Atticus's Odyssey: Reincarnated Into A Playground novel Chapter 1758

Chapter 1758: Failed

The screams were gone. He opened his eyes. The crowd had vanished. He was no longer floating within endless darkness, but standing in the corner of a small hut.

A purple-haired elderly man knelt before a child of about ten. The boy wore a pleading expression, while the man held a warm yet unyielding smile.

"Because your place is here."

"But you always say that!" the child groaned. "Every single time! You never let me come with you. Then what’s the point of all my training?"

The father sighed and rested a hand on his shoulder.

"Listen to me. You don’t train so you can run around hunting beasts. There’s only one reason to train." He held his son’s gaze. "To protect your family."

The child fell silent.

"You can’t come with me because I need you here. If I’m gone, who protects your mother? Who protects your little sister? This is why we raise arms. This is why we become stronger. Do you understand?"

The child clenched his fists, his expression gradually turning solemn as he nodded.

"Good boy."

The father smiled and gently pressed their foreheads together.

"I love you, Askkarl."

Atticus’ eyes widened. Askkarl...

"I love you too, Dad."

The child watched his father leave, fists still clenched at his sides, his small face set with determination. That day, Atticus watched him pick up a sword and practice until his arms could no longer lift it.

Then the scene shifted.

"I-I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to—"

"Shut up, you filthy thing!"

The little girl flinched as the boy’s hand swung toward her. Yet before it could reach her, Askkarl caught the wrist.

"You...!" The boy jerked his arm, eyes widening. "How dare you touch me? Do you have any idea who I am? I’ll—"

Smack!

The slap sent him sprawling across the dirt. The boy stared blankly for a moment before slowly touching his cheek. His fingers came away stained with blood.

"Y-you hit me?"

"I did." Askkarl’s voice was cold. "And I’ll do it again. Try touching my sister one more time and you’ll find out what comes after the slap."

The boy froze. For a brief moment, genuine fear flickered across his face. Then it was quickly replaced by outrage.

"...You’ll pay for this! I swear you’ll pay for this! Just wait until I tell my father!"

Askkarl watched him stumble away, scoffing at the threat. To him, it was nothing more than the tantrum of a spoiled child.

"B-brother... I didn’t know what happened. I just—"

"It’s fine."

Askkarl smiled and patted her head. It didn’t matter what had happened. Anyone who tried to harm his family was an enemy.

"But... but... is it really okay? He said he’ll come back and—"

"Haa, don’t listen to that fool." Askkarl waved dismissively. "It’s all empty threats."

He and his sister wore beast hides, while the boy had been dressed in fine silk. He was clearly from a wealthy family, unlike theirs. Their entire family lived at the edge of town in a single hut.

Still, it was just a fight between children. Nothing more. At least, that was what Askkarl believed. Instead of worrying, he found himself pleased that he’d managed to stand up for his sister.

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