Chapter 21: Master
As Atticus was making his way back to his room, lost in his thoughts, he noticed a man approaching him. The man had a burly frame, white hair and was dressed in an impeccably clean attire. He stopped in front of Atticus, his sharp gaze sizing him up.
"Oh, you must be Atticus. You look weak" the man remarked.
'He's strong!' Atticus felt a sense of vulnerability in him from seeing the man, as if no matter what he does, he wouldn't be able to survive if the man were to decide to take any action against him.
"What do you expect from a 5 year old?" Atticus retorted. 'Is he expecting me to be a super baby or something?' He continued "Well, I'm going to start training soon."
'He's strong. This could be an ideal chance to acquire a mentor,' he mused inwardly. Initially, he had hoped that Avalon would be the one to train him, especially after Anastasia had agreed that he could start training at the age of 6. However, with Ariel's death, he knew that Avalon wouldn't be able to do it.
The man's lips curled into a half-smile. "Oh, good. And who will be training you?"
"I'm planning on joining the regular morning training with the guards" Atticus explained, hoping the man will fall for it.
The man's eyes twinkled with amusement. "How about becoming my student?"
'Jackpot!' he thought inwardly, but outwardly he raised an eyebrow, scrutinizing the man more intently. "I don't know you," he remarked.
The man chuckled. "Fair enough. Allow me to introduce myself then. I am Sirius Ravenstein, the head of the Raven vanguard."
Atticus had learned a lot during his lessons; he had already gained insight into the structure of the Ravenstein family. He feigned a brief pause, appearing to contemplate before finally nodding and responding, "Okay."
Sirius laughed heartily. "I was expecting a bit more surprise"
"Well, you look strong, so i assumed you were someone important" Atticus replied in a matter of fact tone.
"Oh, smart lad. Even though I asked you to be my student, you're still going to have to prove you have what it takes." said Sirius, his tone carrying a hint of challenge.
Without hesitation, Atticus infused mana into his arm, and with a powerful strike, he hit the wall beside him. The sound of crumbling stone filled the air as a grin formed on Atticus's face.
"Is that enough for you?" he quipped.
He had been experimenting with his mana, and he discovered that it could be use to augment any body part. All he had to do was draw mana from his mana core, into his hand and punch. It took him a while, but he was able to eventually do it.
A stunned silence hung for a moment, and then Sirius burst into laughter, genuine amusement in his expression. He couldn't help but think, 'Of course his son is a monster too.'
Growing up together in the Ravenstein estate, Avalon, Sirius, Lyanna and Nathan formed a close-knit quartet and they were known as the 'Four Stars of Ravenstein'
Sirius had always recognized Avalon's monstrous talent. Even as youngsters, Avalon's innate strength set him apart from others.
However, he couldn't have foreseen that his son would turn out to be even more of a prodigy than he was. He's awakened at the age of 5!
'And he can already augment his body with mana, a feat that people twice his age struggle to achieve. He's an extraordinary talent!'
Amidst his laughter, Sirius composed himself and nodded, his eyes gleaming with newfound respect. "Okay, Atticus. You've made your point."
"So, when do we start?" Atticus asked, having expected this reaction.
He had been exceedingly cautious about what he divulged, uncertain about the norms of this new world. Anastasia regularly examined his mana core in search of any alterations, yet his skill 'conceal' aided him in safeguarding his progress.
Atticus, of course, didn't trust this man, but the fact that he was the head of the Raven Vanguard made revealing that he was an awakened easier. He was well aware that Sirius was bound to the main family by a strict mana contract.
A mana contract was directly linked to one's mana core, and breaking the contract would result in immediate death.
"Now"
Without warning, Sirius moved swiftly and struck Atticus in the stomach. The force of the blow sent Atticus skidding down the hallway, crashing into the far wall. Atticus coughed, struggling to regain his breath.
"Rule number one," Sirius mused, a playful glint in his eyes. "Never let your guard down."
Arya emerged from the shadows, her expression cold and threatening. "What are you doing?"
Sirius grinned, unfazed by her hostility. "What do you think? Training my new student."
Arya's gaze could have frozen fire.
"If you harm him—"
Atticus raised his arm weakly to stop her. "Arya, it's fine. I agreed to this."
Arya's eyes softened as she helped Atticus stand, concern etched across her features. "Young master..."
Sirius walked away, his voice trailing behind him. "Come to the training grounds by 6 tomorrow."
Atticus limped back toward his room, Arya's support helping him along the way. When they finally reached his room, Arya turned to him and couldn't help but ask,
"Young master, why are you going to such lengths to gain strength? I've noticed you absorbing mana every day. You should be glad I didn't inform Lady Anastasia. If she hears about this, she will make sure you never leave her side again."
Initially, Arya believed that Atticus might have been subconsciously absorbing mana, but as he grew older and the intensity of his actions increased—such as sitting down cross-legged during his training—it became clear to her that her young master was quite unusual.
She had put in considerable effort to ascertain how he possessed this knowledge, yet eventually, she abandoned the pursuit, since it wasn't detrimental.
"Stalker," Atticus chuckled, teasing her. Initially, he wasn't aware that Arya was always watching him. He found that out later.
Of course, he panicked when he realized, but he quickly calmed down when he noticed that Arya didn't do anything or report him to Anastasia. Since he couldn't do anything about the situation, he decided to continue training as if nothing had happened.
Arya blushed furiously. "I was just protecting you!"
Atticus laughed heartily. "Thank you, Arya. For watching over me and for not telling Mum."
Arya's heart warmed at his gratitude. "Of course, young master."
As Atticus settled onto his bed, he looked up at Arya. "I need strength because it's the only way I can survive."
Arya's eyes gleamed with determination. "But I'll protect you."
Atticus met her gaze, his voice firm. "Wasn't someone protecting Ariel too? Yet he still died. In this world, only your strength matters, Arya."
Arya's expression softened, a mixture of determination and understanding in her eyes. She nodded slowly. "Alright, young master. Then I'll be by your side as you search for that strength."
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