Atticus, a predator no longer detached but with a simmering bloodlust rising within him, cast a hungry glance across the arena. His display had silenced the initial roar of the crowd, replaced by a tense, watchful hush. The tide had indeed shifted, and the taskforce team, emboldened by their leader's prowess, pressed their advantage with renewed vigor. Ignoring the remnants of his own defeated opponents, Atticus set his sights on another group – a team led by a hulking youth clad in crimson armor, wielding a pair of massive swords that pulsed with a faint orange glow. A cruel smirk played on Atticus' lips as his fingers danced in intricate patterns, the air around him crackling with anticipation.Master Wei, a seasoned instructor who had witnessed countless battles through the years, felt a jolt of surprise course through him. He'd expected Atticus to allow his teammates to finish the fight, not wade into the fray himself. But what truly took him aback was the raw power emanating fr

Xu Hua stood at the edge of the frost peak where the ice spirit qi was abundant. She took a deep breath then exhaled a large amount of white mist.This is her place of peace and where she always came to relax. All around the peak were several plants and flowers and all of them had a clear similarity which was the light blue tint at a part of their petals or stalk.A trained alchemist eye would notice how precious every plant present here was. So important in potion making that it was odd that it was left to grow wildly at this mountain.Someone who knew what the frost peak was would say otherwise of course. While it was still a region under the jurisdiction of the academy the first peak couldn't be accessed by just anyone, be it student or professors...as for why Xu Hua could be here, her situation had always been a little special."What are your thoughts on the boy?" "You keep asking me this same question every time.""I wouldn't have to if you were truthful with your answers.""I a

The weight of the ancient grimoire felt significant in Atticus's hands. The worn leather cover was surprisingly cool to the touch, and the faint scent of incense lingered from its pages. Excitement bubbled in his chest, tinged with a sliver of apprehension. Whisperwood was notorious, and the idea of summoning a creature, especially one unseen, added another layer of uncertainty."A Pixie, huh?" Atticus murmured, tracing the faded glyphs on the cover."A formidable companion for a bold adventurer," Silas declared, his voice laced with amusement. "Just remember, Pixies are known for their mischievous nature. The ritual itself might be the easy part. Convincing it to part with some Starfall Dust… that's a whole other story."Atticus nodded, a determined glint in his eyes. He trusted his skills as a negotiator, and a little friendly persuasion, perhaps even a well-timed offering, could go a long way. "Alright, Master Silas. Consider it done. I'll retrieve the Nightshade essence,

The figures huddled in a tight circle, their hushed whispers weaving a tapestry of foreign syllables that echoed off the damp stone walls. The flickering torchlight cast grotesque shadows that danced across the chamber, lending an air of unease to the proceedings. While the guttural chants held a rhythmic cadence, there was no visible response – no tremor in the earth, no celestial flicker in the darkness above. To a casual observer, it might have appeared a mere charade, an elaborate performance devoid of any true power. Yet, a closer inspection revealed the raw desperation etched on the faces of the figures, a stark contrast to the practiced pronouncements spilling from their lips. Perhaps it was a desperate prayer, a plea to unseen forces for a power they could neither comprehend nor control.One figure, adorned in a long crimson robe that shimmered with threads of gold, rose from the circle. His regal bearing stood out starkly against the hunched forms of his companions. He raised

The rising sun cast a golden glow through the lab's high windows, painting the intricate runes on Atticus's workspace with a warm light. A satisfied sigh escaped his lips as he surveyed the completed framework – a complex web of glowing symbols etched onto the table's surface. It wasn't the final enchantment, not by a long shot. The crucial Griffon Core and other materials remained elusive, but this foundation, meticulously planned and honed through the night's unexpected collaboration, was a significant step forward.He pocketed his tools, the familiar weight a comforting reminder of his progress. His spirit transmission disc buzzed insistently in his pocket. With a sigh, he retrieved the device and tapped into the transmission."Where the hell are you?" Xu Hua's voice crackled through the speaker, laced with a sharp edge of impatience. "The taskforce has already gathered, and the deployment tokens are about to be distributed.""I'm on my way, already," Atticus replied, his voice ca