'Can you feel it?'
Despite still being at the island, far from Atticus's current location, Ozeroth could still feel and see everything Atticus felt and saw.
'I can now,'
Atticus's eyes were narrowed as he stared down at Kael. He had activated his spiritual eye, and he could sense some kind of connection with him, one he couldn't explain.
'It's as if he's…'
'Feeding off your energy,' Ozeroth finished his thought in a serious tone.
'We haven't had contact in years. When was this made?'
'Think, bond. The only reason you were able to sense it now is because of your current strength. It's possible it had always been there…'
Atticus's eyes sharpened, and his aura turned cold. 'Is he an enemy?'
Kael had been the first friend Atticus ever made in Eldoralth. He didn't know how to explain it, but he couldn't sense any falsehood from the boy. Plus, he seemed like a really chill person, except for his love of battle.
And even as he stared down at him with his current strength, he still couldn't sense any sort of deceit.
However, the fact that Kael was currently feeding off his energy put him off.
What if everything had been a lie?
'Calm down, bond. I don't think that's the case here. While you're both connected, and it seems like he's feeding off your energy, it doesn't appear to have any adverse effect on you.'
Atticus frowned but listened.
'In fact, it's symbiotic,' Ozeroth continued. 'Your energy is influencing his growth, shaping him, but it's not draining you or dampening your own strength in any way. Think of it as… guidance rather than consumption. Like how the sun nourishes a plant without losing its own fire.'
'So he's not a parasite?'
'No. I'd say ask him. From your memories, he doesn't seem like the type of person who would do such a thing.'
Atticus descended, landing a few meters away from Kael and his group.
Just like the White Omen division, they had just finished a training session and were heading back to their resting place.
As Atticus landed, the entire division froze, staring at him in disbelief. However, Kael, who had long since sensed him, closed the distance in an instant, standing just in front of him.
"It's good to see you."
The excited grin on Kael's face slowly dropped as he tilted his head to the side. He could feel the energy radiating from Atticus.
It wasn't good.
"I can feel a connection between us. Are you feeding off my potential?"
Atticus had never had any problems with being blunt, regardless of who he was speaking to.
A barrier had been erected, and the other division members couldn't hear anything they were saying.
"Yes," Kael replied without any change in expression.
'He doesn't seem surprised.'
'Like I said, it's not affecting you in an adverse way. It's possible he feels it's all normal. If you don't mind it, I'd say let it go.'
Atticus understood where Ozeroth was coming from, but it just didn't feel right to him.
At the very least, Kael should have asked him first.
"Why?"
"Because you're worthy."
Kael's response came instantly, and he still didn't show any signs of deceit.
"You're going to have to be more explicit. What do you mean by 'worthy'? And why did you do it without informing me first?"
Kael went on to explain everything about the bloodline of the Stormrider family, highlighting the importance of having a mark stronger than them, someone they acknowledged and saw as their better.
To the Stormriders, it was a great honor.
By the end of the explanation, a frown appeared on Kael's face.
He was finding it hard to understand what was happening, but he knew Atticus didn't like the current situation.
"Do you not want it?" Kael asked.
Atticus sighed.
Hearing everything from Kael made it harder for him to be mad. It was obvious the boy's intentions had never been bad.
"No, it's fine." He shook his head, and his cautious aura returned to normal.
An awkward silence descended, and Atticus decided to change the topic to ease the tension.
"So, how was the academy after I left?"
"Empty."
Kael had never been one for words, but Atticus understood him perfectly.
He smirked.
"Well, I missed you too." He reached out for a handshake.
Kael accepted, and his wide smile returned after noticing that Atticus's cautious mood had changed.
"How's your woman?"
Atticus's expression froze for a moment before he cleared his throat.
'Right… I told him everything about me and Zoey.'
"It's… complicated."
"Why?"
Atticus hesitated, but he decided to respond.
He had told Kael everything about them before, there was no need to hide anything at this point.
"I asked her out, but she refused."
"I see."
Kael's expression didn't change.
He didn't seem bothered by it.
He nodded.
"Okay. Let's spar."
Atticus couldn't help but feel a bit baffled.
He had expected a completely different reaction.
"Just okay? What do you think about it?"
"Nothing. She doesn't want it. You move on."
"You don't want to know her reason?"
Kael shook his head. "Doesn't matter. That's hers to deal with."
Kael created distance between them before his battle intent peaked.
Atticus couldn't help but break into a smile, shaking his head.
'I've never seen a being so simple in my centuries of existence.'
Atticus agreed with Ozeroth's words completely.
Kael was one of a kind.
'Not as unique as the great Ozeroth, though.'
Atticus rolled his eyes and focused on Kael.
The latter had already begun transforming, his oppressive aura drenching the space.
'He can see the distinction between the two of us, and yet he still wants to spar.'
Atticus smiled, sending a glance toward the division members'
They got the memo instantly, moving away from the location.
Kael didn't wait for any sign, instantly attacking with a burst of speed and power.
There was only one word to describe their spar.
Quick.
Atticus hadn't wasted time, ending it instantly with a blow to the chin.
And after battling a few more times, he soon left the island after saying his goodbyes and promising to return for more spars.
Atticus instantly made a beeline for his island.
He had seen everyone he wanted to see.
Well, almost.
There was still a particular purple-haired girl.
However, after noting the reactions of his close ones regarding the matter, even Atticus was starting to feel as though it was a dead end.
Maybe it was truly time to move on.
'That's my boy! Now, let's talk about getting rid of this virginity—'
Atticus sighed as Ozeroth started rambling in his mind.