Atticus's Odyssey: Reincarnated Into A Playground novel Chapter 1434

Chapter 1434: Challenge

Of all the participants, Aurora and the others were by far the youngest. Grandmasters in their early twenties was no easy feat.

Though it was hard to tell with looks, Aurora expected the others to at least be half a century old.

’Could be younger.’ Different worlds, different ways... Aurora knew this.

As the banquet went on, she soon turned her attention towards Zoey.

’It’s a shame she can’t participate.’

Unfortunately, only grandmasters could fight. And despite her talents, Zoey wasn’t one yet. Aurora had simply asked her to come to the banquet so she wouldn’t be alone.

’Why do I even care?’ Aurora scoffed, shaking her head.

As she took a sip from her drink and scowled at the bitter taste, a group walking past them suddenly caught her attention.

’Khelzar.’

They had bestial appearances and massive builds. Their mere presence was imposing. As they passed the table, their eyes swept over the group, and the air grew tense.

However, they simply scoffed, then replaced their drinks and turned to leave. They had barely taken a few steps when a whisper drifted into Aurora’s ears.

"They’re nothing without their god."

"Aurora, wait—"

"Say that to my face, you stupid fucking piece of shit."

The hall fell dead silent.

The Khelzar team froze mid step, turning sharply toward Aurora.

"What did you just say?"

Bloodlust flooded the air, but Aurora only took a step forward, heat rolling off her in waves.

"What? Are you deaf or something? I called you a stupid piece of shit."

The beasts’ eyes glowed faintly as low growls rumbled from their throats.

"You—"

The one who had whispered stepped forward but stopped when a firm hand gripped his shoulder.

"That’s enough."

The man who spoke looked at Aurora with a calm, steady gaze.

"This is not what we’re here for, Yutum."

"Draen!" Yutum growled. "You heard her! She mocked me!"

The man, Draen, shifted his gaze toward him, and the air turned heavy. Yutum stiffened and his rage faltered beneath the weight of Draen’s presence.

"Let it go."

Yutum gritted his teeth, fists trembling. He sent Aurora a final glare, then gave Draen a curt nod.

They turned to leave... 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"Wait."

The sound of glass shattering echoed through the hall. Every head turned. The table filled with drinks was now cleared, its contents scattered across the floor.

They turned towards the one responsible. Kael.

He had bent slightly, setting his elbow on the table. His voice was calm but carried across the room.

"I challenge you."

As people whose culture revolved around strength and dominance, the Khelzar immediately recognized the stance of an arm wrestling challenge.

Whispers spread instantly through the hall as members of other teams leaned in to watch.

Yutum turned toward Draen with an almost pleading gaze.

At Draen’s silent nod, Yutum advanced. He hunched down, planting his massive elbow opposite Kael’s, his glare burning.

"I’ll make you regret ever challenging me."

As the silence stretched, Caldor broke it with a burst of laughter. "That was so hilarious! Did you see the look on his face!"

"Loser," Ember also said.

Aurora smirked, folding her arms, while Nate also smiled.

"This... this is impossible! I can’t lose!" Yutum roared, stepping forward...

"Enough."

Draen’s cold voice echoed.

"But Draen—"

"Enough!"

A crushing pressure slammed down on Yutum, forcing him to his knees with a heavy thud that cracked the floor.

Aurora and the others narrowed their eyes.

’He’s strong.’

"We’re leaving," Draen growled.

Yutum clenched his fists but eventually nodded. As the Khelzar turned to leave, Draen cast a lingering glance toward Kael, then shifted it briefly to Aurora.

Aurora frowned but said nothing. Then Draen looked away, turning to follow the others out of the hall.

...

’Yes!’

In a smaller hall, the leaders of each team were gathered. The sounds of soft music played but none listened. The tension in the air was palpable.

None of the leaders had been interested in talking to one another and had resolved to watch their teams instead.

Right now, they had just witnessed the challenge between Kael and Yutum, and while the leader of Khelzar wore a cold expression, words could not begin to express how proud Sirius currently felt.

’That’ll teach you not to mess with us.’