Atticus’s Odyssey: Reincarnated Into A Playground

Oberon shook his head.

"We should prepare to meet him. I'm sure he'll want to address us about our next move."

Jenera nodded. But something had taken root in her mind.

'Can he bring her back?'

The image of her granddaughter flashed across her thoughts.

…

"Don't even think about it."

Atticus raised a brow at Whisker's sudden remark.

"I didn't even say anything…"

"Yeah, but I can see it in your eyes. And frankly, I'm surprised you haven't asked me already."

Atticus frowned slightly. "What are you even talking about?"

Whisker squinted. "You've got that look in your eyes, the one where you're about to do something you know is wrong. You're contemplating whether to ask me if it's possible, but you'll probably decide not to ask because deep down, you want to believe it's possible. Correct me if I'm wrong."

Atticus just stared at him. Then shook his head. "Your personality makes people think you're really dumb."

"I'll take that as a compliment," Whisker laughed.

"I didn't mean it as one."

Whisker grinned. "Looks like I'm right. No need to hide it, I'm sure you're very surprised. Unfortunately, you can't learn this superpower. It's a talent."

Atticus ignored his rambling. "Why is it not possible?" he asked.

The air shifted. Whisker's expression sharpened.

"Because life isn't that easy, my star actor. Just to confirm, we're talking about you resurrecting your dead grandmother, right?"

Atticus nodded, his gaze turning sad.

The very first thought that came to him when he became a god was Freya. He wanted to bring her back. Yes, she was dead, but he was the god of the world now. He made the laws, right?

Then surely, he could bring her back.

But deep down, he knew it wasn't that simple. He had been pondering what to do next when Whisker brought it up.

"Listen, Atticus," Whisker said, using his name, something that showed just how serious he was.

"This isn't how the universe works, unfortunately. When someone dies, their soul leaves this planet, this plane, and travels to a place even we don't know."

"To be blunt, it is possible for a god to resurrect someone who's truly died. But many have tried, and most have failed. To do that, you would need to retrieve their soul from wherever it's gone."

"In your case, for someone from a lower world like this, you'd have to break through your segment star, then through the middle plane, then through that segment star, and finally, the high planes. I don't know what happens after that, but if you can't achieve even that much, forget about bringing anyone back."

"And to extinguish whatever hope might still be there, not even my father could do it. And while you have the potential to surpass him, you're not there yet. Not even close."

Atticus received Whisker's blunt words more calmly than he would've expected.

'I knew it wasn't possible.'

He had known, deep down, that he couldn't bring his grandmother back. At least not now.

'It changes nothing.'

If anything, Whisker's words only reinforced the fact that it was possible, he just had to become strong enough.

"Rather than waste your efforts," Whisker said, "it's better you focus your power on something you can achieve now."

"Like what?" Atticus asked.

"Create loyal soldiers."

"Soldiers?"

Whisker nodded. "Once you reach the middle planes, depending on how things go, you'll have to accept more people into your world, especially as you conquer more territory. And others will try to take your world from you. What we did to the Zorvan world… that's a common occurrence in the middle plane."

"You need someone to protect your world, especially if you're dragged into the Arena of the Gods."

"I have Ozeroth, Noctis… and you, even though I can't trust the seriousness of the last one."

"I'll ignore that jab," Whisker smirked. "Still, it's better to be cautious."

Atticus gave a small nod. "So how do you suggest I get these soldiers?"

"You make them," Whisker said flatly.

He turned and looked directly at Atticus.

"Right now, you're tied to this world. You just need to unlock it. You'll be able to tap into its vast energy reserves, and it will tap into yours. If you grow weaker, the world grows weaker. And vice versa."

"Now, you have to completely give yourself to the world, and watch what happens."

"Hmm… so what you're saying is, if I let go, the energy density of the world will be affected by my power?"

Whisker nodded. "Yes. But the increase in density is just the first step. Now that you have the full core, you should be able to bestow the power of the world onto people you choose."

"The power of the world meaning…"

Whisker nodded again. "The power of the Eldorians. If my assumption is correct, you should be able to complete the core of anyone you choose."

"But use it sparingly. Your energy is now tied to the world. Anything that affects you, affects the world as a whole. I assume doing something like that would drain a significant amount of energy, so tread lightly."

"And I believe I don't have to remind you about trust…"

"You don't," Atticus replied calmly.

He already knew the first person he would give this gift to.

Atticus turned his attention to Ozeroth, who was still deep in meditation.

"He looks peaceful when you see him like this," Atticus suddenly commented.

"Right?" Whisker laughed. "If only he could stay that quiet, we might actually get along."

"He can hear you, you know."

Whisker froze, then coughed. "Whoa, Atticus, why'd you mimic my voice just to say something so hurtful? Ozeroth is a great man."

Atticus shot Whisker a 'are you kidding me?' look. Whisker shrugged and whispered, "You ruined my vacation. You owe me."

Atticus shook his head. "I'm heading back. I'll return when he makes his breakthrough."

With that, Atticus vanished from the island and reappeared on the hill where their house stood.

He didn't go inside. Instead, he moved toward another building, one he had added at the request of his grandfather, Magnus.

Magnus was the first person that came to mind when Whisker mentioned the possibility of empowering others.