A Challenge from the Protagonist of the Era

It had to be said that a Protagonist of the Era was truly worthy of the title.

With just a few words, Atticus sent everyone who heard him into a frenzy.

"Olivia is not easy to deal with. Is it really a good idea for us to challenge her so rashly? She is someone who has defeated other Protagonists of the Era before."

Someone mentioned this to Atticus with a hint of concern.

Atticus said with a smile, "It is precisely because she is strong enough to defeat other Protagonists of the Era that it is necessary for me to challenge her.

"If she weren't a powerhouse, why would I even bother challenging her?

"And don't you think that defeating someone who has already beaten other Protagonists of the Era is the best way to prove myself?

"One could say that Olivia is the best possible choice.

"As for whether I might lose... do you really think I'll lose?"

Atticus maintained a relaxed smile as he spoke to the crowd, and his confident words caused them to shout his name in a frenzy once again.

Indeed, this was Atticus, the Protagonist of the Era of their Varian Empire; his strength was deeply ingrained in people's hearts.

How could such a person possibly be defeated?

In the end, victory would surely belong to Atticus.

The so-called Olivia was nothing more than a slightly larger springboard for Atticus.

Soon, news of Atticus wanting to challenge Olivia spread rapidly through Kaliron in a short amount of time.

...

Morning Light Cathedral.

When Sybil heard the news of Atticus's challenge, she frowned slightly.

"Atticus... is he that person from the Earth Church?" Sybil began to recall.

Ivy and Clara were still in the Morning Light Cathedral, sitting with Sybil at the moment.

Ivy thought for a moment and said, "I've heard of him. He is indeed the Protagonist of the Era from the Earth Church, but he didn't follow the two traditional transcendent paths of the Earth Church. His transcendent path seems to be... Alchemy Warrior."

Upon hearing this, Clara couldn't help but say, "What on earth is an Alchemy Warrior? I've only heard of Alchemists. But Alchemists are a logistics-type transcendent path; generally speaking, spiritual weapons are made by Alchemists."

Ivy explained, "Just like our church's Ascetic, the Alchemy Warrior is a new transcendent path created by the Earth Church themselves. Currently, Atticus is the only Alchemy Warrior we know of."

Clara couldn't help but shrug. "The Earth Church can really endure, can't they? This Alchemy Warrior is even rarer than our Ascetics."

Because Atticus was currently the only known Alchemy Warrior on the surface, no one understood what kind of abilities an Alchemy Warrior possessed.

And mystery was the greatest trump card.

When you understood your opponent, but your opponent did not understand you, you naturally held every advantage.

"Although we've kept the Ascetic path well-guarded, the Earth Church should have learned a bit about it given their capabilities. They should also know that Olivia is an Ascetic." Sybil scratched her head, feeling that this Atticus would not be easy to deal with.

"I remember Atticus is already a Skywalker, right?" Ivy added. "We can just reject him on the grounds that Olivia is still a Domainist."

Although Olivia was already preparing to become a Skywalker, the fact remained that she was currently still a Domainist.

When there was a gap in class rank, a higher-ranked Protagonist of the Era would naturally have an advantage. Such a battle would be unfair, and their reason for refusal would be perfectly reasonable.

Although they could have Olivia accept the challenge after she became a Skywalker, they felt it was unnecessary.

Atticus had become a Skywalker long ago. Letting Olivia, who would have just become a Skywalker, face him in battle would undoubtedly put her at a disadvantage. This was clearly not an appropriate arrangement.

"It's decided then. We'll just refuse directly." Sybil also agreed with this course of action.

They immediately released the relevant message.

...

Inside the Varian Empire Embassy.

Atticus sat at a massive table, surrounded by over a dozen women. He was enjoying their service as they fed him various delicacies bite by bite.

At that moment, someone approached the dining table and informed Atticus of the news from the Radiant Light Church.

"Rejected? On the grounds that Olivia is still a Domainist?"

Atticus spread his hands helplessly.

This reason for refusal was practically flawless; he couldn't find anything to say in rebuttal.

However, his eyes flickered as an idea came to him. "I remember the Radiant Light Church has another Protagonist of the Era, don't they? Guinevere Frost, I believe. Since I can't challenge Olivia, I'll just have to challenge this person first. I recall this one is a Skywalker, right?"

Hearing Atticus say this, the person reporting the news immediately wore a bitter smile.

When the Radiant Light Church released the news of Olivia's refusal, they had also mentioned Guinevere.

The Radiant Light Church stated that Guinevere was currently preparing to advance to an Evolver. If anyone intended to target Guinevere next, they would have to wait for a while until she successfully became an Evolver.

Atticus suddenly looked drained and slumped into his chair.

"Olivia is a no-go, and Guinevere is a no-go either. Is the Radiant Light Church guarding against me? I don't believe for a second that they don't have a single person who can fight. They must be guarding against me. Sigh, in the end, it's because I'm too outstanding, too powerful. Even the Radiant Light Church is wary of me."

Atticus's words sounded a bit narcissistic, but those around him felt it was only natural.

With Atticus's strength, it was perfectly normal for people to be wary of him. Who wouldn't be wary of a powerhouse?

Atticus instructed further, "Keep an eye on the church people. Watch everything related to Olivia and Guinevere. I refuse to believe that neither of these two can truly spare the time."

"Yes, Lord Atticus."

...

Olivia was unaware of Atticus's challenge. For three consecutive days, she had been preparing for her advancement, remaining oblivious to external affairs.

In the blink of an eye, the three days were up.

Drinking nothing but holy spring water for three days had not made her feel hungry; instead, she felt her physical state had become much lighter and more relaxed.

Olivia knew that the opportunity for her advancement had arrived.

She stepped out of the room where she had stayed for three days. Outside her door, the three Evolvers—Sybil, Ivy, and Clara—were already waiting.

"Olivia, let's go. We're heading to the church headquarters," Sybil said with a smile.