Chapter 860 Buffet

Chapter 860 Buffet

Atticus gazed down at Yotad with a piercing look, scrutinizing every inch of him.

'He looks okay,' he thought.

He had completely forgotten about his Ravenblade. Yotad had been in his shadow during his fight with Blackgate. With how intense the battle had been, along with the overwhelming power surging through him, Atticus had been worried that Yotad might have been affected.

"Are you okay?"

Yotad didn't respond immediately. Instead, he lowered his head further, his clenched fist pressed to the ground. It trembled with such intense power that the air around it vibrated.

Yotad's current emotions and expression could only be described in one word: shame.

He was ashamed.

The Ravenblades of the Ravenstein family were trained through gruesome methods from childhood, indoctrinated with a single purpose: protection. Their pride, their reason to hold their heads high, was their unwavering duty to serve and protect their assigned master.

But ever since Yotad had been assigned to Atticus, he had never felt useful. Usually, Ravenblades were assigned during their master's youth, and while Atticus had been young when Yotad was assigned, everything changed after Atticus's fight with the Aeonian apex, Ae'ark.

Yotad had realized one undeniable truth: Atticus had been stronger than him from the very beginning. Because of this, he never had the chance to fulfill his sole purpose.

During Atticus's fight with Blackgate, Yotad had witnessed everything. While others had been blown away by the overwhelming force of their clash, Yotad had remained in Atticus's shadow, unaffected. But no words could describe the shame he felt as he realized he couldn't do anything, nothing at all, to help.

If he had stepped out for even one second, he would have been obliterated by their mere auras.

"Y-yes, master," Yotad responded after a long pause.

Atticus studied him for a moment, sensing something was off. Beyond being able to hear Yotad's blood flow and heartbeat, Atticus's senses had reached a terrifying level after mastering the vampyros technique. Coupled with his recent boost in strength, he could instantly detect Yotad's emotions.

He understood why Yotad felt this way. But Atticus had no idea how to handle the situation.

The man was ashamed because he couldn't protect him. But what was Atticus supposed to do? Pretend to be in trouble just so Yotad could save him? Against master ranks?

At this point, Atticus could one-shot grandmaster ranks. He couldn't imagine a scenario where he'd need Yotad's help. And anyone who could truly pose a threat to him now was far beyond Yotad's capabilities.

Still, Atticus decided it was best to let Yotad figure it out on his own.

He nodded and dismissed Yotad, who bowed before merging into Atticus's shadow. Though Yotad still carried the weight of shame, it was a burden he'd have to overcome by himself.

'I'm not about to stunt my growth just to make you feel better,' Atticus thought.

It sounded cold, but it was the truth. Yotad's feelings were his own, and Atticus wouldn't let them interfere with his path to strength.

Once Yotad left, Ozeroth followed soon after. The spirit had muttered something about needing to "rest his magnificent self" after wasting time talking with "lessers."

Atticus didn't bother arguing, simply rolling his eyes as Ozeroth disappeared.

Finally alone, Atticus slumped back onto his bed and exhaled deeply. He stared at the ceiling in silence.

'It's only going to get harder,' he thought.

Anastasia smiled as she watched him eat with no care in the world. To her, it was a good sign, much better than him having no appetite at all.

'Bond, save some for me!'

Atticus heard Ozeroth's voice in his head and scoffed.

'If you want some, come out and get it yourself.'

"..." Ozeroth went silent. Atticus instantly understood why, because Anastasia was present.

'Suit yourself.'

If it were even possible, Atticus's eating speed doubled as he shoveled food into his mouth faster. Minutes later, Atticus could feel Ozeroth's intense glare in his mind as he ate the last bite.

"So good," Atticus sighed in satisfaction, slumping back. "Thank you, Mom."

Anastasia only smiled warmly. She had watched him eat that truckload of food without saying a word.

After a few moments, Atticus sat up straight and turned to her. "So, how long was I out?"

Anastasia's eyes showed a flicker of sadness as she recalled the long time he had been unconscious. She shook her head, clearing her thoughts and reminding herself that everything had turned out fine.

"One month," she replied.

Atticus's eyes widened. "One whole month?"

Anastasia nodded.

"Wow..."

It took him a moment to process the fact that he had been asleep for so long.

'I knew I was biting off more than I could chew, but isn't this a bit much?'

One month felt like an eternity to him. He could have accomplished so much during that time, but instead, he had been unconscious.

'That's one month gone from the year,' he thought, shaking his head.

In one year, Atticus would have to join the military and take part in the war against the Zorvans. While he had gained immense power in a short time, he still felt like he had wasted precious time.

Turning back to Anastasia, he asked, "So, what happened while I was down?"

Anastasia gave him a knowing look, one that immediately told him what she was thinking. Atticus quickly raised his hands in surrender, a sheepish smile on his face.

"I have no plans to train, I promise. Not until I'm fully recovered."

Anastasia's gaze grew sharper as she studied him closely. "Are you sure?"

Atticus nodded.

"Hm. I'll trust you..."