Three figures approached Ats and Kurogasa. The one walking in front stood out the most—a man heavy armor with a deep blue base and silver ats.

  The man’s long blonde hair flowed in the wind as he walked, giving him an imposing, almost noble appearance.

  As they approached, Kurogasa shifted back a step, settling into a position just behind Ats. His movement sighat he saw no reason to raise his guard. Whoever these strangers were, they didn’t seem like enemies.

  The trio halted a few paces away. The man in front offered a formal gesture — one hand pressed firmly to his chest.

  “Hi, my name is Kaelzar, Rank-2 Scout. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ats of Gacha Haven.”

  Ats raised an eyebrow, intrigued that they knew who he was.

  “o meet you too, Kaelzar. I didn’t realize a Rank-2 Lord would know my name.”

  Kaelzar gave a faint smile. “Well, your name has reached more ears than you might think.”

  Then, he gestured toward the path behind him. “We have something we’d like to discuss with you. How about joining us at our camp? Or, if you prefer, we e to yours.”

  Ats kept his expressioral, though his mind quickly processed the situation. Acc to Edrik, enters like this often involved allianegotiations.

  The fact that they knew his name and sought him out meant ohing—they’d been watg him for some time.

  Ats decided to meet them at their camp, taking the opportunity to observe what resources and troops they had brought to the isnd.

  With that settled, he began desding the mountain. The return trip was much faster—this time, they could leap down rocky ledges and sprint through the downward slopes with ease.

  Ats sent word to both Edrik and Manna, inviting them to join him. Though it recaution, their presence gave him more assuranbsp;

  As they made their way toward the camp, Ats quickly he signs that these Rank-2 Lords had only retly arrived.

  There were just twe tents set up, along with a handful of troops stationed outside. Several advanced campervans were parked nearby, indig a higher level of preparation pared to most lower-ranked Lords.

  The troops outside, standing guard, wore full, well-crafted armor. Ats couldn’t help but wonder.

  Is this the differeween Rank-1 and Rank-2 Lords?

  These troops looked fully equipped and ready for battle, unlike many Rank-1 forces that still relied on basic gear and hastily gathered supplies.

  Ohey reached the camp, Ats and his group were invited inside one of the rger tents. He oward Edrik, who followed him in, while the rest of his team remained outside.

  Ihe tent, Kaelzar and another armored figure joihem. The interior was well-anized, with a sturdy table and fortable chairs.

  They sat down, the atmosphere calm but formal. Moments ter, several women in troop uniforms ehe tent, carrying trays of food and drink.

  As Kaelzar poured himself a drink, he gestured politely toward Ats.

  “Please, help yourself.”

  After a few moments of silehe man finally spoke.

  "Every new Lord that steps onto the se tends to draw some attention. But not all of them — only the ones who truly stand out.

  “Well, you’ve likely heard about some of the Lord alliahat exist across the ti. In this particur region, there are three major alliahat trol a signifit number of Lords. Their influence spans across ranks—from Rank-1 newers to some of the highest-ranking Lords.”

  He stopped again, reag into his pocket and pulling out a name card, pg it gently oable between them.

  Ats leaned forward slightly, his eyes narrowing as he examihe emblem embossed on the card. It was familiar—too familiar.

  That emblem…

  It took him a moment to recall where he’d seen it before, but when the memory hit, it was vivid.

  Veymar.

  It was the same emblem used by the Lords who had defended Veymar City months ago, when Ats visited the trade hub. He clearly remembered how those Lords had fought off the massive motack that threatehe city.

  And the one who stood out the most back then?

  Kareem.

  A Lord who had earned respect from everyone iy. He had the ability to transform into a spectral lion with majestigs, capable of taking flight and unleashing on-like bsts of energy at his enemies.

  The man tinued. “The most important thing for any Lord, from the early phase all the way to the higher ranks, is resources. More isnds, reinforts, supplies—everything o build and maintain power. No Lord survive these battles aloo asd to higher ranks, a Lord must have an alliahey rely ohat will help them grow stronger and achieve greater influence.”

  Kaelzar nodded slightly before tinuing in the same posed tone.

  “And I believe this is a perfeent for you to sider that, especially with the uping Dominion Skirmish. Seg a new isnd will be crucial for your long-term foundation—to build a stronger army and expand your territory. With the support of an alliance, achieving that will be far easier.”

  Ats leaned ba his chair, processing the offer.

  It’s a tempting proposal.

  Seg an alliance would indeed make things smoother. The idea of having reliable allies during the chaotic skirmishes ealing. But he khere was always a price to pay for such deals.

  “What’s the usual itment every Lord in the alliance is expected to make?”

  Kaelzar’s lips curved into a faint smile. “We’re united by a shared vision,” he said. “A on goal that binds all members of the alliao grow stronger and maintain power. Everything we do is in pursuit of that strength.”

  Ats narrowed his eyes slightly, noting how carefully Kaelzar chose his words. There was ion of specific obligations, which meant there were likely hidden expectations.

  After spending some time in versation, Ats had gathered enough information to get a clearer picture of Kaelzar’s iions. With that, he and Edrik politely asked to take their leave, parting on good terms.

  Before departing, Ats exged tact details with Kaelzar, seg a way to reach out if needed. Sis po remain on the isnd for several more days, Kaelzar assured him that they would be around if further discussions were necessary.

  One of the more intriguing offers oable was the proposal to help Ats secure an isnd. But the details? Frustratingly vague. There was no clear expnation of just how far this supposed alliance was willing to go.

  Would they really let a newer like him ht cim a Dynamiviro isnd? It seemed unlikely.

  The offer was tempting, sure. But Ats knew better. Nothing came without a price.

  Besides, his mind was already set on a Rank-2 isnd. He had submitted his chosen options to the system days ago. Now, all that mattered reparing for the uping Dominion Skirmish. That would be the real test — and the true battle for the isnds he wanted.

  As Ats and the others made their way back using the Floating Throhey discussed the matter further.

  “What’s your take on the alliance offer, Edrik?”

  Edrik gave a slight bow before responding.

  “Joining an alliance surely offers signifit bes, Ats. You could secure your progress more easily with their support. However,” Edrik paused briefly, “you must also remember—without sounding arrogant—that you have far more potential than most Lords. You possess a unique system that allows you to summon priceless items and powerful subordinates. And more importantly, you already have a strong core of elite subordinates with extraordinary potential.”

  Ats nodded slowly, taking in Edrik’s words. “So you think we should avoid joining?”

  Edrik bowed again. “I leave that decision to you, My Lord.”

  “I want your ho opinion.”

  At that, Edrik straightened. “As the first subordinate you summoned, I say this with pride—you’re better suited to building your own alliance, with everythiered around you.”

  “I like your vision, Edrik.”

  Ats khat his progress had been impressive, aplished in a retively short span of time. But he also knew how easy it was to fall into the trap of success. Rapid growth had a way of dulling caution, making people fet the struggles that got them there.

  But not him. Never him.

  "Let’s hold off on their offer for now," he said. "But for the time being… I’m with you on this."