Floating Island - Triple S Talent

"Damn it... these cursed creatures," the man snarled, hatred clearly visible on his face.

The wolf-like creature that stopped him ignored his curses. It immediately attacked with its powerful claws. But it didn't end there—other strange creatures appeared, surrounding and overwhelming him alone.

"No!! Stop!"

Holas, observing from a distance, couldn't bear to watch any longer. He leaped and rushed toward the man being attacked. However, as he was still in mid-air, a slash came out of nowhere, striking fiercely toward his legs.

An old man's voice rang out. With a swift and fluid movement, the old man swung his weapon in a cross pattern at Holas. Holas dodged and returned to his previous position.

"Damn it... I'll kill you," Holas growled, furious at being stopped just as he was about to act.

He raised both hands and crossed them in an X shape over his chest, readying himself for an attack.

But then, he suddenly froze, sensing a powerful energy emerging from within the walls of the city.

Inside the city walls, chaos reigned. In the large area where the teleportation portal stood, one of the massive portals began to shine brightly. From within the light, a man stepped forward, wearing a gleaming platinum badge on his uniform. He stood calmly by the portal, as if he was accustomed to facing whatever lay ahead.

Soon, more soldiers in the same uniform began pouring out of the portal. One by one, they marched forward, their faces showing unwavering determination, their eyes gleaming with the spirit of battle.

In the corners of the city's buildings, a few residents peered cautiously at the arrival of the soldiers. A glimmer of hope flashed in their eyes upon seeing the first figure emerge. But that hope quickly faded, replaced by hollow expressions of indifference. They knew that, despite the number of soldiers arriving, their strength wouldn't be enough to fend off the far stronger invading forces.

Their suffering was far from over.

"Who are they?" one of the guards stationed at the portal muttered, his gaze fixed on the newcomers streaming out. He glanced at his companion beside him, hoping for an answer.

"Is this reinforcement?" he asked in a half-whisper.

His companion nodded uncertainly but remained alert. "It seems so, but we must stay vigilant. Let's inform Captain Abigail."

They quickly sent a message through the communication system, detailing the soldiers' appearance and the specifics of their power. Every being that had emerged so far was at Tier-2 level—formidable, but still not enough against the enemy they were facing. Once they ensured all the information was recorded, the message was sent.

In less than a second, a response came from Abigail. "Is that so? I'm on my way." Short, direct, and immediate.

"Yes, it seems real. Let's wait for Captain Abigail," one guard said to his partner as they continued to monitor the flow of soldiers from the portal, now nearing seventeen in number.

Finally, another figure emerged from the portal—a man with blazing green hair. An icy aura radiated from his deep gaze, sending chills through the hearts of the guards on duty. There was something different about this man, something that made them hold their breath.

The platinum captain who had been standing by the portal watched as the green-haired man arrived. Taking a deep breath, the captain shouted loudly, his voice echoing across the city.

"The World Market Trade Alliance has arrived! Lord Budi is in command!"

The shout was so loud it shook the surrounding area, drawing the attention of everyone within the city walls—frightened civilians, watchful guards, and even Captain Abigail, who was on her way, heard it.

"So it's really them," Abigail murmured to her companion as they leaped across rooftops and raced through the city streets. When they finally reached the teleportation area, the scene felt more real.

Abigail and her companion approached the two guards who had previously sent the message. "Thank you," Abigail said with a nod, then walked past them, heading directly toward the reinforcements from the World Market Trade Alliance.

Budi, who had just stepped out of the portal, surveyed the surroundings calmly. His eyes scanned the city—civilians huddling in corners, guards standing warily, and two women approaching him. He gave them only a brief glance before resuming his inspection of the shattered cityscape.

Many buildings had collapsed, leaving behind dusty ruins. The roads, still passable in places, bore signs of destruction, with long cracks and scattered debris. His gaze finally settled on the distant wall, as if he could see through it to where Holas and the old man fought against the looming threat beyond.

"Welcome, Lord Budi. We've been expecting you," Abigail said softly, standing before him. Her voice was gentle but filled with hope, and her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.

"Welcome, Lord Budi. Please, we need your help," added her companion sincerely, her voice filled with genuine pleading.

Budi gave a slight but firm nod. "Of course. That's what we're here for."

He immediately began issuing orders, his voice steady and unwavering. "You," he said, pointing to the soldier on his right, "lead a team of five and deploy the Galactic Fortress at the right location." Then, turning to the soldier on his left, he continued, "You, take a team of five and ensure the civilians' safety. Evacuate them if necessary."

After ensuring both teams moved out, Budi looked toward the platinum captain and the remaining soldiers, signaling them to gather. "Follow me. We're going to eliminate those foolish creatures," he said with a calm yet commanding tone.

In an instant, Budi's forces split into three groups. The first team headed to a strategic location to deploy the Galactic Fortress, while the other team spread out, combing the streets to ensure the civilians' safety. Budi and his core troops marched toward the city gate.

With a simple motion, Budi pulled out a Vortex Plate from his spatial ring. He jumped onto it, and without needing verbal commands, the Vortex Plate glided smoothly under his mental control, swiftly carrying him toward the wall's exterior.