Astral Point: Summoners Dimensional War

When the ashes of the Land Dragon's body finally dissipated completely, a soft light began to fill the domain, banishing the darkness that had engulfed the place. Suddenly, a system screen appeared before everyone, glowing with words that seemed almost surreal:

[Hidden Domain "Land Dragon of Calamity" Cleared]

"Finally," Pierre exhaled deeply, loosening his grip on his sword. He turned toward Jeanne, making sure his sister was truly alright. Jeanne gave a small nod, though her face looked fatigued.

"At least it's over," Catherine murmured, her tone as unchanging as ever, though a faint smile hinted at her satisfaction.

Before they could relax, another system screen popped up:

[Rewards: Moondrops x700, Land Dragon's Scales x54, Elemental Orbs x4, Base Gold x9000, Storybook of Heroes x130]

"Not bad," Catherine commented, carefully reading through the list of rewards. "But I feel like all this hard work deserves more."

"You're always greedy," Thomas remarked curtly, though his eyes also scrutinized the rewards closely. He added quietly, "Still, it's impressive for one raid."

Another screen suddenly appeared, drawing everyone's attention:

[Congratulations! Since the Navigator defeated a monster significantly higher in level than the combat unit, the Navigator has been awarded the title: "Wait, What?!"]

"Wait, what?" Pierre muttered, quoting the screen directly, his tone confused. He turned to the Navigator. "What does that even mean?"

The Navigator chuckled softly, a hint of pride in their voice. "Thomas, try tapping the title. See what it says."

Thomas complied without much protest. A new screen appeared, displaying the title's description:

["Even the system is baffled by what you just did!" Effect: Increases all stats by 1% for every 5-level gap between the combat unit and the enemy.]

"Hah," Thomas let out a short scoff, raising an eyebrow at the screen. "Even the system acknowledges how absurd this is. Interesting."

"Interesting enough for me," the Navigator said, their eyes gleaming. "Titles like this usually can't be obtained until high levels. The fact I got it at level 1... truly remarkable."

Catherine tilted her head, her gaze skeptical. "You sound very pleased for someone who nearly got us all killed multiple times." Though her words were sharp, there was a faint teasing tone beneath them.

"Bambi," the Navigator asked with a wide grin, "did you get it too?"

Bambi's voice suddenly echoed in their minds, filled with surprise. "I got it too! I can't believe we actually completed this raid. I thought it was impossible..." Her voice was a mix of relief and astonishment. After a moment, she added, somewhat awkwardly, "Thank you... all of you, especially you, Navigator."

The Navigator laughed lightly. "Oh, don't overthink it. We're all here to win. You just happened to call the right team."

Jeanne stepped forward gently, still looking a bit worn out. "Thank you, everyone. I... don't know how I can ever repay this."

Pierre approached her, patting her shoulder affectionately. "You don't need to repay anything, Jeanne. You've already given it your all, as always."

Pharnaces let out a heavy sigh but gave a small smile. "Next time, if there's another dragon, don't call me. One is enough for a lifetime."

Catherine let out a soft snort. "You still have the energy to joke. You're tougher than you look."

Thomas, who had been reviewing his stats after the last buff, finally spoke in a serious tone. "Alright, let's get out of this place. The rescue mission is done."

Everyone nodded, one by one heading toward the portal that had opened after they defeated the Land Dragon.

As they exited the dark and perilous domain, the soft moonlight welcomed them. Though their bodies were exhausted and their clothes covered in dust and bloodstains, a faint sense of relief lingered in the air. However, the tranquility was soon interrupted by the Navigator's voice speaking in all their minds.

"Bambi," the voice was calm yet filled with curiosity. "Did you also receive a quest from the system about the Kingdom of Esverita?"

There was a brief pause before Bambi's voice returned, still in their minds. "Yes... I got it. The system says I need to resolve the internal conflict in the Kingdom of Esverita."

