John activated Wind Magic, surrounding himself with a circle of air so he could breathe underwater."Let's go," he said, and John and White set off toward their destination.
Despite the advancement of human civilization, humanity still knew very little about the ocean's depths.Even the strongest awakeners would die if they faced the pressure of the deep sea directly.
On John's journey to Atlantis, he saw plants like glowing coral reefs, transparent fish, and others pitch black.Giant crabs, colossal clams—creatures no human had ever seen before appeared before him for the first time.
"When I look at this place, I almost forget about the dangers outside," John thought. For a moment, the breathtaking scenery made him forget the disasters ravaging the surface.
"We've arrived," White said, breaking John's train of thought.
Before them stood a massive city—its buildings made of gold, appearing as if from the future.This was the lost city of Atlantis.
The city was surrounded by a giant air bubble, so once John entered, he no longer needed to use Wind Magic."This is as far as I can go. The king's guards will guide you to his palace," White said before disappearing.
Two mermen appeared before John, both towering and broad, their bodies clad entirely in golden armor, each holding a golden spear.
"If I killed these guards and sold their armor, how much would I make?" John thought before calming himself.
"This way, Sir John," one of the guards said, leading him toward the king's palace.
On the way, John saw many merfolk—both men and women.Shops sold clothes, goods, and fish.Buildings reached heights that would dwarf even the tallest human skyscrapers.Futuristic devices resembling phones and televisions could be seen, only far more advanced.
After half an hour of walking, the guards finally arrived at the royal palace.It wasn't the largest structure in the city—but it was without a doubt the most luxurious.Decorated walls, artistic sculptures everywhere, rooms made of pearls—it was a palace worthy of Atlantis' king.
What caught John's attention was the small number of guards in the palace.It wasn't due to a lack of manpower—rather, no one would even think of attacking the king.Who would attack the ruler who ensured everyone's happiness?
There was no poverty in Atlantis; every citizen's needs were met by their benevolent king.Naturally, he had no enemies—his only problem over the last century had been water pollution, caused by humans.
As John passed through the streets, he noticed the hateful gazes from citizens and guards alike, but he paid them no mind.
After a few more minutes, they reached the throne room."Greetings to the great King of Atlantis," the guards said, bowing deeply."Well done. You may leave," said King Edward, smiling at them before dismissing them."But, my King—""I said no objections," the king interrupted, a flicker of irritation on his face."As you command," the guards said before leaving.
"Welcome, our human guest. Forgive me for not greeting you personally; I've had much to attend to," said Edward apologetically."Of course, no problem—you are a king after all," John replied, his tone carrying a hint of sarcasm.
John wasn't stupid—reaching the palace took over thirty minutes, though a direct route would've taken only ten, and reaching the throne just a few minutes more.The king clearly wanted to show off Atlantis' grandeur before meeting him.John was impressed, yes—but he knew it was all part of Edward's plan.
"It seems you've figured me out. As expected of the Chosen Human," Edward laughed loudly.
John found the king's behavior slightly annoying, but since it posed no danger, he ignored it."Chosen human?" John thought, puzzled.
"Let's talk over dinner first. I've prepared the finest seafood in honor of your visit," Edward said, placing a hand on John's shoulder as they walked to the dining hall.
The table was massive, covered with every kind of seafood imaginable—fish, clams, crabs, shrimp… an endless feast."Sit beside me," Edward said, taking the center seat while John sat on his right.
"I didn't come here for food. I came because you said you could help me," John said sternly."Don't worry, we'll talk while we eat. Atlantis has the best chefs in the world—better than any on land. Enjoy your meal," Edward said with a gentle smile.
"I don't think he's foolish enough to poison me… it really does smell delicious. Eating a little shouldn't hurt," John thought, picking up a fish and taking a bite."This…" he gasped."It's incredible!" For a moment, John had thought it was poisoned, but the flavor quickly erased his suspicion.
"Hahaha! We can talk after you've eaten," Edward laughed heartily.
After a few minutes, they both finished eating."I hope you enjoyed the meal," Edward said, smiling."That was the best food I've ever tasted," John admitted honestly.
"Well then, back to business. I'll help you—but first, I want you to help me with something," Edward said, his tone now serious."What do you need?" John expected this.There was no such thing as free help; if Atlantis was offering assistance, they surely wanted something in return.
"I want you to repair my Mystic Weapon," Edward said solemnly."What?! A Mystic Weapon?" John was shocked.
Owning a Legendary Weapon was already nearly impossible—only around a thousand existed in the world.But Mystic Weapons? There were fewer than five known to exist, and no one could wield them at full power.
Yet the king before him now claimed to possess one—and needed it repaired.That meant Edward could use the weapon to its fullest potential.
"May I see this Mystic Weapon?" John asked, regaining his composure."Of course, but you'll have to come with me," Edward said as they descended beneath the palace.
They reached a massive iron door with an emblem of a bearded merman carved into its center.As the king approached, the emblem glowed.Edward pushed the heavy door open effortlessly, yet gently.
"This man truly has the strength to help me," John thought.
Inside, a glass case stood at the center of the room, containing a trident with several deep cracks."Is that… Poseidon's Trident?" John gasped.
The legend of Poseidon was well-known—but he never imagined he'd see the weapon itself.
"You're correct. This is the royal weapon, passed down from king to king. Unfortunately, when I inherited it, it was already damaged. After using it a few times, it ended up like this," Edward said, sorrow in his eyes.
It wasn't neglect—the trident naturally deteriorated after repeated use of its powerful skill.The kings of old repaired it using Atlantis' great blacksmiths—but none existed in Edward's era.That's why he sought John's help.
John examined the weapon, then activated Appraisal Skill.
Weapon Data:Name: Poseidon's TridentRank: MysticSpecial Skills:Ocean Control, King of Sea Creatures, Emperor of the SeasDescription: A nearly complete trident once wielded by Poseidon himself. It broke after repeated use of Ocean Control without proper restoration.
After examining it, one thing caught John's eye."What does 'nearly complete' mean?" he wondered.
"Do you think you can repair it, Sir John?" Edward asked."Hmmm… I can repair it—but I think I can make it even better," John said confidently."What?!" Edward was stunned."This is Poseidon's Trident! You think you can improve it?" he asked again.John nodded calmly."Of course, if you only want me to repair it, that's possible too," he added.
He said that for a reason—Edward had asked him to repair the weapon in exchange for help, not to enhance it.If John went beyond that, it would mean more than just fulfilling his part of the deal—it would make Edward owe him far more.
"Please, repair it and make it better," Edward finally agreed after some thought.
John had already proven his craftsmanship with the creation of the Sun Blade.While some thought he might have obtained it by chance, when White met him earlier, John was holding both the Sun Spear and Mon Spear, confirming the rumors—John was indeed the creator.
"If this trident is moved, it will shatter. I'll forge it here. I'll need Mystic-grade materials for this process. Do you have any?" John asked, preparing to begin."Of course. All previous kings needed such materials for its restoration," Edward said.
He sent the resources to John personally—this was far too important to entrust to anyone else.
"Then let's begin the forging process," John said, excitement gleaming in his eyes.