Floating Islands: SSS Gacha System

Atlas continued executing his current strategy—gathering as many resources as possible while he still had time.

With two weeks left before the ceasefire agreement between himself and Alliance C, led by Luna, took effect, this period was crucial. The ceasefire ensured that one less enemy would be an immediate threat, allowing him to focus on strengthening his forces.

However, staying hidden for that long without being discovered by other lords on the island was no easy task.

Each alliance was actively sending spies to scout the entire island. With every passing day, more and more areas were being uncovered. Fortunately, thanks to Kurogasa, no one had a more complete and accurate map of the island than Atlas's team.

To ensure their two hidden caves remained undiscovered, Kurogasa and Veylor were assigned to constant surveillance around both locations. They maintained communication at all times, ensuring that if enemy scouts got too close, they would divert their attention elsewhere.

And if, by chance, an enemy couldn't be misled, they had a backup plan—

Using the Veilstone Cloak to conceal the cave entrance.

Since they only had one of these rare items, Kurogasa was constantly on the move, shifting between the two caves whenever necessary to ensure the best use of their only concealment tool.

This routine continued for an entire week, and the resource-gathering efforts finally began paying off.

Even Baldric took action—he set up a temporary blacksmith's forge inside the cave and immediately began crafting the Soulbinding Armor on-site! If he could finish at least a few sets before the real battle began, it would significantly increase Atlas's team's chances of victory.

For now, the elite subordinates and the team leaders were the top priority, as they held the most critical combat roles. Additionally, several frontline tankers and shield-bearers were next in line, ensuring that their strongest defenders had the best possible protection before the inevitable war broke out.

The two caves Atlas had been using for resource gathering had truly become a second home for his forces. Unlike the harsh conditions outside, the caves provided a stable temperature and a safe haven from sudden monster attacks.

They always ensured that any threats were dealt with first before venturing deeper, reducing the chances of an ambush.

Additionally, they were also protected from sudden battles with rival lords. The caves provided natural concealment, making them one of the safest locations on the island.

However, Atlas knew that this safety was temporary. It was only a matter of time before their hiding spots were discovered.

That didn't mean he would just sit back and wait. In reality, he was already several steps ahead, planning the next phase of his strategy.

Because despite the glimmer of hope that lay ahead, the truth remained—

His army was outnumbered.

His troops were lower level.

And that was not something to take lightly.

Their enemies were experienced lords with battle-hardened troops who had fought in far more wars. Even from raw power alone, Atlas's forces were at a clear disadvantage.

Which meant…

They had to make full use of every resource at their disposal. They needed tactics—unconventional, ruthless, and deceptive tactics. Because in war, the only rule that mattered was winning.

And Atlas?

He had no hesitation in doing whatever it took to secure his victory.

**

Ten days had passed since his previous meeting with Luna. And today, he intended to meet her again. It would mark the beginning of something far bigger.

With Kurogasa at his side, Atlas made his way toward the open clearing where Luna's forces were stationed.

Several tents were set up across the area, surrounding a tower-like structure at the center—an outer fort marking one of the key zones under Luna's control.

The two figures emerged from the shadows, stepping into plain sight. Instantly, every soldier in the camp turned their attention toward them.

And the moment they recognized the two intruders—

Weapons were drawn.

Every single one of them stood at the ready.

Several figures stepped forward from the camp—four women and one man, all of whom radiated experience and strength. Their swift, coordinated response made it clear—they were Luna's most capable warriors.

"State your purpose!" one of them demanded.

But before Atlas could respond, another spoke up.

"Wait, I know who they are."

Atlas took a moment to observe them closely.

One thing immediately stood out—

Unlike their previously flashy, over-the-top magical girl outfits, Luna's troops were now dressed in practical, thick-furred armor suited for the island's brutal cold.

This confirmed what Kurogasa had previously reported—they only wore those ridiculous magical girl uniforms during battle.

Which raised an interesting thought…

Was their transformation ability limited? Did it consume stamina or have a duration that prevented them from using it frequently?

Atlas stored that thought away for later. For now, he stepped forward and spoke clearly.

"Atlas of Gacha Haven. I wish to meet with Lord Luna, and as you all know, we are currently under an agreed ceasefire."

Silence followed.

Then, a familiar voice rang out from within the camp.

"Lower your weapons."

The moment Atlas heard it, he immediately recognized the speaker.

It was Luna.

A soft, calm, and composed voice—one that, surprisingly, carried a natural sense of reassurance. It was a tone similar to Lyrassa's. A tone that felt out of place for someone leading an army in war.

Everyone turned toward the source of the voice.

Standing near the camp's center was a figure clad in thick armor and a heavy fur-lined jacket. From a distance, only her face was visible.

But Atlas had no doubt—it was Luna. Yeah… even Luna herself was in her normal form.

And strangely enough, Atlas felt a wave of relief. Because for a while now, a certain nagging question had been bothering him.

He had briefly wondered—did their transformation ability also alter their entire bodies? He had no idea why, but something about Luna looking so young always made him wonder…

Was she actually just a teenage girl? Or did the transformation change their physical forms entirely?

But seeing her now, dressed in normal clothing, in her real form—

That question was finally answered.

Luna walked toward Atlas, moving past her troops with a calm, steady pace. Stopping just a few steps away, she tilted her head up slightly to meet his gaze—her small frame making the height difference between them even more apparent.

She smiled.

"You came earlier than we agreed. Did you change your mind?" she asked.

"Not really," Atlas replied. "But I do have an interesting offer I'd like to discuss with you."

Luna gave a slow nod before responding.

"Let's talk inside." Then, she glanced behind Atlas—where only one other person stood. "I don't know if you feel safe entering our camp, but if you'd rather not, we can talk out here instead."

Walking deeper into enemy territory—alone, with only Kurogasa at his side—was undeniably risky. The lords here were stronger, their numbers overwhelming. If things went south, escaping wouldn't be easy.

But…

Atlas wasn't about to lie to himself.

It was freezing out here.

Even after all this time, he still hadn't fully adjusted to the kind of cold that bit deep into his bones and numbed his skin.

And besides… something about Luna felt different from the other lords he had encountered. She was less hostile. Less threatening. And, strangely enough, Atlas found himself feeling comfortable around her.

Luna tilted her head, waiting for his answer.

Atlas exhaled. "Fine, let's talk inside."

The moment he agreed, Luna let out a soft, amused laugh.

"You're so cute… But don't worry, I won't do anything dangerous or threatening. You're even free to refuse any food we offer if you're afraid we might poison it."

Atlas and Kurogasa followed as she led them toward the tents.

"Would you even consider poisoning us?" Atlas asked casually.

"No, that would be a waste of time, wouldn't it?" Luna replied without hesitation. "A direct battle would be much faster."

Atlas smirked. "Me and my guard aren't that easy to defeat."

Luna chuckled, glancing at him with interest. "I admire your confidence. Well… I hope you really did bring something interesting, considering how bold it was of you to come here with only one person at your side."

***

(Author's Note:)

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