As Atticus stepped out of his training room, he was met with the sight of another building being constructed just beside his. With one glance, he instantly knew what was going on.
'They're building a training room for Dad.'
Oberon and Garvin were working together, building the foundation, while Avalon stood a short distance away, grinning widely as he watched.
The moment he saw Atticus step out, Avalon's grin widened even more. In a flicker, he disappeared from his spot and appeared right in front of Atticus.
"You're showing off too much, Dad," Atticus said with a roll of his eyes.
It was as if any chance Avalon got, he would use that flickering technique. But Avalon didn't seem to care.
"My son!" he exclaimed, pulling Atticus into a tight hug.
Atticus tapped him on the back with a small smile. "It's great to see you too, Dad."
"Atticus, I love you so much! Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Avalon repeated, squeezing him even tighter.
Oberon and Garvin had paused their work, now staring openly at the father and son. Atticus couldn't help but feel slightly embarrassed at Avalon's constant sweet words.
"Alright, alright, Dad. I love you too," he said quickly.
'Gay.' Ozeroth's voice echoed in his head, but he ignored the spirit completely.
Finally, Avalon let go, much to Atticus' relief, and gave him a warm smile. "I can't thank you enough for this, Son."
Atticus smiled back, but his tone shifted, now serious. "Do it by protecting the family."
Avalon's hands gripped his shoulders firmly. "You can leave it to me."
Atticus gave a small nod in return.
Then Avalon suddenly spoke, "Son… I hate to ask this of you, especially after everything you've done for me, but would it be possible to do what you did for me… to Lyanna and the others?"
Atticus hummed, eyes narrowing slightly as he pondered. After a pause, he shook his head. "I don't think that's possible."
"Why not?" Avalon asked, frowning.
"The reason I was able to do it for you is because you already have the talent. Your body can withstand the stress the mana and elemental energy puts on it during the transformation process. If their bodies can't… they might die."
Avalon's expression darkened. "Is there no other way?"
"None that I can think of right now," Atticus said. "But I'll keep it in mind. If I think of anything, I'll let you know."
"Thank you, Son." Avalon pulled him into another hug.
As they separated, Atticus's mouth opened slightly, then closed, visibly hesitating.
"What's wrong?" Avalon asked, his expression turning serious. Atticus was one of the strongest beings on their planet, anything that could make him hesitate like that had to be serious.
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