This time around, when climbing the burning stairs, Atticus did something different.
Instead of using fire around his feet, Atticus decided to apply the principle of controlling molecules this time around.
This way, he was able to figure out how he could increase his temperature. It was all in the process.
The molecules were present in his body too. Instead of allowing the molecules to combust, all he had to do was let them radiate as much heat as possible!
It was tricky at first, but Atticus got the hang of it, reached the first summit, and passed the test. After that, Atticus immediately approached the steps of the second summit.
The atmosphere on the first summit was a bit more relaxed than before. The instructors and others alike made sure to pay their respects to Atticus immediately when they saw him. Not only was he the son of the family head, but he was also otherworldly talented.
Atticus returned their greetings with his own. He made sure to show them that he was honorable and humble, making a very good first impression.
Fortunately, the principles of the burning stairs didn't change for the second summit. Atticus continued to use the same approach as earlier as he controlled the temperature of his feet.
With each passing second, Atticus could feel his proficiency increasing. Although it was minuscule, he was getting used to manipulating and controlling the molecules.
Atticus took his time and ascended step by step. Soon enough, he reached the 2nd summit.
It was unlike the first in almost every way.
'They're strong,' Atticus thought.
He had always known that each individual in the sanctum was at the master+ rank and each one was the cream of the crop, elite.
However, there was a significant difference between the people of the first and second summits. These people felt sharper, their aura more searing and dominant.
They were also more reserved than the people of the first summit, which made sense when Atticus thought about it, considering each of them had spent more time in the sanctum strictly learning about the element of fire.
Not only were each of them able to sense him immediately when he stepped foot on the summit, but rather than the shocked looks the people of the first summit had given him, their gazes were calm.
But the intensity with which they scrutinized Atticus was staggering, a multitude of questions running through their heads. Their gazes narrowed as they sensed the molecules that Atticus was controlling.
He could already manipulate them?
A voice boomed, resonating across the summit. Each of their gazes, including Atticus's, turned towards the middle of the summit where a man stood.
With his back hunched, beard long enough to reach his waist, and both hands on his staff, Dekai's firm gaze locked onto Atticus. His voice left no chance for refusal.
Atticus wasted no time and approached. The second summit wasn't aesthetically different from the first; it was the same flat ground.
The only difference was that it was more scorching hot, and the number of students was far less, barely close to 90.
"Good," Dekai said as Atticus reached him.
The others couldn't help but frown. Although he had said it earlier, they found it hard to believe that Dekai was personally going to instruct him.
Sure, Atticus was a very important figure in the family, but Dekai's worth could not be measured.
His insights into the fire element were so profound that he had been given the title 'Father of Fire.'
At the same time, this man was the same person who couldn't stop laughing a few minutes ago. Why was he now so serious?
Dekai looked up to meet Atticus's gaze as he neared. The scene was slightly comical, as Dekai, who was trying to act all imposing, was shorter than Atticus.
"It's commendable you made it here in such a short time, but don't be fooled with the notion that what you've just done is special in any way."
He raised his walking stick, hitting its butt on the floor.
Molecules materialized and started swirling around him. They moved slowly initially before picking up speed. Soon enough, they each ignited into a tempest of fire blazing around Dekai.
"What you've just achieved has simply been done before; the only difference is, you learned it quicker than anyone. While this is commendable, it means nothing in real battle."
The fire coalesced behind him as he spoke, forming into the majestic figure of Magnus with insane speed.
"The fact that you learned it quicker than everyone wouldn't save you; it wouldn't help you either. It wouldn't do anything. Only one thing can help you: if you're able to utilize it during battle."
Atticus was silent throughout Dekai's speech. The old man's words would have offended many, but Atticus had actually appreciated them instead. Every single word coming out of Dekai's mouth was the cold hard truth.
So what if he had been able to understand and create true fire? It meant nothing if he wasn't able to utilize it during battle.
The figure of Magnus suddenly burst into numerous molecules that dispersed in the air, each of their forms dimming until they became nearly invisible once more.
"The test of the second summit is simple: form that construct in one minute."
Atticus paused, his eyes widening slightly. It took him 4 hours! Four hours just to create that construct, and now Dekai was asking him to do it in a minute.
Dekai smiled slightly as he saw Atticus's shock. He hit his walking stick on the ground, getting Atticus out from his thoughts.
"You're supposed to figure this out yourself, but because of the time constraints, I will give you a hint, so listen closely."
Atticus tuned out every other thing and focused on whatever Dekai was about to say. Not only him, but the other students also perked up their ears and subtly neared the duo, not wanting to miss what he was about to say.
Advice from the Father of Fire himself was something so valuable that many would kill for.
"Don't try to control them; connect and communicate with them. That's all."