CHAPTER 302: CHAPTER 302 - FENGYUN TERRACE

Since three new characters had arrived at the same time, Atlas ended up with more Elite Subordinates than he needed to lead the existing combatant squads in Gacha Haven.

At that time, there were a total of 454 combatants divided into eight squads, each with its own squad leader and supervisor. Every squad had around fifty or more members, with well-balanced roles. Especially between tankers and support healers.

Although, some teams had their own unique specialties. For example, Team Eclipse, led by Veylor and Mira, focused more on assassins and close-range fighters.

Existing Squads:

[Team Aether – Zara and Milo]

[Team Blaze – Kaida and Lyrassa]

[Team Cauldron – Garen and Karian]

[Team Dusk – Ronan and Orren]

[Team Eclipse – Veylor and Mira]

[Team Flame – Kazan and Serenith]

[Team Hydros – Selvara and Dullorak]

[Team Inferno – Brigid and Everburn]

Atlas had also made several personnel changes and rebranded Team Cinder into Team Cauldron, where Garen would now work together with Karian.

The other elite subordinates, Edrik and Kurogasa, as usual, were assigned as dependable guards to stay close to Atlas. Meanwhile, Baldric would serve as backup support. Krythalis was also set to remain on standby, handling the battle in his own way for the time being. He was more than capable of managing things independently.

As for Morganna, as always, it was best to let her carry out her role however she wished. Even though she tended to do everything in unpredictable ways, the fact that she still followed Atlas’s directions showed something deeper about her loyalty and understanding of his intent. Moreover, she was also keeping Vienne safe by her side, which, in truth, added a touch of pressure on Atlas’s mind.

Later, he planned to form new teams under other elite subordinates once they gained more combatants. His short-term goal was to expand the number of total combatants to one thousand.

Among everyone in Gacha Haven, only a few elite subordinates were capable of aerial battle. Morganna and Serenith could fight in the air, while Lyrassa was able to do so but mainly in a support role.

Dullorak could also fly by using one of his heads that granted him this ability. Everburn was able to transform into a flying creature, and Krythalis, one of the new elite subordinates, was a true aerial combat specialist.

Kurogasa, although unable to fly, was agile enough to use his surroundings to launch himself into the air, leaping toward his opponents and combining his skills to survive midair. He was still a strong contender despite lacking wings.

Mira could also engage in aerial combat thanks to her incredible jumping power, which allowed her to stay airborne by using anything around her as a foothold. Even her enemy’s body.

As for those who could actually fly, there were seventeen combatants at that point.

Atlas did not yet have a fully established aerial unit, but with the forces he already had, it was more than enough to handle any airborne battle for the time being.

In addition, he had already set up defensive structures across the jagged terrain surrounding the outer edges of Gacha Haven. These fortifications helped deliver attacks more effectively against aerial units that came within range. Although he still needed more time to build additional structures, the current setup was already a great improvement compared to before.

As the floating island grew larger, maintaining a proper defense became increasingly complex since enemies could approach from any direction. This presented a weakness of its own, yet also offered a strategic advantage because Atlas had a substantial number of ground combatants capable of holding their positions when opponents descended to engage in ground battles.

That very night, Atlas gathered everyone for a detailed discussion about their next defense battle. They began by choosing which challenger they would accept, carefully considering the compatibility of each team and elite subordinate involved.

During that meeting, Orren, Everburn, and Krythalis openly declared that they were ready and willing to fight immediately if necessary. It was no surprise, since all three had far more experience in lord battles than Atlas did in their previous lives. Battle was their way of living, something they had endured dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of times, especially those who had reached higher ranks.

And so, that night, Atlas accepted the battle challenge.

[Atlas of Gacha Haven, Scout Division 1, has accepted the defensive challenge from Bai Yun of Fengyun Terrace, Scout Division 1.]

[The battle will begin in: 06:00:00]

**

They had a few hours to rest, for when the morning sun began to shine over the entire floating island, the battle would soon begin.

Everyone only had a light breakfast. Just enough to give them the energy they needed for the fight ahead, which was set to take place shortly after sunrise.

Atlas had already summoned his floating throne, with Edrik and Kurogasa standing behind him. But that morning, a new presence joined them, Krythalis. His dark shell gleamed under the sunlight, reflecting a faint metallic glow as he stood beside Atlas.

The floating throne rose swiftly into the sky, soaring higher and higher before speeding across the jagged terrain that formed the island’s outer boundary. Along those cliffs, several combatants were already stationed, ready to defend their posts.

Before long, the throne reached the island’s outermost edge. In the distance, the opponent’s floating island came into clear view, its form gliding steadily closer, as if to announce the arrival of its master.

Atlas waited there for a moment, seated on his throne with one leg crossed over the other, clad in his full armor and ready to face the approaching enemy. He knew they would appear soon. Most likely with their usual loud declarations and taunts meant to provoke before the real battle began.

Then, from the direction of the opposing island, something emerged swiftly into the air. Atlas narrowed his eyes as the enemy troops, dressed in light armor and blue robes, shot forward, each of them standing upon their flying blades.

There were many of them. Dozens, then hundreds, appeared in quick succession, rising higher and soaring toward the upper area of Gacha Haven, right above its protective dome.

Edrik spoke first. "So, they’re confident enough to reveal their forces even before the battle begins."

Atlas responded with a faint smile.

Krythalis then stepped forward. "Allow me to handle them all on my own, my lord," he said calmly.

Atlas glanced at him. "You’re confident you can take them all by yourself, Kryth? Remember, there are others here who can fly as well."

Krythalis bowed deeply, placing a hand over his chest. "Forgive me if I appear arrogant, my lord. That is not my intention. I merely wish to demonstrate my full strength before you. If I fail to subdue them, I will retreat and leave the rest in your command."

Atlas’s expression softened. "No, it’s alright. You may handle them, all of them. How many are there?"

"Two hundred and forty visible, my lord," Krythalis replied with confidence.

Atlas nodded slightly and kept his gaze fixed on the opposing island, waiting for another presence to emerge. Soon enough, someone shot out from the enemy’s floating island, moving swiftly through the air. Unlike the others, this one did not ride a flying blade. Could it be their Lord?

The figure drew closer. A young man with long black hair tied neatly at the back, clad in light silver armor layered with a flowing blue robe.

Yes, this had to be their Lord.

Bai Yun.