Atticus's Odyssey: Reincarnated Into A Playground novel Chapter 1390

Chapter 1390: Third Lesson

Atticus had asked himself the same question since he met Anorah: why did he feel drawn? Why did he follow a complete stranger to her world, risking not only himself, but his people? Now, he had the answer.

Because the woman was Anorah. Because he couldn’t read her with a single glance.

Atticus could see layers upon layers of life buried within her. He couldn’t see through it all. What was her goal? What was her belief? Why did she help him?

He had seen it in her eyes the moment they clashed in the gilded debt, a focus and determination that belied anything he’d ever seen before.

She had a goal, and nothing could shake her determination to reach it.

That, Atticus believed, he was drawn to.

So, as Anorah began recounting the events of the past days, the spy, her ambush, Atticus found himself listening very attentively. Somehow, he wanted to find a solution to her crisis. He wanted to help.

"So... as I said, it’s been quite a couple of days." Anorah said with a shake of her head.

Atticus fell silent for what was only a moment. Then with squinted eyes, he tilted his head.

"Why don’t you just kill them?"

Anorah stared at Atticus in bafflement. "What is it with men and their need for violence? Why do they think it’s the only solution that exists?"

"Because it’s a solution that works." Atticus shrugged. "You play mind games with people deserving of it. But the others... you simply dominate."

Anorah frowned. "You mean rule my people like a tyrant."

"No. I mean rule your people."

The confusion flickering in her eyes didn’t escape him. Atticus straightened slightly, his tone calm.

"My world can be considered peaceful. Do you know why?"

She shook her head.

"Because of the way I rule. I bind my subjects to follow my every order."

Her expression hardened. "You make them slaves. Rob them of their free will. That... is bad."

"You can call me a tyrant all you want," Atticus said evenly. "You can condemn me, criticize me, mock me. I don’t care. If it brings me peace, if it brings my people peace, then that is all that matters."

Anorah’s voice dropped low. "And what of free will? How do you expect them to ever be satisfied, to ever love, when they have no choice but to obey you?"

"That’s the thing." Atticus’ gaze sharpened. "In life, when you chase something, you will inevitably trample on the desires of others, especially those who want the opposite of what you seek. Otherwise, you’ll never get anywhere. I strive for power, and for peace. If that means turning the whole world into my enemy, so be it."

Her eyes narrowed. "Then tell me, how would you feel if someone forced you into slavery for the sake of their ideals?"

Atticus didn’t hesitate. "I’d do something about it."

"Not everyone has that luxury," Anorah said quietly.

"Then they must learn the way the world works. The powerful rule."

A silence stretched between them.

"It still doesn’t change the fact that you’re a tyrant," she finally said.

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