Atticus's Odyssey: Reincarnated Into A Playground novel Chapter 1073

Chapter 1073 Princess

At this point, they were all too used to Kael and his ever-present thirst for battle. After a few seconds of laughter, Caldor spoke,

"So... are you staying this time? Or will you be leaving us peasants to our mundane lives again?"

The smiles faded slightly as the others turned their gazes toward Atticus. He could feel it instantly, hope. They weren't just teasing. They genuinely wanted him to stay.

Atticus smiled, "I'll be staying."

A faint smile appeared on Ember's lips.

Aurora smiled too, but quickly cleared her throat and turned her head away, trying to play it off. Still, the joy in her expression had already made it clear that she was happy.

"Awesome!" Caldor pumped his fist. "We're going to have so much fun! You know Ravenspire has changed a lot since I left!"

Atticus raised an eyebrow. "You do realize we're preparing for war, right?"

"That's even more reason to have fun!" Caldor declared. "The end might be near. Oh dear lord, we have to party like never before! I'll make arrangements!"

The group shook their heads as Caldor spun on his heel and made his way toward the exit of the training room.

But he didn't get far.

The air turned electrified.

Crack.

A flash of lightning split the air and Magnus stood in the center of the training ground.

"Train," he said flatly.

Caldor froze mid-step, slowly turning around.

"Grandpa! You're back!" he shouted with a nervous grin, running toward him.

Magnus spared him a look, then turned to Atticus and let out a small, tired sigh.

Atticus stifled a laugh, shaking his head.

The moment passed, and the others began leaving to resume their training.

Aurora glanced back. "I'll come find you after!"

"Me too," Ember added with a small wave as they both turned and walked to Magnus. Kael stepped forward and stretched out a fist.

"Fight later?"

Atticus chuckled. Kael had seen his strength firsthand, yet still wanted to spar.

He bumped his fist against Kael's.

"Sure!"

As Kael turned and left, Atticus finally looked toward the last person remaining.

Zoey.

Their eyes met for the briefest of seconds, before she quickly looked away, her head snapping to the side like she'd been caught staring.

Atticus didn't move, didn't speak. He simply kept his gaze on her.

Zoey cleared her throat, her fists clenched tightly at her sides.

"I-I'm glad you're okay," she said softly.

Atticus tilted his head. "That's not how it looks, though."

Zoey blinked. "What do you mean?"

"The others were happy to see me," he said. "They showed it. Hugged me. Even Aurora did."

Zoey froze. For a moment, she wanted to blurt out that Kael hadn't hugged him either, but stopped herself. That'd be an excuse. And somehow, she knew, Atticus being who he was, he'd already have a counter to that.

She slowly laced her fingers together in front of her, staring at the ground.

"Is that... okay?" she muttered.

"Why wouldn't it be?"

Zoey hesitated. Then... she took a slow step forward, then another. Her hands trembled as she lifted them, arms stretching toward him, offering the most hesitant. hug in the world.