Chapter 200: Chapter 200 - A Night Without War
The guests of Gacha Haven had finally arrived for the night of celebration. From the silver, glowing carriage, Luna, Ember, Celestia, and Brigid stepped down onto the island.
The first to approach was Ember, a wide grin splitting her face. "Hi, Atlas! Finally, we get to visit your island!"
Atlas arched a brow. "Good thing you didn’t bring an army. Otherwise, I’d have assumed you were here to attack."
Ember burst out laughing. "You still don’t trust us, huh? Relax! We even brought a ton of food for tonight. We’re friends, you know! Hahaha!"
Next, Luna approached. "Hello, Atlas. Thank you for inviting us."
Celestia followed with a bright smile. "Hi, Atlas! This is so exciting! Finally, we can talk without war being the only topic!"
Last came Brigid, the quietest among them. She gave a respectful bow, silent but courteous.
Atlas nodded, turning slightly to gesture toward the heart of the island. "Come inside. Everyone’s waiting."
As they moved further in, others began to gather around, curious about the new arrivals.
Atlas turned toward the crowd. "We have guests tonight!"
The response was warm and lively, the atmosphere quickly filling with friendly chatter as the newcomers were welcomed.
The night grew livelier as the guests blended seamlessly into the crowd.
Since they had already fought together in the Dominion Skirmish, there was no need for formalities. Now, they could finally laugh freely.
Mira had quickly latched onto Ember and Celestia, chatting away excitedly, while the island’s residents worked together to set up the grand feast.
As the music began to play, the energy in the air grew infectious. Anticipation buzzed among the people, eager to lose themselves in the festivities.
When night finally fell, the celebration officially began.
Laughter echoed, songs filled the air, and some had already taken to the dance floor, moving to the rhythm of the music.
Of course, not all performances were flawless. Occasionally, someone would get on stage, singing completely off-key, only to be playfully booed off by the crowd.
Atlas, seated with Luna, Celestia, and Brigid, watched it all unfold.
"This island is incredibly lively, Atlas," Luna commented, observing the scene with a soft expression. "It’s clear that your subordinates hold you in high regard."
Atlas leaned back slightly. "I still have a lot to learn from you all. You’re far more experienced."
Luna raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a knowing smile. "You’re quite skilled at being humble, aren’t you?"
Her gaze drifted toward Atlas’ elite subordinates, scattered throughout the area.
"Even to the untrained eye, it’s obvious that your elite subordinates are incredibly experienced," Luna continued. "From the way they move to how they carry themselves. You must have some secret to securing such powerful allies, don’t you?"
Atlas paused for a moment, thoughtful.
Luna, Celestia, and even Brigid had shared pieces of their own special abilities before. And truthfully, he had planned on revealing his own secrets tonight.
Trust was essential in this alliance, and Luna had already proven hers.
Just as he was about to respond, a burst of laughter came from the stage. Turning his head, Atlas saw Ember and Mira standing together, singing a lively duet.
Atlas smirked, letting himself enjoy the moment.
Tonight was a night for celebration.
Luna leaned back slightly, studying Atlas with a curious smile. "So, tell me. Why did you recklessly jump into a Rank-2 Island battle, Atlas?" she asked. "You were still new. You could’ve taken an easier route."
Atlas turned to her, raising an eyebrow as if suspicious. "Are you interrogating me?"
Luna let out a soft chuckle. "Do I seem like I am?"
Before Atlas could answer, Celestia laughed as well, shaking her head. "Atlas, why do you seem so bad at trusting people?" she teased. "Have you had a bad experience with trust or something?"
Atlas narrowed his eyes slightly. "How do you know?"
Celestia giggled. "Oh? Did I hit the mark? Sorry, I didn’t mean to."
Atlas sighed, running a hand through his hair. "My so-called companions pushed me off into the ravine just before I earned my right to become a Lord."
Luna’s small smile remained as she responded, "No, Atlas. That’s good."
Atlas looked at her, slightly surprised.
"In the world of Lord Battles, we always have to stay on guard," Luna continued. "No one can be fully trusted. Not even those closest to us."
Atlas smirked. "Now you’re just giving me more reasons not to trust people."
Luna chuckled softly. "Forgive me... I may have made it worse."
Brigid, as usual, remained quiet, simply observing the conversation.
Celestia grinned playfully. "Give Atlas some time, Luna. You’re rushing him."
She turned to Luna, tilting her head. "Do you even realize that he just finished his first Lord Season Battle?"
Luna let out a small laugh. "No one would believe that if they saw how he strategized his way to victory against hundreds of Rank-2 Lord armies, Celly... Even we wouldn’t have been able to pull off something like that."
Atlas smirked, leaning back. "Yeah... only I could."
Luna’s eyes narrowed playfully. "Ah, now your arrogance is showing. There’s the real you."
Laughter erupted around the table.
Atlas leaned forward slightly. "The reason I went for the Rank-2 Island battle was simple. I needed materials that can only be found in dynamic environment islands."
Luna raised an eyebrow. "You do realize you don’t have to push yourself so hard, right?"
Atlas sighed dramatically. "I’m trying, okay? Please be a little softer with me."
Luna chuckled, shaking her head.
"It’s for an item," Atlas continued. "Something called Soulbinding Armor. A special armor that binds itself to the wearer, adjusting to their unique profile and combat style."
Luna and Celestia exchanged impressed glances, their reactions almost simultaneous.
"That’s... remarkable," Luna murmured.
Celestia added, her excitement clear. "Atlas, are you selling them? Because I really want one."
Atlas smirked. "I’ll give each of you a set."
Celestia’s eyes widened in shock before quickly lighting up with excitement. "Wait, really?! That’s amazing!"
Luna, however, frowned slightly. "That seems a little too much, you know. We haven’t given you anything in return."
Atlas simply smiled. "You came to this island and offered help, even when you had no idea who the real Lord here was. That alone is more than enough."
Celestia laughed. "Atlas, you do realize you’re going to make Luna embarrassed by saying that, right?"
"Shut up, Celly!" Luna muttered, turning her face away.
Atlas blinked. He hadn’t expected to see this side of Luna.
Luna sighed, composing herself before glancing back at Atlas. "...But thanks."
Atlas smirked. "You’re the one who said trust has to be built, right? That we have to show effort in strengthening our alliance?"
Luna exhaled. "Yes... And I suppose, in time, everything has to change."
Atlas leaned back, his gaze flickering toward the lively celebration around them. To build a strong alliance, trust had to be earned.
And he was willing to put in the effort.
Just as Atlas was about to respond, a system message suddenly appeared before him.
[Host, I have an update for you.]
Atlas narrowed his eyes. "You better not be pranking me again. This is the second time."
[No, this just needed time to process. And now, the process is complete.]
"Alright, then. Tell me."
[The exclusive banner for Morganna has ended. A new banner has now been updated.]
Atlas’ eyes widened instantly.
"Oh, this is perfect!"
Without hesitation, he sat up straight. It was the perfect time to spend some gacha tickets!