Floating Islands: SSS Gacha Lord

The training on the second day didn't feel nearly as punishing as the first. Atlas had made noticeable progress. He could now hold his ground against the crashing waves, though he still leaned on his spear for balance.

During the fleeting calm between waves, he spun his spear with focused precision, practicing attack patterns before bracing once more for the water's relentless assault.

By the third day, he no longer needed to rely heavily on the spear. Instead, he crouched low, fingers gripping the rocky surface beneath him to stay steady as each wave broke over him.

And still, the progress continued.

On the fifth day, Atlas stood tall. The towering waves struck him like before, but this time, he embraced them. Drawing from his Water and Earth Affinity, he formed a fluid elemental space around himself, letting the sea wash through him as if he were part of it.

The current swept him toward the cliff, but with graceful speed, he slipped back into place, landing with perfect control as though the waves were guiding him instead of fighting him.

Mira clapped her hands. "My Lord, you're amazing! You looked like a sea prince. No, a storm prince! The ocean loves you now!"

Lyrassa smiled gently and added. "That was beautiful, My Lord."

Atlas turned toward his elite subordinates. Not one of them had left his side through the relentless training. They stood watch in silence. Even Kurogasa remained close, never once straying far from him.

By the seventh day, Atlas began incorporating more advanced spear techniques into his training. Activating his water shield, he cloaked himself in its barrier and continued practicing combat moves with the spear.

The once-relentless waves no longer seemed to affect him with the same ferocity. They were part of the rhythm he had mastered.

Wasn't this an incredible level of progress?

Atlas continued the same rigorous training regimen, day after day, pushing himself further with each crashing wave. What he had initially hoped to master within a week ended up stretching longer than anticipated. Yet, the results were undeniable, every passing day brought him closer to mastery.

And then, on the 14th day, as he stood amidst the unrelenting waves, the sea surging around him, a series of notifications appeared before his eyes.

[You have demonstrated resilience and strategic adaptability, completing the first step in unlocking the Tempest Warden's potential.]

[You have received 30,000 EXP awarded.]

[New Skill Unlocked: Epic - Spiral Tide (Active Skill)]

[Summons a spiraling vortex of water and lightning at a target area for 4 seconds. The vortex pulls nearby enemies into its center, dealing 100% magic damage per second and reducing their movement speed by 30%. Enemies inside are staggered repeatedly for 4 seconds, disrupting their actions and leaving them vulnerable to follow-up attacks.]

[You have received the next quest.]

[Second Quest: "The Eye of the Storm"]

Another AoE skill.

Previously, Atlas had acquired Tempest Arc, a skill that also covered a wide area. However, this new ability, Spiral Tide, introduced a unique mechanic. It gathered enemies into a single point. This would make it significantly easier to follow up with another AoE attack, dealing massive damage to tightly packed foes.

If he ever found himself surrounded by enemies coming at him from multiple directions, this skill could provide a quick and efficient way to control the battlefield and create much-needed breathing room.

"Well," he said, "more skill variations are always a good thing."

After two grueling weeks of relentless training, Atlas finally obtained an Epic-grade skill. But in truth, he had gained far more than just a powerful technique.

He had learned how to truly adapt and wield his elemental affinities not just as weapons, but as extensions of himself, bending them to suit the harsh, shifting conditions around him.

What once seemed impossible now felt natural.

Just one more quest remained.

Before he could reflect further on the possibilities of his new ability, another notification appeared before him.

[The Current Season of Dominion Skirmish is about to begin. Prepare yourself.]

[Lords of Dominion, the time has come to prove your strength and strategic brilliance! The gates to the Skirmish Arena are now open, granting each of you a rare opportunity to claim glory and resources for your domain.]

Atlas furrowed his brow as the system message flickered into view.

[The key details:]

[- Each Lord with access to the current Dominion Skirmish may choose to participate; unused tokens will expire.]

[- Select three islands from available options to battle for control and dominance.]

[- You have two weeks to prepare your forces, refine your strategies, and secure your alliances before the battle begins.]

[Remember, participation is not only a chance to test your mettle but also to forge your legacy in the Dominion's history. The rewards for success are unmatched. Don't let this chance slip away!]

[Prepare your troops, sharpen your blades, and strengthen your forces. The battlefield awaits your command!]

Atlas exhaled slowly, rubbing his temple. "I swear, the system talks like a theater narrator. Just once, I'd like a normal briefing."

The announcement for the Dominion Skirmish had arrived. The timing couldn't have been more perfect, as Atlas had just completed his first quest for his new class. Although, after rereading the details, he noted they still had two weeks to prepare.

However, even two weeks felt like an incredibly short amount of time. The Dominion Skirmish wasn't just a battle, it was a high-stakes war, far more challenging than a normal Lord Battle, which was merely a one-on-one encounter.

In the Skirmish, truly advanced strategies would be essential to secure the most optimal rewards. Every move had to be calculated, every choice deliberate, to maximize their chances of success.

There was much to discuss, and time was already ticking.

That evening, Atlas decided to conclude their current training session and return to Gacha Haven to prepare for the next phase. The Skirmish was coming, and they needed every advantage they could muster.

As usual, a strategy meeting was promptly arranged. Almost all of Atlas's elite subordinates were in attendance.