Chapter 80 The Lost City Of Atlantis
Tritan's focus returns to the wall he had been studying before the unexpected appearance of the guardian. His trained eyes scan the partially eroded ancient script, searching for clues amidst the fading inscriptions. Time has taken its toll, but Tritan's perseverance and expertise in the merfolk languages drive him to uncover its hidden meaning.As his gaze lingers on one particular symbol, a surge of recognition rushes through him. It triggers a cascade of memories, learning High Phoenician Merscript as a merling, piecing together the fragmented puzzle of the script. The once indecipherable symbols now align in his mind, revealing a cohesive message.Excitement and determination gleam in Tritan's eyes as he swiftly signs the deciphered message to his companions, sharing his newfound understanding. Their attention shifts to him, eager to comprehend the ancient secrets that have surfaced from the depths ofChapter 81 Atlantis; Outskirts.As the first traces of magenta illumination emanated from the waystick, casting a soft glow in the depths of the submerged ruins, Princesses Nerissa and Madissa, accompanied by Joe and his cobalt trident, embarked on their foraging expedition. The vibrant remnants of Atlantean architecture intertwined with the flourishing sealife, creating a captivating tableau.Amidst the underwater landscape, the mermaids' keen eyes spotted a cluster of crustaceans scuttling among the rocky crevices, and schools of colorful small fish darting playfully through the currents. They recognized these creatures as potential sources of sustenance and valuable resources.Nerissa's eyes shimmered with a mixture of hope and hunger as she communicated her findings to Madissa and Joe through fluid motions and expressive facial expressions. "These crustaceans and small fish are plentiful," she signed, her gestures conveying both excitement and practica
Chapter 82 Atlantis; CastleAs they continue their journey through the outskirts of the city, the merfolk witness a noticeable change in the landscape. The ruins of buildings become more tightly clustered together, suggesting a transition into the central city. Here, the damage inflicted by time and the sea seems less severe compared to the outskirts. It's as if the city had experienced a period of rebuilding after a devastating event, only to be ultimately abandoned to the relentless march of time and the unforgiving depths of the ocean.The structures they pass by, though weathered and worn, still bear remnants of their former glory. Intricate carvings and architectural details peek through the encroaching coral and marine life, giving a glimpse into the past splendor of this submerged civilization. The merfolk swim amidst the remnants of a city once bustling with life and activity, now frozen in an eternal state of decay and abandonment.
Chapter 83 Atlantis; Central CityBryan, overwhelmed by the awe-inspiring story, suddenly recalls the sight of another prominent building adjacent to the grand castle. Clicking his tongue softly to gather the group's attention, he gracefully signs, "The big building next to the castle seemed like it was in better shape. Maybe we should see if there's anything useful there." Tritan nods in agreement, and together, they swim out gracefully, careful not to disturb the contents of the grand hall behind them. The phosphorescent paints continue to illuminate the hall, casting an ethereal glow as the group makes their way towards the carriage needed to traverse the expansive castle grounds.Arriving at the building adjacent to the castle, Tritan meticulously studies the inscriptions on its weathered exterior. Despite missing symbols due to erosion, he pieces together the merscript, and with a widening of his eyes, signs to the group, "It's a library." The realization of t
Chapter 84 Atlantis; CatacombsAll the other members of the team seem appalled, their expressions reflecting their concern and uncertainty. After a moment of silence, Bryan strokes forward, his expression filled with a hint of worry. "If it's a tunnel system, there's probably an entrance to the library down there, but I would be worried about getting lost," he says, scanning the group to gauge their reactions. Naida remains silent, seemingly undecided, while Finrir nods thoughtfully. Finrir turns to Tritan and signs, "It's risky, and there's no guarantee we will find something that would help my pod. Do you really think it's worth the extra time it would take to find a way into the library and explore? We still have the whole ocean to cross."Tritan takes a moment to ponder the question, contemplating the words of the guardian and the potential knowledge that lies within the library. "We should do this," Tritan signs, his determination evident. Finrir nods in agreement and looks around
Chapter 85 Atlantis; The Guardian's NestFinrir, Hunter, and Naida navigate down the wide passage, their fins gracefully propelling them through the water. The passage stretches before them, an expansive corridor that measures an impressive 15 feet in width, providing ample space for their exploration. The ceiling above is lined with bones, a haunting display that adds to the macabre ambiance of the catacombs.As they continue along the passage, a sense of anticipation builds within them. They've been traveling down this particular path for some time, guided by their curiosity and the unknown possibilities that lie ahead. As they approach an archway in the tunnel, a glimpse of a chamber beyond catches Finrir's attention.Drawing closer to the archway, Finrir's keen eyes catch sight of a surface shimmering in the water. The chamber curves off to the right, enticing them to venture further. Deep blue shapes, elongated and floating in the water, add an enigmatic allure to the scene, creat
