[You have obtained 200 Units of Wood.]
[You have obtained 200 Units of Iron.]
[...]
[You have obtained 10 Prisoners.]
[You have obtained 895 Gold Coins.]
[You have received 500 Arcane Shards.]
[You received 9,568 Exp]
Notification after notification flashed before Atlas, but he quickly skipped through the details.
From one side of the island, a portal opened, and moments later, several captives stumbled through, unarmored and unarmed, their hands bound. They fell to the ground before Atlas's troops, who watched them warily.
Karian stood nearby, his greatsword at the ready, an unspoken threat to discourage any resistance.
Atlas descended from his floating throne, approaching the scene, though his gaze flickered to Morganna. She still stood at a distance, scythe in hand, her anger not yet quelled.
"Atlas…" Edrik said quietly, catching his attention.
Atlas considered his next move carefully. He could allow Soren and his island to retreat fully, sparing them from further harm. Or he could use his Attack Token to launch a counter strike, preventing any escape.
"We're going to face plenty of threats, taunts, and provocations in the future," Edrik said, giving a small bow.
"No, Soren didn't manage to provoke me… not entirely," Atlas replied calmly. "We won this battle with ease."
But his thoughts lingered on something else entirely. The thrill of victory was still fresh, yet his mind fixated on one thing.
He steadied himself, then began walking toward Morganna, with Edrik following closely behind. The rest of the troops watched, waiting for his decision.
Would they press on, or call it a day?
"Edrik, now tell me. Give me every reason why we should stop and let them go. That's your only task right now."
Edrik bowed and began listing his reasons as he walked just behind Atlas.
"We've won the first battle, and that gives us a chance to make improvements. A good window to refine many things before taking bigger risks."
"This is only the first battle, so there's no harm in taking it slow," he continued. "We've already secured rank points, resources, and morale."
"Defense and offense each come with unique challenges and risks. While I believe we could win if we attacked now, there's always a chance some of us could be injured or worse."
"Some Lords are cunning enough to bait others into a false sense of victory. Our opponents may have surrendered to lure us into attacking, only to reveal they're well-prepared defensively."
He paused, his voice steady. "The rush of victory brings confidence, but strong emotions like these aren't always helpful in decision-making."
"As for Morganna," he added, glancing in her direction, "she might not be easily calmed without intervention of the system, but we need to remind her to restrain herself in conditions like this."
Atlas nodded. "Alright."
Atlas stepped up beside Morganna, who stood rigidly, her gaze distant and unyielding, the dark energy still blazing across the left side of her body.
"Having fun?" he asked.
"Yes," she replied.
Impressive!
Even while seething over Soren's insult, she could respond to him with composure.
Atlas knew how deeply a slight like that would cut for someone like her—someone powerful, proud. He wouldn't allow anyone to speak to her that way anyway. Morganna, like the rest, was under his protection now.
"What do you want?" he asked quietly. "Tell me."
"Kill that insect."
Atlas nodded slowly, considering his next move. Was he about to let emotion cloud his judgment? Or was confidence in his own strength—and in the strength of his people—justified?
Without turning, he spoke to Edrik. "Edrik, now I have another question for you. Tell me, what would you suggest in a situation like this?"
Edrik bowed, a faint smile touching his lips. "If we press forward and win, we can claim their island and resources. It would be a big step toward strengthening our own island."
Atlas nodded, a grin breaking through. He flipped the Attack Token into the air, sealing his decision.
[You have declared a counterattack on Soren of Ashroot Grove.]
Atlas's decision was met with a collective sigh of relief and a surge of energy from his troops. Smiles broke out as they readied their weapons, spirits high with renewed determination.
The islands began to shift positions: Gacha Haven rose, while Soren's island lowered, the two preparing to meet on new terms. Morganna's lips curled into a subtle smile, her gaze sharpening with anticipation.
Atlas raised his hand high. "The battle isn't over! Our fight isn't finished! End this and make them regret ever underestimating us!"
A cheer erupted from his troops, voices ringing with unity and resolve.
And as the islands settled into their new positions, they prepared to bring this fight to its true conclusion.
"Edrik, go!" Atlas commanded.
Edrik bowed and swiftly moved to the rear, setting up their formation for an assault from multiple directions, mirroring the tactics Soren had used earlier.
A shimmering portal began to form before Atlas. Morganna, with a sharp, deadly smile, readied her scythe, her eyes fixed on the portal as it opened wider.
Behind Atlas, Lyrassa, Kurogasa, and the entire Blaze Team stood in formation, their weapons drawn, awaiting the signal.
"My Lord, I love your decision!" Kaida shouted with a fierce grin. "Let's trample our enemies. We're not finished yet—ha!"
The portal opened fully, revealing the path to Soren's island.
[The battle begins now!]
Morganna surged forward, eyes blazing with fierce intent, ready to cut down any who dared stand in her way. Dozens of enemies braced themselves ahead, forming a wall to block her advance.
But suddenly, beside her appeared another figure—a spear in hand, charging forward with equal resolve. It was Atlas. She glanced at him briefly, acknowledging his presence before diving back into the fray.
A Lord was supposed to lead from behind, guiding the battle and directing troops. But Atlas hadn't trained tirelessly just to sit on a throne while others fought. He was ready!
With a sharp spin of his spear, he propelled himself forward, side by side with Morganna.
Morganna sliced through the enemies with brutal efficiency, her scythe an unstoppable force that cleaved through armor and flesh alike. Atlas moved alongside her, striking with precision and force, his spear whirling as he cut down foes in his path.
He blocked the attack with his spear, leapt back to gain momentum, then thrust the weapon forward, driving it straight into his opponent's neck. Dead in an instant.
This was the first human he had ever killed.
"Attack!" Kaida's voice rang out as she hurled magic balls from a distance, while others slammed into the enemy ranks with shields and blades.
The clash of steel filled the air as the battle raged on, each side locked in a fierce struggle for dominance.
From each of Atlas's allies, vines began to emerge, blooming into vibrant flowers that released a sweet, invigorating scent. The fragrance spread quickly, and instantly, everyone felt a surge in stamina, their aches and pains fading to a manageable throb.
Lyrassa was truly a force to be reckoned with—a monster of support skills in a battle like this!
Atlas gazed into the distance, where the enemy fortress loomed—the stronghold where Soren was likely holed up. They'd have to break through the ranks of soldiers if they wanted to reach him and deliver the justice he deserved.
On the battlefield, Milo had collapsed to the ground, his cards scattered around him. He clutched his head, trembling.
"Please… not too hard… this is terrifying. Please, don't make me—"
Standing over him, Karian gave a slight, amused smile. "Now, let's show them what we're made of."
With a firm grip, Karian grabbed Milo's leg, drawing a panicked shout from the man. "Let go of me! Let me go!"
Milo screamed, his voice echoing with an energy that seemed to pulse outward, rippling through the air in dark waves.
Suddenly, black energy erupted from Milo's form, swirling around him as his body began to shift.
Before he could complete the transformation on his own, Karian flung him forward, sending him hurtling through the air.
Milo's figure expanded, muscles surging with raw power as he was flung through the air, his body transforming completely into his other self—Raze!
He collided with the fortress wall in his new form, the impact echoing as he landed, fully transformed and ready for destruction.
"ROARRR!" The fierce, guttural roar shook the battlefield as Raze stood near the fortress, surrounded by dozens of enemy soldiers, his eyes gleaming with unrestrained fury.
"Come at me, sons of whores!!" Raze bellowed.
***
(Author's Note:)
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