[You have received a Rank-A Character: Karian Thorhe Crimson Syer]

  Ats had summoned yet another character. This time, a figure emerged from the glowing magic circle just as Edrik had, stepping forward and standing before him.

  Karian owerfully built man, his dark red hair tied in a loose knot at the back of his head. He was red-tie armor reinforced with dragon scales.

  Karian stood silently for a moment, taking in his surroundings. His gaze eventually settled on Ats, and reition dawned in his eyes. Without hesitation, the warrior dropped to one knee, bowing his head before Ats.

  “This warrior has stained his h a crushi in his own nd,” Karian said. “But now I have been saved by a noble lord, just as death was closing in on me. Please, accept my loyalty, my Lord.”

  "Please, stand, Karian," Ats said, and Karian obeyed, rising to his feet.

  Ats had finally summoned his first warrior, and he was fairly satisfied with the oute. A warrior at this initial phase—especially a seasoned lord with experien warfare—was more than he could have hoped for!

  With someone like Karian by his side, he could soon embark on his first monster hunt.

  But then again, not really. He had eveer things waiting in store for him, a lot of them.

  "It seems like we've gathered some of the best possible personnel for this initial phase," Ats said, gng between Edrik and Karian. "And I still have plenty of ces to summon more allies. But first, let me make sure of a few things before moving forward."

  “My Lord, pardon me,” Edrik spoke up suddenly.

  “Yes, Edrik?” Ats responded. “And just to crify for both of you—please, let’s keep things a bit more casual. It’ll help us unicate and coorditer. Feel free to tell me whatever you think I should do, based on your experience. Even though I’ve studied some things, real experience will always be more valuable here.”

  “Uood, my Lord,” Edrik said with a respectful nod.

  Just then, a gust of wind blew, sending sand flying into Ats’s face. He squinted, rubbing his eyes.

  He realized that his floating isnd was nothing but a barren, sandy wastend.

  “How am I supposed to build a fortress here if there are no resources?” he said, gng around. “Does this mean I really started off with one of the worst floating isnds?”

  Still, he had nht to pin. After all, he had been granted a powerful system to help him.

  “Alright, Edrik. What is it you wao tell me?”

  "My Lord, I’m certain you have only a limited time to prepare for the first attack," Edrik said, gng around. "And I think... We desperately need materials to build structures. Perhaps we should focus on that first. Five me, but if you’d like, I offer some suggestions to address this."

  "Don’t worry, Edrik. I’ve got a way to gather materials.”

  He then summohe resources he had acquired from the Gacha—wood, stone, and other materials—instantly creating a pile around them.

  "I've got these materials, but it's not quite enough to build the fortress yet. No big deal, though—I easily gather more with my system."

  "That’s remarkable, my Lord. It seems like you’ve got araordinary system at your disposal."

  "Certainly," Ats said with a smile.

  "I must say, I’m fortuo have been summoned here to serve you. From the way you speak and how calm you’ve remained in this situation, even though it’s your first time, you strike me as someoure beyond your experience. I’m proud to serve you, my Lord."

  "Oh that’s your assessment?" Ats chuckled. "Well, that’s good to hear!"

  Ihere was much to be done in these early stages, but Ats was careful not to rush. He wao ensure everything was well-anized and thought through. Though he had once been just an Awakener with low-grade talent, he wasn’t reckless.

  Now, before opening the Rank-S item, he was curious to check the status of the two characters he had summoned. First, he opehe status window for Edrik.

  [Name: Edrik Thornwall]

  [Level: 49]

  [Strength: 89 | Agility: 220 | Intelligence: 54 | stitution: 67 | Stamina: 89]

  [Job: Resource Manager]

  [Master of Logistics (A) - Crisis Manager (A) - Mert’s Fortune (A) - Swift Dagger (B) - Silver Tongue (A) - Perfect Hair (B) - Tactical Retreat (A)]

  Level 49? Why is he only Level 49? Was he at this level in his inal world?

  "Edrik, tell me, is your level really this low, or did you get a downgrade after I summoned you?"

  "My Lord, I did experience a downgrade in a few areas," Edrik expined. "First, my level, and also some of my talents. But I assure you, even with these ges, my tale will still be incredibly useful to you."

  "I couldn’t agree more," Ats said, nodding. "Levels always be regained, as long as your talents remain valuable—that’s what truly matters."

