Atticus's Odyssey: Reincarnated Into A Playground novel Chapter 1726

Chapter 1726: Losing

"No."

Atticus’ answer had been immediate.

Zenon was taken aback, blinking once. He clearly hadn’t expected that answer.

"Are you sure? We can still discuss—"

"I’m sure."

Without waiting, Atticus turned and left the hall, Anorah and the others walking close behind. As the seconds passed, a small frown slowly appeared on Zenon’s face.

Then, suddenly, a booming force echoed in his mind.

"ZENON."

Zenon’s eyes widened. He dropped to both knees instantly, his demeanor shifting into one of utter reverence and respect.

"L-Lord Solvath..." he said hurriedly. "What can this lowly one do for you...?"

"TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE, VESSEL. YOU MUST SEIZE THIS OPPORTUNITY AND ACQUIRE THE FRAGMENTS. FORCEFULLY OR OTHERWISE. TRUE LIBERATION CANNOT BE ACHIEVED IF PEOPLE ARE ALLOWED THE LUXURY OF CHOICE."

"Lord Solvath..." Zenon slowly clenched both fists, a complicated look crossing his face.

"Forgive this lowly one’s words, but... please allow me to handle this personally. My daughter... I know her. She’s stubborn. Just like her mother. If anyone can reach her, it’s me. And Atticus..." His eyes narrowed slightly. "That boy seems to regard her highly. Once she changes her mind, he’ll follow."

A deafening silence followed. With every passing second, Zenon’s shoulders grew tenser.

"VESSEL."

"Y-yes, Lord Solvath."

"I SHALL ALLOW THIS. BUT REMEMBER THIS WELL. I SHOWED YOU THE LOCATION OF THAT BOY PRECISELY BECAUSE HE IS AN ANOMALY. EVEN FROM SO CLOSE, SOMETHING POWERFUL STILL INTERFERES WITH MY ACCESS TO THE FRAGMENTS WITHIN HIM. DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE HIM. FOR THE SAKE OF YOUR BRETHREN... AND YOUR DEAD WIFE."

"Yes... Lord Solvath."

The overwhelming presence vanished as quickly as it had come.

Zenon remained on his knees for several moments, his gaze fixed on the door Atticus and the others had left through.

A twisted expression slowly appeared on his face.

"For Lina..." he muttered under his breath, both fists curling tightly.

...

As they stepped out, Atticus explained everything they had witnessed to the others. He was met with the expected response: shock.

Azeron and Thomas, those with significant experience regarding the fragments, wore especially serious expressions.

"Are you actually considering it?" Azeron finally asked after several moments of silence.

Atticus shook his head.

He didn’t bother explaining himself. Though he could easily form a barrier to prevent others from listening in, he simply didn’t feel the need to justify his decision. Whether that was because of constantly being around the Pride Queen or not, he had no idea.

The Evoli elder nodded faintly, visibly pleased.

"Good," he said. "We came here for the convergence, not to kneel halfway through it. Ultimate domination, remember? Try not to forget that part."

Though he spoke with his usual confidence and grandiosity, not many seemed reassured. Most remained silent, especially Anastasia, who kept throwing Atticus small knowing glances.

Atticus knew his mother well. Though she wouldn’t ask directly, it was probably her way of wondering why he wouldn’t take the offer of freedom.

Feeling Anorah’s arms slowly tighten around him, Atticus nodded toward the others.

"Let’s go."

The air here irked him. Something about being this close to so much of Solvath made his skin crawl.

Eventually, they each retreated to their rooms.

Atticus stopped before his door, facing Anorah, who wore a troubled expression.

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