Atticus instantly found the Eldorians scattered around the ruined terrain. Doing a quick headcount, Atticus was relieved to find that no one was missing. They were slightly injured, but alive.
With a thought, they each suddenly appeared in front of him like a blip. Most looked startled, understandably so, given the abrupt teleportation.
But as they felt the boundless aura before them, they turned and saw Atticus. Many of their gazes lit up, first with shock, then with happiness.
"Son!"
Avalon was upon Atticus before the others could even react, enveloping him in a tight hug.
"I’m glad you’re also okay..." Atticus murmured as Avalon patted his back.
"Supreme ruler..."
Atticus turned toward Oberon, who was smiling faintly. He looked like he had just come out of an intense battle, blood marred parts of his body, but he was ultimately fine.
"It’s good to see you’re alright," Jenera spoke next. Atticus didn’t miss how close the two hovered together. He was a god, he didn’t miss anything.
The other Eldorians greeted Atticus in their own ways. Each had a different kind of relationship with him. Some were closer, others not so much.
For instance, Luminos and Thorne were used to dealing with Atticus, alongside other human paragons.
After the round of greetings, Atticus scanned each of them carefully. Some looked battered. Others had barely a scratch.
His father was among the former, his battle style always involved thrashing through anything to reach his target. Injuries came with the territory.
"Good job, everyone." Atticus smiled as he praised them.
The Eldorians hadn’t even realized when smiles crept onto their faces. Somehow, Atticus’s praise made all their effort feel worth it.
It was odd, considering most of them were many times his age.
’He simply reached that level in our minds,’ Oberon realized.
Even he smiled at the words. Atticus may have been a child by their standards, but in moments like this, they all felt like children standing before him.
Soon enough, Ozeroth, Magnus, Aric, and Zenon found their way to the group. They went through another round of greetings.
Ozeroth didn’t fail to bask in the moment, greeted respectfully by the Eldorians, his chin stayed pointed to the heavens the entire time.
Eventually, Atticus decided the greetings had gone on long enough. He turned to Oberon and asked for a recount of what had happened.
As it turned out, he was right, Quiet Flame hadn’t been able to warn Eldoralth, and they had almost been caught off guard, if not for Oberon’s caution.
Noctis had gone toe to toe with Nex, a god. Atticus had never felt prouder.
He ruffled the little guy’s fur more tenderly, earning a soft, satisfied sound in response.
"Kuu~"
While Noctis fought Nex, the rest of them had handled the other champions. Noctis had killed one, which made things significantly easier.
Two of the others died, and one was on the brink of collapse when the scenario ended.
Eldoralth was safe, and somehow, there hadn’t been a single death.
"All because of you," Atticus muttered, squishing Noctis’s cheeks with both hands.
"Dada!" Noctis wagged his tail, staring at Atticus with wide eyes, clearly enjoying the praise.
"Stop that," Ozeroth suddenly said. "It’s weird."
The Eldorians didn’t quite know how to react to the heartwarming scene.
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