Chapter 20 - In the Heat of Battle, A Quiet Touch
[Your Subordinate has killed Lava Hound Lv. 45]
[You received 181 Exp]
[Exp: 2,505/9,003]
[You have obtained Molten Fang Lv. 45]
[A fang infused with lava energy, used as a crafting ingredient for fire-based weapons.]
Edrik, Karian, and Morganna were locked in fierce combat, fending off lava-coated hounds and massive, fire-spewing beetles.
The vines and flowers Lyrassa had cast around them created a protective layer, letting them move more comfortably across the harsh volcanic terrain, where even a single misstep could mean stepping into molten lava.
And Atlas? He reclined on his floating throne, monitoring the notifications filling his vision. Each Level 45 monster defeated by his subordinates only awarded him 181 EXP—split among the five of them since they were all in a party.
At his current level of 35, going up against a magma-dripping hound of that caliber would be a nightmare—he'd be nothing but charred meat in seconds. But with his skilled subordinates taking care of the battle, he merely observed, watching the steady flow of EXP into his Inventory. Plus, a few unique items even dropped along the way.
[You have obtained Lava Hound's Claw Gauntlets Lv. 45]
[A weapon with claws forged from the creature's own, capable of delivering fiery slashes.]
Gauntlets? Atlas glanced down at the battlefield and noticed Edrik still fighting bare-handed, relying on swift kicks and precise footwork to dodge around Karian and land finishing blows.
"Edrik, can you wield gauntlets?" he called out.
"My Lord, I'm best with daggers, but gauntlets will work just fine," Edrik replied, dodging another swipe from a Lava Hound.
Atlas tossed the gauntlets, and Edrik caught them mid-air, sliding them onto his hands.
Fire-based weapons probably aren't ideal against flame-element monsters like these. But they'll be better than letting his boots burn to ash.
[You have obtained Flaming Collar (Neckpiece) Lv. 53]
[A fiery collar that grants the wearer increased fire resistance and adds minor fire damage to melee attacks.]
Atlas couldn't help but smile as he inspected his latest find—a perfect item for this fiery environment. His subordinates definitely needed this, he thought, glancing at the three of them locked in brutal combat below.
Who needs this the most? he wondered, weighing his options.
Then, with a shrug, he slipped the necklace over his own neck. Instantly, he felt a wave of relief as the scorching heat that had been searing his skin subsided dramatically.
[You have obtained Molten Mandible Dagger Lv. 57]
[A short dagger crafted from the Beetle's mandibles, its edge burning with each slash.]
And now, a dagger—just what Edrik needed. From his throne, Atlas struggled to get a clear view of the action below, so he stood up and moved over to join Lyrassa, who was sitting on the edge of the platform with her feet dangling.
"My Lord…" Lyrassa murmured softly.
"Turns out the view's much clearer from here," he said with a smirk.
Atlas called out, "Edrik!" and tossed the dagger his way.
Edrik caught it with a nod, then sidestepped right as a Lava Hound lunged at him, smoothly positioning himself to strike back with his new weapon.
[Your Subordinate has killed Lava Beetle Lv. 55]
[You received 444 Exp]
[You have level up]
[Level 36]
[Exp: 69/13,505]
At last, he leveled up.
It's been ages since I last gained a level, he thought with satisfaction.
Reaching level 35 had been nothing short of grueling for a so-called "trash" awakener, and this boost felt long overdue. He quickly opened his status screen to review his, admittedly unimpressive, status.
[Name: Atlas Blackthorn]
[Level: 36]
[Strength: 150 | Agility: 54 | Intelligence: 39 | Constitution: 58 | Stamina: 65]
[Available Stat Points: 10]
[Job: The Lord]
[Class: Warrior]
[Iron Will (B) - Tactical Awareness (C) - Instinctual Command (C) - Measured Strikes (F) - Unbreakable Routine (S) - Reliable Aura (A)]
[Iron Will: Possesses a tenacity that prevents him from easily succumbing to mental or emotional breakdowns. He is exceptionally difficult to deter once he sets his mind on a goal.]
[Tactical Awareness: Gains an instinctual understanding of battlefield layouts, enemy positioning, and possible escape routes. This awareness helps him strategize quickly, though not in extensive detail.]
[Instinctual Command: People naturally follow his directions in critical moments, even if he lacks any formal authority. This talent manifests during crisis situations where immediate action is required.]
[Measured Strikes: Possesses a knack for timing and spacing with his spear. His strikes land with a steady rhythm, giving him the appearance of greater skill than he possesses.]
[Unbreakable Routine: Sticks to routines and habits, sometimes to his detriment. This trait makes him predictable but also a bit stubborn when it comes to changing plans or perspectives.]
[Reliable Aura: People feel that they can rely on him, often confiding in him or following his advice even if he lacks experience. This trust usually manifests in practical, straightforward situations.]
Atlas couldn't help but sigh every time he looked at his status.
The only combat talent he had—Measured Strikes—was rated an abysmal F! It was practically useless, almost as if he didn't have a spear talent at all.
He'd already resolved to improve every aspect of himself: his talents, his skills, his weapon—everything.
Though he was classified as a warrior, he reminded himself that this was only one of seven basic classes commonly available to most people.
[Warrior: General melee combat.]
[Archer: Ranged physical attacks.]
[Mage: Basic spellcaster.]
[Thief: Stealth and basic agility-based combat.]
[Healer: Supportive class focused on recovery.]
[Knight: Defensive or tank variant of the Warrior.]
[Fighter: Balanced melee with physical prowess, often without specialized armor or weapons.]
But no need to worry—once he hit level 50, he'd unlock his first class advancement quest. He was determined to be fully prepared for it, ready to upgrade his class to something far superior. Especially now that he had access to so many resources, his plans felt entirely within reach.
As he was lost in thought, he suddenly felt a soft touch on his left hand. The gentle contact startled him—not in a painful way, but with a strange, almost soothing warmth.
He turned and saw Lyrassa gazing at him, her expression calm, serene—even enough to quiet the whirlwind of thoughts in his mind.
"My Lord…" she murmured softly.
"Yes…?" Atlas replied, surprised by the calmness in his own voice.
"I sense unease and burdens within you," she said gently.
Atlas paused, her words striking him deeply. "You… feel that?"
Lyrassa nodded softly, a gentle smile forming on her lips. "I can feel the weight of your thoughts… the mind of someone who's always looking ahead, considering everything that hasn't even happened yet. You're someone very responsible, My Lord," she said.
"Is that really how I am?"
Lyrassa raised her right hand slowly, reaching up to his face. Atlas tensed, surprised by the tenderness of her touch. But the moment her hand rested against his cheek, and her calm gaze met his, he felt an unexpected sense of release, as though burdens he hadn't even known he carried were lifting away.
"My Lord," she whispered, "you don't have to bear it all alone. Share the weight with us…" Her hand brushed softly against his cheek, silencing his thoughts even further.
Without Atlas realizing it, time seemed to pause around them. Lyrassa leaned in, her presence light, almost floating, and before he could fully register it, her lips brushed his right cheek in a gentle kiss.
Lyrassa?
***
(Author's Note:)
Atlas is out here leveling up, scoring epic loot, and getting a surprise kiss from the floral healer. Meanwhile, I'm behind the scenes grinding just as hard to make sure every talent, skills, equipment, items, gacha pulls, and EXP count makes sense! 🤓📋
Trust me, there are a lot of data sheets tracking everything in this book, so you can enjoy a story that feels consistent and real, without me tripping over my own world-building.