Chapter 47: The 10 Princes and the King

Sometimes, the truth doesn’t hide in the shadows — it sits proudly on golden thrones, smiling before everyone without needing to conceal itself.
And other times, danger doesn’t come dressed as an enemy… but as a host.

Atlantis, that legendary city lost in the tales of the surface world, gleams beneath the ocean like an impossible jewel. Yet behind its radiant walls and tranquil waters, something more than beauty and history moves.
Here, every word is a chess piece, every gesture a reflection of old wounds, and every meeting… a possible spark.
The newcomers move forward, not knowing if they have entered a palace of wisdom — or the most luxurious cage ever built.

The game has begun.
And everyone smiles, as if unaware they’re already inside.

——————————————————————————————————————————

The boat glided smoothly along a canal illuminated by marine crystals embedded in the walls. The underwater currents gently propelled the vessel forward while the students and Jason watched in silence as the city unfolded before them.
Yohei frowned.
—How the hell are we supposed to find the blind spots in this city? If we plan to go straight for their king, it’ll be impossible. There are thousands of guards at every section of this place...

The one known as Subject 36, the same who had escorted them from the outer wall, turned slightly.
—Well, we’re close to the center now. Welcome to the capital of Atlantis.

And then, as if his words had been a spell, the city opened before them in all its splendor.
Columns as tall as ancient trees stood beside floating houses carved from coral and marble. The streets were canals, and gondolas glided along them filled with citizens. Many looked entirely human. Others bore subtle details — scales that shimmered under the light, gills hidden beneath the neck, eyes in impossible shades.

Zef frowned.
—Humans? Why? Weren’t the Atlanteans supposed to be… different? Shouldn’t they look more like this guy? Something’s not right...

The citizens’ eyes fixed on them — not with hatred, but with mistrust. It was as if every movement was being silently watched and judged.
—Hey, hey, —Yohei muttered— looks like we’re not exactly welcome.
Subject 36 responded quietly:
—It’s not because of you...
Zef turned his head.
—What do you mean?

Before he could get an answer, a murmur spread through the crowd. Everyone began kneeling by the edges of the canals. A tall, elegant figure dressed in turquoise robes advanced calmly through the crowd.
—It’s a pleasure to receive visitors after so long, —said the stranger with a kind smile.
—Prince Atlas, —Subject 36 bowed—. It’s been a while.
Atlas nodded and extended his arms.
—Come now, surface dwellers. Follow us. My brothers and the king await you.
—Thank you, Prince, —Jason replied respectfully—. Come on, everyone.
—Thanks for bringing us, —Zef murmured, glancing briefly at their escort.

The reply came unexpectedly, clear in his mind as if spoken aloud:
—Think nothing of it, my prince.

Zef froze for a second, blinking. He looked at the soldier, who simply turned and left with the others.
—Come on, water boy, —Yohei joked as he passed him.
—Yeah, yeah… wait. What did you just call me?

Without answering, the group followed Atlas, moving through a hallway decorated with underwater reliefs.
—Thank you for receiving us, —Jason said again.
—Not at all, —Atlas replied—. It was a direct order from the king. Though, if King Triton hadn’t approved, you wouldn’t be standing here.
—Oh… I see.
—So then —the prince asked with curiosity—, what brings you to our kingdom?
—The group wants to prepare for the next round of the Tournament of God. And there are no better masters of the water element than the Atlanteans themselves.
—I’m honored to hear that. Then we look forward to your victory.
—Thank you.

The hallway suddenly opened at the end, revealing a massive structure made entirely of sapphire and gold.
—Well, here we are.
Jason was left speechless.
—What is this place?
Zef looked up.
—That statue…

Before the palace stood a colossal sculpture of the god Poseidon, his trident raised toward the sky. His stone eyes gleamed with energy.
—It’s enormous… —Yuki murmured.
—Please wait here, —Atlas requested—. I’ll go speak with my brothers.
Jason nodded.
—Alright.

—Seems they took his throne, but they haven’t forgotten who ruled here, —Yohei said, arms crossed.
—Yes… —Jason admitted.
—Even after a coup, the citizens don’t look unhappy with their new king, —Yuki added.
Zef shook his head.
—That’s to be expected. Most likely, Poseidon was a dictator. He just wants his kingdom back out of pride.
—That’s a fair guess, —Yohei said—, but we can’t trust appearances either.
Jason glanced at Zef carefully.
—Looks like the kid holds a grudge. But I wouldn’t be surprised… Poseidon’s never been much of a father figure.

The palace doors opened slowly, revealing the presence of ten figures — each one distinct, powerful, elegant, and intimidating.
Atlas returned to the front, smiling.
—I apologize for the wait, but here they are… the ten princes of Atlantis.

One by one, the princes of Atlantis advanced solemnly from within the palace — ten silhouettes, each distinct in posture, energy, and expression. Some wore crystalline armor; others, light robes that floated as if they moved underwater. Even the air itself seemed to hold its breath.

