Chapter 239: Chapter 239 - Azure Sword Spire
Judging from his appearance, this lord most likely hailed from the Middle Kingdom region. That region was formed from the remnants of the old Chinese lands, and in the present day, its inhabitants make up the largest population in the world.
Records showed that the Middle Kingdom boasted more lords than any other region across the globe, its sheer numbers rivaling entire continents.
The Pangaea Nova Continent itself stretched wide in the west. From the north lay the Eurasia United, below it the Mediterra Alliance, further east the vast Middle Kingdom, followed by Himalaya Haven, and at the southern edge, the Pan-African League.
If Atlas simply let his floating island drift along its current path, he would eventually dock somewhere between Mediterra and the Middle Kingdom. It was no surprise, then, that lords from both these regions might be patrolling these waters. Movement between continents was nothing unusual, after all.
It was even more common for Rank-1 lords, who still lacked the ability to steer their floating islands freely, leaving them to drift wherever the currents and winds carried them.
The old man stood tall upon his floating sword... and damn, Atlas couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy.
"A flying sword mount? I need one of those."
The man drifted closer, pressing his palms together in a formal gesture of respect before speaking.
"Pathfinder Bolin of Azure Sword Spire speaks here. I extend greetings to the lords migrating toward Pangaea Nova. May I know who leads your alliance?" His gaze lingered on Luna, who stood at the forefront.
Luna hesitated, glancing over her shoulder toward Atlas.
Atlas gave her a small signal with his hand. You handle this one.
"But you..." Luna murmured under her breath, reluctant.
Ember leaned in, stifling a giggle. "Luna, I’m not so sure it’s wise letting Atlas do the talking. You know how foul his mouth can get."
Atlas scowled. "What do you mean by that?"
"I mean exactly what I mean," Ember replied sweetly.
Atlas stepped forward beside Luna, straightening his posture with mock dignity. "Let me handle this... with elegance."
"See?" Ember whispered loudly, smirking. "A cunning lord saying something like that. You really can’t trust him."
Atlas responded at last, though he made no move to mirror the older man’s respectful gesture. His voice was calm, polite, yet edged with his usual composure.
"I feel deeply honored to receive a visit from a Pathfinder on this night. Seeker Atlas of Gacha Haven, at your service, and also the leader of this alliance."
Bolin’s brow furrowed ever so slightly, the faintest crease, but Atlas caught it.
"Oh, are you the one with that little island over there? Such a... cute island."
"Exactly," Atlas replied smoothly. "That is my island. I would be delighted if Senior Bolin would visit it someday."
"Ha ha ha," the older man chuckled, his tone light but the mockery underneath clear. At least, that was how it sounded to Atlas’s ear.
"So, only a group of rookies, then."
See? There it is.
The insult slipped in at last. Age had weathered Bolin’s face, but not the arrogance so common among lords.
"It is always entertaining to meet fresh blood in the lord worlds," Bolin continued. "This world of endless battles and bloodshed... You rookies often drift into the open seas, with no sense of direction, chasing some dream of treasure islands. But in the end..." He trailed off, shaking his head slowly. "I am sure you know how that usually ends."
Atlas let a thin smile touch his lips. "Thank you very much for your wisdom, Senior Bolin. I am certain that as a rookie, I need such wisdom... from someone as old as you."
Silence followed. Bolin’s gaze leveled flatly at Atlas, the two men locked in a quiet standoff. Yet it was clear. Atlas had managed to return the jab with words still wrapped in courtesy.
Bolin drifted closer, his sword gliding until only the protective barrier separated him from Atlas. His voice dropped into a measured, almost courteous tone.
"Atlas of Gacha Haven..." he said slowly. "I see you lead an alliance where the others are Scout Rank. That is... I must admit, quite an achievement. I can only imagine you have some sort of backing. Perhaps someone who facilitated your rise, granting you this position. Not that I mean to belittle you, of course. Merely showing respect and acknowledgment."
Atlas’s lips curled into the faintest of smiles.
"This Seeker Lord would feel ashamed to brag about my accomplishments before a Senior. But, just a little secret. I earned this by obliterating my enemies in the Dominion Skirmish. Every lord in my alliance knows I deserved this position."
Oh, damn. Was that arrogance slipping through?
Maybe. But what choice did he have? Atlas wasn’t the kind of man to lick boots just to secure protection. Arrogant, yes. But bowing his head would only invite scorn and destruction.
In the end, this world of lords was built on war and ruin, not mercy. Submit, and you became a slave to the stronger, trampled until nothing remained. Resist, and at least you stood on your own feet.
Besides, the system itself placed limits on bloodshed. No matter how sharp Bolin’s glare grew, no matter the sting of provocation in Atlas’s words, the older man couldn’t strike at him here. Not beyond the barrier’s protection.
Bolin’s lips curved into a thin smile. Still unshaken.
"I see... you must have been raised in a most honorable family. It shines through in the way you speak."
Atlas dipped his head slightly, his tone smooth.
"I only mirror the manner of my counterpart, Senior Bolin. With someone as respected as you, I strive to show respect in return. Truly, you inspire me deeply."
A silence hung between them for a few beats before Bolin spoke again, his words slower, heavier.
"A shame, truly, that someone with a tongue as polite as yours, and an alliance already formed, will soon be reduced to ashes. Crushed by the lords’ alliance that lies directly ahead, toward which your floating island drifts."
Atlas said nothing, letting the old man’s voice coil tighter. He could already see where this was going.
"I am, by nature, a very humble man," Bolin continued, though his calm voice carried a blade of dominance beneath it. "I admire youthful passion such as yours, knowing how long the road ahead may be. That is why... you should bend the knee beneath my banner. For your protection."
He leaned forward slightly, his tone deepening.
"Access to hunting grounds, a vast network already in place. You could rise through the ranks with ease, your people safe and secure. Is that not the dream of every lord caught in this endless cycle of war?"
Atlas allowed a faint smile. "Ah, what a coincidence. That happens to be our dream as well. Growing in peace, fighting in peace. Only..."
He glanced over his shoulder. "Do you wish to accept this Senior’s offer?"
Luna blinked, startled, staring at Atlas as if to say, Why are you throwing this to me?!
She steadied herself, then answered firmly. "I will stay where I stand, and only accept aid given in goodwill, where both sides benefit equally."
Atlas turned back to Bolin, his smile sharpening.
"As alliance leader, I honor the voices of my lords. And they have made it clear. Staying our course is the decision we uphold. So... let us each mind our own business from here on."
The answer had been given, clear and final. But was it enough to close the matter?
Surely not.
This so-called senior was preparing to show his dominance!