Chapter 40 - Zara, Kaida, Garen, and Ronan

[You have received 5 Elite XP Orbs]

[You have received 20 Units of Iron Ingots]

[You have received 10 Mana Fruits]

[You have received 1 Flask of Mighty Brew]

[You have received 10 Small Healing Potion]

[You have received 1 Basic Survival Kit]

[You have received 5 Units of Fire Stone]

Nothing special from the Rank-B tickets, so Atlas decided not to waste any more time analyzing items of that rank—unless he happened to receive something entirely new, like a skill scroll, talent scroll, or some other rare item.

He stored everything he'd pulled so far, and now only three purple tickets hovered in the air. Glancing around, he noticed everyone watching him intently, their faces filled with anticipation.

He touched the first Rank-A ticket, and immediately a flash of light filled the air, causing everyone to squint as the brilliant shape took form. When the glow faded, a weapon hovered before them—a beautifully crafted, radiant white bow with elegant curves and intricate design.

A bow!

[You have received 1 Rank-A Weapon: Whisperwind Arc]

Everyone stared in awe. Even at a glance, they could tell this was an exceptional weapon. Several archers in the troops couldn't hide their hopeful expressions, clearly eager for a chance to wield it.

Atlas grasped the bow, examining its details and quickly scanning through its information.

[Whisperwind Arc]

[Grade: Epic]

[Agility +200

Attack Speed +150]

[Skills:]

[Phantom Arrow (Active)

Generates an energy arrow, allowing for incredible precision and accuracy. The arrow deals magic-based piercing damage that scales with the user's agility.]

[Arcane Volley (Active)

Fires a rapid sequence of three energy arrows that target the nearest enemies in range. Each arrow has a slight homing effect, increasing the chance of hitting moving targets.]

It was indeed an Epic-grade Bow! A truly extraordinary weapon. Atlas looked around at his troops and gave them a confident smile.

He was committed to equipping his subordinates with the finest gear. Ideally, he hoped to secure signature weapons for each of his summoned allies and, at the very least, Rank-A items for the most promising members of the team.

Lifting the bow, he drew the string back, and, almost magically, an arrow formed, glowing with a shimmering energy. He aimed it into the night sky and released it. The arrow shot forward, leaving a glowing trail as it soared high and arced down, disappearing beyond the edge of the island.

Everyone broke into applause, excitement palpable as they watched.

"Zara, come here," Atlas called.

A girl among the troops perked up, catching everyone's attention. She looked momentarily surprised, then stepped forward.

This was Zara, the leader of the Aether team. At only 18 years old, she had a petite frame, short silver hair, and wore light armor in shades of brown and lavender. Her gaze was a striking mix of determination and calm.

Atlas couldn't help but wonder what this young woman had endured to reach this level of skill; at just 18, she was already level 37 and had pledged her loyalty to him. In fact, Atlas felt she was more naturally gifted than he was. 

Zara possessed an S-rank talent in Bow Mastery, and Edrik had even mentioned that she was highly skilled at leading her team. She had a keen eye for details and an impressive ability to control her team's movements, making her an invaluable asset.

The young woman stepped forward and bowed. "My Lord."

Atlas held out the bow to her. "Take it. Protect and lead your team well with this weapon."

Zara hesitated, clearly taken aback, then lifted her head, accepted the bow, and bowed deeply. "My Lord, thank you for this gift. I will fulfill my duty to the best of my ability."

The crowd broke into applause as Zara returned to her team, accepting congratulations and pats on the back from her fellow members.

Eighteen years old… doesn't she have family down there? Atlas wondered silently.

[You have received 1 Rank-A Item: Mana Prism Lens] 

[Used to enhance spellcasting accuracy and effectiveness. When paired with a magic staff or wand, increases spell damage and grants a chance to cast without consuming mana.]

An item for a magic user. Atlas smiled and glanced at someone standing near the front.

"Kaida," he called.

"Hahaha!" A woman stepped forward, her voice bold and lively. 

Kaida, the leader of the Blaze team, wore a short yukata, her fiery red hair framing a fierce expression. Atlas swallowed, momentarily distracted by her… abundant curves, which her robe didn't entirely cover due to its snug fit.

"My Lord, that item is for me, right?" 

