Chapter 1213: Time

Ozeroth had gone through Atticus’ thoughts earlier and seen everything.

“Yes. She woke up yesterday.”

“And you both kissed…”

Atticus narrowed his eyes. Why did it feel like Ozeroth was interrogating him?

“…Yeah.”

Ozeroth scoffed. “Just don’t act like some simp like last time. Don’t ruin my reputation.”

“Why does it sound like you only care about yourself?”

“If the universe only cared about Ozeroth, it would be a better place.”

Atticus sighed. “I don’t think I like this new you.”

“You don’t have to like me. Just get on your knees and worship me.”

At this point, Atticus was just baffled. He shook his head.

“Welcome back.”

“Hmph,” Ozeroth replied. “I can see how hopeless you were without me. Anyway, I’m back now.”

Atticus smiled. He could’ve said that with a lot less pride, but it didn’t mean his words weren’t genuine.

He returned to his usual spot and sat, letting his mind drift. He decided to check in on his mother and Zoey.

Then he scowled.

‘She’s showing her my baby pictures!’

The entire human domain had been obliterated, but of course his mother had saved those.

Atticus shook his head, ignoring Ozeroth’s loud laughter as he teased him.

“What do you think about what happened to Zoey’s spirit?” Atticus asked. “I could sense something between you two.”

Ozeroth’s laughter stopped. Atticus could feel a shift, something colder. A mix of sadness and anger.

“She made a noble sacrifice. If not for her, the Spirit King might have succeeded.”

Atticus nodded. Ozeroth had been barely holding the Spirit King back. If he hadn’t delayed him and closed off the Zorvan portal, Atticus wouldn’t have returned to Eldoralth in time.

Still… it had all worked out.

“I just hope the girl makes the best use of her sacrifice,” Ozeroth added.

Atticus nodded again.

“Her mind’s in the right place.”

Silence fell between them.

Atticus turned his focus inward, adjusting his elements. The day passed quietly.

And when night came, he found himself standing beside Zoey on the hilltop, moonlight draping them in silver.

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“You’ve come a long way,” she said softly.

“What do you mean?” Atticus raised a brow.

“From when you were a baby.” She giggled. “I saw everything.”

Atticus groaned. ‘Bad idea.’ It was a bad idea letting his mom and Zoey hang out.

“I’m sure yours were worse.”

Zoey chuckled. “Actually, no. I’ve always been perfect. Flawless, they called me.”

Atticus rolled his eyes.

“I’ll believe that when I see your pictures.”

Zoey laughed, her gaze holding his.

“What?” he asked.

“Nothing.” She smiled, then murmured after a pause, “I like this.”

Atticus smiled back. “Me too.”

She leaned in, and this time, the kiss was soft. Warm. The kind that silences the world. Her hand on his chest, his fingers brushing her waist, and everything else faded for a moment.

They pulled apart, smiling without saying anything.

Until the silence stretched and Atticus spoke again.

“So… have you thought about your next steps?”

“Yes. I’ll start training.”

“With spiritual energy?”

Atticus didn’t like that idea. The Spirit King still held control over spiritual energy. He didn’t want anyone close to him getting caught in his plans.

“No.” Zoey shook her head. “Merging with Lumindra changed me. The Starhaven bloodline always had weak affinity with mana, but I can feel it now, it’s different. Here, take a look.”

Atticus scanned her.

‘She’s right.’

Her mana affinity had completely changed. He could feel how receptive her body was now. It wasn’t like this before.

‘She’ll be able to rank up fast.’

Especially with the high mana density across the world now, she’d progress at unprecedented speed. After all, she had fused with a drake, a being whose body was a natural conduit for energy.

“Alright.” Atticus smiled. “Just let me know if you need anything.”

–––

The night passed in a blur.

And by the next morning, after an awkward breakfast filled with knowing looks and silent judgment, Atticus had managed to keep Zoey and his mother from spending more time together.

He claimed Zoey wanted to train.

“She just woke up from an eight month coma…”

Anastasia had been stunned. What kind of man made his woman train right after that? But after enough persuasion, and a lot of careful wordplay, she eventually agreed.

Atticus had constructed a private training chamber, tailored specifically for Zoey’s new physiology. While she trained, he returned to his usual perch, refining his elemente.

Time zipped by in a blur.

Five months passed.

And Eldoralth… remained peaceful.

To the people, it felt surreal. It had been over a year since the last major war. No conflict. No carnage. No widespread bloodshed.

They thrived.

Technology had long since been restored to its golden age, and now that they were united with the knowledge and strength of the other races, it was soaring past anything they’d ever known.

The people had come to love Atticus’ reign.

The great families behaved. The Paragons behaved. There were no pointless duels, no blood spilled without cause. Even the most arrogant factions obeyed the law like it was divine decree.

Because to them, it was.

They had all seen Atticus’ ruthlessness. He didn’t need to appear, his presence was felt everywhere. Every family head, every paragon, every schemer felt the weight of his unseen gaze.

In just one year, Eldoralth experienced what it meant to be ruled by someone with absolute power.

The Reign of Atticus Ravenstein.

And while his name was spoken in reverent tones, passed down in awe filled stories across the lands, the god himself floated above the skies, his gaze turned beyond.

“Sure you’re ready?” Whisker hovered beside him, voicing out in an hesitant tone.

“You just don’t want the peace to end,” Atticus replied.

“Yeah… is that bad?” Whisker muttered. “Everything’s calm. One or two more years wouldn’t hurt anyone…”

“Nah! Don’t listen to this lazy idiot, bond!” Ozeroth’s voice thundered from within. “This peace is boring! Let’s go kick some alien ass!”

“C’mon, my favorite star actor,” Whisker pleaded. “Three more years. Just three.”

But Atticus shook his head, gaze steady.

“No more waiting.”

He turned toward the stars.

“It’s time.”