Chapter 1339: Tricks

Space fell silent for a moment.

Many listening in thought they had heard wrong, even Atticus.

A burning had been issued against Atticus. Eldoralth was basically a sworn enemy to the Redflames. He had killed Kale, the viscount’s son.

But... had this god, Kale’s brother, really just invited himself over for... tea?

Ozeroth scoffed, but remained silent. He hadn’t forgotten his promise to Atticus, and he was nothing if not a man of his words.

"He really talks too much." Whisker, instead, whispered to Atticus. Though with the beings currently present, he might as well have said it with a megaphone.

Everyone heard, and the temperature in space spiked even more. The warrior behind Nerrot gripped his sword tighter, holding himself back from cutting down this blasphemous being.

The wall of warriors weren’t different.

A bright crimson light radiating from them had begun to engulf space, the heat rising by the moment.

But if Atticus was any bit threatened by their show of force, he didn’t show it. There was a deep frown on his face.

’He’s tricky.’

Nerrot had done two things that Atticus couldn’t help but take notice of.

The first was the fact that he had come to Eldoralth even before he left the willhall. From how fast news was spreading in the willhall, Atticus was sure they had a means to communicate through their will.

It had been barely hours since he killed Kale, and the whole verge seemed to have heard it.

’He came here knowing I wasn’t around.’

If Nerrot could find out that he killed Kale, then he would be able to find out where he was the instant he sought him out.

It was either he didn’t have access to the willhall and came here instead, or he did so intentionally. Atticus was sure of the latter.

’He wanted to bait my people out.’

A god couldn’t attack another god blatantly. The same applied to a god’s people, but it was only if they were in their world. Once out, they became free to attacks.

If Ozeroth or any other had gone out earlier, Nerrot could have attacked and captured them.

’To use as bargaining chips no doubt.’ Atticus’ gaze turned cold. The second trick he saw through was this tea nonsense.

Accepting this offer was practically inviting Nerrot and his people to his world. A very stupid offer considering his people could attack his world without a moment’s notice.

’It didn’t work.’ Nerrot didn’t miss the frown on Atticus’ face. The silence that came after his offer made it clear what his answer would be.

’He has a working brain.’

Nerrot brushed his fingers through his goatee, his calm expression still plastered on his face. He wondered if Atticus had seen through his ploy.

It was one of his tricks that had never failed to work since he began using it.

Threaten the enemy with the boundlessness of his forces and trick them into inviting him over for tea.

While he couldn’t attack the world, his people were a different story entirely. Once they ravaged the world, then the god would be forced to challenge him for revenge.

In the middle plane, the challenged held most of the power in a fight as they have the power to decide the rules.

’It doesn’t matter.’

He had to move things along.

’He’s watching.’

The viscount. Nerrot had spread the news across the verge about his intention of avenging his brother’s death and killing the Redflame enemy.

Those who had even the least bit of interest in this issue had tuned in and were observing through the Redflame will.

’They’re a lot.’

Nerrot could tell. A lot of important people were watching. There was no room for failure.

...

Major world; Kraelthus.

Obsidian Palace.

A man sat upon a high backed throne, one hand resting on the head of a carved cane. The temperature around him was searing.

His blazing eyes never left the floating projection before him.

He was Viscount Merek Dross.

...

Grand world; Rynveil.

Crimson Ember Hall.

In the dim glow of firelit sconces, a figure sat cross legged on a mat, gaze sharp as he studied the unfolding clash.

He was Count Thane Veylor.

...

Dominion world; Soltharion.

Argent Crown Court.

Beneath a vaulted ceiling, a man in elaborate robes sat silently at a long table, a glass untouched in his hand. His focus was fixed on the display of will before him.

He was Marquis Dravek Solmar.

...

In the endless darkness of the verge, the Great Verge’s six eyes gleamed in amusement, watching the unfolding scene attentively.

...

Nerrot could feel the people of power currently watching, and the pressure of their expectations weighed heavily on him.

"I assume your silence means refusal." Nerrot said with a smile, "I can’t help but express my surprise. Did you not understand what you’re up against?"

"Sheesh." Whisker heaved a deep sigh, running his arms through his silky blue hair. "Does he plan to off us with his words? How can a god speak so much..."

Whisker shook his head and clicked his tongue. He didn’t seem to give a crap about Nerrot’s twisted face.

"You came here to kill us right? Then quit this boring shit and get to the killing."

"Bond." Ozeroth whispered to Atticus. "You see, I’m not the one you’re supposed to be worried about. The lazy man had a lot of screws loose."

"At least he hadn’t wanted to fight with a god." Atticus whispered back. Ozeroth cleared his throat and didn’t say anything again.

A silence had descended upon the space. The heat emanating from the wall of warriors had risen once more.

And this time, Nerrot had lost his calm expression. His face had twisted, and the space around him had turned scorching hot.

Atticus fixed his eyes on Nerrot, awaiting his next move. If Nerrot’s plan had been to trick Atticus into challenging first, it clearly wasn’t going to work.

Atticus decided to deliver the killing blow.

"Did you come here to waste my time? Or are you actually worth something."

"Tsk. I doubt it." Whisker could never miss fanning the flames. "His daddy’s probably watching him right now. Ah how he must be so disappointed. He birthed a woman, definitely not a man—"

An explosion of crimson erupted from Nerrot, flooding the space with sheer heat. It was unlike what the wall of warriors had achieved. Nerrot’s eyes were blazing.

"I challenge you! I dare you to accep—"

"I accept."

Atticus cut in before he could even finish, eyes cold.