Many gave Oberon nods of approval. During the last few attacks, the Eldorians had been forced to face the threat themselves. Though they had been able to defeat them, it wasn't without significant effort.
But the fact that a threat that only the Eldorians could face had been sporadically appearing had unnerved many of them.
It made dedicating their ti to training impossible due to the fact that they could be needed at any ti.
'Let's hope this crazy plane will won't do anything else.'
"Well done."
Oberon smiled and bowed as Atticus praised him.
"Thank you, Supre Ruler."
As the clash concluded, ending with their victory, Atticus, along with Avalon, Magnus, and Oberon, teleported to a more quiet area above the hill.
"So what now?"
As Avalon asked, they each turned towards Atticus, waiting for a response.
Though they'd successfully created a counter for the Voidlings, that wasn't handling the source. They would still keep on coming.
"I don't know. We keep fighting."
They were each surprised by Atticus' answer. When had this boy ever not known? He'd already explained everything to them, about the plane will's involvent.
"Leaving things like this doesn't seem wise," Jenera said.
"The only solution is to undo what has already been done. Are any of you willing to surrender your Eldorian powers?"
Of them all, only Avalon and Magnus still faced him with serious expressions. The rest had glanced away.
'I might eventually have to do that.'
He wasn't sure what the plane will would do next after this. Send a stronger force? Increase the pressure on their minds…
The list was endless. Regardless, Atticus wanted to avoid weakening the world unless it was necessary.
'And I'm not sure how I'm supposed to take away their powers…'
For the people whose talents he increased, their bodies had already been irreversibly transford. While for the Eldorians, their power was already a part of them.
'I can add mana signatures. But to take away…'
He wasn't sure if he could do it. The worst-case scenario was ending the life of an Eldorian. He couldn't have that.
'I won't do it unless necessary.'
"We keep fighting," Atticus repeated, and looked at each of them intensely until they nodded.
With that settled, he decided to change the topic.
"Now that this is all settled, I'm going into seclusion."
"Seclusion, son?"
"Yes. I want to train and refine my powers in preparation for the upcoming ascension trials. So, try not to disturb unless it's absolutely necessary."
The only problem Atticus feared was the eventual actions of the plane will. The Voidlings had more than been taken care of.
'Oberon will create and train more warriors to face them when they appear. They're no longer a threat.'
"What if a stronger force attacks?" Jenera asked.
"I'll leave behind contingencies just in case. But as I said, don't alert unless it's necessary."
Atticus didn't like the thought of remaining idle and waiting for the plane will to take action. He would train for now, and stop when any major issues arise.
"Alright, Supre Ruler."
As the group nodded, they disbanded and Atticus went straight to the core of the city, the Dominion Pillar.
There, he created the core of a massive rune that encompassed the entire city. If there was ever a cataclysmic event, it would shield the whole city with his Will.
Then he set about saying his goodbyes as he prepared to go on seclusion.
"But you just got back," Anastasia said in a soft voice. "Can't you stay one more week, baby?"
Atticus sighed and pulled her into a hug. His tone was gentle. "I can't, Mom. I've already wasted too much ti."
"But…"
"I won't be far away. Plus, you can always visit." He saw her eyes brighten, then quickly cleared his throat. "Very occasionally."
She frowned. "Oh, alright. Just make sure you eat well."
'Of course.' Anastasia wouldn't be Anastasia if she didn't worry about his als.
He wanted to scream, I'm a god! He didn't even need food to survive. But instead, he nodded obediently. "I won't skip a single al."
"Promise."
Atticus scowled. He hated promises, mostly because he had to keep them.
'She got .'
"Promise," she repeated, smiling knowingly.
"I promise, Mom."
"Good."
When they finally pulled apart, Atticus looked around. "Hey, Mom. Where's Noctis?"
"Oh, Ozeroth ca over a few monts ago," she replied. "Said he needed him for sothing."
"Did he say what?"
"Hmm, not really. Only that it was for an important project."
Atticus's brow twitched.
'Don't tell …'
"I'll be back, Mom!"
In the next mont, he vanished, appearing inside Whisker's room.
The man sat comfortably on his couch, watching the screen in front of him intently.
"He really did it."
Atticus's sudden voice startled him and made him flinch.
"Gosh! Would it kill you to knock?"
"Hasn't this gone too far?"
Atticus ignored his glare and focused on the screen.
"Not nearly!" Whisker laughed. "It's only getting better."
They both observed as two Amazonian ladies fawned over the small, furry creature resting in Ozeroth's arms. They stroked his fur gently, showering Noctis with praise while Ozeroth tried, unsuccessfully, to join the conversation. It quickly beca clear that their attention was entirely on Noctis, not him.
"You're telling he brought Noctis just to get won?" Atticus asked, unable to believe what he was witnessing.
Whisker snickered. "I'm telling you, the extent to which a thirsty man will go to get so can't be asured."
Atticus could only shake his head. "I'm going into seclusion. Don't disturb unless it's necessary."
"Yeah, yeah," Whisker muttered, eyes still fixed on the screen.
Atticus sighed, glanced at the display one last ti, then shook his head and vanished.
He said his goodbyes to the others, Aurora, Ember, Caldor, Kael, and even Arya and Yotad.
The latter two had woken up a few days ago and advanced into the Grandmaster rank soon after. Atticus wasn't sure if that added to the plane will's punishnt.
With all the greetings done, he vanished one last ti and appeared above the Veinroot Tree. He felt the scorching heat and smiled.
'It's ti to begin my seclusion.'
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