Floating Islands: SSS Gacha System-Chapter 143 - - No War Today

Atlas now stood face to face with Luna, a Scout Rank Lord.

A girl who appeared to be in her teens—though, who really knew her actual age?

What was certain, however, was that she was no ordinary Lord.

She possessed a unique system that allowed her entire team to transform—in a way that resembled something straight out of a magical girl TV series.

With measured composure, Atlas placed a hand over his chest and bowed slightly, showing his respect.

"Allow me to formally introduce myself again. My name is Atlas, Seeker Rank Lord of Gacha Haven."

Luna responded with equal grace, lifting the edge of her skirt slightly with her left hand and bowing in a more elegant manner. A soft smile accompanied her gesture.

"I am Luna."

Should Atlas be the one to start the conversation?

Before he could decide, he noticed something in Luna's expression.

It was as if she had been holding something back. And just as he had predicted, her expression shifted slightly—then, without hesitation, she spoke.

Read 𝓁atest chapters at fгeewёbnoѵel.cσm Only.

"Why are you here? You do understand how serious the Dominion Skirmish is, don't you?" Luna's tone carried both concern and frustration. "You saw it for yourself—how my team fought against another Lord just now. In an instant, several of my people..."

Her voice dimmed slightly.

"Lost their lives."

Atlas remained silent for a moment, observing her.

Despite this being their first meeting, despite the fact that they barely knew each other, Luna seemed to genuinely care—even about someone outside her own alliance.

This was rare.

In every Lord battle Atlas had been involved in before, rivalry, provocation, and relentless mental warfare had always been the norm. Lords competed to break each other down, to kill or be killed. There had been no room for compassion.

But Luna? She gave off a completely different impression in this first meeting.

Finally, Atlas answered.

"As I've already said," he replied calmly, "I want this island. That's why I'm here—fighting for it."

Luna's gaze hardened slightly at his response. Then, she sighed quietly, her frustration evident.

"You just finished your first Lord Battle season, right? I saw your results—you did well."

Atlas nodded. "That's right. And this is also my first Dominion Skirmish participation."

Atlas stayed silent for a moment, then a small smile formed on Luna's lips.

"But since you seem quite polite, I'll try to understand you," she said, her voice calm, her expression carrying a quiet sense of composure.

This girl...

Despite her youthful appearance, Luna handled herself with surprising maturity. She carried the weight of responsibility well, fully aware of what it meant to be a Lord.

Atlas paused, taking in the reality of it all.

This is how harsh the Lord Battle world truly is.

The system chose whoever it wanted, regardless of age, gender, or background. It forced them to adapt and grow—or be destroyed if they failed to keep up.

Then, Luna's voice pulled him back.

"You need to retreat from here."

She spoke firmly, but not condescendingly.

"This isn't a place for a Seeker Rank Lord like you. Not that I underestimate you... but you have to understand—the gap between a Rank 1 Lord and a Rank 2 Lord is that big."

She hesitated briefly before continuing.

"Or maybe... you have some kind of system that allows you to exceed normal limits. And that's why you're confident in your decision. But even so, this could be a complete waste of your potential. If you fail here, there won't be a second chance. Failing to recover from a major battle like this... in the next Lord Battle season, you'll pay the consequences."

Then, for a brief moment, her expression darkened—like she was suppressing something.

"Especially if you lose your life... then it's all over."

She exhaled softly, as if there was still more she wanted to say—but was holding back.

Atlas held back his response, choosing instead to observe.

"Well," Luna sighed, her tone carrying a hint of resignation. "It seems convincing you won't be easy. But you need to understand—if you continue to stay here, that means you'll be fighting against me and my alliance."

Her gaze sharpened slightly.

"And you? Did you come with an alliance?"

"No, I'm alone." Atlas answered simply.

Luna exhaled. "Then, if you insist on staying, we'll have to fight each other eventually."

Atlas didn't hesitate. "Then why not now? You have the chance. You could easily crush my troops while you still can."

For a moment, Luna fell silent, considering his words.

Then, she shook her head. "I don't have a strong enough reason to do that right now."

She crossed her arms, her voice steady. "Yes... eliminating all potential threats early is the logical move in this Dominion Skirmish. It would make things easier down the line. But no, I don't see a strong enough reason to do it now."

Atlas raised an eyebrow. "You're surprisingly soft for a Lord, Luna."

He knew this statement was a challenge. Was he testing her limits? Or was he gauging how far she would go?

At this point, Atlas had already provoked her—intentionally or not.

Would she act on it? Or would she still choose not to eliminate him, even knowing he was a potential threat to her?

"If you let me and my team stay, there's a real chance I'll become a threat to you." Atlas continued, his eyes locked onto hers.

Luna didn't hesitate. "I'm stronger than you think. And I also have an alliance. If anything, you're the one who should back down. This isn't the right battlefield for you."

Her expression remained calm and unreadable. She didn't take the bait. Instead, she simply nodded slowly.

So, she wasn't that easy to provoke after all.

After a brief silence, Luna spoke again.

"Okay, Atlas." She paused, her gaze steady. "For now, we'll part ways, and I'll act as if this meeting never happened. Next time... I can't promise the same."

Atlas didn't respond immediately. He let her finish her words.

"And I won't guarantee anything either if one of my alliance members happens to find you. That won't be my responsibility."

Atlas exhaled slightly before replying. "You're being unexpectedly considerate, even though this doesn't benefit you, Luna."

"You could join our alliance," Luna finally offered. "We would provide you with protection and support."

Ah... there it is.

Atlas had been expecting it.

But no—not yet.

He knew exactly what he wanted and what he was fighting for.

Luna's offer of protection and support sounded tempting—but in reality, it meant submitting to an already established alliance.

If he accepted, then fighting for this island would no longer be an option.

More than that—it would mean placing his faction beneath theirs.

"That's a tempting offer," Atlas admitted. "But I'll stand by my decision."

Luna fell silent, clearly dissatisfied with his answer.

He continued, his voice firm but calm. "It's not arrogance, Luna. But even if an alliance were to happen, we would want to stand as equals—not as someone to be pitied or protected."

Luna nodded slowly, taking in his words. "I respect your principles."

At the very least, Atlas had left a good impression in this first meeting.

No hatred. No hostility.

In fact, this was probably the smoothest conversation he had ever had with another Lord.

Who knew what kind of collaboration—or conflict—might happen between them in the future?

But for now, both of them understood that it was time to step back and reflect on everything that had transpired today.

"Let's talk again next time," Luna said, offering a sense of finality. "For the next two weeks, I will make sure my alliance doesn't interfere with you."

Atlas raised an eyebrow. "You're changing your decision?"

"Consider this our final warning," she continued. "If you don't retreat within those two weeks, then we will treat you like any other Lord outside our alliance."

"That's quite an unexpected kindness from you," Atlas replied.

Luna gave him another small smile, bowing slightly. "You're a good Lord—pretty respectful. I like that. Find me if you change your mind."

And with that, Luna and her team turned and retreated, disappearing from Atlas's territory.

For now, he and his team were safe.

At least, no enemy Lords actively threatened him at this moment.

Though Luna had made no solid guarantees, Atlas knew one thing—he had to stay vigilant. And more importantly—he had to make the most of every second spent on this island.

Once his reinforcements arrived, he would need to split his focus, organize his forces, and prepare for battle.

But until then?

He would gather as many resources as possible.

Because in the end, every single item and material they collected would boost his troops' performance—and give them the edge they needed to fight back.