Floating Islands: SSS Gacha System

Chapter 97 - The Mayor's Hidden Hand

Two caravan groups halted as they approached Dune Bastion. Unlike the city walls they had encountered in previous towns, which encircle and protect their inhabitants, this massive structure stretched out like a shield, separating the monster-infested wilderness from the safer, fertile coastal regions.

Two Saharan soldiers approached the caravans. As they did, Atlas and his companions descended from their vehicles.

"Identify yourselves and state your purpose," one of the soldiers demanded.

Atlas raised his Awakener Device, showing his credentials.

"Ah, you're a Lord," the soldier said after checking the device. "How many are traveling with you?"

"Seven, including me," Atlas replied.

The soldier inspected the contents of the caravan, meticulously noting the occupants. "Two women, five men. Scan this device with your Awakener Device," he instructed, holding out a scanner.

Atlas discreetly activated the Veilstone Cloak, hiding Zara from the registry. Thus, only seven were officially recorded for entry.

After the inspection, they were granted passage. The group moved through Dune Bastion without trouble, entering another stretch of desert. However, the path here was much improved, and the border structures scattered along the defense line served as outposts for the empire's guards.

As the caravans resumed their journey, Edrik broke the silence. "That's stupid," he muttered.

"What is?" Atlas asked, glancing back at him.

Edrik gestured toward the Bastion behind them. "They're protecting their people from the central desert region."

"And… Why is that a bad thing?" Atlas prompted.

Edrik sighed. "Do they really believe the coastal areas are safe just because they're near the ocean?"

"That's why the population is more concentrated there."

Edrik paused before adding, "But the reality is, there are countless high-grade monsters lurking in the depths of the sea. It's an illusion of safety."

Atlas raised an eyebrow, considering Edrik's words. "How do you know the same is true in this world, Edrik?"

Edrik leaned back in his seat. "Because that's how it was in my world. People thought the oceans were safe simply because there had been no attacks from there. Yet, vast swathes of the oceans remain unexplored—uncharted territory filled with powerful, high-level monsters that no one dared disturb."

Atlas fell silent, mulling over the implications. His gaze shifted toward the endless expanse of sand ahead.

"Many monsters are indeed found in the oceans, Edrik," Atlas said.

"Those are surface monsters," Edrik replied.

"When do you think those monsters will emerge or attack the land?" Atlas pressed further.

"They'll rise when they sense a force strong enough on the surface to challenge them."

Atlas nodded slowly. "So, the fact that those monsters haven't surfaced yet is because of that reason. But if what you're saying is true, and they're bound to appear eventually, then it means we're headed toward a massive upheaval, right?"

Edrik nodded. "The people in the lower lands should capitalize on everything the land has to offer and push everyone toward awakening. At the very least, it would ensure that people can survive when the harshest conditions strike the world. Better that than remaining ordinary humans who rely solely on those who are already awakened."

The conversation throughout their journey revolved around the potential evolution of the world, based on Edrik's past experiences. Occasionally, Kurogasa chimed in, offering his own unique perspectives and insights.

As they continued their journey, the landscape shifted, and tall buildings began to rise in the distance, signaling their approach to the city.

The city they were entering, however, was not as large or as advanced as Veylamar City. It carried a sense of significance for Zara, as this was the place her family once resided, with her lineage holding the esteemed role of City Mayor in its prime.

They finally entered the city, driving through streets that were noticeably less crowded than those of Veylamar. The flying vehicles here were fewer and less advanced, giving the city a slower, more subdued pace. Large digital dashboards mounted on the buildings displayed vibrant advertisements and occasionally switched to footage of someone speaking with an air of importance.

"Is that the city mayor?" Edrik asked, gesturing toward one of the displays.

Atlas turned his attention to the screen, where a man who looked to be in his fifties was delivering a passionate speech.

"We will make this city great again," the man declared confidently. "Developments are underway to create better facilities for awakeners, and significant research efforts will be launched to encourage more awakeners to emerge within our city. Together, we'll build an environment where talent thrives, where opportunity is abundant, and where no one gets left behind. The future of this city lies in its people, and I am committed to ensuring that every resident has the chance to contribute to this vision. Let's make this city a beacon of progress for the entire region!"

