Chapter 96 Escape

Chapter 96 Escape

n/.o-/V.(e/.l/)b-.1(-n

After traveling approximately 100 meters, Atticus and the other trainees heard a deafening explosion coming from the direction they had left behind.

Though they were tempted to look back, Atticus didn't pause for even a moment. He continued to manipulate the earth platform they were on.

Seconds later, the shockwave from the explosion reached them, and Atticus swiftly erected a wall at the back of the platform, using the force of the shockwave to propel them farther away from the scene.

There were about 50 trainees onboard, most of them were first-years. A few second-year students, including Sophie, were also present, but the third-year students were in the minority, numbering just 10.

This small group included individuals like Sirius, Helodor, William, and his three subordinates, Jack and his companions.

Since they were already situated on the east side of the camp, they didn't need to pass through the camp grounds again.

Atticus directed the earthen platform toward the east gate, struggling to maintain control as the strain on his abilities intensified.

He was reaching his limits. The piercing headache he had been experiencing grew more severe, and he had been forced to disable his perception earlier to prevent a potential shutdown.

His legs, arms, and even his eyes arched. Everything arched. Though he could have instructed everyone to run, he didn't want to take any chances. With such a large group moving together, accidents were bound to happen.

'Just a little bit more,' he encouraged himself, pushing through the pain while maintaining control of the earthen platform.

Upon reaching the gate, Atticus didn't stop or slow down for a moment. He controlled the earthen platform to launch each trainee, including himself, over the gate.

He suddenly cleared his throat and spoke loudly, "Hey! Don't you think I should be the one leading this group? The first rank of the third year is currently injured, and I am the next strongest. I should be the one leading." He ended his words with a smile, 'That should do it.'

The others immediately showed conflicted expressions. They also found themselves agreeing with him. The second rank should ideally be the one to lead since the first rank was injured.

Aurora, Hella, Nate and Lucas's expressions changed. What was he trying to do? Is this fool brain dead?

They were all running for their lives and what this idiot was thinking about was who should lead!? William's standing in their heads couldn't help but drop down to the lowest of the low.

William's words were met with a stony silence. Atticus didn't utter a word, he didn't even acknowledge William's existence. He just kept controlling the earthen platform, his gaze forward.

William's face reddened with embarrassment. He quickly turned to his subordinates, and they immediately began backing him up.

"Yes, it does make sense for the 2nd rank to lead! Who would be accountable if anyone gets hurt under your command? Can you take that responsibility?" one of them chimed in, pointing accusingly at Atticus.

The other one joined in, saying, "For the sake of our safety, it's best if you hand over leadership to Young Master William."

Jack, the leader of the duo, wisely chose to stay back, taking a step away from the exchange. Although he had only met Atticus once, he knew he had a short fuse when dealing with things like this.

The trainees started getting agitated, nodding in agreement with William's words. William smiled, 'Good, this is going exactly as planned.' This was exactly what he needed to take over the group.

Ember's expression remained unchanged, she didn't even glance back at them. She knew Atticus's personality well, and he had no patience for nonsense.

And, as expected, Atticus didn't disappoint. Three earthen platforms suddenly extended from under William and his companions, propelling them away from the moving platform.

Caught off guard, the trio struggled to regain their balance as they landed on the ground. Before they could comprehend what had happened, the earthen platform carrying the trainees had already zipped away.