After traveling approximately 100 meters, Atticus and the other trainees heard a deafening explosion coming from the direction they had left behind.
Though they were tempted to look back, Atticus didn't pause for even a moment. He continued to manipulate the earth platform they were on.
Seconds later, the shockwave from the explosion reached them, and Atticus swiftly erected a wall at the back of the platform, using the force of the shockwave to propel them farther away from the scene.
There were about 50 trainees onboard, most of them were first-years. A few second-year students, including Sophie, were also present, but the third-year students were in the minority, numbering just 10.
This small group included individuals like Sirius, Helodor, William, and his three subordinates, Jack and his companions.
Since they were already situated on the east side of the camp, they didn't need to pass through the camp grounds again.
Atticus directed the earthen platform toward the east gate, struggling to maintain control as the strain on his abilities intensified.
He was reaching his limits. The piercing headache he had been experiencing grew more severe, and he had been forced to disable his perception earlier to prevent a potential shutdown.
His legs, arms, and even his eyes arched. Everything arched. Though he could have instructed everyone to run, he didn't want to take any chances. With such a large group moving together, accidents were bound to happen.
'Just a little bit more,' he encouraged himself, pushing through the pain while maintaining control of the earthen platform.
Upon reaching the gate, Atticus didn't stop or slow down for a moment. He controlled the earthen platform to launch each trainee, including himself, over the gate.
Then, he promptly created another platform and moved them toward the forest.
As the platform glided through the earth, each trainee on board couldn't help but look at Atticus's back with various expressions.
Helodor remained seated in the far corner, keeping his distance from what he considered the devil incarnate. He wasn't taking any chances, he was ready to run if Atticus so much as looked at him!
Hella gazed at Atticus with a conflicted expression. She had known that Atticus was stronger than her, and although it was still hard to accept, she couldn't help but feel relieved that he was here helping them.
Sophie, unlike her usual cheerful self, remained calm, almost unnaturally so. She kept her gaze fixed at the front, her thoughts hidden behind an emotionless facade.
Orion occasionally glanced at Atticus, snorting derisively and muttering, "Still a coward."
While most of the trainees were gazing at him in shock. How could a first-year trainee exhibit such remarkable control over his bloodline?
Granted, Atticus was a genius who reached the intermediate- rank at the age of 10, but the level of control he displayed was beyond what someone who had awakened their bloodline just a year ago could normally achieve.
What was even more baffling was the look Elias gave Atticus. It was clear that Elias considered Atticus the strongest among them, and this revelation left everyone shocked.
It was worth noting that Ember, the 1st rank of the third year, was among them. Even though she was injured, the role of leadership was supposed to pass to the 2nd rank, William.
William gritted his teeth while looking at Atticus, 'It should be me!'
He didn't care at all about the trainees who had perished, he didn't even care about the lives of those he was with. He only cared about one thing; recognition.
He knew that after everything settled, every one in the family would look to who had contributed the most. What better way to secure recognition than by saving the lives of the majority of the trainees?
William couldn't help but clench his fist while staring at Atticus. He was determined not to let this opportunity slip away.
He suddenly cleared his throat and spoke loudly, "Hey! Don't you think I should be the one leading this group? The first rank of the third year is currently injured, and I am the next strongest. I should be the one leading." He ended his words with a smile, 'That should do it.'
The others immediately showed conflicted expressions. They also found themselves agreeing with him. The second rank should ideally be the one to lead since the first rank was injured.
Aurora, Hella, Nate and Lucas's expressions changed. What was he trying to do? Is this fool brain dead?
They were all running for their lives and what this idiot was thinking about was who should lead!? William's standing in their heads couldn't help but drop down to the lowest of the low.
William's words were met with a stony silence. Atticus didn't utter a word, he didn't even acknowledge William's existence. He just kept controlling the earthen platform, his gaze forward.
William's face reddened with embarrassment. He quickly turned to his subordinates, and they immediately began backing him up.
"Yes, it does make sense for the 2nd rank to lead! Who would be accountable if anyone gets hurt under your command? Can you take that responsibility?" one of them chimed in, pointing accusingly at Atticus.
The other one joined in, saying, "For the sake of our safety, it's best if you hand over leadership to Young Master William."
Jack, the leader of the duo, wisely chose to stay back, taking a step away from the exchange. Although he had only met Atticus once, he knew he had a short fuse when dealing with things like this.
The trainees started getting agitated, nodding in agreement with William's words. William smiled, 'Good, this is going exactly as planned.' This was exactly what he needed to take over the group.
Ember's expression remained unchanged, she didn't even glance back at them. She knew Atticus's personality well, and he had no patience for nonsense.
And, as expected, Atticus didn't disappoint. Three earthen platforms suddenly extended from under William and his companions, propelling them away from the moving platform.
Caught off guard, the trio struggled to regain their balance as they landed on the ground. Before they could comprehend what had happened, the earthen platform carrying the trainees had already zipped away.