"Yes, take it. I'm proud of you."

Kaida accepted the lens with a grin. "Following you is the best decision I've made in my life. Long life and prosperity to you, My Lord." 

With a laugh, she returned to her team, proudly showing off the new item to her team.

[You have received 1 Rank-A Item: Soulbinding Armor Set]

Ah, another Soulbinding Armor Set.

Atlas paused for a moment, heightening everyone's curiosity.

"This is a Soulbinding Armor Set," he explained, "which adapts to fit the user. However, I'll hold onto this one for now."

A few disappointed groans arose from the crowd, but Atlas only smiled in response, tucking the item away in his inventory.

He still had 120 standard tickets left, so the possibilities were far from over. Atlas tossed out another 10 tickets.

Brown… brown… brown… The crowd watched eagerly as each item appeared. Brown, brown… where was the red?

Finally, purple. Then, brown again.

Nine Rank-B items and one Rank-A?

There was a ripple of smiles, though he could see a hint of disappointment in their eyes.

[You have received 1 Rank-A Item: Aegis Mantle (Chest Armor)]

[Provides a defensive shield that absorbs a portion of damage. Gains increased durability and reduced cooldown when paired with a defensive item, allowing it to block additional attacks.]

An item for a tanker? Interesting…

"Garen," Atlas called.

Among the troops, a man stood up—a massive, muscular figure, likely in his mid-twenties, with charcoal hair and ashen skin, radiating a calm yet unyielding presence. Garen stepped forward, his form imposing even at a distance.

Garen was the leader of the Cinder team, and Atlas couldn't help but feel a twinge of awe at his formidable appearance.

"My Lord," Garen greeted.

Despite his massive build, his expression and tone were calm, almost serene, a striking contrast that only made him more formidable.

"Please, protect and lead your team with this item," Atlas said.

"Thank you for this gift, My Lord," Garen replied, bowing slightly. "I will bear its responsibility with pride."

The crowd broke into applause as Garen returned to his team, the new item in hand.

Atlas couldn't help but feel impressed by the caliber of individuals who had joined his ranks. They were truly a remarkable team.

He tossed another 10 tickets into the air.

Brown, brown, brown, brown, brown… purple… brown, brown…

Only one purple?

Atlas smiled, a bit disappointed, glancing at the others, who also looked a bit let down. 

Atlas wondered if opening tickets back-to-back somehow reduced his luck, leading to less satisfying pulls. 

Could it be that he'd simply been unusually lucky with his previous results?

Maybe there was a trick or pattern that affected the odds, though he had no way to confirm it. Still, pacing himself and not burning through tickets too quickly seemed like a smart choice.

So far, of the three team leaders, only Zara had received a weapon, a bow perfectly suited for her. Kaida had gotten an item to boost her magical damage, a valuable asset for her as a fire mage. Garen had received a defensive item fitting for a tanker like him. That left only one leader who hadn't yet received anything: Ronan.

[You have received 1 Rank-A Item: Galewind Boots]

Atlas picked up the item he'd just pulled. Boots?

[Boosts movement speed by 20% and agility in combat. When combined with other agility items, increases dodge rate and jump height.]

Ah, an item that increases agility in combat, perfect for someone who relies heavily on this stat, like a thief or an archer. Atlas nodded, pleased.

"Ronan," he called.

A man stepped forward with shoulder-length black hair streaked with purple and dark, piercing eyes. Dressed in dark, form-fitting clothing with purple accents, Ronan's expression was enigmatic and reserved. Atlas felt a slight chill under his intense gaze.

"My Lord," Ronan greeted, his voice cool and composed.

"I believe this will suit you well," Atlas said, holding out the item.

Edrik had confirmed that Ronan was not only highly skilled but also accustomed to working solo. As an archer, he was proficient and precise. A lone operator who had now chosen to follow Atlas.

Thirty standard Gacha pulls for today. He still had a hundred left—who knew what he might get next time. 

"Alright, everyone, get some rest. We've got another hard training session tomorrow."

The group responded with a mix of "Yes," "Let's go," and "Yo!"

Atlas realized he needed a rallying cry, one simple word or phrase that would unite everyone's response. But what would it be?

***

(Author's Note:)

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