The man, standing at a towering height of 6 feet, exuded an air of confidence as he approached the shimmering sea. Adorned in an inconspicuous ensemble, his attire reflected a desire to blend seamlessly into the crowd. He wore a simple, yet well-fitted, azure tunic that accentuated his athletic physique. The fabric, crafted from fine linen, caressed his fair skin with utmost comfort. Complementing his attire, he sported a pair of charcoal trousers that elegantly tapered down to his ankles, lending a touch of sophistication to his overall appearance.
Upon closer inspection, one could not help but be captivated by his mesmerizing deep blue eyes, which sparkled with an enigmatic charm. His short, tousled blue hair framed his handsome face, enhancing his features and adding a touch of playfulness to his countenance. Despite his casual attire, his movements possessed a natural grace and refinement, hinting at a deeper aura of authority.
As he ventured closer to the sea, a gentle smile graced his lips, radiating warmth and approachability. The casual observer would be none the wiser, unaware that the unassuming man before them concealed the regal presence of none other than Aditya, the revered Emperor of the Istarin Empire.
As Aditya approached the glistening sea, he was intercepted by a group of sea elves emerging from the depths, their eyes filled with curiosity and caution. Armed with spears and tridents, they formed a defensive stance, their gaze fixated on the unfamiliar figure clothed in unassuming attire.
Sensing their uncertainty, Aditya swiftly raised a finger to his lips, silently urging them to maintain secrecy. Simultaneously, he activated his latent power, causing his once-deep blue eyes to transform into a mesmerizing shade of crimson. The vertical slits that appeared in his eyes served as a visual testament to his true identity—a dragon in human form.
In awe of their Emperor's concealed presence, the sea elves immediately relinquished their weapons, lowering their heads in deference. "Your Majesty, please accept our humble apologies for failing to recognize you," they murmured, their voices laced with reverence. Their assumption that the Emperor would be preoccupied with the recent conquest against the Oracle Alliance had clouded their judgment, never expecting his personal visit.
Aditya, maintaining an air of composure, responded with a gentle nod. "The purpose of this disguise was to avoid detection, my loyal subjects. Now, it is time," he declared, his voice carrying a hint of anticipation. Aditya had previously informed the sea elves of his future visit to the Deep Sea Palace and requested them to make preparations accordingly. That time had now arrived.
Guided by their unwavering devotion, the sea elves respectfully led the way, acknowledging their Emperor's request to be addressed as "William." Though an immense challenge lay before them—to treat their revered King as an ordinary man—they pledged to honor his wishes to the best of their abilities.
"Your Majesty... I mean William," Nerida Pearlheart corrected herself, her voice laced with deference and respect. Nerida carefully presented a glass bottle containing small bead-shaped pills to Aditya. The pills, each no larger than a pea, possessed a striking appearance that captured the essence of their magical nature. Their smooth surfaces shimmered with a gentle luminescence, casting a soft azure glow that seemed to emanate from within.
As Aditya observed the pills more closely, he noticed intricate patterns etched onto their surfaces, resembling delicate veins that traced an intricate web of blue throughout. These captivating patterns seemed to mimic the fluid currents of the sea, an artistic representation of the pill's affinity with the underwater realm.
The pills radiated a soothing aura, their vibrant hues reflecting the depths of the ocean. Shades of cerulean and sapphire danced within the translucent beads, hinting at the vastness and mystery that awaited beneath the waves.
Upon closer examination, Aditya marveled at the meticulous craftsmanship that had gone into their creation. The pills were expertly formed, their shapes uniform and symmetrical, a testament to the alchemist's skill. Their compact size belied their extraordinary capabilities, encapsulating the essence of the sea and granting those who consumed them the gift of underwater survival.
In a world where the realms of sea and land remained separate and distinct, few individuals maintained connections with both domains. These individuals, like the Sea Elves, possessed the ability to traverse the depths of the ocean and also dwell on land. They served as a vital link between the two worlds, facilitating communication and understanding.
Aditya recognized the significance of the pills in his hands. These unique concoctions were the brainchild of a brilliant alchemist from the past, devised as a means to enable breathing and survival underwater without the need for external artifacts. The pills held within the glass bottle were imbued with a magical essence that granted the ability to breathe underwater for a span of 12 hours.
As Aditya studied the pills, he contemplated the potential they held. Each pill could extend his time beneath the waves, allowing him to explore the depths and navigate the underwater realms for a period of 9 to 10 days, depending on the quantity contained within the bottle.
With a sense of gratitude, Aditya accepted the bottle from Nerida, his eyes meeting hers with a nod of appreciation. "Thank you. I shall make good use of them."
Nerida, her demeanor a blend of pride and humility, replied, "It is an honor to serve you, William. The sea holds many wonders, and we are privileged to offer you this aid in your exploration. Should you require anything else, do not hesitate to ask."
Aditya's gaze met Nerida's, and a genuine smile graced his lips. "Your dedication and support are deeply appreciated. I shall cherish this opportunity to delve into the mysteries of the underwater realm. Let us proceed, and may our journey be fruitful."
As Aditya descended further into the depths of the sea, he was greeted by a sight that surpassed all expectations. The vast expanse of the ocean unveiled a world of unparalleled beauty and splendor. The water, untouched by human pollution, shimmered with clarity, revealing its ethereal nature.
