He just couldn't understand how. Although not extensively, he had an idea of the power of the human domain. They weren't weak in the slightest.

"You were supposed to learn about the other races during your second and third years at the academy, but since it coincides with what I want to ask you, I'll tell you our situation briefly.

"Compared to the other races, we are utterly weak. Forget about our numbers, forget about our ships and technology, and forget us paragons. The average strength of their masses is higher compared to ours, and the strength of their powerhouses is on a completely different level. We're at the bottom of the food chain."

"Before the Zorvans attacked, we humans survived only because of one reason: perseverance and adaptability. No matter how many of our people were killed, no matter how many cities were destroyed, we would always find a way to adapt and persevere at every turn."

Magnus spoke smoothly and without pause. He held nothing back, not even the uselessness of the paragons in the face of the powerhouses of the other races. He explained everything in simple words, making sure Atticus understood it all.

"The other races had always tried to show their dominance over us, albeit subtly. But now, they've decided to do it openly. Which brings us to the main reason I did all of this.

"As I told you, my original plan had been to make sure you led a normal life, but this had to change when the terms for the next Variegata Nexus came out."

Magnus could immediately see the confusion on Atticus's face and swiftly continued.

"The Variegata Nexus is a gathering of all the remaining races of Eldoralth, where each race would choose a single representative from their younger generation to represent them in a collectively agreed-upon competition.

"This single representative would carry the title 'Apex' of their race.

"Of course, this was created in order to deepen the bond between all the races and ensure a smooth alliance.

"But just like every other thing meant for good, the opposite was what it eventually became. The Variegata Nexus created an environment for the races, especially the powerful ones, to show their dominance.

"During each nexus, each race has to put down something valuable as a wager, a way to have fun and 'deepen bonds,' they claimed.

"We've somehow managed during past nexuses, but now, they're 'requesting' Sector 10."

Atticus's expression couldn't help but change. A whole frigging sector? Wasn't that too much?

"And we can't refuse?"

Magnus shook his head. "It's not as easy as that. The other races were all in agreement and it was impossible to refuse. Such is what happens when one is weak.

"You might see this as simply a normal sector, but it's more than that. Sector 10 is the domain of the Nebulon family, a sector that is farthest away from the academy, which is at the center. The reason the Nebulon family was stationed there was because of what it contains: resources.

"I shall spare you the list and move straight to what is important. The metal we use in creating exosuits was discovered there. Unfortunately, its source cannot be moved or emptied because of certain reasons. We found out that the source would continually produce this metal over time, which was why that family had been stationed there: to make sure the other races wouldn't find out about it using their illusion and deceit.

"But it would seem all good things must come to an end. They somehow found out, and now they want it."

"Damn."

That was all Atticus could say. Truly, it was a lot to take in all at once.

First the Zorvans that were trying to take over the planet, then the paragons who he couldn't even dream of fighting scheming against him, and now he would have to worry about the other races of the planet too?

It was insane.

'I'm just fucking 16!'

Atticus suddenly shook his head. 'Don't think of useless stuff. The way forward, that's all I should think about.'

"So this Variegata Nexus, what would happen if we win it?"

"Then we get to keep Sector 10 and win the other wagers placed on the competition."

"Hmm." Atticus grabbed his chin, his thoughts spinning. "You did say we're weak. Wouldn't they just bully us into giving up the rewards?"

"Regardless of our weakness, there's a reason we've survived this long: the alliance. A mana contract has already been formed. None of them, the higher ups to be specific, can directly attack or battle with us or each other unless both parties involved agree to it."

Atticus nodded, meeting Magnus's gaze. This was the most he had ever heard the man speak, and honestly, he had no idea when he had dropped all sorts of formalities between them. Atticus could see that Magnus didn't mind, so he decided not to switch back.

Magnus, who also met Atticus's gaze, suddenly smiled slightly.

"I'm sure you've figured it out already, Atticus, but I shall still ask formally."

Magnus floated a few meters back, putting a slight distance between them.

Magnus suddenly bowed his head, and just as he was about to speak, he felt Atticus's hands on his arms.

"Please don't, it'll be far too cringe," Atticus remarked with a chuckle as Magnus raised his head.

'I can't feel anything,' Atticus thought. Compared to him, Magnus was truly massive. His body was bulky, standing at 6 feet 8 inches.

He was currently wearing a simple sleeveless robe, and Atticus's hands were touching both of his exposed arms.

Despite that, Atticus could feel no warmth or cold. He couldn't even tell if Magnus's skin was soft or hard.

Magnus's eyes were wide as he gazed at Atticus. Bowing had been the big gesture he had planned before the conversation began. He hadn't expected Atticus to let go of his anger so quickly.

The smile on Magnus's face changed as he suddenly smiled warmly.

Magnus stood up straight, clearing his throat and averting his gaze away from the shocked Atticus. The latter had been too surprised to see Magnus smile that he had shown it openly.

A few seconds of silence passed before Atticus suddenly spoke.

"I understand what you want me to do, but I can't help but be worried. If the paragons are currently seeing me as a threat, let's say I win the competition. What do you think will happen with the powerhouse of the other races?"

Atticus continued before Magnus could reply. "I know you'll always have my back and all, but you did mention that compared to the other powerhouses, you paragons are basically useless. How will you protect me then?"

Hearing Atticus's brutal words, Magnus's lips couldn't help but twitch.