The intensity of William’s gaze was impossible to ignore, and it left no room for misinterpretation. Even the dumbest person would know what William wanted him to do. He wanted Chubby to craft the story in his favor.
Inside, William was trying so hard to hold back his anger. He had been shocked at the way Atticus had handled the whole situation.
He and his father had been planning this scheme ever since they heard of the upcoming event.
Even if the event hadn’t existed, he and his father had intended to spread rumors about Atticus abandoning three trainees during the escape, despite having the strength to protect them.
However, the way Atticus had handled the situation had exceeded his expectations. ‘No, I can’t let things end here,’ he thought. He couldn’t accept that their scheme had crumbled so easily.
This was his only chance. If he could persuade Chubby to follow his command and twist the story in his favor, he might still be able to tarnish Atticus’s reputation.
William gave Chubby an intense stare, wordlessly conveying his intent.
Observing William’s intent, only one thought raced through Chubby’s head as what William asked him to do registered: ‘Is this guy brain dead?’
Granted William was one of the strongest in the camp and among their generation, and held a higher status in the family compared to him, but he wanted him to lie about Atticus? What a monstrous request.
Chubby couldn’t entirely blame William for making this request, as he hadn’t been present during the events that had unfolded when they were escaping.
If William had witnessed Atticus’s mind boggling display of power, if william had seen that, Chubby was sure he wouldn’t be asking him to do something so stupid.
Moreover, what bewildered him even more was that William was actually asking him to lie to Magnus, a friggin paragon! Was William, in fact, stupid?
Chubby immediately turned his gaze away from William; he had no intention of forfeiting his life. He still had a lot of things he wanted to do with his life.
Just as Chubby was about to speak, he suddenly felt another intense gaze on him. Shifting his eyes, Chubby locked gazes with Atticus.
Unlike William’s piercing gaze, Atticus wasn’t gazing at him with the same intensity as William, he was simply looking at him. But as Chubby gazed into Atticus’s piercing blue eyes, it was as though his entire thought process had abruptly short circuited.
During their time at the camp, Atticus had never truly interacted with anyone among the first year trainees, except for a select few like Aurora, Nate, and Lucas.
He usually wore an expression that kept other trainees at a distance, but even so, never had Atticus made Chubby feel this way with just a gaze.
The pure and overwhelming fear he felt when meeting Atticus’s eyes erased all his reluctance. Atticus’s message was crystal clear: lie, and you will regret it.
While Chubby was struggling with his inner turmoil, everyone’s eyes remained fixed on him. Observing Chubby kneeling in silence, they assumed he was too terrified to speak.
Just as someone was about to address him, Chubby began to speak. Surprisingly, his voice was steady as he accurately recounted all the events, providing every detail without omission.
“Master Magnus,” he began, addressing the powerful figure of Magnus,
“After Sir Elias had stayed back to let us escape, he handed the leadership role to Young Master Atticus. Young Master Atticus successfully led everyone safely away from the camp and into the forest.
“However, as we were making our way through the forest, Young Master William suddenly attempted to take control of the group, disregarding the fact that Sir Elias had given the leadership to Young Master Atticus.
“Young master William and the other two trainees began inciting the group and causing a disturbance, putting our escape at risk. In response to this disruption, Young Master Atticus immediately removed the three of them from the platform, as their actions were endangering the entire group.”
As Chubby concluded his explanation, Edward hastily began to speak, but his words were abruptly drowned out by an overwhelming, bone crushing force that slammed into his nose.
The sheer impact distorted his features and sent him hurtling through the air. With a momentum that seemed never ending, he soared across the hall, finally colliding with the wall on the opposite side.
The impact was so intense that it tore through the wall as if it were made of paper, and Edward continued his uncontrolled flight through the air, showing no signs of coming to a halt.
Silence.
The Raven Hall was enveloped in silence as the realization of what had just transpired settled in for everyone. All eyes turned toward the man who sat majestically on the grandest throne, positioned at the highest elevation; Magnus.
Everyone instinctively knew who had delivered the powerful punch at Edward, and it was a realization that astonished every single person in attendance.
No one saw him move!
They didn’t even see the punch connect!
All they had seen was Edward’s form hurtling through the air with such force. The display of power was completely awe inspiring.
A grandmaster ranked individual had been punched casually as if it were nothing!
Everyone in the hall couldn’t help but shiver as they were reminded of Magnus’s overwhelming might.
It was abundantly clear to everyone that if Magnus had desired to eliminate everyone present, not a single person would have stood a chance; there would be no escape.
Magnus didn’t utter a word; he didn’t even try to berate or admonish Edward. Just that punch alone was enough for everyone to understand what he meant: Stop wasting my time.
None of those in attendance had the courage to say otherwise. It was evident that the matter had concluded.
But would Atticus allow it to end with just one punch? No!
Atticus had always been vengeful, and that aspect of his personality was unchanging. He swiftly turned to Magnus, bowed, and addressed him, “Grandfather.”
***
A/N: Take a guess, what is Atticus about to do?
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