As the sovereign ruler of the Kingdom of Xebel, Nereus possessed the political acumen to prioritize the greater good over personal sentiment, which was why he had originally agreed to his daughter's marriage to Orm.
But this pragmatic approach didn't mean he was a cold-blooded monarch devoid of paternal feelings.
In truth, Nereus loved his daughter deeply, and his reasons for consenting to the Atlantean alliance had been carefully considered. Orm was undeniably handsome, possessed exceptional royal bloodline, and demonstrated remarkable ambition in his vision for underwater civilization.
Nereus had viewed that ambition as a positive trait, particularly since Orm's plans for surface world conquest aligned perfectly with his own strategic goals. Various political factors had combined to make the marriage seem advantageous for both kingdoms.
But now, a grotesque deep-sea creature that resembled some abyssal nightmare had apparently abducted his precious daughter, and the sight was absolutely unbearable. Just watching Ripjaws holding Mera's delicate hand in his webbed claws made Nereus feel as nauseated as if he'd been forced to consume a barnacle sandwich.
This transcended the typical parental concern about delinquent boyfriends with motorcycles.
The situation was equivalent to traditional parents watching their daughter bring home a chimpanzee while gushing about how wonderful and powerful her new "boyfriend" was.
Nereus nearly suffered cardiac arrest and fantasized about dismembering the repulsive fish-creature on the spot.
What made the situation even more infuriating was that the monstrosity had dragged his daughter into the Dark Sea, a realm of exile with a one hundred percent fatality rate. Mera was probably in mortal danger at this very moment.
With no available outlet for his mounting rage, Nereus redirected his fury toward the Fishermen Kingdom.
"The Fishermen Kingdom must provide both of us with a complete explanation for this outrage!" he declared angrily, his red hair practically standing on end with indignation.
Hearing this response, Orm allowed the corners of his mouth to curve upward in a satisfied smile.
He actually harbored no genuine romantic feelings for Mera, she had simply been another beautiful political asset. If she died, so be it. The important thing was that his strategic objectives had been achieved. Nereus could now be considered completely aligned with his cause. As long as both kingdoms applied sufficient pressure, he wasn't concerned about the Fishermen Kingdom's potential resistance.
When the time came, the combined armies of three kingdoms would first conquer the Brine Kingdom, then march together to flood the surface world!
Orm indulged in pleasant visions of his approaching triumph.
At this moment, Vulko, who had been harboring private concerns about the entire situation, suddenly made an odd humming sound.
The aging advisor squinted toward the distant Dark Sea with his presbyopic eyes. The water density in that region was extraordinarily high, creating obsidian currents with extremely limited visibility, like dense mountain fog made liquid.
From their distant vantage point, it seemed as though ghostly shapes were moving within the murky depths, but details remained impossible to discern.
"Perhaps those are Trench dwellers," Vulko suggested uncertainly. "They may have detected the scent of living beings and gathered in response to the intrusion."
"Those savage beasts!" Nereus cursed through gritted teeth. The thought that his daughter might have been devoured by those abominations filled him with murderous fury. He desperately wanted to charge into the abyss immediately and exterminate every last monster.
But he understood such action was impossible.
The military forces of the Kingdom of Xebel couldn't operate at full effectiveness within the Dark Sea's unique environment, and no one understood the current conditions in that forsaken realm. Any rash intervention might open Pandora's box and release untold horrors from the abyss.
If that happened, all Seven Seas would suffer the consequences.
"The numbers appear to be increasing," Vulko observed with growing concern, "and they seem to be approaching our position."
"Don't speak nonsense, Vulko," Orm replied dismissively. "You know perfectly well those monsters can't leave the Dark Sea's boundaries."
As soon as the words left his mouth, he realized something was terribly wrong. Those black shapes were indeed drawing closer, rising and falling with the ocean's rhythm like obsidian waves carrying some massive cargo.
The seawater carried with it a mixture of fishy and scorched odors that grew stronger with each passing moment.
Thousands of Trench dweller corpses floated past their assembled forces, leaving everyone stunned into motionless silence.
