Chapter 24: Athar’s First Move
After his talk with Trux, Athar returned to his room. The moment the door clicked shut behind him, a transformation swept over his entire demeanour.
The slouched shoulders, weighed down by nervousness, fear, and anxiety, straightened with a sharp crack. A newfound vitality surged through his spine, and he stood tall exuding an aura of purpose and resolve.
The expression of panic that had marked his face just moments before faded, replaced by a calm, calculating confidence. It was as if an entirely different man now stood there; One prepared to face every challenge and adversary that lay ahead.
"Trux," Athar muttered under his breath, his tone cold and laced with steel. "So, you are the first link in that mysterious and powerful web Dervin spoke of."
A dangerous grin slowly stretched across his lips, one that radiated a silent threat.
"How convenient of you... to deliver yourself right to my doorstep," he added with that same dangerous glint.
If Trux had not revealed his strength by showcasing his E Rank aura, Athar might have remained cautious around him. He would have undergone a lot of considerations.
But the moment Trux thought that flashing his aura would be an effective way to pressure Athar, the fool had lost the plot entirely.
Trux had assumed that his E Rank aura would intimidate Athar. He perhaps wanted to cow him into submission but the effect it produced was the exact opposite.
That display had made one thing abundantly clear to Athar: if the need arose, he could absolutely take Trux on.
And for that, he owed endless gratitude to the Tree of Origin. As far as Athar was concerned, that miraculous tree was the sole reason behind his absurd talent. The power provided by the tree was his trump card in a world full of predators.