Atik is in the middle, carrying over from one governmental mode to another. In order for the deeds of the present time to have their effect in the eternity that is afterwards, there must be one level in the middle that takes the deeds from this world and brings them to where they determine aspects of the destined ascents in time to come.
Adam Kadmon comprises the entirety of all existence at all times. Adam Kadmon does not follow as a step or level after any light, because all the lights are branches of Adam Kadmon, and the ascents of the lights are from one radiation of Adam Kadmon to another (i.e. in the branches of Adam Kadmon – the Ears, Nose and Mouth. However, Adam Kadmon makes no ascents).