10 Dinner

Atticus walked down the hall, lost in deep thought as he pondered over what Aeryn had told him.

After the scientists had presented the revolutionary technology, they scrambled to construct the shield.

Unfortunately, rumors of the project reached the Zorvans. Realizing the potential threat, they launched a desperate attack to prevent the completion of the shield.

The Alliance fought tooth and nail to defend their scientists and the shield's construction site. The battle became a race against time, with the scientists working tirelessly to complete the shield before the Zorvans breach their defenses.

Unknown to the Alliance, the Zorvans were building a portal secretly in an uninhabited continent. A portal that would connect their world to Eldoralth and give them easy, unmonitored access.

The Alliance scientists eventually finished and successfully activated the planetary shield. Once the shield got activated, the people of Eldoralth rejoiced, believing they were safe from the ruthless Zorvans.

The Alliance rallied a formidable group of soldiers to get rid of the rest of the Zorvan strongholds left on the planet.

As the campaign was ongoing, they discovered a large settlement of Zorvans on an uninhabited continent, concealed from detection, making it almost impossible for the Alliance satellites to locate them.

The Alliance immediately launched an attack, hoping to neutralize the threat once and for all. Unfortunately and to their surprise, the more Zorvans they killed, the more there seemed to be.

After a tortuous investigation, in which many men died, the portal was discovered. Upon realizing that their world had been infiltrated, they launched a full scale attack, attempting to close the portal.

Hundreds of lives were lost, and yet the Alliance was unable to get past their defenses and Zorvans were able to establish themselves on this new continent.

'Damn, This is way worse than I thought.' Atticus groaned. He didn't think that the Alliance would be backed up to a corner like this. 'If they don't do anything soon, we'll eventually be fucked!'.

As Atticus entered his room, he told the maids not to disturb him until dinner time. What a dangerous new world it was. No wonder his mother, Anastasia, was anxious and worried half the time.

After his reincarnation, he had anticipated that the world would be dangerous,-the heart of men was evil- he hadn't imagined it would be this hopeless.

'Aliens invading the planet! What are the odds!'

He sighed, 'Relax, Atticus,'. 'What's the best course of action from here?' he pondered.

'Become stronger! Just as always. If I had been stronger on earth I wouldn't have been killed so easily.'

He was frustrated by the system. It was completely useless.

'All it does is display what I already possess! It's as if I don't even have it at all!'

He had tried so many times to find out if there were any secret features in his system, but every attempt had failed. It only showed him his stats, and nothing else.

Sitting down cross legged on his bed, he began to absorb mana into his core.

'Honestly, I'm starting to feel worn out from just doing this. Right now, it's the only option I have. I need to learn how to protect myself fast!'

A few hours passed, and one of the maids came to inform him that it was time for dinner. Atticus reluctantly stopped training and went to have dinner with his family.

…

A long mahogany table stood in the middle of the large hall, and a chandelier hung at the centre of it shining little lights from the ceiling.

Avalon sat at the head, with Anastasia seated close to him on his left and Freya, on his right. Caldor and Ember sat beside Freya on the right side of the table.

Anastasia looked at Avalon, with concern, "Avalon, I've been thinking... don't you think it's too early for Atticus to find out about the war?"

Avalon paused, his eyes meeting Anastasia's worried gaze. "I understand your concerns, Anna. But the earlier he finds out the better. It's important that we guide him, ensuring he understands the gravity of the situation and where his responsibilities lie."

"I know. But he's just five, honey. I just want him to enjoy a few years of his childhood. I heard from the maids that he locked himself inside his room after his lesson was over." Anastasia replied.

"Well, it's pretty late for that, Anastasia. Aeryn already told him. We can only assure him that we'll always be here for him," chimed Freya, reassuring her.

"Yeah" Anastasia muttered, but her worries stayed.

"Uncle, when is father coming back? I miss him." Caldor interrupted.

Ember also turned to Avalon, curious about why her father hadn't arrived yet.

"I'm not sure, Caldor. I wonder what's delaying Ariel, he should have arrived by now." Avalon replied, wondering why his brother hasn't arrived. 'I hope he's okay'

It was then that Atticus entered the dining room. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he spotted everyone already seated at the table.

Atticus discovered that he was developing a strong bond with his new family after receiving an abundance of love from Anastasia and Freya, creating special connections with Avalon, and enjoying precious moments with Ember and Caldor.

Their presence had woven its way into his heart. It was simply difficult not to reciprocate affection for those who offer their love unconditionally, without any expectations in return.

He found that he thought less and less of his mother on earth and for this he felt overwhelmingly guilty.

Anastasia smiled, happy that her little sunshine was already grown up. 'He's going to be a heartbreaker that boy! So cuteeee!'

Atticus elbowed Caldor lightly, "Hey guys, what's up?"

"I'm great! How are you?" Caldor replied cheerfully.

"Hello" said Ember in a barely audible tone.

They were like polar opposites, the siblings, Caldor was everything Ember wasn't and vice versa.

"Atticus, how are you feeling?" Avalon asked.

"What do you mean dad? I'm fine." Atticus replied, a little confused at why Avalon was asking him that.

'Is this about my lessons today?'

He knew they were worried as his mood had visibly dropped earlier.

"Are you sure?" Anastasia asked worriedly.

"Yes, mom. You don't have to worry" Atticus assured them. He felt a little warm inside knowing that he was deeply cared for by his family.

"Alright, just know that we'll always be here for you," said Anastasia, her hand resting on his shoulder.

"Don't worry, Anna, my grandson isn't a wuss. I'm sure he can take on anyone," Freya reassured with a confident tone.

"Yes Grandmother," He smiled warmly.

The maids brought in the food, while Caldor made jokes and teased his sister who simply kept on ignoring him.

Suddenly, Atticus declared, "Dad, I want to learn how to fight."

A hushed silence fell upon the room as Atticus's words hung in the air.