Floating Islands: SSS Gacha Lord

Edrik took the lead, standing at the front to explain the critical details and considerations for this pivotal battle.

"In this Dominion Skirmish, we can choose three islands to compete for," Edrik began. "This is quite unique because, in my world, we were only allowed to select one floating island for Rank 1."

"Really?" Atlas replied, his brow furrowing. "What about the rest of you?" He glanced around the room.

"Same here, My Lord. Only one," Kurogasa answered.

The others chimed in with similar experiences, nodding in agreement.

Atlas leaned over the display, scanning the floating islands now available for contention in the upcoming Dominion Skirmish.

Edrik had already laid out a clear, structured strategy: A balanced selection of High-Risk, Mid-Risk, and Low-Risk islands. This would provide the team with greater flexibility to pivot their tactics during the mid-battle phase.

"The first option is Crimson Pyre, the Volcanic Island," Edrik began.

Atlas nodded, giving his full attention as Edrik outlined the details.

"Crimson Pyre. Volcanic terrain dominated by wide lava flows, unstable magma pools, and jagged outcrops. It's marked as Moderate-High Risk. The hazards alone can sap troop stamina and restrict movement. On top of that, it's likely to be highly contested, especially by Lords looking for rare crafting materials found only in this kind of environment."

"Okay," Atlas replied. "This is a strong candidate. Our forces are already used to terrain like this."

"Correct, my Lord," Edrik affirmed with a satisfied nod.

"Next, Edrik," Atlas prompted.

"Next is Sands of Solace, a Desert Island," Edrik explained. "A landscape with dunes and scattered oases. The terrain lacks natural barriers, making it ideal for ambush tactics and ranged assaults. It's rated as Moderate Risk because of how exposed troops are, especially to long-range attacks."

"Okay," Atlas said with a slight nod.

Edrik moved smoothly to the next. "The third option is Emerald Glade, a Forest Island. This one's classified as Low Risk. Competition will be moderate, mostly from Lords seeking steady Dominion Point gains in safer zones. More importantly, this island aligns well with Mira and Lyrassa."

"This one sounds tempting," Atlas murmured. "And safe. A smart fallback option."

"I'll continue, My Lord," Edrik replied calmly.

"Go ahead."

Edrik moved to the last on the list. "Azure Dunes, a Coastal Desert Island."

"It's a hybrid terrain. Sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and freshwater oases," Edrik explained. "The cliffs offer strategic vantage points for ranged defense, but they also invite attacks from aquatic monsters. It's rated as Moderate-High Risk. The changing terrain can interfere with formation stability, especially during shifts between sand and rock. However…" he glanced at Atlas with a faint smile, "if secured, it could serve as an ideal roaming ground for Zefyros."

Atlas gave a quiet node. "I can already picture him darting across the shore, playing with the tides."

"Agreed, my Lord," Edrik said. "But we must also be ready for the island's unpredictability. If we choose it, we'll need a strong frontline and flexible deployment."

Atlas leaned back in his seat as he absorbed the weight of each option.

Each island brought its own risks and strategic possibilities, and though the detailed planning of battle formations would come later, the impact of this decision was already apparent.

Finally, Atlas made his choice.

"First, Crimson Pyre Isle. Reason: It offers essential crafting materials needed for early upgrades. Plus, the volcanic terrain aligns well with our team's conditioning. They've trained in similar environments before."

"That's a wise choice, My Lord."

"Next is Emerald Glade. It's our low-risk pick. Steady Dominion Point gain, better troop sustainability, and it complements Mira and Lyrassa's abilities perfectly."

Edrik nodded again.

"Finally, Azure Dunes. It provides hybrid resources, both inland and coastal. And the terrain gives us room for both ambushes and sturdy defenses."

Atlas paused, his expression momentarily distant as he visualized the upcoming battles.

"I think all three islands sound incredibly promising, My Lord," Edrik said quietly.

Atlas gave a small nod. "I would be more than pleased to secure any one of them. But above all else, our priority is clear. We need to make sure we claim at least one new island. Even if we have to adjust on the fly, that's the line we can't afford to miss."

"I agree with you completely, My Lord," Edrik replied.

The conversation had carried on, shifting between strategy and logistics, when Edrik's tone abruptly changed.

"My Lord, forgive me, but I feel I must bring this up," he said.

Atlas looked up. "Just say it."

Edrik gave a respectful bow before speaking. "Master Kurogasa, please correct me if my suggestion seems too risky."

Kurogasa returned the gesture with a slight bow of his own. "I trust that our Lord is not reckless. And with the knowledge and experience gathered here, paired with a carefully executed strategy, we can reduce any risk to a manageable level."

Edrik nodded, his expression growing more serious. "My Lord, I've come across an island. One not included in our earlier shortlist. It's a dynamic environment island."

"Oh?" Atlas tilted his head, intrigued. "Then why didn't you mention it before?"

"Because, my Lord," Edrik replied, "this island is classified under Rank-2."

"Rank-2…" Atlas echoed.

Edrik continued without pause. "It's called The Shattered Ember Isles. A volatile volcanic island."

Atlas's eyes narrowed slightly. "Interesting."

Edrik paused briefly before continuing. "The island is a crumbling volcanic landscape. The Central Fortress is surrounded by unstable magma flows, requiring precise and calculated movements to navigate."

Atlas remained silent, processing this new information, as Edrik continued.

"If we can secure this island, my Lord," Edrik said with quiet conviction, "it will solve our resource problem. The island holds the materials we need to craft the Soulbinding Armor Set."

Yes, the Soulbinding Armor Set. Atlas had already secured the blueprint, and now they just needed to gather the materials. An immense amount. Since his vision was to provide every member of his island with this powerful armor.

However, the Shattered Ember Isles was categorized as Rank-2, meaning it would require Atlas to participate in battles one rank higher than his current standing.

"Chance to win," Edrik continued. "It's Moderate to High. Our team is well-accustomed to training in environments like this. Moreover, Morganna, Kurogasa, Raze, myself, and you, my Lord, all perform exceptionally well in shadow zones. This gives us a substantial edge against opponents who lack shadow affinity."

Edrik paused briefly, allowing Atlas a moment to process the information before continuing. "If you decide to include this island as one of our choices, we can devise a detailed backup plan or a retreat strategy to mitigate potential risks."

"Rank-2 Lord Battles," Atlas murmured, his thoughts trailing as he processed the explanation.

Despite the obvious risks, he couldn't ignore the pull of this opportunity. The dynamic environment was rare. Such islands seldom appeared in Skirmishes. The Shattered Ember Isles held incredible value, both for its unique terrain and the resources it promised.

Naturally, such allure would attract countless other Lords, turning the Isles into one of the most fiercely contested battlegrounds in the Skirmish.

His mind raced as he weighed the risks against the potential rewards. His team's compatibility with the terrain gave them an advantage, but stepping into Rank-2 battles introduced unpredictable variables.

Was this gamble worth taking?

What path should he choose?

**

(Author's Note:)

That's a wrap on Volume 2!

Atlas is about to roll the dice on a Rank-2 island. Bold? Risky?

Now tell me:

Would you go for the rare materials and shadow advantage on a Rank-2 volcanic death trap...

Or play it smart and stack safe wins across Low and Mid-Risk islands?