Floating Islands: SSS Gacha Lord-Chapter 36 - The Immortal’s Soft Side

Become a Vampire?

Atlas had wondered more than once if he’d already been turned, especially after everything that had happened with Morganna. She had bitten him, drawn blood straight from his neck. And now, a bond existed between them.

And yet, the thought of actually becoming a vampire? He hadn’t truly considered it.

Even after he’d tried to follow up on Morganna’s comment, she hadn’t responded. Had she changed her mind? Decided he wasn’t worthy of the transformation after all?

The Dune Phantom approached the rooftop of a towering high-rise, gliding effortlessly onto a sleek landing pad. As the vehicle came to a stop, Atlas stepped off first, followed by Morganna, now dressed in her original form-fitting attire: a crimson dress layered with sleek armor across her torso.

An attendant greeted them and led the way to the city’s renowned sky café.

Even in this space, high-end, and filled with refined patrons, Morganna’s presence turned heads. Every gaze subtly followed her, drawn by the quiet gravity of her aura.

They were seated near the edge, where the view stretched wide, a sweeping panorama of the glittering city lights beneath a velvet night sky.

The table interface lit up, offering an interactive menu.

Atlas quietly scanned through the list, making selections.

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

He continued browsing, pointing as he went. "This... this... and definitely this."

Whatever Morganna’s stomach was made of, it seemed she could easily match Karian’s appetite, though in her case, it was almost entirely sweets.

Soon, the food began to arrive, one dish after another. Atlas nudged a few plates toward Morganna without saying a word, and she accepted them in equal silence. Without hesitation, she went straight for the first ice cream that caught her eye.

And there it was.

A smile, faint, but unmistakable, touched her lips.

Atlas grinned inwardly.

There it is. The ultimate secret weapon to thaw this frozen-hearted Vampire Queen: a frozen dessert.

They ate in silence, the atmosphere surprisingly comfortable. Atlas kept up with her pace as best he could, not wanting her to feel like she was the only one indulging.

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

Morganna glanced at him. There was a pause... then a small nod.

"Yes..."

She actually answered!

After that, conversation felt more natural. Morganna didn’t open up completely, but when she spoke, her words circled around the trials of being a Lord, and the relentless battles ahead.

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

Atlas nodded slowly. Even now, he had already gained incredible upgrades, many of them thanks to her. Her presence alone was enough to boost the team’s overall strength tremendously.

"I’ll show you," he said quietly.

After all, he had the talent Unbreakable Routine for a reason!

**

Tonight had been incredibly valuable. For the first time, Atlas had a genuine conversation with Morganna. It felt like he’d caught a glimpse of the deeper self beneath her cold, distant shell. It was a night he wouldn’t forget anytime soon.

Time to head back to the hotel.

After a long, eventful day, the night passed in what felt like the blink of an eye.

By morning, Atlas had made up his mind. He’d take his subordinates out to enjoy the city one last time. This was their final day in Veylamar, and he wanted to make the most of it. Who knew when, or if, they’d ever return?

They started with a casual tour through the city’s highlights, picking up a few items they’d had their eyes on. Then, Edrik spotted the bowling alley.

Atlas gave them a quick rundown of the rules, and Edrik was the first to catch on. His form wasn’t perfect, but he made up for it with steady improvement.

Then came Karian’s turn.

He launched the bowling ball like a cannon, smashing straight through the end of the lane, and into the machinery. Atlas let out a long sigh, rubbing his temples as he paid for the damages.

Next up: golf.

Surely this would be more relaxed.

It wasn’t.

Karian stepped up again and swung with the force of a siege weapon. The ball flew high, very high, clearing the course entirely.

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

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

"Fine," Atlas sighed, "let’s find something else."

But before they could leave, Kurogasa silently stepped up to the tee.

He took a swing. The ball soared in a perfect arc... then dropped cleanly into the hole.

A beat of silence.

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

"No," Edrik said with a grin. "I think he’s just that precise."

Their next stop was a high-end all-you-can-eat restaurant. Atlas couldn’t help but chuckle to himself as they walked in. He could already imagine the panic about to unfold behind the kitchen doors. After all, he’d brought someone with an appetite the size of a pocket dimension.

Karian didn’t hesitate. He grabbed everything that caught his eye, stacking plates with reckless enthusiasm, all because Atlas had told him, "Eat whatever you want."

The dining limit was set at ninety minutes, but by the one-hour mark, the waitstaff were already shifting uncomfortably. The manager kept sneaking anxious glances in their direction, as though trying to do mental calculations and losing every time.

When their time was almost up, the manager finally approached the table. His face was pale, his voice trembling.

"Thank you for your visit, sir," he said.

He probably meant to add We look forward to seeing you again, but the words never made it out.

Atlas left the restaurant completely satisfied. Both with the food and the chaos Karian had caused, and chuckled all the way out.

It had been a fun, much-needed break. Thank you, Veylamar. He would definitely miss this city.

But now... it was time to return to Gacha Haven.

His real haven.

Though honestly, it was more like a hell he was determined to reshape into a paradise.

What had Mira been up to all this time?

**

As evening fell, Atlas and his subordinates made their way to the meeting point just outside the city walls, where the thirty Awakeners he had recruited were already gathered.

The moment they stepped beyond the city’s boundary, Atlas spotted the group waiting in formation. Each one bowed respectfully as he approached.

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

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

"Yes," Edrik replied. "Documents, contracts, equipment, supplies. We’re fully stocked for the next thirty days."

"Good," Atlas said with satisfaction. "That’s the first hurdle cleared."

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 support up to 100 individuals. Just open the portal and allow them to step through one by one.]

Perfect.

With everything ready, Atlas activated the portal. A magic circle flared to life beneath their feet.

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

One by one, Lyrassa, Morganna, and the recruits stepped through the portal. Edrik gave a respectful bow, then gestured for Atlas to follow.

With a final breath, Atlas stepped forward.

A few seconds later, he emerged on the other side... and paused in wonder.

He was standing on an island blanketed in wildflowers, surrounded by trees and soft, emerald grass. A gentle stream flowed nearby, glimmering beneath the setting sun.

And standing in the middle of it all was Mira.

Her face lit up with a radiant smile the moment she saw 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!

Atlas blinked, and from the look on the new recruits’ faces, nearly all of them were already completely enchanted.

Just the sound of her voice was enough to leave them spellbound.

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