[You have received a Rank-A Character: Karian Thorne – The Crimson Slayer.]
Another notification appeared in front of Atlas. And this one, too, was a character summon.
A magic circle flared to life on the ground. Moments later, a surge of crimson energy burst outward, followed by a deep, guttural roar. It sounded almost like a dragon's cry echoing through the sky.
Then, a figure began to emerge, slowly, until he stood fully formed before Atlas.
This one was different.
Taller than Atlas by a head at least. His red hair was tied back in a loose, battle-worn knot, and he wore plate armor with a faint reddish hue.
Karian remained silent at first, surveying his new surroundings. Then his eyes found Atlas, and something changed. A moment later, the towering warrior sank to one knee, bowing his head with quiet resolve.
"This warrior has stained his name with a crushing defeat in his homeland," Karian said. "But now I've been spared, saved by a noble Lord, just as death was about to claim me. Please… accept my loyalty, my Lord."
Atlas nodded, stepping forward. "Stand, Karian."
Without hesitation, Karian rose to his full height once more.
This one definitely looked like a fighter. From his imposing build to the battle-worn armor. And Atlas couldn't help but feel satisfied.
A warrior like this, especially one seasoned by real warfare, was more than he ever expected to gain at this early stage.
"It seems we've already gathered some of the best possible personnel for the initial phase," Atlas said, glancing between Edrik and Karian. "And with the number of summons I still have left, I can build out a real force. But before we move forward, I need to sort a few things."
"My Lord, if I may," Edrik interjected suddenly.
"Yes, Edrik?" Atlas turned to him.
"My Lord, you likely have limited time to prepare before your first battle begins," Edrik said, scanning their barren surroundings. "And I believe we're in desperate need of materials to begin construction. Forgive my boldness, but I'd be honored to offer suggestions if you'd allow it."
Atlas nodded, unfazed. "No need to worry, Edrik. I've already got a way to gather materials."
Without another word, he summoned the resources pulled from the Gacha. Piles of wood, stone, iron, and mana crystals materializing instantly around them.
"I've got these for now, though it's not quite enough to build the fortress yet. No big deal. My system can get me more anytime."
Edrik's eyes widened in admiration. "That's… remarkable, my Lord. It seems you truly possess an extraordinary system."
Beside him, Karian let out a soft whistle and gave a slow clap of approval, his expression shifting from stern to visibly impressed.
Edrik stepped forward again. "I must say. I'm fortunate to have been summoned under your command. For someone new to all of this, you've handled every moment with clarity and calm. Honestly, my Lord, you seem more mature than most seasoned rulers I've met. It's an honor to serve you."
Atlas laughed, shaking his head. "Oh, that's your assessment?"
He grinned.
"Well, that's good to hear."
There was still a lot to do in these early stages, but Atlas wasn't about to rush blindly into anything. Caution had kept him alive before, and he wasn't the reckless type, especially now. He might've started as a low-talent Awakener, but that didn't mean he was going to run this place like an amateur.
Before opening the Rank-S ticket, he decided to check the status of the two characters he had already summoned. First up: Edrik.
[Name: Edrik Thornwall]
[Level: 49]
[Strength: 89 | Agility: 220 | Intelligence: 54 | Constitution: 67 | Stamina: 89]
[Job: Resource Manager]
[Master of Logistics (A) – Crisis Manager (A) – Merchant's Fortune (A) – Swift Dagger (B) – Silver Tongue (A) – Perfect Hair (B) – Tactical Retreat (A)]
Level 49?
Atlas frowned. "That's… kind of low for someone like you. Is that your original level, or did something happen when I summoned you?"
"My Lord," Edrik replied with a respectful nod, "my level, and a few of my talents, were reduced during the summoning. But rest assured, my capabilities remain valuable. What I've lost in numbers, I still carry in skill."
Atlas nodded. "Levels can be regained. What matters is whether the talent stays useful, and yours clearly is."
"You have my gratitude, my Lord."
As Atlas read through Edrik's talents, he couldn't help but be impressed by how well they aligned with his role.
"Master of Logistics, perfect for managing resources and infrastructure. Crisis Manager handles pressure without falling apart."
Edrik gave a small, confident smile. "That's my specialty, my Lord."
"And Merchant's Fortune. You've got a nose for trade deals and squeezing out profit. That's ideal for a tactician."
"You can rely on me fully in that area, my Lord."
"Then we've got Swift Dagger, close combat with light weapons, and Tactical Retreat, which lets you pull out of danger with your team intact. Sounds like you're not meant for the front lines, but you won't be helpless, either."
