Atticus's Odyssey: Reincarnated Into A Playground novel Chapter 1540

Chapter 1540: Two for Two

"Haha! Spectacular! Spectacular!"

Unrestrained laughter rumbled through the endless space. The Great Verge lounged upon a chair of darkness with his eyes fixed on the live projection of a figure calmly sheathing his katana, the sizzling halves of his opponent falling from the skies.

"A pity, truly, span. That would’ve made it two for two. Tell me, why did you refuse to wager on this bout?"

The Eternal Span remained silent for a time.

"Because the result was never in question."

"Was it?" the Great Verge mused. "I would’ve sworn the Redflame still carried a sliver of hope."

A glare brushed against him, but the Great Verge merely waved it off, chuckling.

"The fool was doomed the moment he agreed to face that child. Some battles are lost before the first step is taken."

"How does it feel," he continued, "to finally witness his greatest, span?"

"...Why do you regard him so highly?"

"I regard only what merits it," the Great Verge replied calmly. "He’s barely a year in the middle planes, and already stands among the so called hegemony of the Verge."

"And yet," the Span said, "he had help."

A knowing laugh escaped the Great Verge.

"The game’s laws were fair. If anything, he was burdened more heavily than the rest, the bounty crisis ensured that. While the others fell beneath its weight, he rose. That distinction is precisely why he is exceptional. I did nothing more than prepare the board."

"You speak as though this entire game was not arranged for his sake," the Span said. "What is it you truly seek to accomplish?"

"I have told you already," the Great Verge replied. "I am cultivating his ascent. And though it galls me to admit it, the Verge itself is far too small a stage for someone of his measure."

The Span’s many eyes narrowed.

"You intend for him to reach the Span..."

The Great Verge smiled, saying nothing.

"To do so," the Span continued, "he would need to overcome the strongest Marquis in the game. You truly believe that outcome is possible?"

"After all you have observed, you still harbor doubt?"

"The life weapon grants him an edge, but he has revealed it too soon. The others will adapt. He will fall beneath their onslaught."

The Great Verge’s smile widened.

"Care to test that belief?"

The Eternal Span frowned.

"Must everything be reduced to a wager with you?"

"I preside over the greatest games of the middle plane, age after age. What else would you expect?"

"...What is the stake?"

"As ever, a favor."

The Eternal Span studied the projection in silence, before he finally spoke.

"I accept."

...

’Their eyes have changed.’

Atticus slowly swept his gaze across the board. The only sound that lingered was the wet sizzle of burning flesh. Every Marquis and champion stood frozen, their attention locked on him.

Rage twisted some faces. Others wore disbelief. That a nobody, a newly risen god, had dismantled a Redflame Marquis in two strikes was something many simply couldn’t accept.

But Atticus barely spared them a thought.

Ordan had been right. This move had never been about victory alone. It was meant to carve fear into the hearts of the other Marquis.

Judging by the tightened jaws, the clenched fists, the eyes that refused to blink, it had worked.

Still...

’It’s not enough.’

Atticus turned, his gaze settling on the only Redflame Marquis left standing besides Dravek.

Scaela Solmar.

Unlike the others, she didn’t appear shocked. Her eyes were filled with interest, a faint smile on her lips, even as the remnants of her faction still smoldered behind her.

"Please choose your champion, and select the champion to fight."

Atticus lifted a hand and pointed.

"I challenge him."

Eyes narrowed across the board. Scaela’s brows lifted slightly.

The champion he had chosen was hers.

"What are you doing?"

Dravek’s expression darkened as he asked. But Atticus didn’t spare him a glance.

Heat rolled off him in violent waves as he ground his teeth. That blatant disregard... he was once again reminded of his first meeting with Atticus. This same disregard had caused their enmity.

"How dare you." He silently seethed.

"Please select your champion,"

At the voice, Atticus glanced back once, taking in the confident, unshaken grins behind him.

"Ozeroth."

The man’s golden radiance flared as he stepped forward, his gait calm.

Light converged around him, and in the next instant he vanished, reappearing before the Redflame champion.

"Marquis Scaela. Do you accept or contest this challenge?"

"Jarek."

The champion stepped forward and gave a low bow.

"I’ll handle it."

Scaela studied him for a moment. Jarek had been at her side since childhood. He was tall, densely built, and his presence restrained rather than imposing. His eyes were half closed, and a slender blade rested quietly at his waist.

"Don’t lose," she said.

"Yes, Princess."

Jarek straightened and lifted his gaze, fixing it coldly on the golden figure before him.

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