Chapter 86 Atlantis; Was the Nest Disturbed?As Finrir swims alongside Hunter and Naida, his focus shifts to a mental connection with Tritan. Sending his thoughts through the mind-link, he urgently communicates, "We must get out of the catacombs. The guardians' nest is down here." Moments later, Tritan's response echoes in his mind, carrying a mixture of news and conflicting emotions. "Joe just received a link from Bryan. Madissa found the entrance to the library."The mention of the library stirs a hint of frustration within Finrir. He understands Tritan's desire to explore the vast knowledge it holds, yet the proximity to the guardians' nest raises concerns. Despite his reservations, Finrir decides not to contest Tritan's decision. Instead, he responds, "We are heading back to the entrance. They took the path behind the entrance, right?" Tritan confirms their mental connection, reinforcing the plan for their reunion.With a renewed sense of purpose, Finr
Chapter 87 Atlantis; The Library Once inside the vast library, Finrir's keen eyes scan the ceiling and walls, searching for any weak spots or hidden entry points that could pose a threat from the guardian serpent. Fortunately, the library appears to be relatively safe, and Finrir quickly moves a stone slab on the floor to mostly obstruct the entrance they came through. By blocking the light and concealing their presence, they can remain hidden while maintaining a means of quick escape if they are unexpectedly attacked from outside. With this precaution taken, Finrir proceeds to explore the expansive library in search of an exit that may have eluded them from the outside.As the merfolk navigate the monumental library, they are met with a haunting and awe-inspiring atmosphere. The halls, filled with shattered shelves and broken fragments, echo with the whispers of forgotten scholars. The remnants of ancient manuscripts, now disintegrated by the relentless
Chapter 88 Atlantis; Retribution pt1The next morning, as the merfolk prepare their belongings, Finrir's gaze drifts towards the outside world through small crevices in the wall. To his surprise, he catches a glimpse of red scales disappearing from view—a sign of the colossal guardian serpent circling the library. Filled with concern, he swiftly swims over to the group and signs urgently to everyone, "There must be another guardian, a red one. I believe it is circling the library, waiting for us."Hunter, with a mix of curiosity and apprehension, signs in response, "How did the guardians know that we were in the library? We were given permission to enter Atlantis."Finrir, his expression a blend of concern and mild reproach, signs back, "They can smell and taste us in the water. You nearly tried to steal one of their eggs. How could you be so reckless?"Understanding the gravity of the situation, the merfolk gather closer, thei
Chapter 114 More Secrets.It dawned on her that they might not fully understand the significance of the special dish she had prepared for them earlier. In her culture, this dish was traditionally made for groom-pair to eat at the wedding feast. By accepting and eating the dish, the groom-pair would be acknowledging the bride as their mate. In a legal sense, they were already mated temporarily for a year, during which the pod would determine if they were a good fit. They had the option to recommit permanently at the end of the year, or if a child was born or conceived during that time, the mating would become legally binding when the child was born.However, given their short time together, Aziza wasn't sure if Trent and Hunter, her bonded mermen, would still feel the same about her later. She knew they were both honorable and would take care of her if a child was born, but she didn't want them to feel obligated. So she thought perhaps it best if they used
Chapter 113 Last Night In LuxuryWith the old weight unhooked and pushed aside, Trent grasped the metal cords anchoring the air bladder to the weight and began to lift. The two counterweights were supposed to balance each other, ensuring buoyancy while underwater. However, it seemed a little heavy, and he planned to discuss this with Tritan later to get his input on the matter. Despite that, Trent knew his work was done for now."Good! Because I saved you dinner. Everyone else already ate, and I told them you were busy," Hunter informed Trent through their bondlink. "Aziza and I are waiting for you."As he prepared to head back, Hunter's message reached him through their bondlink. Trent smiled at the thoughtfulness of his bondmate and thanked him. Feeling a renewed eagerness, he swiftly swam back to The Serpent's Blood inn, where Aziza awaited them.Trent's heart warmed at the gesture and the camaraderie he shared with his companion
Chapter 112 Air, A Commodity Later, Trent finds himself entering the black market alone, heading towards the specific shop where they inquired about a restricted item the previous day. The merchant, known for dealing in new Atlantian military-restricted items, had mentioned that he had what they were looking for, but it wasn't kept in the shop. Trent navigates the hidden and unsavory place, a black market that can provide anything you need, even if it's hard to find elsewhere. However, what sets this black market apart from others and puts Trent at ease is the absence of one despicable thing he couldn't stand witnessing – slavery. There's no hint of such terrible activity here, which allows Trent to focus on his mission without worry.As Trent reaches the end of the hallway, he turns left into the shop he seeks. Inside, the shelves are filled with crates containing various weapons, including lazerarms, light spears, crystal induction daggers, and other items restr
