Floating Islands: SSS Gacha System

Chapter 116 - Veylor for Eclipse

The level 55 fish monster erupted from the lake, its massive maw gaping wide, ready to swallow Atlas whole.

Reacting instantly, Atlas summoned his Wavebreaker Spear, his body enveloped in a surge of water and crackling lightning. Without hesitation, he activated his Mana Glider Cloak once more, halting his descent just above the monster's snapping maw.

Spinning the spear deftly in mid-air, Atlas prepared for a decisive strike. Channeling his energy, he unleashed the skill.

[Elite - Thunderpierce Thrust (Active Skill) Lv. 7 activated]

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He surged downward like a lightning bolt, driving the spear into the top of the monster's maw. The weapon pierced deep, sending an electrified surge across the fish's body.

Before it could retaliate, Zefyros burst from the water, hovering beside Atlas. Seizing the moment, Atlas unleashed another skill. Simultaneously, Zefyros manipulated the water surrounding the fish, creating a swirling barrier that prevented the creature from retreating back into the depths.

[Elite - Flurry of Spears Lv. 3 activated]

The spear became a blur, striking the fish with relentless precision. Each hit rippled through the monster's massive frame, scattering blood into the lake. Overwhelmed, the beast thrashed briefly before collapsing back into the water with a colossal splash.

[You have killed Rare - Riftscale Titan Lv. 55]

[You received 4.595 Exp]

[Exp: 98.429/228.266]

As Atlas began to fall toward the lake, Zefyros surged beneath him, creating a wave that propelled him upward and allowed him to stand atop the water.

The fish floated lifelessly to the surface.

Atlas grinned, leaping onto the fish's back and balancing confidently. Turning toward the lakeshore, he saw his subordinates cheering and waving, their triumphant shouts echoing across the water.

Raising his spear high, Atlas acknowledged their cheers.

CREAKKK!

Zefyros let out a sharp cry before diving behind the massive fish and pushing it toward the shore with powerful waves. Atlas couldn't help but smile as he saw the others' enthusiastic reactions.

"We're having fish tonight!" he shouted, grinning.

Once the fish reached the shore, Karian leapt to the water. With a grunt of effort, he dragged the massive fish further onto solid ground.

Atlas hadn't anticipated that the lake's inhabitants would grow to such enormous sizes—or that there might still be even larger monsters lurking beneath the surface. Oddly, the thought didn't intimidate him; instead, it sparked a strange curiosity.

This was a place teeming with monsters, after all, so they wouldn't be able to relax without setting proper guard shifts.

Still, their time at Flare Peak had prepared them well. They had faced creatures clad in molten lava there, and compared to that, the challenges of this island seemed more manageable.

Karian quickly got to work, using his greatsword to cut the massive fish into sections. Even with the sheer size of the creature raised the question of whether it would be enough to feed all 100 of them.

Realizing they might need more fish to ensure a satisfying meal for everyone, Atlas reached into his Inventory and pulled out a Rank-A Item: Endless Fishing Rod.

At first glance, it appeared to be an ordinary fishing rod, but the craftsmanship was exceptional, and he imagined the rod was sturdy enough to be used as a weapon if needed.

"Garen, take it," Atlas said, holding the rod out.

The towering, broad-shouldered Garen approached with a respectful bow before accepting the rod from his lord's hands.

"Catch more fish for dinner."

"Yes, My Lord," Garen replied, gripping the rod firmly.

Atlas smiled as he watched his troops eagerly working together to carve up the enormous fish. The atmosphere was lively, filled with laughter and banter as they prepared the unexpected feast.

He couldn't help but let his mind wander. How beautiful these floating islands truly were—places of serene landscapes and untamed wilderness. He wondered, with a touch of irony, what it would be like if these lands weren't contested through endless battles.

Imagine if places like this could be visited by people from the lower lands, free from war and bloodshed. But that wasn't the purpose of these floating islands. They were designed for conquest, for conflict, where only the strongest claimed ownership.

Lost in thought, Atlas leaned back in his camping chair, soaking in the warm sun. The gentle breeze carried the scent of the lake, calming his mind, until a familiar figure approached.

Kurogasa.

The Ninja Rat appeared silently, bowing deeply before Atlas. His sudden presence snapped Atlas out of his musings. Sitting upright, Atlas gave a nod of acknowledgment.

"My Lord, I have the report," Kurogasa said in his usual quiet, serious tone.

"Please," Atlas replied.

Kurogasa bowed slightly before delivering his report.

"There are five Lords scattered across this island—three from Rank-1 and two from Rank-2. Their troop numbers exceed 100 each. Most of them are out hunting, while some are fishing in the lake for food."

