Chapter 35 - Eat, Play, and Return to Pure Cuteness

The Dune Phantom was an exclusive vehicle designed solely for Awakeners, outfitted with features that synced only with those who could channel Mana through their bodies. What magnificent technology humanity has achieved over the ages.

The vehicle approached the high building's rooftop, where a designated landing pad awaited, and touched down with a seamless glide. Atlas dismounted, followed by Morganna, who now wore her original attire: a striking red dress layered with light armor over her torso. It gave her an elegant yet formidable look.

They headed toward the city's famous sky café, guided by an attendant. Even in such a luxurious setting, filled with refined and wealthy patrons, Morganna's presence commanded attention, drawing every gaze her way as they entered.

They settled at a table near the edge, granting them a stunning, panoramic view of the city lights sparkling beneath the night sky. 

The table interface lit up, allowing them to browse the menu and order directly. 

Atlas scanned through the options, quietly making selections without saying much to Morganna.

"This one looks good," he murmured, picking a dish. "And this one, too." 

He continued down the menu, pointing at various options. "This, this, and… this one."

Whatever this Vampire Queen's stomach was made of, it seemed she could easily rival Karian's appetite—though, in her case, it was mostly sweets.

Soon, the food arrived, one dish after another. Atlas nudged a few plates her way without a word, and she took them, equally silent. Without hesitation, she dug into the first ice cream that caught her eye. And yes! He caught it! A smile, faint and fleeting, but unmistakable, gracing the Vampire Queen's lips.

Atlas grinned inwardly, thrilled. He'd just discovered the ultimate secret weapon to thaw this frozen-hearted Vampire Queen: a frozen treat!

They enjoyed the meal in silence, both eating steadily, with Atlas doing his best to keep up with her pace so she wouldn't feel like she was the only one indulging.

"Enjoying it?" he asked, breaking the quiet.

Morganna glanced at him, hesitated, then nodded. "Yes…"

Damn! She answered!

After that, the conversation felt easier, even if every topic she brought up seemed to circle back to the Lord's struggles and battles.

"You could become far more powerful than you are now," she said. "With my support."

"I intend to. I'll show you my resolve and dedication," he replied.

"Satisfy me with your progress," she said. "But, I have high standards."

He studied her, though she kept her gaze down, focused on her plate.

"Thanks," he said, grateful for this rare opening she'd given him, though he held back the rest of what he wanted to say.

Tonight had been incredibly valuable. Finally, a real conversation with Morganna. He felt like he'd glimpsed a deeper side of the vampire queen. It was a night he wouldn't soon forget. Time to head back to the hotel.

After a long and exhausting day, the night seemed to vanish in the blink of an eye. 

By morning, Atlas had made up his mind to take his subordinates out to explore the city one last time. This was their final day in Veylamar, and he wanted to make the most of it. After all, who knew when they'd have the chance to return?

They started with a tour around the city's best spots, picking up a few items they'd had their eyes on. 

Then, they hit the bowling alley.

Atlas showed everyone the basics, and Edrik quickly got the hang of it. But when it was Karian's turn, chaos ensued. He hurled the bowling ball with such force that he broke the machine. Atlas could only sigh and rub his forehead as he paid for the damages.

Next, they tried their hand at golf. Once again, things went awry. Karian smacked the ball so hard it shot clear out of the course.

"That's not how you play the game!" Atlas scolded.

"Sorry, Atlas, but what's the fun in this?" Karian replied with a shrug. "I'm used to swinging my greatsword at monsters, not a tiny ball."

"Fine, let's find something else then."

But just as they were about to leave, Kurogasa stepped up for a swing. He hit the ball with uncanny precision, and everyone watched, wide-eyed, as it soared across the green—and dropped straight into the hole.

"Lucky shot?" Atlas asked, raising an eyebrow.

"No, I think he's just that precise," Edrik replied with a grin.

They headed next to a fancy all-you-can-eat restaurant. Atlas chuckled to himself, imagining the shock the restaurant owner was in for—after all, he'd brought along someone with an appetite the size of a pocket dimension.

Karian didn't hold back, grabbing anything that caught his eye and piling it onto their table, all because Atlas had told him he could eat whatever he wanted. 

The dining time was capped at 90 minutes, but even after just one hour, the waitstaff were starting to look nervous, and the manager kept glancing over with increasing anxiety. 

As their time drew to a close, the manager approached their table, his face pale. 

"Thank you for your visit, sir," he said shakily. He probably meant to add "We look forward to welcoming you back," but the words never came.

Atlas left the restaurant thoroughly satisfied, chuckling to himself the whole way out.

Well, it had been a fun, short vacation! Thank you, Veylamar. He would definitely miss this city. But now it was time to return to Gacha Haven. 

The real haven awaited him, not exactly a haven, actually, more like a hell that he was determined to turn into a paradise.

He wondered briefly what Mira had been up to on her own.

As evening approached, Atlas, along with his subordinates, headed to the meeting point outside the city wall, where thirty Awakeners he had recruited were waiting. The moment they stepped beyond the city's perimeter, he spotted the group gathered there, each one bowing respectfully to greet him.

"My Lord, we're excited for this journey," one of them said earnestly.

Atlas nodded, then looked to Edrik. "Is everything prepared?"

"Yes," Edrik replied. "Documents, contracts, equipment, supplies. I've confirmed we're set for the next thirty days."

"Good, that's the first hurdle cleared," Atlas said with satisfaction.

Then a thought struck him. "Jackpot, quick question. Can the teleportation pad handle this many people at once?"

[Host, lucky for you, the teleportation pad can hold up to 100 people. Just open the portal and let them step through one by one.]

Perfect!

With everything ready, Atlas activated the portal. A magic circle formed on the ground, and a surge of energy shot upward in a radiant cylinder.

"Wait for me on the other side," Atlas instructed.

One by one, Karian, Lyrassa, Morganna, and the new recruits entered the portal. Edrik gave a respectful bow, then motioned for Atlas to step through. With a nod, Atlas followed.

A few seconds later, he emerged on the other side and found himself on… what was this?! 

An island blanketed in flowers, with trees, lush grass, and a gentle stream flowing nearby. And there, right in front of her, was Mira, her face lit up with a wide smile as she greeted him.

"My Lord… I've been waiting for you to return. I'm so happy to see you again! I prepared a wonderful surprise just for you…" she said with that adorably SWEET SMILE!

Too cute… nearly every new recruit looked completely enchanted, captivated by the sound of her voice alone.

***

P4tre0n: galanteo

Discord Server: tinyurl.com/galanteodiscord