Floating Islands: SSS Gacha Lord-Chapter 62 - Dungeon Break

Another journey across the desert plains had begun. This time, Atlas chose to ride his Dune Phantom, while Morganna took control of the floating throne, with Edrik and Kurogasa sharing space on the sleek platform beside her.

Surprisingly, Morganna still sat perched on the armrest rather than on the throne itself, an unexpected gesture of respect. Edrik sat cross-legged near the front edge of the platform, while Karian stood silently at the back

There was no denying that the floating throne offered unmatched comfort. It allowed for complete relaxation, even a nap, while gliding effortlessly toward its destination. Sure, the hover bike could be set to autopilot too, but its seating wasn’t exactly designed for catching any decent rest.

Still, Atlas had long wanted to use this ride for a long-range trip, and he was genuinely enjoying the experience. If the chance came, he wouldn’t mind upgrading this hover bike, maybe something armed with ranged weaponry. After all, while he had decent close-range weapons, he was still lacking any proper long-distance firepower, unlike the Saharan Army with their modern guns.

As the Dune Phantom skimmed smoothly over the sands, Atlas used the moment to reflect on how far he’d come. Two victories so far, and just one more successful defense would push him into Division 2.

Staying in Division 1 might seem like a safer bet, given the generally lower-tier opponents. But no, it wasn’t that simple. Even his very first challenger, Soren, had been incredibly tough. He let out a quiet sigh.

Should he consider joining an alliance? The thought was tempting. Early support could make all the difference for a growing Lord. But it would also mean giving others a measure of influence over his actions, and that was something Atlas just couldn’t accept.

Being a solo Lord, as he had chosen, came with significant risks. While he did have Summoned Lords from other worlds at his side, they were far from their peak forms. With their powers downgraded in this realm, their abilities were a shadow of what they once had been.

It left him with much to consider.

He still had one Attack Token left, which he planned to use wisely, considering he would face four more defenses after this.

He needed to make the most of the opportunity, aiming for the largest rewards possible while ensuring he didn’t become overly greedy, something that could put him at risk.

**

Atlas finally secured the World Shards upon arriving at the Awakener Association Center!

At long last, he could build the Gateway Altar, and with that, he wouldn’t have to return to this place again. Though truth be told, Atlas didn’t entirely mind visiting the vibrant, ever-busy city.

He also took the chance to purchase additional materials and supplies for his island, spending 760 gold coins in total. Having ample funds brought a welcome sense of freedom, allowing him to shop without second-guessing every decision.

Even so, he made sure to set aside a good portion of his savings, he’d need them soon enough for troop recruitment.

But that raised a question. For a Seeker Division 1 Lord, would a force of forty soldiers suffice? Or should he push the number higher?

After a moment’s consideration, Atlas chose to recruit ten more troops from among the candidates he’d evaluated weeks earlier.

Once his shopping was complete and preparations finalized, he and his group departed the Awakener Association Center, ready to move on to the next stage.

As they walked, Atlas glanced to his side where Morganna strolled quietly.

"Want to head straight home?"

Morganna gave him a brief glance but didn’t answer.

"Or maybe try a few more of the city’s sweets?" he offered with a faint smile.

Still nothing.

He let out a soft sigh and ruffled a hand through his hair, when suddenly...

"Hey! Watch where you’re swinging that tail!"

The angry shout came from a passerby. Atlas turned to see a man brushing his sleeve in irritation.

Kurogasa stepped forward immediately and gave a courteous bow. "I apologize for the trouble."

"Dammit!" the man muttered. "Now I have to change again!"

Without missing a beat, Atlas pulled out a few banknotes and pressed them into the man’s hand. "Get yourself something new."

He turned and resumed walking without waiting for a reply.

"Hey! Are you mocking me? You think I can’t afford my own clothes?!" the man barked after him.

Atlas didn’t even glance back.

Beastkin across the surface of New Earth had long endured such treatment, unpleasant, unfair, but sadly, expected. It wasn’t just about who they were, but how they looked. Some came with forms that seemed cute, even comforting to the human eye. And then there were those like Kurogasa, his appearance unsettling to many, even revolting to some.

Someone like Mira, for instance, though also a beastkin, would naturally be treated very differently. Her fluffy ears, bright eyes, and boundless cheer drew smiles instead of stares.

Atlas glanced back at Kurogasa, who walked silently behind him.

"Did that just now bother you?" he asked.

"I can always remain hidden and observe from afar, My Lord," Kurogasa replied with a soft bow. "And no... one should not expect understanding from all."

Atlas offered a faint smile and nodded. Of course. A response like that could only come from someone who had lived as long as Kurogasa, someone who had survived more than his share of battles, both on the field and within society. Something so petty wouldn’t shake him.

They were passing through one of the busier districts of Veylamar, where the streets bustled not only with people but also with humanoid robots. Some stood dutifully behind shop counters, others worked on infrastructure repairs.

"Can those robots fight?" Edrik asked under his breath, eyes following a passing unit.

Atlas turned toward him, brow furrowed. "As far as I know, producing robots for military use is incredibly expensive. And once damaged, the cost to repair or replace them is no small matter. Not to mention, there’s only so much destructive power you can load into something that compact."

He gave a small smile. "I’d say the technology in this world isn’t quite advanced enough to answer your question with a confident yes, Edrik."

"But couldn’t they just build bigger ones?" Edrik pressed, curious. "So they can carry more firepower?"

Atlas glanced at a nearby humanoid bot carrying shopping bags for a woman walking just ahead.

"Maybe they already have," he mused. "They just don’t advertise it. But so far, what we know is that Veylamar has strong ties with high-ranking Lords. Most of their security comes from investing in those Lords."

He fell silent for a moment, considering the deeper implications.

Was it wise, though, to invest so heavily in Lords, individuals whose lives were constantly at risk? Their battles never stopped, and if a Lord fell, so did everything tied to them. It seemed a precarious foundation to place so much trust, and money, upon.

After walking for some time, a sudden blare of sirens erupted from all directions.

"What’s going on?!"

Atlas froze where he stood, eyes darting as people around him broke into a panic. Shouts echoed through the streets, and hurried footsteps filled the air as citizens scattered.

His gaze swept across the urban chaos, then lifted, straight to the towering digital billboards affixed to the surrounding buildings. Every screen had gone red with flashing warnings, all broadcasting the same grim message.

"Emergency alert! Emergency alert! The dungeon expedition conducted two months ago has failed. The awakeners sent to clear the Level 250 dungeon have been defeated."

Atlas’s breath caught.

"Dungeon break," he murmured.

The source of this c𝓸ntent is fr𝒆e(w)𝒆bnovel