Atticus's Odyssey: Reincarnated Into A Playground novel Chapter 1546

Chapter 1546: Seen Through

’None of them are close.’

Raziel’s target was obvious, but he still needed roughly six more moves to reach Magnus. Ordan, despite his threat, was no different.

’I have time to plan.’

"Bodum. Three domains left."

’What?’

Atticus narrowed his eyes and turned toward Ordan. It had been the man’s turn, but despite the hidden meaning in his words, he’d moved his champion farther away from Magnus.

’Is he planning something?’

Ordan was dangerous, there was no doubt about that. Underestimating him would be a fatal mistake, and Atticus had no intention of making it.

’What do the domains in that direction do...’

He hadn’t been idle since arriving in this layer. He’d been watching everything, every move each Marquis made, and more importantly, every restriction announced.

It was already known that a domain’s penalty never changed, no matter how many times it was claimed.

Because of that, Atticus had built a mental map of every domain the Marquis and their champions had stepped on since his arrival.

Many were still unknown, but one particular penalty in that direction stood out, and in this situation, it was especially dangerous.

And the champion was only two domains away.

’Figured it out yet?’ Whisker asked suddenly.

’...Yeah.’ Atticus swallowed. ’He’s heading for a domain that lets him target any champion on the board.’

A deathlike silence settled in Atticus’ mind as Whisker, Ozeroth, Magnus, and even Noctis, turned toward him.

’It’s fine. I’ve already decided. I’m going to contes—’

’Atticus.’

Atticus frowned slightly at Magnus’ voice. He’d heard that tone too many times not to recognize it. He hated that tone.

’You’re not fighting. End of discussion.’

’Atticus... look at me.’

’I’m not changing my mind.’

’...’

Atticus exhaled slowly, feeling Magnus’ silent gaze even without turning.

’Shit.’

He looked anyway, and immediately regretted it.

Magnus was staring at him with a warm smile.

’This is my turn.’

Atticus clenched his teeth until the metallic taste of blood filled his mouth.

’It’s your call, my star actor,’ Whisker said. ’But I don’t think I need to spell out what happens next, right?’

’I’m with you,’ Ozeroth added quietly. ’Whatever you decide, bond.’

’Kuu!’

Atticus silenced every thought. But no matter how hard he tried, his heart kept hammering in his chest. So he did the only thing that could quiet it.

He slipped into Logoth, and the world fell silent.

The meaning behind Whisker’s words was clear. No matter how much he repositioned Magnus, there was no escaping a direct challenge. The only way around it was to contest, using power points.

And that was the problem.

Aside from rapidly draining his power points, contesting would expose his weakness to the entire board. Raziel and Ordan wouldn’t be the only ones watching anymore. Dravek, and possibly others, would move the moment they understood.

What would happened when he ran out of power points?

Still, the alternative was no better.

Letting Magnus fight. Magnus versus a Willguard... there was no need to imagine the outcome. Both choices led to disaster.

"I accept," Ordan replied without hesitation.

"Please select the champion to challenge."

Ordan’s gaze flicked briefly to Atticus, meeting his eyes for a moment, before he raised a hand and pointed.

"Him."

The Marquis’ eyes narrowed at once.

"It’s his last champion."

"Does it matter? They’re all monsters."

"The Willguard looks confident... maybe he knows something we don’t."

The whispers spread across the board. Still, Atticus kept his expression neutral as the board’s voice rang out.

"Marquis Atticus. Do you accept the challenge, or would you like to contest it?"

"Now, what will you do?"

Three gazes pressed down on him at once. Dravek watched with narrowed eyes, calculating. Raziel wore an amused, almost eager smile. Ordan simply stared, waiting.

’I have to trust him.’

Atticus exhaled slowly, ignored the weight of their stares, and spoke.

"I accept."

Light engulfed the Willguard champion in the next instant, transporting him to Magnus’ domain.

Magnus studied his opponent in silence. The man was tall, compactly built, his dull, cold eyes visible through the faceless mask he wore.

"Marquis Atticus has accepted the challenge," the board announced. "One mandatory power point from each side has been staked. The domain penalty is... no will may be used within this domain."

A brief pause.

"You may begin."