Chapter 106 - The Weight Zara Carries
On this journey to the Lower Lands, Atlas decided to bring a compact team of just eight, including himself. His first pick was Edrik, a dependable presence in nearly every scenario. Edrik had a knack for offering clear opinions and was particularly skilled at navigating complex problems with ease.
Then there was Kurogasa, chosen for his practicality and exceptional versatility in reconnaissance and handling a variety of conditions.
Next was Morganna, the Vampire Queen. Her inclusion wasn’t entirely by choice; Atlas brought her along because she was bored back at Gacha Haven, and he feared she might stir up trouble if left behind.
Rounding out the group were four team leaders: Zara, Kaida, Garen, and Ronan.
For the journey, Atlas had secured two vehicles from Veylamar City, delivered straight to them in the heart of the desert. They called them advanced caravans.
The vehicles boasted a sleek yet durable design, with reinforced metal plating, gleaming exteriors, and enormous, rugged tires built to conquer any terrain. They named the vehicle the Sandstorm Cruiser.
During the journey, one of their objectives was for Zara to meet with someone, a woman whose identity remained a mystery even to Atlas. After arriving at the meeting spot, Atlas allowed Zara to speak with the woman privately. Meanwhile, he and the rest of the group waited outside at a modest café, using the time to discuss their plans.
To avoid drawing unnecessary attention, they dressed in simple Awakener attire, deliberately leaving out any signs of the Gacha Haven emblem. This way, they blended in seamlessly as ordinary Awakeners on a routine dungeon hunt.
Kurogasa stayed away from the main group and patrolled the area, scouting for potential threats or anything out of the ordinary.
Curious about the identity of the woman Zara had encountered, Atlas began seeking answers from others.
After a moment, Kaida began explaining Zara’s background, as well as the story of Edward, the man who had lost his life in the recent battle.
"Edward used to be a butler for Zara’s family," Kaida explained. "He chose to remain by her side even after she joined Gacha Haven."