Chapter 196: Chapter 196 - The Calm After War
One major reward Atlas gained after the conclusion of the Dominion skirmish was... the Rank Points he had earned. That was enough to place him solidly in Division 5 of Rank-1 Lord. This meant that, with just a few more victories in the upcoming Season Battle, he’d officially qualify for promotion to Rank-2 Lord!
Although... there was a catch. Ascending to Rank-2 required him to reach at least level 100 first. Because of that, his progress would be slightly delayed. He’d need to hold his current rank while grinding his level.
Realistically, it might take one or two more Season Battles before he could finally step into the role of a Scout-rank Lord.
But there was no rush. Time was on his side.
The remnants of victory from the Dominion Skirmish were already visible around them, as faint energy spread throughout the island, slowly restoring its condition. The scars of war, bloodstains, wreckage, and the bodies that had yet to be cleared, began to lift and fade away.
Even the central fortress appeared to be undergoing a reconstruction process. Sections that had previously been destroyed were now gradually rebuilding themselves. It would take time before the island fully returned to its original state.
The monsters should still be lingering somewhere. That meant they could still be hunted for experience points.
Beyond that, he had a much bigger task ahead, defeating the two Island Monster Bosses that resided on this island. When and how he would accomplish that remained uncertain, especially considering that even Rank-2 Lords with massive armies had struggled to take them down.
Perhaps he would need to discuss this with Luna and the others, planning the right time to challenge the monsters.
Until then, he would continue gathering resources and strengthening his island and army. Finally, the dream of crafting Soulbinding Armor for everyone on his island was within reach. It would take time, especially since Baldric was the only one capable of crafting it. But at least the path forward was clear. All that was left was to take it step by step.
For now, Atlas needed to focus on recovery, recruit more troops, and level up his people to push toward level 100. And this was only the beginning, many more battles awaited him in the future. They would never stop.
A small smirk crossed his lips at the thought.
And finally, the long-awaited moment had arrived. Atlas was about to lead everyone back to Gacha Haven, the island, the home they had longed for.
Everyone gathered in neat formations. After enduring a battle of life and death, teetering between despair and triumph, no one had expected this outcome. It had been an impossible challenge, one that tested every ounce of their willpower.
But in the end, they won.
Whether it was sheer luck or the result of Atlas’ brilliant strategy and the relentless efforts of his subordinates, the victory was undeniable. Yet, Atlas refused to let this be the peak of their success. He would push forward, striving to win every battle that awaited them in the future.
He had chosen the hard path, one of relentless training, of constantly testing his limits. He was not the kind of person who needed a crushing defeat to recognize his mistakes. Not anymore.
He would prepare for everything. With precision, with discipline, so that when the next challenge arrived, he would be ready!
Atlas stepped forward, his voice firm and resolute.
"We have won the battle, and it is all thanks to your hard work and determination. This victory would not have been possible without each and every one of you standing here today. But let us not forget, the price we paid was not small. Some of our comrades were wounded, some gave their lives for this triumph. We must honor them, show our respect, and never forget their sacrifice.
"And let this be a reminder. This is only the beginning. We are still in the Rank-1 league, and the road ahead is long. But I want to reach the very top, and I want to do it with all of you, standing beside me."
A wave of cheers and battle cries erupted from the army and the gathered crowd, their voices filled with both pride and determination. The warriors of Gacha Haven were ready for whatever lay ahead.
The massive magic circles formed beneath everyone’s feet, glowing with an otherworldly light. Within moments, they activated, engulfing everyone in their radiance before whisking them away, taking them back home.
However, just as the light faded and everyone’s vision adjusted, a new notification appeared before Atlas.
[Host, I have a very good update for you.]
Atlas narrowed his eyes, a smirk forming on his lips as he muttered under his breath, "Jackpot. I knew it. Now tell me. What is it?"
**
Atlas waited for a moment, expecting the system to continue. But there was nothing, just silence.
Was it messing with me?
He sighed, shaking his head before glancing around at the people around him. They had already begun dispersing, eager to return to their rooms and, most of all, their long-missed beds.
"Take a full three days to rest. Recover completely. After that, we’ll begin training again," Atlas announced.
The others groaned and joked. "Only three days?!"
Atlas chuckled, letting them grumble as they went about their business. He, too, had something he wanted to do.
Without wasting time, he walked toward his own room, pushing the door open and inhaling deeply as the familiar air of the room filled his lungs.
Ah, Gacha Haven. This place truly felt like paradise.
Without a second thought, he rushed toward his bed, throwing himself onto the soft mattress. The second his armor was off, he sank into the comfort, savoring the warmth and ease of his room. It had been so long since he could sleep in peace like this.
During the Dominion Skirmish, every breath felt like a struggle. There had been no room to lower their guard, no moment to relax. Threats could come from anywhere at any time.
It was nothing like a normal Lord battle, where enemies and war zones were clearly defined. There, they only had to face one rival Lord and their army, usually at a similar power level.
Dominion Skirmish was madness.
Every opponent had been several times stronger than Atlas and his entire army.
And now, finally, he could let his mind breathe, even if just for a little while. For two months straight, he had been pushing himself to the limit, calculating every move, making sure that no detail was overlooked to secure victory.
Of course, he didn’t undermine the contributions of his elite subordinates. He had seen firsthand how Edrik had given him the space and trust to make crucial strategic decisions.
They... really put so much faith in him.
And he couldn’t help but appreciate that.
But... would the outcome have been even better if he had let Edrik and the others take full control of planning the strategies?
He didn’t know.
Atlas let himself sink deeper into the bed, savoring the rare moment of peace. The mattress welcomed him like an old friend, and for once, the weight on his shoulders felt a little lighter.
But just as he began to relax...
Knock. Knock.
A sharp knock echoed from the door.
Atlas opened his eyes, brows drawing together.
"Who’s there?"