Floating Island - Triple S Talent

In a spacious room exuding authority and luxury, a muscular man in a formal suit was busy reviewing reports.

Holographic displays floated above his lavish desk, projecting critical data. Across from him, a female assistant sat with a graceful yet professional posture, her eyes focused on a tablet she was scrolling through. She seemed busy, her fingers moving swiftly across the screen as she recorded information.

The desk itself radiated opulence, with a nameplate that read "Association Leader - Herman" in golden letters.

The nameplate served as a mark of the man's importance, reflecting his high status. Other luxurious ornaments adorned the room, from golden statues on the back wall to the neon blue lighting encircling the ceiling, creating a futuristic yet elegant ambiance.

"The monster islands have reappeared as before, Sir. The upper limit of monster levels has also increased, with some reaching level 45," his assistant reported.

Her voice was clear and firm, matching her professional demeanor. She was relaying the latest statistics received by the association, based on direct observations from agents stationed in the Divine Sky Realm.

Herman listened intently, taking a deep breath as he leaned back in his chair.

The furrow in his brow deepened, reflecting the weight of his thoughts. "What's happening? Has the cause been identified?" he finally asked, his voice heavy.

The assistant shook her head slightly before responding.

"Not yet, Sir. The World Market Trade Alliance hasn't provided any official information. This phenomenon is occurring across all regions. The data we've received shows a consistent pattern: an increase in the number and levels of monster islands."

Herman tapped his fingers on the desk, his expression contemplative.

"And what is Guardia doing? Why hasn't the main alliance released any official information?" he muttered, more to himself than expecting an answer. Frustration was evident in his tone.

As the leader of the Hunter Association, he felt overwhelmed by the rapidly changing situation.

The delay in receiving information made it difficult for him to make decisions. He understood the association's role in maintaining balance, but without clear data, any action felt like a gamble.

"Sir, there's an update," his assistant suddenly said, her eyes fixed on the tablet in her hand.

Her tone carried urgency.

"The Sky Tower has grown taller. It now has 50 floors. Just moments ago, the highest floor was successfully cleared by Miss Bai Qi."

Hearing this, Herman fell silent again, his brow furrowing even deeper.

Not long ago, the tower had appeared with just ten floors, but now another major change had occurred. "This tower… it seems to keep evolving," he murmured softly. Enjoy new adventures from empire

"Alright," he finally said, his voice weary. "Keep monitoring for the latest developments. For now, suspend all long-term plans."

His tone carried firm authority, though a hint of pessimism was hard to miss. The rapid changes had left the association struggling to find solid ground for future strategies.

The assistant nodded obediently, quickly jotting down Herman's instructions.

Her job was to act as Herman's extension, ensuring that his orders reached the rest of the team flawlessly.

After issuing his directives, Herman swiveled his chair to face the large window behind him.

From there, he gazed out at the magnificent cityscape. Towering skyscrapers stood firm and orderly, piercing the clear blue sky. Thousands of flying vehicles moved in a synchronized flow, crisscrossing each other in an unending rhythm that created a sense of busy yet harmonious life.

"Thank goodness, I can still enjoy this beauty," he murmured softly.

His tone carried deep gratitude, tinged with a trace of weariness. To him, this view was a reminder of humanity's long struggle to achieve a better life, far removed from the destruction and chaos of the Earth they had once left behind.

This city, he thought, was the paradise they had managed to create amidst the relentless threats that continued to loom.

***

"Elen, behind you!"

Ayumi's weak voice broke the air. Her frail body lay limp on the cold ground, her eyes filled with worry as she watched Elen.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

The girl was running toward her, her face full of concern. But behind Elen, a terrifying figure cloaked in black floated ominously. Its glowing red eyes radiated a tangible threat. The creature raised its hand, gathering a large pulsating orb of dark energy, ready to unleash it.

Ayumi's shout made Elen stop abruptly. She turned around, her gaze locking onto the creature. The menacing figure was still in the process of preparing its attack, the dark energy orb in its hand growing larger, emitting a pressure that made the surrounding air feel heavy.

Elen calmly raised her hand. From the void, a glowing white staff slowly materialized, descending gently into her grasp, as if answering her call.

"You, stop!" Elen's voice was soft but full of authority.

The tip of her white staff glowed, summoning a small transparent orb that floated forward. Strange, rune-like symbols spun around the orb, like a spell moving in a steady rhythm. The orb's aura radiated a unique power that made the air around it feel frozen.

"Pause Orb," Elen said softly, as if issuing a simple command.

The transparent orb suddenly shot forward at an incredible speed, cutting through the air and striking the ghostly creature directly. In an instant, the once-small orb expanded, enveloping the creature entirely. The spinning runes halted, forming a dome that trapped the creature in complete silence.

[You have successfully applied a debuff to the Legless Soul, entering the Time Orb for 1 minute.]

Elen gave a faint smile as the system notification confirmed the success of her skill. Without wasting time, she turned and ran toward Ayumi, who was lying weakly on the ground. Ayumi's face was pale, her breathing labored, prompting Elen to quicken her pace.

"So strong," Ayumi thought to herself, unable to believe what she had just witnessed.

Throughout their journey to this floor, Elen had always been an observer. She had never taken part in any battle, choosing instead to watch from a distance and follow Ayumi's lead.

But now, Ayumi realized just how extraordinary Elen's power truly was. She had always known Elen was a skilled fighter, but she hadn't expected her strength to be this overwhelming.

From afar, she watched as the ghostly creature remained motionless, completely trapped within the Time Orb. With her sharp vision, Ayumi could sense the creature's life energy slowly fading, like a candle nearing the end of its wick.

"Sis, are you alright?" Elen's voice was gentle yet full of concern.

Ayumi was startled to find Elen already crouching in front of her, carefully checking her condition. Elen reached out and retrieved a small bottle filled with red liquid from her spatial ring.

"Sis, drink this first," Elen said softly, offering the potion to Ayumi.

Too weak to refuse, Ayumi accepted the bottle. With the last of her strength, she lifted herself slightly and drank the red liquid. Slowly, a warm sensation spread through her body, dispelling the exhaustion that had bound her.