Atlas launched into the air. Simultaneously, the air elemental particles in the atmosphere seemed to respond to his movement, wrapping around him and accelerating his ascent.
The wind whipped past his body, and the sensation of soaring freely was exhilarating.
At the apex of his jump, he activated the Mana Glider Cloak. His body was caught by the wind and gently carried forward, gliding in the direction of the lake. The rush of air against him created a sense of both freedom and control as he moved through the skies.
Atlas took a moment to scan the island from his elevated position, but most of it was obscured by clouds. The view wasn’t much different from what the system’s display of the island had already shown him.
However, being at such a height gave him a uniquely exhilarating sense of freedom.
By now, any fear of heights had long since faded. Was it because of the grueling self-imposed training he had endured? Had he grown so accustomed to pushing past his limits that even fear itself had dulled?
As the effect of the Mana Glider Cloak wore off, Atlas began to fall, gravity reclaiming him.
He suddenly realized he had drifted slightly over the lake. Looking down, he saw he was about to plunge directly into the water.
Swimming wasn’t the problem, he could swim just fine. The real concern was what might lurk beneath the surface.
What if there was a high-level monster in the lake? That could complicate things quickly.
"My Lord... be careful!" Mira’s sharp voice echoed from the lakeshore.
Atlas’s descent quickened, the wind rushing past his ears. As he neared the water, a disturbance erupted below him.
A massive explosion of water shot skyward, scattering droplets like rain.
From the depths emerged a monstrous fish.
A titanic creature with jagged, glowing scales and sharp fins that cut through the air. Its glowing eyes locked onto Atlas, and its gaping maw, lined with razor-sharp teeth, seemed large enough to swallow him whole.
Atlas had no time to hesitate. This was trouble.
[Rare - Riftscale Titan Lv. 55]
"Damn it, rare-grade monster!"
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]
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.
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.
"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.
This was a place teeming with monsters, after all, so they wouldn’t be able to relax without setting proper guard shifts.
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.
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. 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 gave a respectful bow before delivering his report.
"There are five Lords scattered across this island. Three from Rank-1 and two from Rank-2. Each commands over a hundred troops. Most are currently out hunting, while a few remain by the lake, fishing for supplies."
Atlas took in the information in silence.
"What about the potential if they also plan to join the Dominion Skirmish?"
"My Lord, I can confirm that the two Rank-2 Lords are particularly formidable. They command disciplined, well-equipped forces. It’s highly likely they intend to participate in the Dominion Skirmish as well."
Atlas fell silent for a moment. If that information held true, it spelled potential complications for their mission. They would no longer be able to train in peace. Any conflict outside of the official battle would offer no worthwhile rewards, only needless risk and wasted resources.
Skirmishes might be unavoidable, but they would need to steer clear of direct confrontations, especially if the Rank-2 Lords were involved.
"Tighten the patrols. Stay on high alert," Atlas ordered firmly. "If we encounter any of them, I want to know immediately."
"Yes, My Lord." Kurogasa bowed once again before melting into the shadows.