Floating Islands: SSS Gacha Lord

Atlas remained focused on thoroughly exploring the first cave he had discovered. Now that he had more troops under his command, they were able to clear out monsters much faster. At the same time, Baldric was gathering an even larger supply of materials for crafting the armor Atlas had set his sights on.

However… in reality, this wasn't something he could complete within the limited timeframe of the Dominion Skirmish.

If Atlas wanted a stable supply of these resources, he would need to win control of the island.

Especially considering that, in the near future, his army would continue expanding, eventually reaching into the hundreds, or thousands.

The Soulbinding Armor was an exceptional, highly versatile piece of equipment. Unlike standard armor, a single item could automatically generate a custom-fitted set tailored to the user's individual profile.

There was no other armor as remarkable and adaptive as this. At least, if there was, finding it would be far more difficult.

On the third day, once all the troops under Lyrassa and Mira's command had arrived, Atlas immediately began assigning roles.

Baldric, Lyrassa, and Mira would remain in the first cave with Team Blaze and Team Cinder, while Team Eclipse would accompany Atlas to mine the ore in the second cave.

As always, movements were kept to a minimum to avoid detection by enemy forces. Thanks to Kurogasa and the wolf beastkin, Veylor, both skilled scouts with unmatched speed and agility, the transition was executed flawlessly.

By the end of the day, everyone had successfully relocated to the second cave.

Once inside the ore chamber, the workers immediately took their positions, gripping their pickaxes in preparation to begin mining. Meanwhile, the combat units stationed themselves in the side tunnels of the cave, ready for any potential threats.

The mining process began, the sharp clang of metal striking rock echoing through the cavern.

An entire day passed.

No monsters appeared.

Until nightfall.

That was when they saw them, glowing red eyes emerging from the darkness, surrounding them from all directions.

Atlas, Edrik, Kurogasa, and Morganna immediately took their positions, while Veylor and Team Eclipse prepared themselves as well.

"Cave wolves," Edrik muttered, his voice calm but firm.

The irony wasn't lost on anyone. Especially considering that Veylor himself was a wolf beastkin.

"Gah! Undeveloped wolves! Kill them all!" Veylor snarled.

The wolves lunged from every direction, their movements swift and relentless.

But Atlas and his troops were ready. It was time for their first nighttime workout!

They would continue this process for at least three more weeks, until Karian and Milo's teams could finally join them. By then, they would have accumulated enough Dominion Points to secure their victory over Azure Dunes.

During that time, two possibilities remained.

Either they could successfully carry out this mission undetected, steadily draining resources right under the noses of the other lord alliances...

Or the enemy would arrive first, disrupting Atlas's carefully laid plans.

**

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!