Chapter 10: Dinner
Chapter 10: Dinner
Atticus walked down the hall, lost in thought. He pondered over the what Aeryn had told him.
After the scientists had presented the revolutionary technology, they scrambled to construct the shield. But unfortunately, rumors of the project reached the Zorvans. Realizing the potential threat, they launch a desperate attack to prevent the completion of the shield.
The Alliance fought tooth and nail to defend their scientists and the shield's construction site. The battle becomes a race against time, with the scientists working tirelessly to complete the shield before the Zorvans breach their defenses.
But unbeknownst to the Alliance, the Zorvans were building a portal secretly in an uninhabited continent. A portal that would connect their world to Eldoralth.
The Alliance scientists eventually finished and successfully activated the planetary shield. As the shield got activated, the whole of Eldoralth rejoiced, thinking that they were now safe from the ruthless Zorvans. The Alliance rallied a formiddable force to get rid of the remaining Zorvan strongholds still on the planet.
As the campaign was ongoing, they discover an unusually large settlement of Zorvans on an uninhabited continent, concealed from detection, making it nearly impossible for the Alliance satellites to locate their whereabouts.
Upon discovering the settlement, the Alliance launched an attack, hoping to neutralize the threat once and for all. However, to their surprise, no matter how many Zorvans they killed, more seemed to keep coming.
Through careful analysis and observation, the Alliance eventually realized that the Zorvans had created a portal to their home world. Upon realizing that, they launched a full scale attack, determined to close the portal.
After several attempts and millions of lives lost, the Alliance was unfortunately not able to get past their defenses and Zorvans were able to establish themselves on this new continent.
'Damn, it's worse than I thought.' He didn't think that the Alliance would be backed up to a corner like this. 'If they don't do anything soon, we'll eventually be fu*ked!'.
As Atticus entered his room, he told the maids not to disturb him until dinner time. 'This new world is dangerous. I'm worried!'
After his reincarnation, even though he had anticipated a world brimming with dangers, he hadn't imagined it would be quite this dire. 'Aliens invading the planet! What are the odds! Relax, Atticus,' he told himself, taking a deep breath. 'What's the best course of action from here?' he pondered.
'Right, strength! Just as it's always been. If I had possessed wealth and power on Earth, I wouldn't have met such an end. It's unfortunate that this system is quite useless. All it does is display what I already possess! It's as if I don't even have it at all!'
He had attempted countless times to determine if there were any hidden features within his system, but each attempt had ended in failure. It merely presented him with his statistics, and nothing more.
Sitting down cross-legged on his bed, he began to absorb mana into his core.
"To be honest I'm getting tired of only doing this. For the time being, this is all I can do. I must quickly acquire the skills to defend myself!"
After a few hours, a maid came to inform him that it was time for dinner. Atticus reluctantly stopped training and went to have dinner with his family.
The dining room was adorned with elegant furniture, a long mahogany table, and a chandelier hanging from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the room. Avalon sat at the head, with Anastasia seated close to him on his left and Freya, on his right. Caldor and Ember sat beside Freya on the right side of the table.
Anastasia looked at Avalon, concern etched on her face. "Avalon, I've been thinking... do you think it's too early for Atticus to find out about the war?"
Avalon paused, his eyes meeting Anastasia's worried gaze. "I understand your concerns, Anna. But the earlier he finds out the better. It's important that we guide him, ensuring he understands the gravity of the situation and where his responsibilities lays."
"I understand. But he's just five, honey. I just want him to enjoy a few years of his childhood. I heard from the maids that he locked himself inside his room after his lesson was over" Anastasia replied, concerned about Atticus
"Well, it's pretty late for that, Anastasia. Aeryn already told him. We can only assure him that we'll always be here for him" chimed Freya, trying to assure her.
"Yeah" Anastasia muttered, still worried about Atticus.
"Uncle, when is father coming back? I miss him." Caldor interjected.
Ember also turned to Avalon, curious about why her father hadn't arrived yet.
"I'm not sure, Caldor. I wonder what's delaying Ariel, he should have arrived by now." Avalon replied, wondering why his brother hasn't arrived. 'I hope he's okay'
It was then that Atticus entered the dining room. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he spotted everyone already seated at the table.
After being showered with love from Anastasia and Freya, sharing bonding moments with Avalon, and spending quality time with Ember and Caldor, Atticus found himself growing deeply attached to his new family. Their presence had woven its way into his heart.
It's simply difficult not to reciprocate affection for those who offer their love unconditionally, without any expectations in return.
Anastasia smiled, happy that her little sunshine was already grown up. 'He's going to be a lady killer, damn that smile! So cuteeee!'
While Anastasia was lost in thought, Atticus greeted his cousins. "Yo guys, what's up?" said Atticus.
"I'm great! How are you?" Caldor replied cheerfully.
"Hey" said Ember in a barely audible tone.
Atticus couldn't help but smile wryly at his cousins' different personalities.
"Atticus, how are you feeling?" Avalon asked
"What do you mean dad? I'm fine." Atticus replied, a little confused at why Avalon was asking him that. 'Is this because of the things i found out today? They're probably worried that I'd be scared' he reasoned.
"Are you sure?" Anastasia ask worriedly
"Yes, mom. You don't have to worry" Atticus assured them. He felt a little warm inside that he had people who cared for him this much.
"Alright, just know that we'll always be here for you," said Anastasia, her hand resting on Atticus'.
"Don't worry, Anna, my grandson isn't a wuss. There's no way he'd get scared this easily," Freya reassured with a confident tone. Then the maids brought in the food, and they started eating while engaging in light conversation.
After dinner, Atticus suddenly declared, "Dad, I want to learn how to fight."
A hushed silence fell upon the room as Atticus's words hung in the air.