Floating Islands: SSS Gacha Lord

[Through constant exposure to harsh weather, magical conditions, and extreme battlefields, your body has developed a natural resistance to external factors that would normally hinder performance.]

[Based on your survival training and raids, you have unlocked a new talent - Enduring Adaptation (S).]

[Resists environmental penalties (harsh weather, high altitudes, deep water pressure, unstable ground).]

[Slightly reduces elemental damage taken from non-direct attacks (e.g., indirect fire, shockwaves, freezing aura).]

[Adapts to sudden battlefield changes quickly, preventing loss of mobility or reaction speed.]

Enduring Adaptation?

This was… unexpected. He hadn't anticipated unlocking a talent like this.

But thinking about it, he had already been exposed to several extreme environments. From the volcanic heat and raging storms to the freezing cold of this island. It seemed that his body had finally adapted, triggering the unlocking of this talent.

However, there was also another likely factor, the temporary vampire mode boost.

It must have accelerated the development of this talent, pushing his body beyond its natural limits.

The effects of the temporary vampire mode were turning out to be far more significant than he had expected.

And the best part? It was S-rank!

This was an incredibly valuable talent. Especially for someone like him, who was constantly enduring harsh training and the unpredictability of battlefields.

With Enduring Adaptation, he could now adjust more easily to extreme conditions, making him even more resilient.

It was a perfectly complementary talent, working alongside his other skills to enhance his combat endurance.

Did he need to engage in more group-focused raids to further develop his Lord-related talents? It seemed likely.

However, his personal strength was just as important.

While he had strong allies to help control the battlefield, he couldn't afford to fall behind.

A Lord must be strong. If he were to fall first, then everything, his army, his strategies, his victories, would be meaningless.

Balance was key. He had to ensure that both his leadership and combat prowess continued to evolve together.

And that was everything… not bad at all.

Atlas summoned his stats window once more, taking in the final lineup of his talents.

[Ironblood Will (SS) - Tactical Awareness (A) - Instinctual Command (A) - Elemental Spear Mastery (S) - Elemental Dominion (S) - Commanding Presence (S) - Enduring Adaptation (S)]

It was beautiful to look at.

In such a short time, he had completely transformed.

This was nothing like his initial set of talents. While everything had evolved from there, it was clear just how much he had grown based on his current abilities.

"I see you've gained quite a few upgrades," Edrik remarked, seated nearby as he watched Atlas finish reviewing his list.

Atlas gave a small nod. "A very extraordinary upgrade."

He then went on to give a brief explanation of the talent upgrades and the new one he had just obtained.

Edrik leaned forward slightly. "You've advanced through talents far faster than most lords I've ever met."

Atlas tilted his head. "Do you know why that is?"

Edrik nodded. "Usually, it happens when someone has immense potential but never had the right chances to fully develop it. Your body seems to accept every upgrade with ease, and in such a short time, your talent list already holds A, S, and even SS ranks. I doubt even Kurogasa gained such monumental growth this early in his development."

Atlas turned to glance at Kurogasa. The ninja rat simply lowered his head with a respectful nod.

Edrik smiled. "We also managed to secure a lot of resources, valuable items, armor, and weapons from Alliance B. With this, we can strengthen our forces even further. This is a massive victory, and it all happened because of your resilience to see it through, my lord."

Atlas let out a slow breath before responding. "I think you're giving me too much credit, Edrik. None of this would have been possible without everyone's collaboration."

He continued. "Because Kurogasa gathered invaluable intelligence and spied on the enemy with precision. Because Baldric created the explosive traps that turned the tide of battle. Because Lyrassa ensured most of us survived. Because Morganna's combat skills were beyond exceptional. Because of Milo, Mira, and Karian. And also, because of your guidance and advice in every critical moment we faced."

Edrik and Kurogasa exchanged a glance before bowing slightly in acknowledgment.

Atlas then pushed himself up, stretching his muscles after sitting for too long.

"Let's check on everyone's condition," he said.

**

"Kareem's cockroach army was defeated?"

Four figures sat within a stone-walled chamber, the structure weathered by time yet still standing firm.

"And the one who took them down was just a Seeker-rank Lord?" one of them scoffed.

"Hahaha! What kind of joke is this? Did that really happen? How ridiculous does that sound? Has the quality of these alliances fallen so far that they'd grow desperate enough to recruit some lowly, foolish lord, only for their entire army to be wiped out in battle?"

Another voice chimed in. "I'd bet they simply got cocky. Made stupid mistakes. Probably fell for some laughable trap set by that so-called Seeker-rank. And if the rumors are true, the Magical Girl Lord has even joined forces with him."

A brief silence followed. Then one of them spoke.

"That leaves just one alliance against another. This should be even easier now."

"This was easy from the start," another dismissed with a wave of his hand. "They've already bled themselves dry from that last battle. I'm sure they're still licking their wounds."

"Should we strike now, end this Dominion Skirmish quickly?"

But the one who seemed to be their leader leaned back in his seat, shaking his head with a cold smile.

"No… let's take it slow. Where's the fun in winning too easily? Besides, I doubt they even have the courage to march against our fortified defenses with what little strength they have left."

A few of them smirked at his words, while others chuckled in quiet amusement.

"Let them come," one of them said with a wicked grin. "Then we'll show them exactly why we are the ones destined to claim this island."