Atticus's Odyssey: Reincarnated Into A Playground - Chapter 1456 Chaos
Chapter 1456 Chaos
“Then what do you think about the Eldorians surviving?”
“Hard to say. Like I said, it depends on luck, who they meet. You don’t have to worry about gods attacking them; the Verge forbids gods fighting non gods. And honestly, higher ranked gods don’t really participate anymore. They send champions, usually subordinate gods under them.”
This was Atticus’ worry.
The Verge Games wasn’t like the Virelenna on the lower plane. This involved countless worlds, unfamiliar powers, and races he had never even heard of.
Throwing his people into something so vast without knowing if they’d survive… it didn’t sit well with him.
“I wouldn’t stress over that part,” Whisker added. “These men survived long before you ever showed up. They can handle themselves. You should be focusing on making the most out of this competition.”
“What do you mean?”
“The Verge Games offer limitless opportunities. Each world wagers something, from a fragment of their will, to pieces of their world itself. Winning it all would push you straight into the Span. That should be your goal.”
‘The Span…’
He was reminded just how far the peak still was.
“…Alright.”
Atticus left soon after and appeared on his hill.
‘I still can’t get used to this.’
The grand mansion, large swimming pools and fountains, and statues of him, Ozeroth, and Whisker…
They hadn’t spared any expense.
‘They don’t even live here.’
Atticus was about to enter the mansion when the door opened.
He froze.
Zoey stood there.
“…Hey.”
“…”
“How… how are you doing?” he asked.
Zoey’s face was pale. Her hands curled in on themselves before she finally spoke.
“…Fine.”
“Good.”
Silence.
He didn’t know what else to say. They hadn’t spoken since that night.
‘I promised Mom I’d make it right.’
She stepped past him, but Atticus reached out lightly.
“Can we talk?”
Zoey hesitated… then nodded.
They walked to a quiet spot overlooking the hill.
“So… how are you feeling now?”
“Good.”
“Training?”
“Going well.”
She kept her eyes forward and her answers were short and closed.
‘She’s not even trying to talk…’
Atticus exhaled softly and stopped.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “About everything.”
Zoey stopped too. She looked at him silently.
“You’re not going to say anything?” he asked.
“…About what?”
“How you feel.”
“…”
He let out a breath and shook his head gently.
“…Why did you kiss her?”
Atticus paused.
“She kissed me.” Then, added, “But I didn’t stop her.”
“Why?”
‘Don’t lie.’
“Because I found her attractive.”
“…More than me?”
“At that moment, yes.”
Zoey’s fist trembled.
“What about now?”
Atticus blinked, then pictured the bright image of Anorah in his mind. He missed her.
“…Yes.”
Zoey lowered her gaze. Her fingers slowly uncurled.
“…Then I guess that’s that.”
“Are you… okay?”
“It hurts,” she admitted softly. Then she forced a small smile. “But I’ll be fine.”
Atticus couldn’t answer. Nothing felt right to say.
A rustle snapped their heads around.
“Aurora! Why did you push me?!”
“You were breathing too loudly. It was annoying.”
“What—”
“Shh,” Ember hissed. “Look.”
They peeked out, then froze.
Atticus and Zoey were staring right at them, unamused.
“…Are you three done?” Atticus raised a brow.
Caldor jumped. “Ah! Atticus! Zoey! Didn’t see you there haha…”
But Aurora was even more shameless, walking towards them.
“We’re heading into town. Zoey, let’s go.”
“I—”
Aurora grabbed Zoey’s hand and dragged her before she could speak.
Atticus blinked. “So I’m not invited?”
Aurora stuck her tongue out at him as she left.
“Ahem. See you!” Caldor waved awkwardly.
“Bye, Atticus,” Ember added before following.
And then they were gone, leaving Atticus alone on the hill.
‘I guess I deserve that.’
He had officially broken things off with Zoey.
He was now… single.
‘Doesn’t feel weird.’
He’d been single for most of his life anyway, it wasn’t anything new. Still, Atticus felt surreal. Breaking up with a girl wasn’t something he ever thought he’d do.
‘I’m still new to all of this.’ he admitted. Asides Kira, Zoey had been the first girl that moved his heart. Now, he’d felt a connection with Anorah.
‘Was that why I was interested in Zoey?’
He suddenly had a frightening thought.
‘Would that mean I’ll break up with Anorah if I find another girl I connect with?’
That didn’t sound right to him. ‘No, that’s not why.’
His relationship with Zoey had been strained. From their absent years to her jealousy. Though he found out later that she was being manipulated by the Spirit King, the seed of doubt had already been planted.
‘At least I made it right.’
He fulfilled his promise to Anastasia. Toying with Zoey’s emotions wasn’t something he wanted or would enjoy doing. If there were doubts, it was best he ended it.
‘Now that this is over, I can focus on the ascension games tomorrow.’
Afterwards, Atticus met with Anastasia and Noctis and spent the rest of the day with them. The others soon returned, along with Magnus and Avalon, and other Eldorians.
It was during dinner that Atticus realized Anastasia had arranged a small banquet and invited the Eldorians. What was meant to be small had turned into a party.
Ozeroth had attended with his harem of women. Whisker too, though Atticus had to constantly stop him from asking Ozeroth’s women if they needed help.
As they partied into the night, Atticus found himself outside, staring at the night sky.
He didn’t move an inch until dawn came, and the Eldorians gathered behind him. His mind became firm and eyes resolute.
‘I’m ready.’
But the next event was one that shook the entire middle plane. The Great Verge’s voice echoed in every world.
“Greetings, children of the Verge~. Your sovereign host speaks.”
Atticus narrowed his eyes. Every being in the Verge did.
“It would seem the hour has come once more. The grand cycle turns, fate stirs, and destiny sharpens its teeth. It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for, the Ascension Games.”
He paused, as if expecting cheers, but nothing but silence greeted him
“…Hmph. Tough audience, as always.” he chuckled. “Anyway! This year’s event is going to be… different. I’ll be tweaking a few rules to make things even more spectacular, so pay attention! Your Great Verge hates repeating himself.”
“Alongside the usual rules, there are two more additions: First, champions will be the five strongest individuals of each world. And lastly…”
The entire Verge seemed to hold its breath.
“…all gods within the Verge must participate.”
A graveyard silence settled across the entire Verge. Atticus’ eyes had gone wide.
All gods participating meant every god, including viscount, count and… Marquis!
“Well, that’s that,” the Verge said cheerfully, as if he hadn’t just declared chaos. “The game starts now. I wish you all good luck.”
A blinding light engulfed the Verge.
