No one spoke.

The Pride Queen’s words had been that shocking. Anorah, Azeron, Thomas... all those knowledgeable about the fragments frowned deeply. Atticus understood their reactions immediately.

Fragment bearers were for life. It wasn’t a title that could simply be passed around.

While other fragment bearers could absorb additional fragments with ease, the same could not be said for non-bearers.

If an ordinary person killed a fragment bearer and attempted to absorb their fragment, they would instead be swallowed by it, their body overtaken by the lingering will within the fragment.

Such things had been tested countless times by the Evoli, something Azeron had already explained to Atticus before. So it was understandable when the Evoli elder cast him a dark look.

A deep frown settled on Atticus’ face.

’It’s his aspect.’

The Devourer. That was the only explanation for such an anomaly. Yet the implications were far worse than the conclusion itself.

The Spirit King was now a fragment bearer.

Several moments passed before Anorah’s grim voice finally broke the silence.

"How strong was Solvath’s power?"

Atticus also focused, but his brows soon furrowed as the Pride Queen’s expression darkened.

"Strong," she said before clicking her tongue softly. "I mean... I lost. Tragic, truly."

A faint ripple spread above her head, and her crown materialized the next moment.

Nine distinct gems glowed brilliantly upon it.

’Peak Level Nine.’

Atticus instinctively grew alert.

His battles against Reverents and stray hunters since arriving in the Second Crown, combined with the genocide he committed in the First Crown, had already pushed him into the lower stages of Level Seven. Two entire levels beneath the Pride Queen.

Still, his reaction was merely one of recognition. Caution. His expression remained indifferent. Even if she attacked him right now... he would not lose.

The Pride Queen’s brows lifted slightly as she observed Atticus’ reaction.

’This child...’

She had intentionally concealed her level this entire time precisely to test him. Somehow, she had expected him to grow wary. Guarded.

Instead, despite standing two entire levels beneath her, there was nothing in his gaze except boundless confidence.

His pride...

The Pride Queen slowly ran her tongue across her lips.

Delicious.

Another brief silence passed before she finally spoke.

"Anyways, as you can see, my husband is no weakling. I do have standards, you know." She lazily crossed one leg over the other. "Which is precisely why I sent for you."

Atticus stared at her.

"...to join forces."

"Hmph." A trace of disdain flickered through her eyes at those words. "Do not say something so unpleasant. I am merely allowing you all the honor of witnessing my greatness firsthand."

Atticus turned toward Ozeroth, who wore a faint smile of approval. Atticus inwardly shook his head before asking,

"Where is he now?"

The atmosphere instantly grew heavier.

But the Pride Queen simply shook her head.

"He’s not here." She pointed upward. "The bastard ascended immediately after our battle. I’m certain of it."

Atticus gave a slight nod.

"Then that’s where we’re going."

He had already noticed the complete absence of fragment bearers within the First Crown. And though he had only recently arrived, Atticus was certain the same applied to the Second Crown as well.

Which meant only one thing.

The fragment bearers were gathering within the Third Crown.

And if the Spirit King was already there, then allowing him more time to grow stronger would be a mistake.

Atticus slowly rose from his seat.

The pressure leaking from him caused the others to tense instinctively. Of everyone present, only the Pride Queen smiled.

"I can help with that."

...

The meeting ended as abruptly as it had begun, their next course of action already decided.

As with the First Crown, the Second Crown possessed its own requirements. It had been the very first thing Atticus checked upon arriving.

...

Welcome to the Second Crown.

The Absolute Crown acknowledges your ascension.

These are your requirements for further ascension:

Main Objective — Control 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Power alone is meaningless without control.

Claim authority within the Second Crown. Seize a kingdom, establish your rule, and make your dominion undeniable.

Let your banner rise above the land. Let nations kneel beneath your will.

Progress toward this objective is measured below.

Reach one hundred percent to fulfill the requirement.

Control: 0%

Side Objective — Crown Fragments

Slay five Head Hunters and claim their Crown Fragments.

Only those drenched in conquest possess the right to challenge the higher Crown.

Head Hunters Slain: 0/5

—

The Absolute Crown watches.

Conquer... and reach for the Crown.

...

Atticus had quickly discovered that the world of the Second Crown differed greatly from the First. Though Reverents still ravaged the land, civilization here was far more stable.

The world was divided into kingdoms.

And every kingdom was ruled by a single king. A Trueborn.

With their objective being the conquest of a kingdom, Atticus’ original intention had simply been to storm one and sever heads. Though the suggestion caused Anastasia and several others to stare at him strangely, Atticus never wavered.

It was the Pride Queen who convinced him otherwise.

Apparently, every kingdom possessed an absurd number of powerful warriors. Level Sevens. Even Eights.

A full-scale invasion could very easily reduce the very kingdom he was supposed to conquer into ruins.

So instead... she proposed another method.

Everyone watched silently as the Pride Queen slowly traced intricate runic markings across the floor.

Even with Omnicognition, Atticus could immediately tell how absurdly complex the runes were.

Then his eyes narrowed faintly.

The Pride Queen’s own eyes were glowing softly.

’She can also use Omnicognition?’

An aspect represented the essence of one’s existence. Though she and Ozeroth possessed similar True Wills, their aspects should still differ completely.

This felt... different.

"It’s done."

The glow within the Pride Queen’s eyes gradually faded before she gestured calmly toward the formation.

Ozeroth and Ozerra stepped forward first.

As Atticus silently studied the markings, Ozeroth gave him a reassuring nod before speaking mentally.

’It’s alright, bond. I can vouch for her.’

Atticus met his gaze with a faint frown.

’Because she’s your mother.’

The words came out harsher than intended, yet they still felt necessary.

Ever since reuniting with the Pride Queen, Ozeroth had practically remained at her side. Atticus could tell the man was genuinely happy to see his mother.

Still... she had earned his trust far too quickly. At least in Atticus’ eyes.

’No.’

Ozeroth’s gaze remained calm, like still water untouched by wind.

’Because my instincts are flawless. A man of my greatness simply does not misjudge people. Surely you’ve realized this by now, bond.’