Atlas stepped forward.
—The king is unable to receive you at the moment —he announced kindly—, so he has invited you to a feast tonight in your honor.
Jason gave a polite nod.
—I see. That’s unfortunate, but we understand.
—For now —Atlas continued—, I’ll escort you to your lodging for the coming days and give you your training schedule. It will be a demanding period, so enjoy this calm while it lasts.

The group followed him, descending a series of platforms that sank deeper into the ocean. A system of transport bubbles enveloped their bodies, allowing them to breathe and move freely underwater.
Yuki clutched one of the transparent railings tightly.
—What a beautiful view...

Outside the bubble, dozens of sea creatures swam in perfect harmony — glowing fish, color-shifting jellyfish, even small sharks with curious eyes. Yet every one of them, without exception, seemed to be staring directly at Zef.
—Creepy... —the blue-haired boy muttered, stepping back slightly.
—Looks like I’m going to get some solid training here, —Yohei laughed—. I’ll tear them apart.

Atlas watched them with a faint smile.
—You all seem enthusiastic, in your own way.
Jason walked beside him, more serious.
—Yeah...

—May I ask you something? —the prince said quietly.
—Of course. What is it?
Atlas shifted his gaze slightly toward Zef.
—Who’s that blue-haired boy?
Jason hesitated for a moment.
—His name’s Zef… He’s Poseidon’s son.

Atlas’s expression froze for a second — not with anger, but surprise.
—I see... I...
—Don’t worry, —Atlas interrupted—. I’m not what you think. I don’t hold any resentment toward my father.
Jason blinked.
—You’re...
—Yes, —Atlas nodded calmly—. I’m Atlas, son of Poseidon.

The silence that followed was almost suffocating. Yuki and Yohei’s eyes widened slightly. Even Zef seemed to stop breathing.
—It’s hard not to think you’re his son, —Atlas added, now looking directly at Zef—, when all the fish keep whispering “Prince” every time they see you.
—He’s not my father, —Zef replied flatly, his tone cold but unwavering.

Atlas opened his mouth but said nothing. Jason placed a hand on his shoulder and gave a slight shake of the head.
—I understand... —Atlas murmured, accepting the gesture.

They eventually arrived at a translucent dome beneath the ocean floor. Inside were multiple rooms, hallways of suspended water, and common areas adorned with living coral.
—We’ll be waiting for you at the palace, —Atlas said as he took his leave—. Until then, you have some free time. Enjoy yourselves.

The afternoon slowly faded into the blue of the sea. Night arrived like a symphony of dancing lights across the city. The banquet took place in a vast circular hall whose glass walls revealed schools of fish illuminated by floating lanterns.

From atop the palace, King Triton made his entrance. His imposing figure, crowned with a trident forged of obsidian and pearls, immediately commanded attention.
—Please, —he declared in a firm voice—, let us all give a warm welcome and much encouragement to this group of students who came to strengthen themselves, both physically and mentally, for their upcoming battle. It is our honor to be part of their training.

The citizens burst into applause, cheering with enthusiasm.
—Furthermore, —Triton continued—, we are truly glad to once again welcome visitors from beyond our borders. It will be our pleasure to care for them.

The three students exchanged glances.
—“Once again...?” —they all thought at the same time.

The king’s words carried a strange echo, as though concealing more than they revealed. Still, the crowd clapped and shouted fervently, “Long live the king! Long live the king!”

Triton now fixed his gaze directly on the group.
—For my part, I’m glad to have you here. It’s an honor to assist the king in his purpose.
Jason bowed slightly.
—Thank you. The honor is ours. We’re grateful that His Majesty has granted us permission. I’ll make sure our students learn a great deal during our stay.
—I hope so, —the king said, holding Zef’s gaze for a second too long.

—Well then, Your Majesty, —Jason said—, thank you for the feast. Everything was excellent. We should get some rest; tomorrow our training begins.
—Not at all, —Triton replied with a flawless smile, marble-smooth—. I look forward to seeing you again soon.

The group rose and began to leave. From above, the king watched them disappear into the darkness.
Jason placed a hand over his chest.
—That man... he’s truly terrifying.

A chill ran down his spine.

Evemo, one of the princes, emerged from the shadows.
—Do you suspect something?
Triton didn’t take his eyes off the corridor.
—Perhaps... I just want to know what their true intentions are.
—And that’s all that troubles you?
—No... there’s something else.
Evemo narrowed his eyes.
—What is it?
Triton turned his head slightly, revealing a crooked smile.
—There’s a traitor among us.

The princes exchanged tense glances. The air grew heavy. No one spoke.
Evemo let out a low, amused chuckle.
—Really...? This is going to be fun, don’t you think?
Triton nodded slowly, savoring the weight of his own words.
—Yes… indeed. This little game is going to be very fun.