CHAPTER 317: CHAPTER 317 - BENEATH THE FLOATING GODS

Joining an auction held by the lords was bound to be an intriguing experience. This would be Atlas’s first time participating in one. According to Luna, the event had a unique rule: no participant was allowed to reveal their true identity to anyone inside.

That anonymity made the auction much safer, especially since winning an item that others might covet could easily lead to trouble. After all, they were currently in the lower lands, where open conflict between lords could have disastrous consequences.

Still, the Middle Kingdom authorities were known for maintaining strict order, ensuring that no battles broke out during such events. Even so, lords possessed powers far beyond those of lower lands people, so this safeguard, while reassuring, wasn’t absolute.

The only concern Atlas had was whether he possessed enough gold to compete for high-value items. He wasn’t yet sure what he might need from the auction, but it was best to be prepared. If necessary, he could always auction off some of his own rare items to raise more funds.

There was still enough time before the event began, and Atlas planned to stay in the destination city for at least a week. Long enough to secure whatever he might need from this visit.

After some time, the city walls appeared in the distance. They looked nothing like the towering Dune Bastion of the Saharan Empire. Here, the walls rose only about three stories high, lined with modest weapon emplacements. It was clear that such defenses would never withstand a large-scale monster assault. Certainly not one like the dungeon outbreak that had struck Veylamar City.

When the group arrived at the main gate for inspection, everyone disembarked. Since their levels were now well above one hundred, they were capable of concealing their identities. As registered lords, they only needed to confirm their status through their Awakener devices before being granted entry into the city.

The lower lands treated lords differently. Sometimes with caution, sometimes with respect. The gap between the world above and the one below was vast, yet their connection remained deeply intertwined.

In fact, it wasn’t uncommon for certain lords to still try exerting influence over the lower lands. It was a pointless pursuit, really, since their true power and potential lay above the skies. But greed was a constant trait among people. Some would try to control everything they possibly could, no matter how unnecessary it was.

**

The journey continued as they entered the outskirts of the city, where tall buildings gradually came into view. The skyline stretched upward, a sign of impressive progress and organization. Though this wasn’t one of the Middle Kingdom Union’s main cities, it clearly showed that its inhabitants lived in relative comfort and stability.

Life in the lower lands revolved around the awakeners. Those who took on constant missions to hunt monsters, strengthening the city’s defenses while developing new weapons powered by Monster Cores harvested from their prey.

With a steady flow of supplies, healing potions, buff potions, weapon production, and the organized system of rewards and missions, the lower world sustained itself through relentless effort. People here lived under constant threat, yet they continued to adapt and survive.

Even so, many awakeners eventually gave up life in the lower lands, choosing instead to serve the lords in the skies. Trading freedom for security.

Because of this, the rulers of the lower lands worked tirelessly to maintain good relations with the lords. Cooperation was essential, ensuring mutual benefit and, more importantly, securing aid when defending their territories from greater threats.

For the same reason, lords who were dissatisfied with what they had on their floating islands often sought to extend their influence over the Unions. By doing so, they could better monitor the movement of rare materials, resources, and potential talents. While also engaging in trade and alliances with other lords.

Those who possessed significant power fought endlessly to preserve their dominance, ensuring they could continue to win the battles ahead. Whether by crushing the weak or quietly eliminating rivals who posed too great a risk if left unchecked.

It was an unforgiving world, shaped by competition and ambition, where the lords themselves were destined to destroy one another in their endless pursuit of power.

**

It truly was an endless cycle of command and conquer, one with no finish line in sight. Even stretching beyond the natural limits of human life. They kept climbing, step by step, up the ladder of ranks until, one day, they could claim the entire planet as their own... a floating... a planet ruled by a single lord. The irony of it all almost made Atlas laugh.

Even when they became unimaginably powerful, gods of their own world. They still kept fighting, pushing the cycle further. Now, it wasn’t just about ruling islands or continents; it was about obliterating entire planets, battling entities so vast and terrifying that ordinary people couldn’t even comprehend their existence.

How long could this possibly go on? How much longer would the lords keep fighting, conquering, and destroying?

Even someone like Morganna, once powerful and glorious, had been shattered after clawing her way up to her previous rank.

Who should be held responsible for finally bringing this system to an end? Who carries the guilt for shaping a world where survival means endless conflict. Where people are forced to tear each other apart just to keep living?

Damn it.

If there was truly a way to end it. To let people live without this constant need to fight and dominate. Then perhaps the punishment should fall on the very heart of that system. On the architects who made gods out of killers, and called their destruction progress.

Atlas took a slow breath, forcing the chaotic thoughts in his head to sink deep into the back of his mind. For now, he was part of this game. And the only way to survive was to master the rules and win it.

Fine. If war is the only way to live, then so be it.

Their first destination was the Awakener Association Center. Accompanied by Edrik, Atlas stepped out and entered the building, introducing himself under the alias GH. He registered everything he needed to secure his cover and ensure access to the city’s network.

To mask his true intentions, he listed several recruitment requests. Beast tamers, magic users, aerial units, and a few other versatile combat roles. He made it clear he was looking for full-time members but was also open to hiring paid forces if necessary.

Next, he submitted a request for building materials to expand Gacha Haven’s defenses. His goal was ambitious, to construct a thousand new defensive structures across the island. It would demand a massive amount of resources and a fortune in gold.

At present, Atlas held 70,000 gold, equivalent to 70 million UGD, a staggering amount by most standards. Yet he knew how quickly it could vanish if he continued to push his island’s development at full speed.

Once business at the association center was settled, Atlas began searching for a nearby place to stay. A suitable hotel where he and his team could operate while in the city. He also started gathering more information about the upcoming auction, set to begin in five days.

His main question now was whether there was still time to register any items for bidding, even with the schedule already cutting it close.