The Navigator immediately responded, "Interesting. That's the same quest I got. But now the question is: who will you support in the struggle for the throne? Calius or Claudius?"

A tense silence followed. Finally, Bambi's voice came back, full of hesitation. "Ah, uh... I... I..."

Jeanne sighed deeply, sounding very frustrated. "Alright, I'll say it."

But before Jeanne could continue, Bambi cut in, her tone panicked. "I'll support Calius!"

Everyone fell silent for a moment, processing her words. Finally, Jeanne facepalmed with a look of exasperation. "I knew you'd say that. You're only choosing him because... he's handsome."

This reaction triggered a wave of responses from the others. Catherine rolled her eyes, her face reflecting disdain. "Handsome? That's your reason? You do know Calius is infamous for his tyrannical reputation, don't you? He plans to replace all royal officials with people who only obey him!"

Thomas added sharply, "That's not just a rumor. Leaked policy documents confirm it. You'd be a fool to think his looks justify your support."

Bambi's face turned red, her eyes glistening with tears. "I... I just thought he had a strong vision for change..."

Catherine snorted, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Strong vision? You don't even know what that means. You're just smitten by his smile and face."

The debate grew increasingly heated, with Bambi looking more and more distressed. Jeanne tried to calm the situation, but even she seemed disappointed in her Navigator. Pierre, who usually avoided getting involved, finally spoke. "We're not solving anything by yelling. Focus on facts, not emotions."

The argument continued until the Navigator, who had been silent until then, finally spoke up. "Enough." Their voice was firm, silencing everyone. "If that's Bambi's choice as a Navigator, it's her right. But as the Navigator of my team, I'll stand on the opposite side."

Everyone was stunned. Even Bambi, who had been on the verge of tears, started crying outright. "I don't want to get involved in complicated political matters!" she sobbed. "I just... I just want to finish the quest and get out of all this!"

The Navigator spoke again, this time more gently. "Bambi, nothing in this world is easy. But as a Navigator, you must make decisions. Whatever your reasons, that's your choice, and we can only respect it. But you must also accept the consequences of every choice you make."

Pharnaces, who had been silent until now, finally chimed in. "In the end, politics is just another battle, isn't it? We just have to choose the side that aligns with our values. And make sure we don't lose."

Everyone fell silent, reflecting on his words. The Navigator finally smiled faintly. "Let's see how things play out. But for now, get some rest. This mission is done."

Bambi immediately responded with a voice full of gratitude. "Thank you... thank you so much for your help. If it weren't for you all, I don't know what would've happened."

The Navigator chuckled lightly, their voice resonating softly in everyone's minds. "It's part of my job, Bambi. Don't forget, you've already paid me for this."

A few seconds later, a system screen appeared before everyone:

[Party Merge has been disbanded by Bambin4Channel]

Pierre looked at the screen with slight hesitation before turning to Jeanne. "So, what's your next plan, Jeanne? Where are you headed?"

Jeanne, her gaze filled with determination but showing a hint of weariness, replied, "I'll return to the Kingdom of Esverita. I need time to rest and think through this situation. Besides, I want to discuss the quest further with Bambi. Maybe she'll reconsider her decision on whom to support in the throne struggle."

Pierre nodded in understanding. "That's a good idea. I hope you can convince her. But be careful there, Jeanne. I know you're strong, but the political situation in Esverita is complicated."

Jeanne gave a faint smile. "Thank you, Pierre. I also hope we meet again in the future."

Pharnaces II, who had been quietly listening, added, "You all were incredible in that fight earlier. I respect you all. Hopefully, we can fight together again someday. Thank you for everything."

Pierre extended his hand toward Pharnaces. "It was an honor fighting alongside you as well. Take care on your journey, Pharnaces. Until we meet again."

After exchanging farewells, Jeanne and Pharnaces headed toward the Kingdom of Esverita. Their figures gradually disappeared from the group's sight.

"So," Pierre said, turning his attention to Thomas, "where are we staying tonight?"

