Atticus's Odyssey: Reincarnated Into A Playground novel Chapter 43

Chapter 43: Test

While Atticus was lost in thought, the imposing cargo doors of the ship creaked open, inviting them inside.

As they all entered, the doors closed behind them, and the ship promptly took off.

After walking for a few moments, Atticus and the others entered a spacious hall within the ship.

The hall he entered was a grand expanse of gleaming metal and sophisticated technology, illuminated by soft ambient lights that glowed like distant stars.

The walls seemed to curve seamlessly, creating an illusion of boundless space. Elegant arches adorned the ceiling, stretching gracefully overhead and meeting at the center in an intricate design.

'Damn, this is amazing,' Atticus thought in awe. He then redirected his attention to the front of the hall where a raised podium stood.

After a minute of anticipation, a figure emerged and made his way to the podium—a man with the typical distinctive white hair, radiating the unmistakable aura of a master-rank.

His rugged appearance exuded toughness, and he was clad in all-black attire that bore a resemblance to military clothing, which only served to emphasize his authoritative and commanding presence.

The crowd began to murmur at the revelation, but a display of the master rank's aura silenced their voices.

The man's authoritative voice resonated throughout the hall as he introduced himself, "Welcome to the Raven camp! I am Elias, one of the instructors at the camp."

He paused for a moment and then continued,

"As you're aware, this is where every 10-year-old in the Ravenstein family spends their next three years. The camp's primary purpose is to train and prepare you for the academy. More detailed information will be provided later, but for now, we shall commence with a test that will determine your treatment in the camp."

As Elias lifted his hands, approximately twenty bags levitated and landed gracefully in the hands of each children.

He continued, "In each of the bags, you'll find a compass and a bracelet-like device. I strongly recommend that you put on the bracelet immediately."

They followed the instructions and promptly put on the bracelets. Atticus, felt a connection form between himself and the bracelet. 'An artifact, huh? I wonder what it does,' he pondered.

"What you've just put on is an artifact. For now, all you need to know is that it will teleport you back here if it senses that your life is in danger. It possesses numerous other functions, but you'll learn those at a later time," Elias explained.

Elias's words sent ripples of panic through many of the children. Their life in danger? What sort of test do they want to administer?

Elias couldn't help but notice the widespread panic among the children, but he had no intention of addressing their concerns, 'Weaklings are not needed in the family.'

He also noticed some of the children remained composed even after they found out their life might be in danger.

He noted their faces and his gaze suddenly stopped at Atticus. He kept staring at him as if trying to unveil his secret.

'He's the one. This should be interesting' Elias thought with a smile.

Undeterred, Elias pressed on, "The compass will guide you to your destination. I strongly recommend you take this seriously. Ranks will be assigned based on who reaches the destination first."

Atticus's mind raced, thinking of different possibilities at a fast rate 'A test? A compass, hmm' His mind churned with possibilities: 'It's a race. But how would they ad-' until a realization struck him 'Wait! Where are we standing?'

As if in response to his thoughts, Elias's voice boomed once again, announcing the initiation of the test. Without warning, the floor beneath them gave way, and Atticus and the others fell.

Panic erupted as screams echoed through the air, the sudden descent causing most of them to panic. Only Atticus and a handful of others managed to maintain their composure.

They suddenly remembered the bracelet and held on to it as if it was their life line. The tension in the air eased somewhat, but it was short-lived.

Elias's voice resonated once more, "Oh yes, gravity isn't your only enemy."

The sky above them suddenly erupted with a cacophony of screeches, and a horde of beasts with spiked dorsal fins that run along their elongated bodies descended upon them.