The vibrant hues of the underwater realm danced before Aditya's eyes, creating a kaleidoscope of colors that defied imagination. Rays of sunlight, filtered through the prism of the water's surface, bathed the surroundings in a gentle, iridescent glow. It was as if the ocean itself was a living canvas, painted with a breathtaking palette of blues, greens, and purples.
Strange and wondrous marine life greeted Aditya at every turn. Exotic coral reefs, adorned in a myriad of hues, stretched out like underwater gardens, teeming with vibrant fish that flitted about in a mesmerizing display of movement and color. The fish, with their scales shimmering like precious gemstones, showcased an array of patterns and shades, from fiery oranges to electric blues.
Glowing plants, reminiscent of underwater constellations, cast their soft luminescence, illuminating the ocean floor with an otherworldly radiance. The bioluminescent spectacle transformed the depths into a symphony of light, where vibrant blues and greens danced and swirled, creating an enchanting play of shadows and reflections.
As Aditya followed Nerida through this ethereal realm, he couldn't help but feel a profound sense of awe. He marveled at the diverse array of sea creatures, some of which he had never seen before. Delicate jellyfish drifted gracefully through the water, their translucent bodies pulsating with an otherworldly glow. Schools of iridescent fish, with their graceful movements, seemed to be conducting a mesmerizing aquatic ballet.
The underwater landscape was adorned with vibrant flora, resembling underwater meadows swaying gently with the current. Their petals and fronds boasted a remarkable spectrum of colors, ranging from the softest pastels to the most vivid hues. It was a testament to the sheer diversity and beauty that thrived in this aquatic realm.
Aditya's senses were overwhelmed by the symphony of colors, shapes, and movements that surrounded him. The underwater world was a harmonious tapestry of life, an ecosystem that flourished in perfect balance. It was a testament to the wonders and mysteries that lay beneath the surface, hidden from the eyes of land-dwellers.
In the midst of this breathtaking scenery, Aditya couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to witness the ocean's untamed beauty. He understood why the Sea Elves cherished their home, their connection to this ethereal realm. The underwater world, with its vibrant colors, shimmering light, and diverse marine life, captivated Aditya's heart, forever etching its beauty into his memories.
The journey continued for 5 hours. Nerida had to slow down so that Aditya could keep up. Aditya did not hurry. He could have boosted his agility and matched Nerida's speed. He wanted to observe more of this beauty in this journey.
5 hours later, from a far distance, Aditya saw what looked like a large city.
"This is the City of Atlantisia. This is one of the oldest cities of the Deep Sea Palace Empire. The city is even older than the Empire. Atlantisia is home to over 4.9 million sea folks. The majority of the population is merfolks (Mermen and Mermaids). There are also Sea elves, Selkies, Nereids (Sea nymph), and Krakens, who lives in this city. Merfolks are the ruling race. Merfolks are given more privileges, more opportunities, and better rights compared to other races. While the Sea elves are the most discriminated race here." Aditya listened listened to her words and remembered everything in his mind.
"Merfolk (Mermen and Mermaids) are Half-human, half-fish creatures, merfolk are renowned for their beauty and enchanting voices. They possess the upper body of a human and the lower body of a fish, allowing them to navigate both land and sea. They are skilled swimmers and have a deep understanding of ocean currents and tides."
"Nereids are sea nymphs. They are known for their beauty, grace, and close connection to marine life. Nereids mostly inhabit caves and grottos along the coastline."
"Selkies are shape-shifting sea creatures and are often portrayed as seals in their natural form. However, they have the ability to shed their seal skins and transform into beautiful human-like beings."
"And there are Krakens. Krakens are a race that has half body of human and their lower half bodies are of octopus tentacles. Krakens can transform their bodies into a human as they wish. Some Krakens even secretly live in human society."
"How do you enter their city?" After all the explanation Aditya asked. After all, Aditya was someone who came from the land. Anyone would be able to tell that he came from the land.
"I will take you inside. Since I am a resident of this city. I have been living here for a while now." After the war with the Deep Sea Palace where Aditya ended up killing their Emperor King Lewis, he sent the Sea Elves to infiltrate the Deep Sea Palace and bring more information. Nerida is one of those Sea Elves who live in this city and has provided information for the Istarin Empire.
Since she and other sea elves did not have any collars around their necks, no one assumed them to be slaves. Aditya had created a contract, where the Sea Elves would work for him, in return, he would give them a safe and secure place to live and raise their families. The contract is a soul-binding contract.
"It is not uncommon for some human merchants to come to the Deep Sea Palace to trade goods." Aditya nodded his head. He came here as a merchant. Since the competition to decide the next ruler of the Deep Sea Palace was just around the corner, it was a time, when a lot of people even from land came here.
"Please come with me." The city of Atlantisia is surrounded by tall walls and the whole city was protected by a white transparent dome barrier. The city had four entrances. Each entrance was located facing each direction.
Nerida took him to the southern entrance. It was a huge door. Mermen were guarding the entrance. There were 100 mermen. Each merman was a powerful Peak 3rd-order cultivator. The races that wished to enter the city had to stand and wait in lines.
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