+, he had a potbelly!
'I have to change,' Ulithi realized inwardly.
If anyone could hear his thoughts, they would have been shocked to see that this lazy man wanted to change because of Atticus. Once again, the kid had pulled off a miracle.
After paying his respects and assuring Ulithi he would return, Atticus left the elemental sanctums and descended back toward the estate.
'Middle master+ rank.'
Currently, Atticus was still in the master+ rank, but he had already reached the end of its middle stage.
The formation of his darkness domain would have pushed him to the upper stage, but for now, Atticus didn't want that. Although it would significantly increase his power, it didn't change the fact that he would be treading a thin line.
Atticus knew himself well. He could easily discover a new power and, before he knew it, rank up unintentionally. The last thing he wanted was to be caught off guard when he got transported into the katana's world.
Returning to the estate with his incubator, Atticus rested for a day. The consecutive formation of multiple domains had taken a toll on him, and he needed significant rest.
The day passed, and after refreshing himself, Atticus left the estate and headed to the training room.
The usual flock of ladies lingered outside, but Atticus had bigger priorities. He dedicated himself to training once more, shifting between the superior race art and the space element, though he focused more on the former.
In preparation for the katana's realm, Atticus had to prioritize his mana based arts. The variability and strength of the superior race art made it perfect for this situation.
Time passed as he trained. He felt his mastery increase significantly, and though he didn't actively do anything, he could feel his connection to the egg deepening.
Each moment they spent together made it more vivid in expressing its emotions. Atticus could now tell when it was happy, sad, or afraid.
As the connection deepened, so did the egg's clinginess. At one point, Atticus couldn't even shower on his own anymore. Everywhere he went, he had to take the egg along.
But Atticus didn't mind. As their bond grew, he found himself becoming fond of the beast inside. He had no idea what was coming, but it didn't change the fact that their lives were becoming inseparable.
As time passed, Atticus continued to receive invitation letters from other races and, oddly enough, even from other tiered families of the human domain. These invitations were for birthday balls and all sorts of events. However, after his own birthday ball, Atticus couldn't fathom why he would attend another one.
Maybe for the sake of the world?
Weeks turned into a month, and during that time, Atticus successfully mastered all the techniques in the superior race art.
Standing in the middle of the advanced training room, his gaze was fixed forward. To any observer, it seemed as though Atticus was simply staring into space, but in reality, it was as if he was in a different world entirely.
The world appeared… different. He could see everything. Even without relying on his perception, Atticus could see tiny orbs of blue light hovering in the air. He could make out the tiny, multicolored elemental molecules around him. He could sense things he never thought possible, even without trying.
It was surreal. It felt as though his perception had been elevated to a level he had never comprehended before, a level where even its passive effects were overwhelming.
He had felt it each time he learned an art of a superior race. It was as if he was collecting pieces of a puzzle. And now, he knew he didn't have all the pieces he needed to complete the whole picture.
He needed more.
'Is it the other races?'
Atticus couldn't figure it out fully, but he felt it was the most likely answer. Considering everything, all he had were the arts of the superior races.
There were still the mid and lower races whose techniques he hadn't acquired. Atticus felt compelled to seek them out.
He would have to work toward that goal, and he already knew where to start: the dragon race and the Aeonians.
Resolving to gain those arts before his military service began, Atticus stopped pondering as Magnus entered the training room.
"You're done?"
Atticus nodded. "It's just the basics, but with this, I can increase my proficiency over time."
"Just try not to focus on one technique while neglecting the others. Although they're separate techniques, they've been fitted into the same art. There's a connection between each one that you shouldn't ignore," Magnus explained.
"Okay, Grandpa."
What Magnus said had already been part of Atticus's plan. While the techniques were numerous, he intended to advance them together, ensuring balance.
With his plans in order, Atticus informed Magnus of his readiness to go to the Starhaven domain for his spirit lessons.
Magnus had no objections but warned him to always stay on guard.
"Will you come along?"
Magnus shook his head. "I won't follow you directly, but I'll be close. Seraphina is trustworthy, but it's always good to stay vigilant. I'll mark you just in case."
Tendrils of lightning materialized and entered Atticus's body. It was the same technique Magnus had used when Atticus entered the abyssal chasm. However, this time, Atticus could feel it, he could sense a subtle connection with Magnus.
"Hmm,"
His sensitivity had increased significantly.
After speaking to Magnus, Atticus picked up the incubator and headed back to his room, where he simply sat down and meditated for a while.
He heard a knock on the door, though his eyes were already open. He had sensed the figure approaching long before they reached his door.
"Come in."
The door opened, and a humanoid figure with a spherical face entered the room. It was Niall, the grandmaster that Whisker had given to Atticus in the abyssal chasm.
Niall didn't bow. He simply stood in front of Atticus, though his shock was apparent.
Was this the same kid he had met months ago? The one he had restrained himself to fight? A child he could have killed with ease if he'd wanted to? It seemed impossible, and yet, here he was.
"Wh—"
"What do you want?"
Niall's expression strained. Atticus's voice was dismissive and cold, as though addressing an annoying bug that should leave quickly.
He, a general of the sovereign, was being spoken to in this manner?
Niall suppressed the anger bubbling within and decided to say what he had come to say.
"Since I've arrived at the estate, I've done nothing. While I don't care about serving you, it was my sovereign's command…"
"I'll call you when I need you. For now, I don't."
Atticus's expression didn't change as he spoke, and his words made Niall clench his fists tightly.
Atticus knew how the beast felt, but he didn't care. Why should he care about the feelings of someone who had once tried to kill him? It seemed absurd.
Ever since they had arrived at the estate, Atticus had given Niall a few simple instructions: Stay within the mansion. Don't harm anyone, but defend yourself if necessary. And don't cause trouble.
It was just three rules, and that was all Niall had been doing since. But now, the idleness was eating at him. It was maddening.
Niall wanted to do something—anything—which was why he had approached Atticus himself, hoping for an opportunity. But now, he felt unsure of what to do.
As he turned in anger and was about to leave, he suddenly heard Atticus's voice from behind and paused.
"Get ready. We'll be leaving the sector together soon."
Niall didn't turn or say anything, but those words, at the very least, calmed his anger. With a slight nod, he walked out of the room.
"He should be useful. I'll keep him around just in case," Atticus thought.
As Atticus continued meditating, another day passed, and Seraphina arrived at the estate in a large purple construct.