Atlas absorbed the information quietly, his mind already calculating the risks. After a brief pause, he spoke decisively.

"Tighten the patrols. Stay on high alert. If we cross paths with any of them, I want to know immediately."

"Yes, My Lord." Kurogasa bowed once more before vanishing into the shadows.

With all the preparations complete and the team ready to begin their hunt, Atlas stood tall at the front, flanked by his elite subordinates. Before him, the combatants and workers stood in neat rows.

"Today," he began, "I will appoint a new leader to take charge of the fifth team."

A ripple of excitement spread through the ranks. Faces lit up with anticipation.

Atlas had already discussed this decision with his elite subordinates and felt confident in his choice. The individual he had in mind wasn't merely capable—he was extraordinary, someone who stood out from the rest. And, as fate would have it, this remarkable recruit had arrived through the Gateway Altar.

"Veylor," Atlas called.

All heads turned to a figure standing near the middle of the formation. And, it wasn't… a human.

It was a wolf.

No—a massive, upright wolf, towering above most of the others. His thick black fur gleamed under the sunlight, and his muscular frame was clad in reinforced armor that fit snugly over his powerful body.

The beastkin warrior stepped forward with dignity.

"My Lord," Veylor responded.

Veylor was a close-range fighter who combined speed with impressive durability. His combat style was both agile and resilient, making him a formidable presence on the battlefield. He possessed the unique ability to hold his own in a fight, even when outnumbered, without needing immediate support.

With his sharp instincts and fierce independence, Veylor was perfectly suited for leading from the front, where the chaos of battle was at its fiercest. His ability to withstand heavy assaults while delivering swift, decisive strikes made him a crucial asset to any offensive push.

"You will lead the fifth team—Eclipse," Atlas declared.

A wave of applause erupted as Veylor strode confidently toward the front, joining the other team leaders. One by one, the leaders of the other teams followed suit, gathering at the front alongside him.

Atlas addressed them all once more.

"Zara for Aether, Kaida for Blaze, Garen for Cinder, Ronan for Dusk, and Veylor for Eclipse. Each team will consist of sixteen members, with roles carefully assigned for balance and efficiency."

As Atlas finished speaking, the five team leaders stepped forward and bowed in unison toward him.

"And…" Atlas continued, drawing everyone's attention back to him.

"Each team will have its own supervision. However, to adjust our strategies, I'll re-assign supervisors to work directly with each team leader. Aether will remain under Milo's guidance. Blaze will continue with Lyrassa. Cinder will be supervised by Baldric. Dusk will work with Mira. And Eclipse will be under Karian's supervision."

Huh?

A collective murmur rippled through the crowd when Mira's name was mentioned. Several combatants exchanged glances, clearly surprised by the unexpected pairing. Even Mira herself blinked in shock, her mouth slightly open in disbelief.

Then, as the moment sank in, she let out a soft giggle, quickly composing herself. With a cheerful bounce in her step, she made her way toward Ronan, falling into line alongside the other supervisors.

Atlas continued, his tone calm and steady.

"Edrik will have more responsibilities, acting as my bridge to coordinate with all of you. Meanwhile, Master Kurogasa will be focusing on scouting tasks to keep us informed of any potential threats."

He paused for a moment, glancing toward the group. No one dared to ask what Morganna's role would be. She wasn't even standing among them. Instead, she sat leisurely near the camp's cooking area, already enjoying a freshly roasted piece of fish.

Even when things got serious, she found a way to operate on her own terms.

But more than that, it had been the right choice. Atlas felt a deep sense of satisfaction watching his team grow stronger and more coordinated with each passing day. Their progress was tangible, and now all that remained was to recruit more troops to complete his ranks.

Once all the preparations were finalized, the teams dispersed, each group setting out to complete their assigned hunting missions.

With everyone busy, Atlas made his way toward Morganna, who was still leisurely munching on her fish.

She glanced up at him lazily as he approached.

"I'm heading out to complete my quest. You'll stay here with the workers?"

Morganna gave a small shrug, biting into her food.

Before he could say more, a loud clang rang out from the cooking area. One of the female cooks had dropped a pot onto the ground.

Atlas turned his head toward the sound. "Are you alright?"

The female cook quickly bowed, flustered as she scrambled to pick up the fallen pot. "I-I'm fine, My Lord. Forgive me, I didn't mean to drop it."

Atlas chuckled softly. "It's alright. Just be careful."

The girl nodded quickly, her face flushed with embarrassment.

Atlas turned back to Morganna. "Bye."

"I'll catch up..." she said.

Atlas glanced back at her. "Sure," he replied with before turning away.