  "Thank you, my Lord."

  Ats reviewed Edrik’s talents, noting how well they aligned with his role. Edrik had Master of Logistics, perfeanaging resources and supply s, and Crisis Manager, ideal for handling high-pressure situations with effibsp;

  His Mert’s Fortualent was an uny ability to secure highly profitable trade deals—perfect for a tacti and steward like him.

  Edrik also had some bat-reted talents. Swift Dagger specialized in dagger bat, and Tactical Retreat ensured a smooth, anized withdrawal from battle when faced with overwhelming odds.

  Clearly, Edrik wasn’t built for frontline fighting but had skills that could keep him out of harm’s way when needed.

  Ats smirked when he read the alent. Perfect Hair, his hair will always look pristine and well-maintained, even after battle, but serves no real funal purpose beyond appearances.

  Well, I guess it’s useful in its own way.

  Lastly, there was Silver Tongue, a highly persuasive talent, allowing Edrik to charm and win people over with ease, making diplomatic discussions smoother and ensuring favorable outes.

  He’s got the perfect set of social skills for his job, Ats mused, impressed by the versatility of Edrik’s talents.

  [Name: Karian Thorne]

  [Level: 55]

  [Strength: 289 | Agility: 76 | Intelligence: 57 | stitution: 145 | Stamina: 98]

  [Job: Frontline Fighter]

  [Brute Force (A) - Dragon's Will (SS) - Crimse (B) - Savage Cleave (A) - Charismatic Presence (B) - Impressive Sn (A) - Death's Resilience (B)]

  “Well, your level is higher, at 55,” Ats said, gng over Karian’s stats.

  “My Lord, I will work tirelessly tain my former level and improve my talents.”

  “Good. We’ll push hard once everything is ready.”

  As Ats reviewed Karian’s abilities, it became clear that he was built as a formidable warrior.

  Brute Force, it will increase his raw power, allowing him to break through armor and shields with ease.

  Dragon's Will, it will signifitly reduce the effectiveness of crowd trol effects, making it almost impossible to bind, stun, or restrain him in battle.

  This one’s SS-rated—impressive!

  Crimse, when Karian’s health is low, this berserker-like ability boosts attack speed, damage, and ferocity but at the cost of defense.

  These three talents alone solidified Karian’s role as an unstoppable for bat. The bination on’s Will and Crimse made him especially dangerous when pushed to his limits.

  His abilities reinforced his warrior nature.

  Savage Cleave, allowed Karian to swing his greatsword with enough power to cut through multiple enemies or objects in a sirike—perfect for his on choice.

  Charismatic Presenaturally anded respect, making it easy for Karian to lead and inspire others, something Ats had noticed from their first iion.

  But then Ats came across something ued.

  Impressive Sn, Karian possessed a loud, thunderous snore capable of waking aire room. It had no practical be in bat or social settings.

  Sn? Ats thought, stifling a chuckle. He might cause a little chaos for the others when he sleeps.

  Finally, there was:

  Death's Resilience provided immense resistao fatal blows, giving Karian a short window to tinue fighting even after receiving life-threatening injuries.

  This talent worked in perfect synergy with Crimse, making him a true berserker who could tinue fighting in the face of death.

  Everything’s perfect, Ats thought, pleased with how well Karian’s talents fit his role.

  Now armed with a berserker warrior and a skilled resource manager, he was ready to open the Rank-S Ticket.

  Will I be lucky enough to pull the Exclusive Rate Up Character right at the start? he wondered, excitement building.

  The ticket dropped to the ground, and immediately, a magic circle formed. Dark energy in shades of red and bck swirled from the ter, and a figure began to materialize—a woman in a flowing red dress, long bck hair casg down her back, and eyes glowing crimson.

  [You have received a Rank-S Character: Manna Nightshade - Queen of the Eternal Dusk]

  Well, looks like my luck paid off, Ats thought, satisfied with the oute.

  The woman—Manna—g Edrik and Karian, who stood nearby.

  "My Lord!" Karian shouted, his voice sharp with arm as he sprioward Ats.

  Before anyone could react, the Vampire Queen surged forward with terrifying speed. Her hand morphed into razor-sharp cws as she luraight at Ats.

  "You think you make me your sve?! You die now!"

  Manna hissed, her cws just inches from tearing across Ats’s throat.