Three figures approached Atlas and Kurogasa. The one walking in front stood out the most—a man clad in heavy armor with a deep blue base and silver accents.
The man’s long blonde hair flowed in the wind as he walked, giving him an imposing, almost noble appearance.
As they approached, Kurogasa shifted back a step, settling into a position just behind Atlas. His movement signaled that he saw no reason to raise his guard. Whoever these strangers were, they didn’t seem like enemies.
The trio halted a few paces away. The man in front offered a formal gesture — one hand pressed firmly to his chest.
“Hi, my name is Kaelzar, Rank-2 Scout. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Atlas of Gacha Haven.”
Atlas raised an eyebrow, intrigued that they knew who he was.
“Nice to meet you too, Kaelzar. I didn’t realize a Rank-2 Lord would know my name.”
Kaelzar gave a faint smile. “Well, your name has reached more ears than you might think.”
Then, he gestured toward the path behind him. “We have something we’d like to discuss with you. How about joining us at our camp? Or, if you prefer, we can come to yours.”
Atlas kept his expression neutral, though his mind quickly processed the situation. According to Edrik, encounters like this often involved alliance negotiations.
The fact that they knew his name and sought him out meant one thing—they’d been watching him for some time.
Atlas decided to meet them at their camp, taking the opportunity to observe what resources and troops they had brought to the island.
With that settled, he began descending the mountain. The return trip was much faster—this time, they could leap down rocky ledges and sprint through the downward slopes with ease.
Atlas sent word to both Edrik and Morganna, inviting them to join him. Though it was a precaution, their presence gave him more assurance.
As they made their way toward the camp, Atlas quickly noted the signs that these Rank-2 Lords had only recently arrived.
There were just two large tents set up, along with a handful of troops stationed outside. Several advanced campervans were parked nearby, indicating a higher level of preparation compared to most lower-ranked Lords.
The troops outside, standing guard, wore full, well-crafted armor. Atlas couldn’t help but wonder.
Is this the difference between Rank-1 and Rank-2 Lords?
These troops looked fully equipped and ready for battle, unlike many Rank-1 forces that still relied on basic gear and hastily gathered supplies.
Once they reached the camp, Atlas and his group were invited inside one of the larger tents. He nodded toward Edrik, who followed him in, while the rest of his team remained outside.
Inside the tent, Kaelzar and another armored figure joined them. The interior was well-organized, with a sturdy table and comfortable chairs.
They sat down, the atmosphere calm but formal. Moments later, several women in troop uniforms entered the tent, carrying trays of food and drink.
As Kaelzar poured himself a drink, he gestured politely toward Atlas.
“Please, help yourself.”
After a few moments of silence, the man finally spoke.
"Every new Lord that steps onto the scene tends to draw some attention. But not all of them — only the ones who truly stand out.
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“Well, you’ve likely heard about some of the Lord alliances that exist across the continent. In this particular region, there are three major alliances that control a significant number of Lords. Their influence spans across ranks—from Rank-1 newcomers to some of the highest-ranking Lords.”
He stopped again, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a name card, placing it gently on the table between them.
Atlas leaned forward slightly, his eyes narrowing as he examined the emblem embossed on the card. It was familiar—too familiar.
That emblem…
It took him a moment to recall where he’d seen it before, but when the memory hit, it was vivid.
Veylamar.
It was the same emblem used by the Lords who had defended Veylamar City months ago, when Atlas visited the trade hub. He clearly remembered how those Lords had fought off the massive monster attack that threatened the city.
And the one who stood out the most back then?
Kareem.
A Lord who had earned respect from everyone in the city. He had the ability to transform into a spectral lion with majestic wings, capable of taking flight and unleashing cannon-like blasts of energy at his enemies.
The man continued. “The most important thing for any Lord, from the early phase all the way to the higher ranks, is resources. More islands, reinforcements, supplies—everything needed to build and maintain power. No Lord can survive these battles alone. To ascend to higher ranks, a Lord must have an alliance they can rely on—one that will help them grow stronger and achieve greater influence.”
Kaelzar nodded slightly before continuing in the same composed tone.
“And I believe this is a perfect moment for you to consider that, especially with the upcoming Dominion Skirmish. Securing a new island will be crucial for your long-term foundation—to build a stronger army and expand your territory. With the support of an alliance, achieving that will be far easier.”
Atlas leaned back in his chair, processing the offer.
It’s a tempting proposal.
Securing an alliance would indeed make things smoother. The idea of having reliable allies during the chaotic skirmishes was appealing. But he knew there was always a price to pay for such deals.
“What’s the usual commitment every Lord in the alliance is expected to make?”
Kaelzar’s lips curved into a faint smile. “We’re united by a shared vision,” he said. “A common goal that binds all members of the alliance—to grow stronger and maintain power. Everything we do is in pursuit of that strength.”
Atlas narrowed his eyes slightly, noting how carefully Kaelzar chose his words. There was no mention of specific obligations, which meant there were likely hidden expectations.
After spending some time in conversation, Atlas had gathered enough information to get a clearer picture of Kaelzar’s intentions. With that, he and Edrik politely asked to take their leave, parting on good terms.
Before departing, Atlas exchanged contact details with Kaelzar, securing a way to reach out if needed. Since Atlas planned to remain on the island for several more days, Kaelzar assured him that they would be around if further discussions were necessary.
One of the more intriguing offers on the table was the proposal to help Atlas secure an island. But the details? Frustratingly vague. There was no clear explanation of just how far this supposed alliance was willing to go.
Would they really let a newcomer like him outright claim a Dynamic Environment island? It seemed unlikely.
The offer was tempting, sure. But Atlas knew better. Nothing came without a price.
Besides, his mind was already set on a Rank-2 island. He had submitted his chosen options to the system days ago. Now, all that mattered was preparing for the upcoming Dominion Skirmish. That would be the real test — and the true battle for the islands he wanted.
As Atlas and the others made their way back using the Floating Throne, they discussed the matter further.
“What’s your take on the alliance offer, Edrik?”
Edrik gave a slight bow before responding.
“Joining an alliance surely offers significant benefits, Atlas. You could secure your progress more easily with their support. However,” Edrik paused briefly, “you must also remember—without sounding arrogant—that you have far more potential than most Lords. You possess a unique system that allows you to summon priceless items and powerful subordinates. And more importantly, you already have a strong core of elite subordinates with extraordinary potential.”
Atlas nodded slowly, taking in Edrik’s words. “So you think we should avoid joining?”
Edrik bowed again. “I leave that decision to you, My Lord.”
“I want your honest opinion.”
At that, Edrik straightened. “As the first subordinate you summoned, I say this with pride—you’re better suited to building your own alliance, with everything centered around you.”
“I like your vision, Edrik.”
Atlas knew that his progress had been impressive, accomplished in a relatively short span of time. But he also knew how easy it was to fall into the trap of success. Rapid growth had a way of dulling caution, making people forget the struggles that got them there.
But not him. Never him.
"Let’s hold off on their offer for now," he said. "But for the time being… I’m with you on this."