Just as Atlas had said before, this was entirely within his own will. How he chose to respond to the two incoming challenges was his decision alone. It was his private domain, his responsibility, and so were the risks that came with it.
However, there was no denying that these two particular challenges were more than just personal battles. They were part of something larger, a deliberate move from another alliance. This wasn't merely two lords seeking battle; it was an orchestrated attempt to crush Gacha Haven's growing power.
And they had already succeeded twice. Two major victories, over Luna and Brigid.
Luna was the first to speak. "In my case, yes, I lost, Atlas. But we managed to deal significant damage to the enemy. The real issue wasn't our strategy; it was that their forces were fully optimized, while mine weren't. As in Division Four, I didn't have the resources or troops at full capacity. That imbalance is what led to the final loss."
