If he remembered correctly from his readings in the library back in the Will Hall, Duke came after Marquis and served as the prerequisite for ascending into the Span, with Archduke sitting just beyond it.
’I skipped an entire rank.’
That alone explained why the Abyss god that had attacked their territory had felt so underwhelming.
His slaughter during the Ascension Game had proven to be an invaluable advantage. Still, Atticus couldn’t help but focused on a lingering thought.
’The Abyss god was still at the Duke rank... which means I’m still at the bottom of the Span.’
It suggested that ascending the Span had far less to do with will rank, and far more to do with the accumulation of territory.
Even so, the realization brought him a measure of relief. The gods ruling the surrounding territories were most likely Dukes as well, which made their strength predictable.
Atticus shifted his attention to his attunement levels next. Each had reached one hundred percent, meaning his mana and will had fully merged and he had reached his peak state. The same applied to his katana arts, and finally, his elements.
He had been curious how the system would now classify his elements given his new method of control, but what he found was... good. Simple, even.
Reaching a one hundred percent attunement rate with each element granted him absolute control over their respective molecules.
What this implied for the future was equally clear, there were still more elements to master, more forces to command, and as his strength continued to grow, so too would his capacity to wield them.
And so, beneath the burning stare of his exo suit ego, Atticus stood at the center of his training room, his thoughts drifting through the endless possibilities this power could bring.
...
"Are you ready?"
"You tell me, Atti. How do I look?"
"Again, you look perfect. You have nothing to worry about."
"Are you sure?"
Atticus let out a quiet sigh, watching with a weary expression as Anorah stared at her reflection in the full length mirror with a small frown on at her lips.
She was draped in a simple golden gown, its length stopping just below her ankles and leaving her smooth, flawless legs on full display.
Her golden hair fell gracefully down her back, framing a face whose beauty alone was enough to start wars.
Atticus swallowed as she turned toward him, his gaze sinking into her enchanting golden eyes. She was beautiful.
"Maybe I should just change this gown," she said after a moment. "To be honest, it’s a bit too short. I’ll just look for a longer one—"
He stepped in front of her before she could take another step, gently brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear as he met her worried gaze.
"There’s no need for you to change anything. You’re perfect."
Anorah’s frown deepened, as if that answer had only made things worse.
"Of course you think so. You don’t have any choice," she said, then hesitated. "But what if she doesn’t think so..."
Atticus’s smile twitched slightly, but he shook his head and lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes.
"There isn’t a single person in their right mind who would think otherwise."
"But your mom..."
"She would love you, just like I do."
The worry still stayed stubbornly to her expression, and Atticus lifted her chin just a little more before offering a soft smile.
"You’re an amazing person, Anorah. Just be yourself. There’s nothing to be worried about."

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