Floating Islands: SSS Gacha Lord-Chapter 34 - No Coin Spent

"So... an elder rat ninja?" Atlas murmured.

At first glance, Kurogasa radiated competence. His stance, his aura, the calculated stillness, it all spoke of someone experienced.

Curiosity got the better of him. Without hesitation, Atlas opened the interface and pulled up the summon’s status screen.

[Name: Kurogasa]

[Level: 55]

[Strength: 145 | Agility: 317 | Intelligence: 87 | Constitution: 89 | Stamina: 150]

[Job: Specialized Fighter]

[Precision Strikes (S) - Rapid Reflexes (S) - Unseen Movement (A) - Dual-Wielding Dexterity (S) - Mind over Matter (A) - Hoarder’s Instinct (A) - Observation Mastery (A)]

And oh, damn.

Kurogasa was level fifty-five.

Just as Atlas had hoped, three of his talents were Rank-S. The rest? All solid Rank-A. At a glance, this summon came dangerously close to qualifying as a Rank-S character outright. Clearly, luck had been firmly on Atlas’s side this time.

Even more impressive, this was Kurogasa in his downgraded form. Just imagining how powerful he could become as he evolved.

The system continued feeding him detailed information.

He leaned in. Four of Kurogasa’s core abilities aligned perfectly with his combat style, and were designed for wielding multiple weapons at speed.

Mind Over Matter... Even under extreme exhaustion, Kurogasa’s mental discipline allows him to push through fatigue, hunger, and even injuries better than most.

That resilience, combined with his race’s natural instincts, would make Kurogasa a nightmare to put down in any battle.

Then, the next trait, Hoarder’s Instinct. Kurogasa has a strong tendency to collect small, seemingly useless items, especially anything shiny.

Atlas blinked. Hoarder’s Instinct?

Well... it might not help in combat, but who knew? Sometimes, the weirdest traits turned out to be the most memorable.

"Welcome to the team, Kurogasa," Atlas said with a nod.

Kurogasa bowed his head. "I am honored, My Lord. I shall serve with diligence and ask only for the chance to prove myself."

Atlas smiled, slightly amused by the rat ninja’s polished formality.

He couldn’t help but wonder. Has this master once trained other ninja apprentices?

Maybe even... a certain group of turtle brothers?

"Please, join the others," he said, motioning toward the group behind him.

Karian, Edrik, and Lyrassa stood to greet their new companion.

Atlas turned back to face the Awakeners, surprised to find that those who had previously stood in silence were now moving, some even breaking into a run. The first among them dropped to one knee before him.

"My Lord, your display has left me in awe. I’m convinced you’re destined for greatness. Please, accept my loyalty."

Another quickly followed, kneeling beside the first. "Please accept my loyalty as well. I’m a fully licensed chef. I’ll prepare the best meals you’ve ever tasted!"

"My Lord, allow me to serve you too. I am an archer."

Declaring loyalty wasn’t like taking a temporary contract. This meant giving themselves over to a Lord completely. No more mercenary freedom. This was commitment.

Five knelt. Then six. Twelve. Twenty-seven.

One after another, they dropped to their knees, each pledging their devotion without hesitation.

Atlas took a small step back, eyes wide as more continued to bow before him. When the thirtieth fell to one knee, he raised a hand.

"Please, that’s enough," he said.

"My Lord, please let me come too!" one voice insisted from behind the crowd.

"Hold on. Listen to me," Atlas replied, instantly, the room fell silent. "My island is still small. I don’t yet have the space or resources to take you all. Remember, this is only my third day. But I promise I’ll return. I’ve kept your contracts on file."

"But My Lord," someone pleaded, "I don’t mind sleeping outside, just let me come with you!"

"Please, My Lord, don’t leave us behind!"

Atlas raised his hand again. His expression softened. "This is my decision," he said. "I will take the first thirty who pledged their loyalty to me."

With that, he turned away. As he passed Edrik, their eyes met. Edrik gave a respectful bow, already stepping forward to manage those who remained.

Atlas had already reviewed most of the thirty who had pledged their loyalty. At least seventy percent of them, by his assessment, were reasonably skilled in their respective roles.

As for the rest? He respected their decisiveness. They had chosen to act quickly, to trust him when many had hesitated.

Life as an Awakener was never kind. Those who remained in the lower lands scraped by, hunting small bounties and hoping to survive another day. For most, serving under a Lord on the Floating Islands was the only real path to advancement. Risking their lives for a place and a purpose, that was their reality.

But if they were willing to work hard, and if he gave them the right support, Atlas believed every single one of them could become a force to be reckoned with.

Not bad. Thirty new recruits, and he hadn’t spent a single gold coin to secure them.

Well... not exactly free.

Those who pledged loyalty agreed to smaller gold wages, but they were compensated in other ways: shares of the loot, upgraded equipment, Exp Orbs, Skill Scrolls. That was part of a Lord’s duty, to invest in their people. Because in the end, their strength would become his own.

Now came the real challenge: housing them all.

The Residential Huts he currently owned was nowhere near enough for thirty people. He’d need to build more once they returned to Gacha Haven. novelbuddy-cσ๓

For now, he could hold off on building the Gateway Altar. He’d spend at least one more night in this city... maybe two. No harm in enjoying the comforts it offered.

Honestly, a bit of fun wouldn’t hurt. It might even help him build stronger bonds with his team. A bonded unit was a stronger one.

Still, part of his mind drifted upward, to Mira.

What was she up to on the island?

Knowing her, she might just surprise him again, with another unexpected ally or a windfall of free resources. Atlas chuckled to himself.

He wouldn’t mind that one bit.

Atlas came to a halt, prompting the others to stop as well. He turned directly toward Morganna, who met his gaze with a look that seemed to say, What do you want?!

"You remember that floating bike from earlier today? The Dune Phantom?" he asked casually.

Karian caught on immediately. He gave a slight bow and turned to leave. Lyrassa followed suit with a graceful nod, trailing behind him without question.

"What do you want?" Morganna asked, her tone flat.

"I’ve got access to the Dune Phantom... Actually, no, I own one now," Atlas said. "And apparently, this city has an incredible view from the sky."

The Dune Phantom had been a gift from the Awakener Association. A generous gesture, but clearly strategic. A way to curry favor with a promising Lord.

"Flying’s not exactly new to me," Morganna replied.

"Well," Atlas continued, smirking slightly, "they also serve the best ice cream in the city at the top of the tallest tower. And the view from up there? Supposedly divine."

Morganna didn’t answer right away. The two stood in silence for a few seconds.

Then, finally, she spoke. "I’m only going for the ice cream."

"That’s good enough," Atlas said, a grin tugging at his lips.

And just as they turned to leave, a voice echoed in Atlas’s mind. Edrik’s voice, clear as if whispered right beside his ear:

"My Lord, treat her well. Remember, she’s your first wife."

"Damn it, Edrik, shut up!"

Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m freew𝒆bnov𝒆l.c(o)m