Atticus’s Odyssey: Reincarnated Into A Playground

Throughout the week, Novareth was bustling with excitement. Nathan spared no effort in making sure this event was as loud as possible.

However, unlike what he had expected, the people of Novareth welcomed the event with open arms.

An event that pitted the strongest of their world against others, a chance to show dominance, had them thrilled.

Many were instantly reminded of the apex competitions. It was by far one of the most thrilling times throughout the history of Eldoralth.

Though not entirely similar, it still made their blood boil in anticipation. Nathan had been thrilled that he didn't even have to entice the people, they were already enticed!

At one point, there were simply no places where people gathered and weren't talking about the event.

The Concord Games.

That was what Nathan had chosen to call it. Its meaning was harmony between worlds.

After the announcement and celebrations, the people had then wondered the same thing, who would represent them?

Would a competition be held to decide the champions? People sharpened their blades.

However, nothing of such occurred.

The answer to their question came on the very day the event was set to begin.

The Ravensteins.

It was a name that sent a shudder through the people. The Ravensteins were by far the most powerful family in the whole of Eldoralth, boasting two full blown Eldorians, and that… monster.

The fact that Atticus was from that family alone was enough to cement their weight in people's hearts.

Despite numerous conflicts, the thought of the monster family representing them caused many to flood the streets and roar at the top of their lungs.

The event was set to be broadcast everywhere, across Novareth and other regions of the world. The people were ready for the fight of their lives!

…

Whack!

A figure was sent hurtling across a large expanse, hitting the ground in a rough roll.

"Get up."

Battered, Kael tightened his grip on his broadsword and shakily stood. He took in a ragged breath and fixed his eyes on the imposing figure before him.

Aric Stormrider, the Berserk King.

Many had forgotten the monster that was the Berserk King. However, Kael was reminded every day.

"What do you want?"

'Again.'

Aric had asked the same question once more.

'That question…'

Kael had spent the past months training on the outer parts of the separate continent. On his day of arrival, he'd barely been able to move.

The effects of the veinroot only spanned within the barrier. And despite being on the outer parts, the heat alone had made him gasp for breath. He had been instantly drenched in sweat.

But that wasn't all. The air was heavy, and there was a constant oppressive weight that kept on hitting his mind.

His grandfather had brought him here to train, and for the past months, he had only ever been beaten and thrown about.

As he rose from the ground, Aric always asked the same question.

"What do you want?"

And every single time he asked, Kael always found himself turning towards the massive tree in the far distance, the very center of the continent.

Kael ground his teeth as he answered.

"The middle. Him."

"Then you must defeat me first."

A heavy weight slammed onto him, buckling his body slightly.

'How?'

Kael shakily fixed his eyes on his grandfather. Aric was without any weapon, but he felt like he was staring at a raging beast.

Once again, Kael entered into a stance, raising his broadsword.

'I'll reach him.'

A bloody energy bled from him, engulfing his entire body. He dipped, then blasted forward with speed, eight swords spiraling around him like a storm. But—

Whack!

An unseen blow, and Kael was hurtled back, crashing across the floor.

"Get up."

Kael rose with great effort.

"What do you want?"

"Huff… huff…"

Releasing deep, ragged breaths, he turned towards the tree on the horizon.

'What do I want…?'

For the first time, Kael paused and asked himself. This lesson had started the moment he first arrived at the separate continent.

That day, Kael wanted to move towards the center of the continent where Atticus was, only to find Aric standing in his way.

He knew what was going through his grandfather's mind. If Kael couldn't even defeat him, an Eldorian, then facing him was impossible.

Still, he'd stubbornly persisted, and now, here he was, questioning his goal.

'Is this… what I want?' he asked. Was his goal truly to reach the center of the continent? To fight Atticus?

'No.'

Kael locked eyes with his grandfather's. He could see the calm and patience in them. Though the other Eldorians were struggling to train, Aric had chosen to do this instead.

Why was he doing all this? Kael wondered.

Atticus was busy training, and instead of focusing on getting stronger himself, he was trying to risk his life to reach the middle of the continent.

'Impossible.' Kael instinctively knew that he couldn't even if he wanted to.

Even if Aric didn't stand in his way, the crushing pressure of the Burning Will would block him.

Yet, he still felt a strong urge to reach the middle.

'Why?'

"What do you want?"

As the question echoed once more, Kael glanced at his battered arms. Why was he fighting?

Was it truly just to reach the middle? Just to fight him?

'No.'

Kael tore his gaze away from the tree and faced his grandfather.

"I want to be seen."

He didn't just want to get to the middle and battle Atticus. He wanted to be seen, to be recognized as a significant force, by Atticus himself, and by the others. He wanted to be a threat.

Aric's lips slowly curled up into a smile.

"Good," he praised, his aura settling down. "Then go be seen. I've asked for you to be included in the Concord Games. It's a better place than any to begin your journey."

"The Concord Games…?"

Kael blinked in surprise. This was the first time he was hearing about it.

"You'll find out more about it when you get there. I'll see you later."

Despite his hesitation, Kael still nodded. His grandfather had always known best. As he turned to leave, Aric's voice made him pause.

"Do not lose."

"…Yes, grandfather."