Chapter 111 Last Day To RelaxAs the bright white waylights illuminated the underwater city of Watch Point, the group gathered at the little eatery near the statue. Markous and Lucious hovered in the line to get food, while Marine kept the table clear, waiting for the rest of the group. Soon, the whole group arrived, and they all sat at the table to eat. Tritan briefly explained that they would be leaving the morning after next, having to wait one more day for the custom sword to be made.After enjoying their meal and engaging in pleasant conversation, Bryan leaned forward and addressed the group, "I've already found the perfect place to get the rest of our provisions. There's a reputable merchant named Fintar, not far from here, who specializes in supplying adventurers like us with high-quality gear and tools for underwater journeys."The group's eyes lit up with interest, and Joe nodded in approval. "That sounds great, Bryan. Lead the way, and we'll follow you to Fintar's shop," he
Chapter 110 The ForgeAs Tritan, Finrir, and Naida approached the end of the alley, they were met with a sight that captured their attention—a large shop with no front wall, only a bar-like counter stretching from one end to the other, leaving the interior visible and open. Beyond the counter lay a bustling work area where four skilled mermen were diligently crafting their creations around a central wall. The wall, not perfectly round but built around a natural formation, exuded an aura of rugged elegance. It extended around the back like an irregular well, with the mermen moving gracefully amidst their craft, adding an artistic touch to the workshop's ambiance.Two windows were meticulously cut into the wall, and each window's sill extended out a foot, supported by a large anvil stone. This unique design left a square foot area with high sides around each window, which then rose and joined in an arch at the top, forming a tunnel-like extension that stretched out a foot, also supporte
Chapter 109 The Arms Alley Finrir swims around the circular market, his eyes carefully scanning each alley until they finally lock onto something of interest down the alley directly behind a grand statue standing tall in the center of the market. Eager to share his discovery, he swiftly swims back to Tritan and signs, "I found it, it's this way."Tritan can't help but grin playfully, his curiosity piqued by Finrir's excitement. Naida's eyes also light up with anticipation as they both join in the chase, following Finrir through the bustling market. With each stroke, they navigate the narrow alleyways, passing by various stalls offering an array of goods, ranging from colorful trinkets to delectable underwater delicacies.Finrir leads them down the alley, never pausing for a moment, while Tritan and Naida eagerly keep up the pace. They pass a series of weapon shops along the way, each displaying the usual assortment of tridents, spears, harpoons, and sleek metal armor. Tritan briefly
Chapter 108 The Black MarketElsewhere in the market, Trent and Hunter, the latter still with one eye bandaged from his recent injury, stealthily navigate a dark and secluded alley. The row of stalls and shops surrounding them appear closed or abandoned, concealing the pathway leading to their destination. Trent's senses are heightened, and he can't help but feel the weight of anticipation in the air. His parents' unscrupulous teachings have honed his ability to locate the secretive black markets hidden in the most obscure corners of any realm.As they venture further into the dimly lit alley, Trent and Hunter rely on instinct, guided by Trent's uncanny knowledge of finding these covert hubs. The absence of illumination, the hushed silence, and the shadows looming around them all add to the enigmatic allure of this clandestine place. Trent remains vigilant, feeling the gaze of unseen eyes upon him, but he remains composed, knowing that the right sigil can lead them
Chapter 107 The SonoclamSwimming up to Nerissa, he peered over her shoulder as the merchant signed to her. She held a delicate metal clam in her hand, and Joe could see a crystal bead inside, nestled like a pearl in a real clam. To his surprise, as Nerissa opened the clamshell, he noticed an intricate holographic screen inside the top shell. She deftly interacted with the holographic display, leaving Joe in awe. He had no idea that merfolk possessed such advanced technology.The presence of the honeycomb-shaped piece and the tiny node on the other wall now made sense. Just above the holographic screen, near the top of the clamshell, there was a honeycomb piece similar to the ones he had seen earlier. A matching smaller piece, fitting into the center of the honeycomb, was attached to the bottom shell. The arrangement resembled a flip-phone, with the two glass-coated metal pieces functioning as a speaker and microphone.As Joe scrutinized the device, he cou
Chapter 106 Watch Point’s Market.The next morning, as the first rays of dawn gently touched Aqualeara, the group emerged from their rooms, feeling refreshed and ready for a new day of exploration. Aziza sat gracefully at the bar, her tail swaying softly as she engrossed herself in a captivating book, waiting patiently for her companions to join her. The inn's airgarden provided a tranquil start to their morning, allowing them a few peaceful moments to collect their thoughts before they embarked on their adventure.With their spirits lifted and stomachs content from a hearty breakfast, they set off for the market, the heart of Watch Point. As they approached, the sight that unfolded before them was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The enormous statue of the Guardian of Virtue stood majestically at the center, a testament to the village's values and beliefs. The smaller-than-life-size sea serpent coiled gracefully in a magnificent mound, its head rising up in a protective stance, and it