Floating Islands: SSS Gacha Lord

In the days leading up to the Dominion Skirmish battle phase, Atlas and everyone in Gacha Haven devoted themselves entirely to recovery. Restoring their strength and ensuring their bodies returned to peak condition.

During this final stretch of preparation, Atlas also secured twenty additional combatants through the Summoning Altar. With their arrival, his forces now totaled one hundred fighters, neatly organized into five squads, accompanied by twenty support workers to aid their operations.

On the day the Dominion Skirmish was set to commence, Atlas, his elite subordinates, and every combatant and worker assembled. Fully geared in their designated battle attire.

Their uniforms had been crafted specifically for this occasion: sleek ensembles of deep, dark hues, accented with elegant gold patterns. Each one bore the proud emblem of Gacha Haven across the chest.

They stood in perfectly aligned ranks, weapons at the ready.

Weeks of rigorous training had yielded powerful results. The majority had reached level 50, advancing to new classes and marking a significant leap in their evolution.

Edrik gave a respectful bow toward Atlas before stepping forward to face the gathered troops.

"This battle is crucial," he began. "The outcome will shape the rapid growth of our island in the days ahead. We can't afford to treat this lightly."

"We have three target islands in this Dominion Skirmish," Edrik continued, his voice steady and commanding.

"The first, a low to moderate risk island, is Emerald Glade. A land blanketed in dense forests, brimming with valuable resources, and lurking dangers. Lyrassa and Mira will take the lead, supported by Team Blaze and Team Eclipse."

"Ready for deployment, sir!" shouted the members of Team Blaze.

"We won't let the Glade slow us down," added a voice from Team Eclipse.

Edrik gave a brief nod, letting the teams absorb their orders before moving on.

"The next island," he continued, "is Azure Dunes. A moderate to high-risk target. It's a brutal desert terrain, with shifting sands and a massive lake at its heart. This mission will be led by Milo and Karian, commanding Team Aether and Team Dusk."

"Deserts don't scare us!" came the bold reply from Team Aether and Dusk.

"Team Dusk stands ready," said Karian firmly. "We'll claim the Dunes."

All the teams spoke in unison, their voices ringing with determination.

"And finally, the third and most high-risk island. Shattered Ember Isle. A rank-2 island with volatile terrain and deadly enemies."

Edrik took a step forward. "The assault on this island will be led by an elite team: myself, Morganna, Master Kurogasa, Baldric, and, of course, Lord Atlas. We'll be supported by Team Cinder."

Everyone seemed to freeze upon hearing the explanation. It wasn't the first time they had received a full briefing on the Dominion Skirmish. It was more about the sheer risk surrounding this particular mission.

That much was clear from the composition of the squad accompanying Team Cinder. Especially with Lord Atlas himself leading the charge.

Even the mere possibility of encountering forces from a Rank-2 Lord carried tremendous danger.

Yes, there was always the option to retreat if the battle turned dire. But that didn't mean the threat would simply vanish.

Still, every person in that assembly clenched their fists with quiet resolve. They all understood, without risk, there could be no victory. And now, each of them was ready to carry out their mission on the island they'd been assigned.

Edrik continued. "For the first week, our priority is to secure critical zones and gather essential resources on each assigned island. We're playing it smart. Scouting the terrain, identifying threats, and collecting the materials we need to strengthen our position."

He paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle before continuing.

"After that, we reassess. We adapt our strategy based on what we've learned. But make no mistake…"

Another pause.

"Once we've secured what we came for, our mission shifts. We take the island we choose to claim, and that's when the true battle begins."

His eyes flicked to Atlas for a brief second, then returned to the assembled troops.

"This isn't just a test of endurance. It's a statement of power. We're not here to dip our toes in the water. We're here to seize what belongs to us."

As the final words left his mouth, a fire lit behind every pair of eyes. The soldiers' stances straightened, their gazes sharp with purpose.

Then Atlas stepped forward.

With a swift motion, he summoned his Legendary-grade Wavebreaker Spear. The instant it appeared, a radiant water and lightning aura engulfed him.

A swirling current of water spiraled upward into the sky, whirling faster and faster before erupting in all directions. From within the surge, Zefyros emerged, his presence marked by his unmistakable roar.

CRAAAKKK!

Atlas tightened his grip on the spear.

"We leave together, and we return together," he said. "You never abandon your comrades. You never turn your back on your brothers, your sisters, your team. We only win when we stand as one, when every soul here gives their strength, their will, and their heart."

"FIRE!"

**

[The Dominion Skirmish Battle Phase Has Begun]

[Objective: Secure and Dominate Target Islands]

[Duration: 60 Days]

In the end, each Lord would only be able to claim one island from the three they conquered by the end of the phase. The remaining islands would be awarded to those in second or third positions.

Because of this, the distribution of resources and forces would play a crucial role. How each team divided their strength and executed their strategies would determine whether they could secure the best island possible by the end of the battle phase.

Atlas stood at the head of the gathered forces, watching as each commander and crew took their positions in perfectly formed lines.

For the initial summoning, each rank-1 Lord could summon up to 50 personnel, with a cap of 100 personnel on the island. Rank-2 Lords, meanwhile, could summon up to 75 personnel, with a cap of 150.

This meant they couldn't deploy their entire forces at once. They would need to summon more troops gradually as the battle progressed.

At the front of her squad, Lyrassa stood with Mira at her side.

Lyrassa took a step forward and bowed respectfully toward Atlas.

"My Lord," she said. "I will depart now and carry out our mission as planned."

Atlas gave her a slow, approving nod.

As soon as Lyrassa straightened, the gathered troops shouted in unison:

"FIRE!"

The sound echoed across the camp.

The magic circles beneath Lyrassa's team ignited. In a flash, Lyrassa, Mira, Team Blaze and Team Eclipse disappeared.

Their mission had begun.

Next, it was Karian and Milo's turn to depart.

Karian stepped forward with an enthusiastic grin.

"My Lord, we're heading out!" he announced boldly. "We will slaughter our enemies, just as we planned."

Beside him, Milo gave a firm nod.

Atlas watched them for a moment before offering a simple, steady response. "Good luck, and take care of each other."

Without missing a beat, the gathered troops shouted once more, "FIRE!"

In an instant, magic circles ignited beneath Karian, Milo, Team Aether, and Team Dusk. The symbols spun faster and faster until, with a blinding flash of light, they vanished into thin air.

The second mission was now underway.

Now, it was Atlas's turn to head toward the final island. The rank-2 island, Shattered Ember Isles.