The Atlas Six
by Olivie Blake
Contents
I: Weapons - Libby
Overview
Libby Rhodes, a powerful physical medeian, graduates from NYUMA alongside her bitter rival Nico de Varona, with whom she has competed for four years. After the ceremony, a mysterious recruiter named Atlas Blakely approaches them both, explaining that they are among the six most exceptional medeians in the world, invited to join a secretive society where only five of the six will ultimately remain. Despite her reservations, Libby's refusal to let Nico outpace her compels her to accept the invitation.
Summary
The chapter opens on the day of Libby Rhodes's graduation from the New York University of Magical Arts (NYUMA), flashing back to five hours before the main narrative. Libby reflects on her long-standing rivalry with Nicolás Ferrer de Varona (Nico), a fellow physical medeian who has been her only peer and constant competitor for all four years of university. Their mutual antipathy dates back to their first meeting, when Libby accidentally set fire to drapes in the dean's office. Despite tying with Nico for top of their class, Libby relishes the idea that today marks the last time she'll ever have to deal with him.
On the commencement stage, Libby and Nico trade barbs as usual. Libby spots her parents in the audience and momentarily thinks of her deceased older sister Katherine, whose absence still stings. Her boyfriend Ezra Fowler fills the empty seat beside her parents, offering Libby a moment of comfort. Nico needles Libby about Ezra and about the NYUMA research fellowship that went to Nico instead of her. Libby counters by mocking Nico's dependence on his friend Gideon. Dean Breckenridge warns them to behave, and Libby delivers the valedictory speech despite Nico's attempts to distract her.
After the ceremony, Libby and Nico attempt a farewell that quickly devolves into their usual hostile exchange—Nico mocking Ezra, Libby predicting Nico will end up alone. They are interrupted by a man named Atlas Blakely, who identifies himself as a "Caretaker." Atlas explains that he recruits the six most exceptional medeians in the world for a mysterious society, and that of the six chosen, only five will ultimately remain. He invites both Libby and Nico to hear his offer.
Libby hesitates, but when Nico immediately accepts, her competitive instinct kicks in and she agrees as well, unable to let Nico seize an opportunity she might miss. She notices that Ezra cannot see Atlas at all—Atlas is invisible to non-candidates—and Atlas explains that Ezra's mind is filling in the blanks with something it considers reasonable. Atlas departs, leaving Libby unsettled but committed, while Nico exits with characteristic smugness.
Who Appears
- Libby RhodesNYUMA co-valedictorian and physical medeian; fiercely competitive with Nico, grieving her sister Katherine, accepts Atlas's invitation.
- Nico de VaronaLibby's rival and fellow physical medeian; charming, privileged, and antagonistic toward Libby and Ezra; accepts Atlas's offer immediately.
- Atlas BlakelyMysterious British recruiter and Caretaker who invites Libby and Nico to join an elite society of six medeians.
- Ezra FowlerLibby's supportive boyfriend; a recently promoted project manager who cannot perceive Atlas Blakely.
- Dean BreckenridgeNYUMA dean of students who warns Libby and Nico to behave during commencement.
- Katherine RhodesLibby's deceased older sister, whose empty seat at graduation evokes lingering grief.
- GideonNico's close friend, mentioned in teasing exchanges but not physically present at the ceremony.