’What the—’

Atticus appeared beside him almost instantly while Ozeroth and the others rushed over as well. He reached toward Whisker, but the Span’s voice stopped him.

"I wouldn’t do that if I were you."

Atticus turned sharply toward him, his eyes narrowing.

"What are you talking about?"

"He’s undergoing a clash." the Span said without the slightest trace of concern. "He borrows another’s Will. The owner of that Will is currently attempting to impose control over him while he resists. Hence the clash."

Atticus frowned.

Borrowed Will... the Nature King.

’The Nature King is trying to control him through his Will.’ Atticus realized grimly.

If that was the case, then Whisker had likely been resisting the influence of the Nature King this entire time, and it had only grown worse now that they occupied the same plane.

’Why didn’t he say anything?’

Atticus hadn’t known such a thing was possible, meaning he never anticipated a situation like this.

"I suggest you kill him."

Atticus’ expression darkened instantly.

Not just his. Ozeroth, Ozerra, Anorah... Whisker was beloved by nearly everyone present. Every single one of them stared at the Span with cold eyes, as though daring him to make a move.

The Span merely shrugged.

"It’s sound advice, unpleasant as it may be." he said calmly. "He’s going to lose. No matter how hard one struggles, no borrowed Will can triumph over its source."

The air around Atticus trembled violently as crimson intent seeped out. His voice turned icy.

"We’re not killing him."

The Span held his gaze for a brief moment before shrugging once more.

"Suit yourself." he said as faint light began gathering around his body. "I assume our business here is concluded, then? Farewell."

As the Span vanished, Atticus turned his darkened gaze back toward Whisker.

He was still convulsing across the ground while Ozeroth struggled to hold him down. A faint green glow leaked from Whisker’s body, his complexion having already turned deathly pale.

"Atticus."

Anorah exchanged a grim look with him, causing Atticus to sigh inwardly. He immediately understood what she meant.

Whisker was currently clashing against the Nature King. Even if the latter hadn’t seized control yet, tracing their location would still be easy.

Back in Eldoralth, Atticus had been able to sense every trace of his own Will across the world. There was no reason the Nature King couldn’t do the same here.

’We have to resolve this now.’

Even if they fled, they would eventually be discovered regardless.

Atticus exhaled slowly before reaching toward Solvath’s power within himself. He stretched out a hand as dim light gradually gathered around it.

Then another glow suddenly drew his attention.

Anorah’s sword... the one strapped across her back... had begun shining brilliantly.

Anorah stared at it with widened eyes.

"It’s reacting... then—!"

A monstrous wave of bloodlust suddenly flooded the forest.

Atticus stepped forward instantly, crimson Will erupting around him as his eyes locked onto the figure hovering high in the sky.

"Who are you?"

The man wore flowing purple robes that billowed softly in the wind. He was completely hairless, no brows, no beard, not even a strand atop his head.

No aura leaked from him, yet his very presence carried a profound depth, as though he existed in perfect harmony with the world.

Atticus suddenly felt something within him roar violently.

’Solvath.’

His gaze darkened immediately. He glanced toward Anorah, Thora, and Tia, all of whom wore similarly grim expressions.

A Fragment Bearer.

Not only that. Atticus could sense it clearly... this man possessed far more fragments than he did.

"My fellow chosen," the man said with a benevolent smile. "I welcome you to the Third Crown. I am Zenon, one chosen just like yourselves. I came to invit—"

Zenon suddenly paused. His eyes narrowed toward the glowing sword strapped across Anorah’s back.

"You..." His gaze sharpened. "Where did you get that sword?"

"I—" 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

Anorah opened her mouth to respond, but Azeron suddenly stepped forward.

"I gave it to her, Zenon."

"You’re—" Recognition flashed across Zenon’s face. "Azeron..."

"Hm." Azeron gave a faint smile. "I’m glad you still remember your old teacher."

A complicated look crossed Zenon’s face before his eyes widened abruptly.

"...you gave her my sword... then does that mean—"

"Yes." Azeron nodded slowly. "That’s your daughter."

Zenon gradually turned toward Anorah, his eyes trembling faintly. Then he vanished, appearing directly before her.

"Atticus."

Atticus’ katana halted at Zenon’s neck.

He glanced toward Anorah, but after seeing the firm shake of her head, he slowly retracted the blade while maintaining a cold stare.

Zenon didn’t spare him a glance.

"Norah..." His voice trembled slightly. "Is that really you?"

He slowly reached toward her face, but Anorah tilted her head away. Though her fists were clenched tightly at her sides, her expression remained firm.

"You’re Zenon Myrianda?" she asked coldly.

Pain flickered through Zenon’s eyes, but he still nodded.

"Yes."

"What’s your wife’s name?"

"...Lina Myrianda."

Anorah stared at him silently for several moments before speaking again.

"I was born with a birthmark. Where is it? What does it look like?"

"...your lower back." Zenon replied softly. "It looks like a small pebble."

Anorah’s eyes trembled faintly, though her expression remained composed. After a brief silence, she gave a slow nod.

"I see... I guess you really are my father."

"Norah..." Zenon’s voice shook slightly. "I can’t believe it’s truly you. I’m so happy to see you."

He stepped forward, trying to pull her into an embrace, but Anorah immediately took a step back. Her arms trembled faintly at her sides.

"Norah..." Zenon reached toward her again. "It’s me... your father—"

Atticus suddenly stepped between them, his gaze utterly cold.

"That’s enough."

"Enough?" Zenon narrowed his eyes. "I’m only trying to speak with my daughter."

Atticus tightened his grip around his katana without uttering another word. Around him, the others subtly moved as well, hands drifting toward their weapons. The tension instantly thickened.

Zenon gritted his teeth before exhaling heavily.

"You’re right." he admitted after a moment. "I lost myself for a second. I apologize."

Then his expression gradually turned serious.

"That aside... none of you are safe here. Especially the chosen."

His eyes moved across Atticus and the other Fragment Bearers.

"The Alliance possesses methods capable of tracing every chosen, no matter where they hide. You must come with me. The alliance of the chosen is the only safe place within the Third Crown."