The mont Kaer’Zan dropped to one knee, his massive form lowering before Atlas, the ground seed to still. It was only then, when they were nearly at eye level, that Atlas was able to fully take in the face of the towering Oni.
Even with the crimson skin and tusks, there was a sharp awareness in his gaze. A warrior’s discipline. A presence not easily shaken.
It was clear: Kaer’Zan didn’t look like a typical subordinate. He looked like a force. The kind of presence you’d expect from an Elite Subordinate, if not for the fact that he lacked formal lordship and perhaps the experience to match.
But that... could change.
"Welco to the team, Kaer’Zan," Atlas said.
The Oni lifted his head, expression solid. "Just call Kazan, My Lord. I’m sure my na doesn’t roll well off a human tongue."
"Kazan, huh?" Atlas smirked. "Cool. I like it."
Just then, Serenith jogged forward from the side, energy bouncing in her step as she stood at Atlas’s left.
Kazan, now standing fully again, respectfully moved to Atlas’s right, taking a small step back so as not to block his Lord from the rest of the gathering. Even now, many of the new recruits were still gaping at his sheer size.
Then, Atlas raised his voice, loud enough for everyone to hear across the clearing.
"The sixth team will be called Fla!"
"Led by Kazan, and supervised by Serenith!"
Cheers erupted around the camp.
Sera was the first to react, punching the air and leaping up. "Yeaaay! Fla Team!"
Others followed, new and old recruits alike. The sound of celebration echoed through Shattered Ember’s night air.
Atlas turned to Edrik, who bowed in silent understanding before heading off to coordinate with Serenith and Kazan, already moving to assign Fla Team’s first 20 mbers.
Each team now held 40 people, leaving only Fla with 20 mbers. A considerable leap in size, and one that would demand far more from each Team Leader. After all, leading thirty-nine other combatants into war wasn’t sothing everyone could do easily.
And even with Elite Subordinates overseeing them, not all of them were ideal leaders.
Mira, for example, fought like a wild tempest, charging in and cleaving without hesitation. Her team had no choice but to keep up or risk being left behind in her wake.
Karian wasn’t much different. Relying on brute strength and direct assaults, leading by force rather than formation.
Milo, bless him, was too soft-spoken and usually deferred to Zara—a teenager with frightening potential, yes, but still just a teen. Their dynamic worked, but it lacked command structure.
Lyrassa had the temperant of a true commander, but her quiet nature often made her seem like a shadow behind Kaida’s bold leadership. She functioned more like a divine healer and tactical support than an active lead.
Only Baldric stood out as a steady, tactical leader. He knew when to shield, when to push forward, and when to pull back.
Atlas could only hope that Serenith would rise into that kind of leader too. And that Kazan, with his raw presence and frontliner experience, could help anchor her growing command.
Both of them were new. But perhaps... that was exactly what made Team Fla full of potential.
It was only when the noise of celebration had finally started to settle that Atlas noticed the rather obvious issue standing at the edge of the camp.
Kazan. Even with his posture relaxed and his armor slightly loosened, he looked more like a walking fortress than a man preparing for rest.
And then, where the hell is he going to sleep?
Atlas opened his system interface, quickly scanning through the available structure options. No bunk, no bedding configuration even remotely fit the dinsions of a 14-foot-tall demon-giant with armor like a siege weapon.
Atlas sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "Well," he muttered under his breath, "I guess... tent or ground it is."
Still, it didn’t seem like a real problem. Soone like Kazan likely preferred to sleep on jagged rock and lava-ward earth. If anything, a soft mattress might actually insult him.
But it was still sothing to keep in mind.
Later.
For now, the new team distribution was complete, and the introductions had gone better than expected. Atlas had finished assigning the new workers as well. Leaving Edrik in charge, as usual, to coordinate their daily functions.
Though, admittedly... even Atlas had to pause for a mont and glance over at his ever-loyal second-in-command.
Edrik looked exhausted.
Not visibly, no. He was still sharp-eyed and calm-faced. But Atlas had long since learned to read past that. The man had been managing combat deploynt, army logistics, internal security, and worker assignnts, and that was just the start.
Edrik also handled summon evaluations, talent analysis, and, perhaps most importantly—served as Atlas’s personal adviser. He was the first to arrive when a crisis struck, the last to leave when the dust settled. No matter the hour, no matter the demand, Edrik was always there.
Whatever Atlas needed. Strategic counsel, operational updates, or simply soone to share the burden of command, Edrik answered.
And on top of that, he was still handling Mira’s bizarre gardening requests. Gods know how much energy it took to manage her.
"I really need to find a new manager for the workers soon," Atlas thought aloud.
Not just to lighten Edrik’s load—but to finally give structure to the growing number of civilians in his domain. As the island expanded, so did their needs. Farming, crafting, construction, storage managent... and it was no longer sothing one man should handle alone.
But that decision could wait. Until Edrik found soone capable, Atlas wouldn’t assign a new leader yet.
"This guy needs a break. And soon."
Atlas leaned back slightly as the data flickered in front of his eyes. He reviewed it all in silence, a small smirk playing at the edge of his lips.
[Exclusive Character Banner Summary:
Total tickets used: 120
Total Rank-A pulls: 20
Total Rank-S pulls: 3
Next guaranteed Rank-A in 6 pulls
Next guaranteed Rank-S in 80 pulls]
120 tickets and 3 Rank-S pulls, that alone was a big win in anyone’s book.
He could stop here, satisfied. At least for the mont.
[Exclusive Weapon Banner Summary:
Total tickets used: 20
Total Rank-A pulls: 4
Total Rank-S pulls: 1
Next guaranteed Rank-A in 5 pulls
Next guaranteed Rank-S in 79 pulls]
He still chuckled at this one.
Only twenty pulls, and he’d already claid Morganna’s Scythe.
But now ca the question, would Serenith’s signature weapon prove just as generous?
[Standard Banner Summary:
Total tickets used: 190
Total Rank-A pulls: 39
Total Rank-S pulls: 4
Next guaranteed Rank-A in 4 pulls
Next guaranteed Rank-S in 80 pulls]
190 tickets spent on the Standard Banner. And from that, 4 Rank-S pulls.
Lyrassa. Milo. Zefyros. And of course, his Legendary-Grade Spear.
It might be a while before he rolled here again.
From the Arcane Shards he had stockpiled, if Atlas converted everything, he’d still walk away with 103 Exclusive Tickets. A sizable arsenal for his next pull session.
And with 60 Standard Banners still in reserve?
Not bad at all. In fact, that was plenty.
Enough to pull for Serenith’s signature weapon tonight... And still leave room for more strategic rolls later.
Atlas clenched a fist and grinned lightly to himself.
Okay. Let’s continue the celebration.
Tonight, the fire doesn’t sleep!
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