Thomas looked at Pierre with his usual calm expression. "We've booked an inn in the city of Libentium. It's comfortable, and I think you'll like it. Let's head there now."

Virginia, who appeared restless, spoke up with a worried tone. "I… I'm worried about Nina. I left her without any notice. What if she's worried about me?"

Catherine, as usual, scoffed disdainfully. "That kind of worry won't get you anywhere. If you decided to leave her for this mission, you have to accept the consequences. Otherwise, why did you start this journey in the first place?"

Virginia only bowed her head, not wanting to extend the argument. Sensing the discomfort in the air, Pierre tried to change the subject. "Let's go now. You all must be tired, and I'm sure the inn in Libentium will be a good place to rest."

They walked together toward the city of Libentium. The road was peaceful, a stark contrast to the tension in the domain they had just left. However, though there were no visible enemies ahead, each of them remained lost in their own thoughts.

***

I opened my eyes slowly, adjusting to the familiar surroundings of the main headquarters. My floating castle hovered steadily above the clouds, offering a sense of security I couldn't find in any domain. In front of me, a system screen appeared with a new notification:

[Bambin4Channel has sent a friend request]

Two buttons appeared below: [accept] and [decline].

I chuckled softly. "Bambi, huh? That girl is really too naive." Without hesitation, I pressed the [accept] button. "She'll make a valuable wallet if managed properly," I muttered with a mischievous smile.

"Navigator, you're the type of man girls should avoid," Luna's voice cut in from beside me. I turned to find her standing with her arms crossed, a disgusted expression evident on her face. "Pathetic."

I raised my hands in mock defense. "I was joking! Don't look at me like I'm some kind of societal trash."

She didn't seem amused, merely raising an eyebrow. "So, the mission to help that player's combat unit is done?"

I nodded casually. "Yes. They're pretty talented, even though they got trapped in a hidden raid like that. On the side, I also cleared the 'Land Dragon of Calamity' hidden raid. I didn't expect a hidden domain in such a low-level area."

Luna let out a small sigh, her eyes skeptical. "Astral Point is full of surprises. But don't think it's pure luck. You only succeeded because of your gamble with gacha, not because of any solid strategy."

I chuckled at her remark. "Ah, gacha... I was just testing my luck. You know, it all started out of curiosity." Excitedly, I opened the gacha menu to check my latest roll history. On the screen, the results were clearly displayed:

- Pierre d'Arc (SR)

- Ironspike Spear (R)

- Windpiercer Bow x2 (R)

- Common Sword (R)

I sighed deeply, slightly disappointed. "This gacha is heartbreaking. Four R items… and only Pierre can be considered decent. Even then, he's still stuck with a common sword because I don't have a better weapon for him."

"You should focus more on managing your units instead of whining about gacha," Luna retorted, glancing at me. "Pierre is useful, isn't he? Don't expect your luck to last if you keep relying on probabilities."

"I know, I know," I replied, opening Pierre's unit profile.

---

Pierre d'Arc "Knight of the Fleur de Lis" (SR)

Role: Damage Dealer/Tank

Level: 10

Abilities:

- Active Skill 1 – Blazing Charge

- Active Skill 2 – Shield of Orléans

- Passive Skill – Battlefield Veteran

- Ultimate Skill – Blade of Valor

---

His stats were solid, although my current gear left much to be desired. Deep down, I hoped my next gacha roll would yield better results. "At least he held his own in that raid. That's proof enough of his value."

Luna shook her head, looking bored with my excuses. "If you don't rest soon, your brain won't be sharp enough to handle tomorrow."

I shrugged, casually closing the system screen. "Fine, fine. I'll rest. You're too nagging for someone who doesn't need sleep."

"I'm just trying to save you from yourself, Navigator."

I chuckled softly before heading to my private quarters in the main headquarter. Luna's voice faded behind me, though I could still hear the faint criticism in her tone. Deep down, I knew she was right. But I also knew one thing: luck always favors those daring enough to try.

***