Chapter 1348: FlameKeeper

Atticus glanced at the Eldorians who had started stirring awake.

"Both of you okay?" he asked Ozeroth and Whisker.

"Of course, bond."

"Yeah yeah."

They both went back to conversing as they answered, and Atticus couldn’t help but frown. They were planning another stupid thing.

"Son..."

Avalon and the Eldorians found themselves waking up on a platform made from Atticus’ will. He had formed it to stop them from falling.

"You were all overwhelmed by the sudden rise in plane will. But now that we’ve merged with another world, it’s been managed," he explained.

They nodded, understanding the sense in that. As they stood, they began to glance around.

"We’ve... merged?" Oberon asked.

They were still on Atticus’ training continent. The terrain still remained the same and the Eldorians could swear that the only difference they felt was the sudden increase in temperature.

"We have," Atticus reiterated, and suddenly waved. They vanished from the continent the next moment, appearing high in an unfamiliar sky.

The world below was... new. An array of volcanoes sprawled below and cities had been built around it, some inside. Volcanic plumes rose from each, signifying their active status.

But despite this, people still roamed the cities, carrying on about their lives. Different cultures. Different types of people. Different races. Many weren’t even humanoids.

The Eldorians were taken aback completely, none expecting this. They were awed.

"See?" Atticus said, and they nodded absentmindedly.

"Plus, this is just one part of the world. A small part."

Their gazes shot towards him, wide eyed. When they saw his serious expression, they couldn’t help but gulp. Things were changing, and fast.

Atticus brought the group to other parts of the world. The Eldorians were awed by everything they saw.

Floating islands. Large winged creatures roaming the skies. Cities floating on a sea of lava. A race made just of pure flames.

While Whisker remained mostly calm, Ozeroth was surprised by everything he was seeing. It was... beautiful.

’It really is beautiful,’ Atticus admitted, and he couldn’t help but feel a bit bad that he was about to probably tear down and change the lives of many.

’There’s a lot.’ He had expected it, but the amount of Redflame will present in this world was staggering. He could feel it all. The people, materials, even some cities were powered by the will.

’That has to change.’

Atticus brought the group to a part of the world. As they glanced down, they each opened their eyes in awe.

Just below them, a city larger than any they’d seen so far hovered in the air.

Buildings like skyscrapers, beasts and airships flying overhead, volcanoes that periodically erupted, sending lava and smoke into the air. The heat was unbearable.

But while the others enjoyed the grandeur, Atticus’ focus was on another aspect.

’The capital.’ He was sure of it. This was where he felt the most concentration of Redflame will.

’Let’s get this over with.’

Atticus sighed as he saw Whisker bringing out popcorn, watching him with a smile. Clearly he knew what was about to occur.

Atticus decided to ignore him and focus. In the next moment, the air just a distance away from them distorted, and multiple figures appeared.

Many were startled, glancing around and wondering what was going on.

As they turned and saw Atticus flanked by the Eldorians, their eyes narrowed in unison.

"Who the hell are you?" said a woman donned in blazing armor. Her eyes were just as fierce, and a scar ran through her cheek to her neck.

The others also turned to him at that moment, eyes wary and cautious. They could feel a boundless aura coming from him.

"I’m your new god."

Eyes exploded wide.

"Then—"

"Your old god is dead. I killed him."

There was a moment of silence. Atticus used the time to scan the people present. In this new world, these were the people with the highest concentration of Redflame will. They numbered millions.

Some wore elaborate robes, while some were clad in armor. Atticus could imagine that the former were akin to nobles, council members most probably. And the latter were simply warriors.

He had decided to start the purging process from them. The elites of this world.

The moment soon ended, and one of the reactions Atticus expected occurred.

"You bastard!" The woman who had spoken before thundered, brandishing her weapon. The other warriors behind her also unsheathed their weapons. Their eyes were infernos.

But none could even take a step. A burst of crimson erupted from them, spreading until they were enveloped in an instant.

They each felt a heat like they’d never felt before assault them, before turning into ashes.

The crowd fell silent. It was at that moment they realized the reality of the situation. Their god, Nerrot, was dead.

"My name Maizer Uma. I served as Flamekeeper of this world. Might I have the honor of knowing your name?"

"Atticus," Atticus said before adding, "Flamekeeper?"

"Yes." Maizer nodded. He was an aged man, hunched as though pressed down by an unseen weight. His hair that might have been red at some point had whitened, and his beard was long, reaching his stomach.

"I keep the will of the Redflame alive, making sure its doctrines are followed," he explained, suddenly throwing Atticus an appraising look. "Might I ask you... are you a member of the Redflame path?"

"No."

"Yet your flame is red, and burns hot." He frowned. "Odd."

"Will you be willing to abolish your path and follow the will of the Redflames?" Maizer added after a moment.

Atticus just stared at him.

"No."

Maizer frowned. "Will you be requiring us to abolish our path?"

He asked, and Atticus didn’t miss the wave of unease that spread throughout the gathered crowd.

"Yes."

"I see." Maizer sighed, an aged one filled with weight. "Then you might as well kill us now."

"You would rather die than abolish your path?"

"Unfortunately, some of us don’t have a choice."

Atticus stared at Maizer. He understood what the man meant.

There were some who had already bonded themselves to the Redflame path, either through slave binding or eternal servitude. Those kind of people had no power to leave the Redflame path.

Atticus glanced around. From the darkened face of many of the people present, it was clear that it applied to most of them.

Atticus’ eyes flashed cold.

"Does he speak for all of you?"

A shudder ran through the crowd. They had just felt a cold aura wash over them. Killing intent.

"He does not." A man stepped to the front. He received hate glares from the others present, but ignored it.

"I don’t mind abolishing my path... god Atticus."

The man was tall but slender, clad in an elaborate robe and expensive looking rings and chains. He looked like the perfect representation of a noble.

"My name is Hunnak Khan, from House Khan." He bowed.

As Hunnak came forward, others soon began speaking out, choosing abolishment over death. Maizer never failed to throw them dirty looks.