Atlas stood at a decent landing spot they’d found—a relatively high plateau where the magma wasn’t as intense as in other parts of the island. From there, their visibility was somewhat limited due to the thick mist rising around them, obscuring much of the view.
They waited as Kurogasa scouted the surrounding area. Meanwhile, a few members began setting up a temporary camp, arranging cooking gear and preparing areas for rest.
The Aether team was led by a woman named Zara, an archer. Blaze was commanded by Kaida, a fire mage. Cinder was led by Garen, a tanker, and Dusk by Ronan, another skilled archer. They would be split into two squads: Aether and Blaze would follow Edrik, while Cinder and Dusk would join Karian.
Atlas still needed more key leaders he could rely on to oversee the teams as a whole. He’d briefly considered bringing Mira, but worried that her presence might distract the troops too much.
In truth, he hadn’t been keen on letting Lyrassa join the hunt either, as her presence could be just as distracting for many. However, he decided it was necessary. His troops needed to get used to the alluring aura she gave off and learn to maintain focus, as they’d eventually be fighting in formation together.
Kurogasa reappeared from the shadows in front of Atlas, offering a slight bow. He informed Atlas that the hunting area ahead was clear, not of monsters, but of any other potential Lords who might be hunting nearby.
“I didn’t spot anyone using the same area we’re about to explore, My Lord,” Kurogasa concluded.
“Good, thanks for the recon,” Atlas replied.
With that, they split into two groups and set out, each team ready to begin their hunting routines. Meanwhile, Lyrassa would rotate between Edrik’s and Karian’s groups to ensure no one sustained serious injuries during the hunt.
Morganna, the Vampire Queen, sat near the camp area, close to the cooks as they prepared the food. She watched them with a flat, unreadable expression that made the cooks visibly nervous. One of them, a young woman, was so rattled that she dropped a pot onto the ground with a loud clang.
“Ah… sorry… sorry, I didn’t mean to! I’ll clean it up,” she stammered, clearly flustered.
Atlas stepped forward, picking up the pot to help.
“My Lord, please, I’ll handle it!”
“It’s okay. Take it easy,” Atlas replied, smiling reassuringly.
Then he pulled two Flaming Collars from his inventory. “Here, use these. They’ll help you feel more comfortable in this environment.”
The two cooks, a young woman in her early twenties and a young man around eighteen, looked up at him earnestly.
“My Lord, it’s okay. We’ll be more careful, and we’re committed to improving our levels too. So, with all due respect, we’ll follow the others’ example and go without the fire resistance items.”
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
Atlas nodded and stored the items back in his inventory. “Alright. I’ll be training nearby. And Morganna…” he turned to check on her, but—
Morganna was already gone. Where on earth had she slipped off to? It seemed Atlas really did need to summon another reliable person for oversight.
“Well, I’ll be right here if you need anything. Just shout, and Master Kurogasa will hear you in no time.”
“Understood, My Lord,” they replied with a respectful nod.
Atlas moved to a more secluded area with Kurogasa, the Ninja Rat, by his side.
Bare-chested and barefoot, wearing only minimal gear, he was ready to push his endurance against the intense heat. Standing face-to-face, he waited for the Master’s instructions.
“My Lord, I’ll start from the basics. Please let me know if any of this is already familiar to you,” Kurogasa began.
Atlas nodded. “I’ll listen to everything, even if it’s a review. Your perspective and experience are valuable. I’m starting from zero.”
Kurogasa gave a bow, then continued. “We have the ability to allocate stat points within our bodies, or enhance different parts of ourselves through this magical mechanism. But remember, it’s not a limitless power we can tap into at will. It reflects the maximum potential we can currently handle.”
He paused, letting his words sink in, giving Atlas a moment to absorb it fully.
Kurogasa’s point was clear: even though someone could improve themselves by leveling up and increasing their stats, it didn’t mean they could wield those upgrades to their full potential right away. Reaching that point required training, control, and an understanding of one’s own limits.
“Most people only manage to use about 30% of their potential,” Kurogasa continued. “The rest goes to waste. Because of this, they can’t deal optimal damage or cast magic with true efficiency. They tire easily in battle due to ineffective movements, lose stamina quickly, and fail to harness their full potential.”
Atlas nodded slowly, realizing the weight of the Ninja Rat’s words.
“That’s why, My Lord, to unlock our full potential, or to gain new talents, enhance existing abilities, and acquire unique skills, we must train relentlessly,” Kurogasa emphasized.
“We need to understand ourselves completely: our strengths, our weaknesses, inside and out. Sharpen our instincts, refine our skills, and expand our knowledge. Only through hard, continuous training can one truly push beyond ordinary limits, or even reach new heights that no one has achieved before.”
With the right training and focus, a person could develop new talents or even upgrade and evolve their existing ones.
Atlas currently had only one combat talent: Measured Strikes. He had also acquired a valuable support talent, Bloodbound Vigor, though it was designed to buff his entire team rather than enhance his individual abilities.
He knew he needed to evolve further—upgrade his combat talent or even unlock a new one. His goal was to prepare himself for his next advanced class, ensuring it would bring him a powerful upgrade.
But whatever lay ahead, his Unbreakable Routine talent, an S-rated skill he’d had from the beginning, was already kicking in. Once he established a routine, he could focus with such intensity that nothing could disturb his determination.
“Your first training is to build physical endurance,” Kurogasa continued. “To optimize your awareness of your body’s limits and weaknesses. Knowing this is a wisdom every warrior must possess.”
“We will run laps around this area for four hours, My Lord,” he added. “Barefoot. And without using any healing potions or buff spells.”
Atlas couldn’t help but smile. Kurogasa certainly knew how to make training rigorous.
“Please, don’t hold back, Master Kurogasa. I’m ready.”
Kurogasa gave a respectful bow. “I am here to guide you to your best, My Lord.”