Floating Islands: SSS Gacha Lord

Alliance B had discovered the existence of the Island Boss, the Raid Monster, which, in truth, had first been found by Atlas. Just as he and his elite subordinates had anticipated, Alliance B now intended to take down the beast.

From their perspective, facing a level 125 monster was indeed not an impossible feat. With their army numbering in the hundreds and an average level well above 100, the challenge was well within their reach.

However, the reality was that they would need to go all out to accomplish this mission. It meant deploying nearly their entire force, a massive undertaking that could determine the fate of their alliance.

This would be a battle of enormous scale, even for Alliance B. They were preparing to mobilize between 400 to 500 troops to see this mission through.

At the very least, if they managed to defeat the Raid Monster, they would earn valuable items. Possibly ones that could shift the tides in their favor. More than that, claiming the Island Boss would solidify their position. Gaining additional Dominion Points would keep their chances of victory alive.

The 500 troops they had gathered were a combined force from all the Lords within their alliance. And beyond that, they still had the option to summon even more troops from their respective islands. In other words, they still had plenty of reinforcements to keep fighting.

By all logical accounts, this battle was Alliance B's to win.

Thus, for the next three to four days, Alliance B remained stationed at the nearest key zone, with some even setting up camp inside the cave itself. Fully preparing for the colossal battle they were about to wage.

Meanwhile, for Atlas himself, this was a significant milestone. For the first time, he had successfully secured key zones in this Dominion Skirmish, thanks to Luna and her alliance's support.

Even so, only a handful of his troops remained stationed at the key zones they had secured. The majority of his forces were still hidden within the first cave, staying out of sight from enemy scouts. They continued battling monsters inside, gathering as many resources as possible.

This constant combat also served as valuable training, steadily pushing their levels higher. In the long run, this would grant his entire army a significant advantage.

As the days passed, the moment of his first anticipated victory drew closer.

During this waiting period, Baldric had finally completed another set of Soulbinding Armor. Like before, the two newly forged items had similar characteristics, with their final grade only becoming clear once the binding process was complete.

For now, Atlas decided to hold onto the items, intending to hand them over to Zara and Ronan once they arrived and joined the battle on this island.

By now, those two should have been enjoying some well-earned rest on their assigned island. Their opponents had fully retreated, leaving them with nothing more to do than secure a 100% victory condition by gathering as many Dominion Points as possible. Just in case things took an unexpected turn.

**

Finally, the long-awaited day had arrived for Atlas.

On this very day, Alliance B was set to launch their attack on the Island Boss, the Raid Monster. And at the same time, Atlas had also set up a temporary summoning gate.

He stood inside the cave alongside his troops as the gate swirled with intense energy. A small smirk crossed his lips. He knew that more of his people would be arriving today.

The first to step through was—

No, not step.

The first to stumble.

A figure tripped the moment they exited, crashing face-first onto the cave's slick floor. A pile of scattered cards went flying across the ground.

Milo.

The man scrambled in a panic, desperately gathering his cards as another figure calmly stepped through the portal, Karian.

"Haha! Finally, I've arrived at this place." Karian took a step forward, only to pause as he noticed Milo flailing on the ground. He made sure to step over him rather than risk touching him.

"Milo… move out of the way," Karian muttered.

"Sorry, sorry, the floor's slippery." Milo gave an awkward grin as he continued crawling, struggling to stand before eventually scooting away from the gate.

The surrounding troops instinctively took a step back as Milo plopped down beside them.

Then, another figure emerged, a young woman with short, silver hair.

Zara.

"My Lord, we have arrived," she announced with a composed tone.

Following closely behind was Ronan, the archer, who stepped forward and gave a respectful bow.

"My Lord, we are ready to carry out our mission here."

One by one, more troops began to step through the gate. And just as expected, the moment they arrived—

They froze. Literally.

A wave of shivers ran through the newly arrived troops as they realized just how different the climate was from where they had come. Having arrived from a hot, desert-like island, they were now met with a freezing, bone-chilling environment.

It took only seconds before they all began visibly trembling from the cold.

Once everyone had finished stepping through, and after receiving immediate aid for their severe cold shock, Atlas wasted no time in calling Zara and Ronan forward.

It was time to hand them their Soulbinding Armor.

Both archers took their respective items and immediately began the binding process.

The moment it was complete, their outer outfits shifted, replaced by brand-new armor that matched the base colors of their original attire.

Zara now wore a full white ensemble, sleek and refined. Meanwhile, Ronan's light armor appeared in a mix of black with subtle purple strips woven into the design.

They both took a moment to admire their new equipment, their eyes filled with quiet amazement. Then, almost in sync, they turned back to Atlas, faces full of gratitude and respect.

"My armor is Epic-grade, My Lord," Zara stated, a rare smile appearing on her usually composed face. It wasn't often that Atlas saw such an expression from her. Over time, she had slowly begun to change, little by little, despite the shadows of her past.

Ronan also gave a small bow before speaking. "My Lord, my armor is also Epic-grade."

That… was a pleasant surprise.

Atlas hadn't expected both of them to receive Epic-grade armor. At the very least, this was the minimum grade he had hoped for whenever a Soulbinding Armor was successfully crafted.

**

All preparations were complete. Something immense loomed ahead. Something that would decide everything. The great strategy Atlas had carefully laid out was about to be tested, and no matter what happened, he had to win this battle.

Kaelzar and the entirety of Alliance B would pay for their arrogance, for underestimating a Lord they thought beneath them.

Surely, they weren't so foolish as to make reckless moves in the middle of a war. Or perhaps… they had simply grown too used to winning, relying on the strength of those mightier than themselves?

Well…

Night had fallen, the very night Alliance B would begin their assault.

Atlas was stationed at a shared camp with Edrik, Luna, and Ember. They had gathered there for one reason: to prepare their response to whatever came from Alliance B's strike.

The room was dimly lit, shadows stretching across the walls. Then the entrance shifted as a figure stepped inside. A man from Luna's forces.

Clad in attire that hinted at a ninja's stealth, his presence carried a quiet sharpness, though the heavy armor plates layered across his outfit seemed oddly impractical for someone meant to rely on speed.

"My Lord, I am ready to carry out my mission," the ninja reported, bowing his head toward Luna.