Edrik offered a quick bow, then drew a gleaming dagger from beneath his coat. In a blink, he vanished, reappearing several feet away with barely a sound.
Not bad at all.
Then Atlas noticed the next talent and squinted.
"Perfect Hair?"
It was exactly what it sounded like. Edrik's hair would always look flawless, no matter the situation. It had no real combat function!
Edrik lifted his chin with dignified flair, brushing a hand through his groomed hair. "Even warriors should look their best under pressure, my Lord."
Atlas chuckled. "Well, I guess it has its own kind of value."
Lastly, there was Silver Tongue, a persuasive ability that enhanced charm and influence, perfect for negotiations and diplomacy.
Yeah… he's got every social and support skill I could ask for, Atlas thought, nodding to himself. A perfect fit for his role.
[Name: Karian Thorne]
[Level: 55]
[Strength: 289 | Agility: 76 | Intelligence: 57 | Constitution: 145 | Stamina: 98]
[Job: Frontline Fighter]
[Brute Force (A) – Dragon's Will (SS) – Crimson Rage (B) – Savage Cleave (A) – Charismatic Presence (B) – Impressive Snoring (A) – Death's Resilience (B)]
"Well, your level's higher, 55."
"My Lord," Karian said, "I will work tirelessly to regain my former level and improve every one of my talents."
"Good. We'll push hard once things are in place."
As Atlas reviewed the list of abilities, one thing became clear, Karian was built for destruction.
"Brute Force, raw power enhancement. It lets you break through armor and shields like paper."
Karian flexed both arms with exaggerated seriousness, his expression flat, as if pretending not to notice that his Lord was assessing him like a prized weapon.
"Then there's Dragon's Will," Atlas continued, eyes narrowing with interest. "SS-rated. That's huge. Drastically reduces the effect of crowd control, stuns, binds, restraining magic. You're practically unmovable on the field."
"That's still far from my peak, My Lord," Karian replied humbly.
"Crimson Rage. Now this is dangerous. Boosts your speed, damage, and ferocity when your health is low… but drops your defense. A proper berserker trigger."
Just those three skills made Karian a walking catastrophe in battle. Dragon's Will and Crimson Rage alone would make him a nightmare to stop once wounded.
"Savage Cleave. Wide-range strikes, able to cut through multiple enemies or objects in a single blow."
"And Charismatic Presence. You naturally command attention and loyalty. Makes it easier to lead others. I noticed that the moment you arrived."
But then Atlas paused, brow furrowing as he read the next entry.
"Impressive Snoring?"
Apparently, Karian's snore could rattle a room and wake an entire squad.
"You might cause a little chaos at night."
Karian gave a sheepish grin. "It's... not that bad, my Lord. I swear."
Atlas chuckled. "We'll see."
And finally.
"Death's Resilience," Atlas read aloud. "Grants resistance to fatal blows. You can keep fighting for a short while even after taking life-ending damage."
This one synced perfectly with Crimson Rage. Even in the face of death, Karian would remain standing, swinging, and breaking enemies until the last second.
"Everything's perfect," Atlas said, nodding to himself.
Now, with a berserker warrior and a skilled resource manager at his side, it was time.
He was ready to open the Rank-S ticket.
"Will I be lucky enough to pull the Exclusive Rate-Up Character right from the start?"
Atlas touched the final ticket gently, anticipation rising in his chest.
As the ticket dropped to the ground, a magic circle burst to life beneath it. Dark, intricate runes glowing red and black. From the center, shadowy energy surged outward in chaotic swirls, the wind kicking up so fiercely that Atlas shielded his eyes.
The dark mist began to twist and scatter, transforming into dozens of small black bats. They fluttered through the air in a wide arc before spiraling toward the center, merging to form the silhouette of a woman.
The energy faded.
There she stood.
Clad in a flowing crimson dress, with long black hair cascading like ink down her back. Her crimson eyes gleamed with cold power, sharp and commanding.
"No way…" Atlas whispered.
[You have received a Rank-S Character: Morganna Nightshade – Queen of the Eternal Dusk.]
Atlas grinned, breath catching in his chest.
"Well… looks like my luck really paid off."
The woman, Morganna, turned her gaze to Edrik and Karian, her crimson eyes flicking over them with cold disinterest.
"My Lord!" Karian suddenly shouted, reaching out toward Atlas.
What the—?
Before anyone could move, the Vampire Queen blurred forward. In a heartbeat, she was right in front of Atlas. Her hand twisted and morphed into a set of glistening claws.
"You think you can make me your slave?! You die now!" she hissed.
Her claws slashed through the air, just inches away from Atlas's throat.