Floating Islands: SSS Gacha Lord

Two caravan groups came to a halt as they neared the immense and towering structure known as the Dune Bastion. This colossal barrier stretched outward like a great shield, dividing the dangerous, monster-ridden wilderness from the more fertile and secure coastal area.

Two Saharan soldiers approached the halted caravans. As they drew closer, Atlas and his companions stepped down from their vehicles.

"Identify yourselves and state your purpose," one of the soldiers commanded firmly.

Atlas lifted his Awakener Device.

"Ah, you're a Lord," the soldier said after a quick scan. "How many are traveling with you?"

"Seven, including me," Atlas replied evenly.

The soldier made a brief inspection of the caravan, glancing over its passengers. "Two women, five men. Scan this device with your Awakener Device."

Atlas had activated the Veilstone Cloak, cloaking Zara from official detection. So, only seven individuals were recorded in the registry.

Once the inspection concluded, they were granted passage without incident. The group proceeded through the Dune Bastion and into another stretch of desert.

Edrik was the first to break the silence. "That's stupid," he muttered under his breath.

"What is?" Atlas asked, turning to glance back at him.

"They're protecting their people from the central desert."

"And... Why is that a bad thing?"

"Do they really believe the coastal regions are safe just because they're near the ocean?"

"Well, that's why the population is more concentrated there," Atlas pointed out.

Edrik hesitated, then added, "But the truth is, there are countless high-grade monsters lurking deep in the ocean."

Atlas raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And how do you know the same holds true in this world?"

Edrik leaned back in his seat. "Because that's how it was in my world. People assumed the oceans were safe simply because there hadn't been any attacks from them. But most of the ocean is still uncharted, unknown."

Atlas went quiet, his mind turning over the possibilities. His eyes drifted back toward the endless dunes stretching out before them.

"Many monsters are indeed found in the oceans," he finally said.

"Those are the ones near the surface," Edrik replied calmly.

Atlas narrowed his eyes. "When will they attack the land?"

Edrik answered without hesitation, "When they sense something powerful enough on the surface to be worth challenging."

Atlas nodded slowly, taking in the weight of those words. "If what you're saying is true, and their appearance is inevitable… then we're heading straight into a massive upheaval, aren't we?"

Edrik nodded. "The people in the lower lands need to start harnessing every resource this world offers and push for widespread awakening. At the very least, it would mean people have a fighting chance when the harshest trials hit. It's better than leaving them as ordinary humans who depend entirely on the few who are already awakened."

And so, much of the conversation throughout their journey revolved around this vision of the world's future. Now and then, Kurogasa joined in, his sharp insights and uncommon perspectives adding new depth to the discussion.

The world was already fated to fall apart… While the powerful scrambled to capitalize on resources for their own factions, even waging war against one another in their hunger for control and power, they remained blind to the true threat looming on the horizon.

Humankind was never meant to turn its weapons on itself. And when those great catastrophes finally descend, it won't be armies or kingdoms that survive. It will be the Lords above the skies, as destruction waits patiently, ready to strike when no one is prepared to face it.

**

As they continued their journey, the scenery gradually shifted. Towering buildings began to emerge in the distance, marking their slow approach to the city.

Unlike the high-tech expanse of Veylamar City, this place was smaller, more modest. Yet for Zara, it held deep significance, her family had once lived here, and in its prime, her lineage had proudly held the title of City Mayor.

They finally crossed the city's threshold, the caravans rolling through streets that felt quieter and more subdued than those of Veylamar. Flying vehicles were fewer in number and visibly older, giving the city a slower rhythm and a sense of being just slightly behind the times.

Large digital billboards were mounted on the sides of buildings, flashing with colorful ads. Occasionally, the screens switched to footage of a man speaking with impassioned conviction.

"Is that the city mayor?" Edrik asked.

Atlas followed his gaze to the screen, where a man in his fifties was delivering a fervent speech.

"We will make this city great again," the mayor declared, full of confidence. "Plans are already in motion to build better facilities for awakeners, and extensive research programs will be launched to encourage awakening within our own community. Together, we will create a place where talent flourishes, opportunity is within reach for all, and no one is left behind. The future of this city lies in its people, and I am devoted to building a future where everyone has a part to play. Let us become a shining example of progress for the entire region!"

Edrik arched an eyebrow. "Bold promises. Classic campaign talk?"

"Very," Atlas replied with a smirk.

Their conversation continued, laced with quiet tension.

"So, what's your plan in coming to this city?" Edrik asked.

Atlas didn't answer right away. The silence that followed stretched long enough for the question to settle between them like a weight.

At last, he spoke. "Are you questioning my decision, Edrik?"

"It's my duty to question it, My Lord," Edrik replied calmly. "To make sure I'm offering you the best counsel I can."

"Shouldn't I be doing this?"

"Should you?"

"I'm only doing what I believe must be done."

Edrik's gaze sharpened. "The more people Gacha Haven draws in, the more complications will follow. And you weren't meant to shoulder everything on your own."

"At the very least, I'm creating a place where problems must be addressed," Atlas replied.

"And what if a problem comes that's beyond your reach?"

"Then I'll wait until I can reach it," Atlas said without missing a beat. "And when the time comes, I'll act."

Edrik fell quiet for a moment before continuing. "You'll lose focus on your primary goal, building your Kingdom." He paused again.

"I am building my Kingdom," Atlas replied firmly. "By treating everyone with fairness. With humanity."

Edrik's expression shifted into a faint, thoughtful smile at that. He didn't respond immediately, but his eyes said enough.

"You're the first Lord I've ever met who's done something like that." Edrik nodded slowly. "As long as we handle things cleanly."

Atlas allowed a faint smile to surface. "That's exactly why I brought all of you with me, because I trust you to keep things clean."

"In that case," Edrik said, his tone softening, "I'm with you. I just needed to know you were truly committed."

**

In a dimly lit office, a man sat at the far end of a wide, imposing desk, his expression twisted with frustration.

"We've already eliminated our greatest rival. So why are we still facing resistance? Do they really think I'm someone who can be so easily challenged?"

"Sir," his assistant began carefully, "the public's suspicions about what we've created are growing stronger. More people are beginning to point fingers in our direction."

The mayor's face darkened. "Find out who's behind these suspicions, and silence them. I won't allow anyone to undermine my authority in this city."

A tense silence gripped the room as the mayor leaned back in his chair, his mind racing, before he suddenly slammed his fist against the desk with a loud crack.

"Could this be because his daughter is still alive?" he muttered. "Was sparing her… a mistake?"