Edrik raised an eyebrow. "Bold promises. Typical campaign rhetoric?"

"Very," Atlas said with a smirk.

They continued their conversation. "So, what's your plan in coming to this city, Atlas?"

Atlas didn't respond immediately, his silence stretching long enough to make the question hang in the air.

Finally, he spoke. "Are you challenging my decision?"

"It's my job to challenge it," Edrik replied. "To ensure I offer the best advice I can."

"Shouldn't I?" Atlas countered.

"Should you?" Edrik fired back.

"I'm only doing what I believe needs to be done."

"The more people there are in Gacha Haven, the more problems will arise, Atlas. And you weren't built to solve every issue by yourself," Edrik pointed out.

"At the very least, I'm creating an environment where problems must be addressed, Edrik."

"And what if you face a problem beyond what you're capable of handling?"

"Then I'll wait until I am capable of handling it," Atlas said without hesitation. "And when the time comes, I'll take action."

Edrik nodded. "As long as we handle things cleanly."

Atlas allowed a faint smile to surface. "That's precisely why I brought you all along—because I know you're the ones who can get things done 'cleanly.'"

"In that case, I agree with your decision," Edrik said, his tone softening. "I just needed to ensure you were certain about it."

***

In a dimly lit office, a man sat at the far end of a large desk, his face etched with frustration. He looked to be in his fifties, dressed sharply in a crisp white suit. His fingers drummed impatiently on the armrest of his chair as his piercing gaze bore into his assistant.

"We've already eliminated our greatest rival. So why are we still facing resistance? Do they think I'm someone who can be so easily opposed?" he snapped.

"Sir," his assistant began cautiously, "the suspicions people have about what we've created are growing stronger, and more fingers are being pointed in our direction."

The mayor's expression darkened. "Find out who's fueling these suspicions and deal with them. I don't want my authority in this city to face any more challenges."

The room fell into tense silence as the mayor leaned back, lost in thought, before abruptly slamming his fist on the desk.

"Could this be because his daughter is still alive? Was it my mistake to let her live?"

His assistant hesitated before nodding slightly. "Some believe Zara could carry on her father's legacy in the future. That's why there are still those holding onto hope that she might return to the city."

"That's ridiculous!" the mayor spat.

After a moment of silence, the man spoke again. "Do you know where she is now?"

His assistant answered carefully, "Reports suggest she was last seen in Veylamar City."

"She's still there?" the man growled. "Kill her. End this nonsense once and for all."

"Sir, she hasn't been in Veylamar for the past two or three months. Speculation suggests she's joined a Lord's forces."

"A Lord?" The mayor narrowed his eyes. "Which one? Kareem?"

"Judging by her level, sir, it's most likely she's joined a Rank-1 Lord."

"Tch. A Rank-1 Lord? That girl might just get herself killed without me having to lift a finger."

The conversation between the two continued as they casually discussed the many terrible things they had done. Every so often, the city mayor's phone would ring. He answered each call briskly, giving out orders or coordinating actions that seemed critical yet shrouded in secrecy.

To anyone observing, it would be obvious: this was a man pulling strings behind the scenes, orchestrating events far beyond what the public could ever suspect.

"Thanks for the confession…" a voice suddenly echoed in the room. It wasn't the mayor or his assistant who had spoken.

Both men froze, their eyes darting around the office.

"Who is that? Show yourself!"

From the shadowed corner of the room, a figure emerged seemingly out of nowhere. Clad in a dark cloak and a mask that concealed their entire face.

"An intruder!" the mayor hissed, his eyes narrowing.

The assistant didn't hesitate. With a sharp motion, he summoned a sword into his hand as he took a combat stance.

The mysterious figure, unfazed, lifted a small device. "I've recorded your entire conversation. That's all I needed."

The assistant tightened his grip on his sword, glaring at the intruder. "You're not leaving here alive."

***

(Author's Note:)

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