If they had been confronting a living army of Trench creatures, the warriors might have immediately taken up arms in defensive formation. But what was drifting toward them now were the lifeless remains of the entire population, a sight too bizarre and unprecedented to process.
"Who possesses the power to slaughter so many Trench dwellers?" someone whispered in bewildered awe.
"Could it be that the Sea God has truly returned from legend?" another voice suggested with reverent fear.
Vulko surged forward and grasped one of the floating corpses for examination. The cadaver's facial features had been obliterated beyond recognition, and the entire body appeared charred as if subjected to intense flames. A quick survey revealed that virtually every corpse bore identical burn damage.
"There is no such thing as sea gods," Orm stated firmly, unwilling to allow supernatural explanations to complicate his carefully laid plans. "Our most urgent priority is to proceed immediately to the Fishermen Kingdom!"
He prepared to spur his mount into action, but Nereus remained motionless beside him as if entranced by some revelation.
"Wait, King Orm! Why such haste to depart? Why don't we remain here together to investigate what transpired in the Dark Sea? If there's some new threat, we should be prepared to face it."
Nereus peered into the abyssal depths with growing hope kindling in his eyes.
Perhaps Mera is still alive...
Something extraordinary had occurred within the Dark Sea, and before that event, the only variable factor had been Mera and the Fishermen Kingdom warrior entering that forsaken realm together.
He knew his daughter's capabilities intimately. She could handle a dozen or more Trench dwellers in combat, but she could never defeat the numbers they were witnessing.
The only logical explanation was the mysterious fish-man's intervention.
Based on the surveillance footage Orm had provided, the creature was indeed formidably powerful, capable of eliminating large numbers of guards rapidly and successfully stealing the Mother Box from its heavily defended sanctuary.
As these thoughts occupied his mind, a faint golden illumination emerged from the depths of the dark undercurrent, immediately capturing everyone's attention.
"It's definitely him!" Vulko exclaimed in recognition, obviously identifying the bioluminescent patches on Ben's head. But confusion quickly replaced certainty as he squinted harder. "Why are there three figures? The additional person seems somehow familiar..."
Nereus also displayed an expression of amazed surprise.
I never imagined a Fishermen Kingdom warrior could possess such devastating capabilities.
Listen, friend, if you had these abilities, you should have mentioned it earlier! If I'd known you were this impressive, I would have betrothed Mera to you immediately!
What's that? You think you're ugly? Nonsense!
Is this ugly? This is clearly distinguished and unique!
That streamlined cranium looks built to withstand tremendous impact, and those densely packed fangs appear magnificently predatory!
He suddenly found Ripjaws incredibly appealing and began planning to cancel the engagement with Orm immediately, then recruit the fish-warrior as his son-in-law.
With such a formidable general in his service, it would be like gaining the Fishermen Kingdom as an ally. Then, if he could successfully challenge the Kingdom of Atlantis, wouldn't he become the supreme ruler of all oceans? Wouldn't the legitimate throne of Atlantis rightfully belong to the Kingdom of Xebel?
"That criminal is still breathing!" Orm snarled with barely contained fury.
"All forces, listen carefully! Follow my lead and bring the Fishermen Kingdom criminal to justice!"
Veins bulged visibly on Orm's forehead as he raised his trident and prepared to lead the charge against the approaching figures.
But before he could advance, another trident materialized in front of him, blocking his path with unmistakable intent.
"King Nereus, what exactly are you doing?" Orm demanded with dangerous calm.
"King Orm, I believe this situation may be significantly different from our initial assumptions," Nereus replied with shifty eyes and flushed cheeks. "Mera doesn't appear to have been kidnapped at all."
Orm snorted coldly and fixed him with a withering stare. "So you're suggesting Princess Mera voluntarily collaborated with this criminal to steal the Mother Box?"
Nereus's expression froze as the implications struck him. He found himself momentarily speechless.
The Mother Box was a sacred treasure guarded collectively by all seven kingdoms of Atlantis. To be entirely honest, this crime was considerably more serious than simply cuckolding Orm.
He sighed with resignation and ceased his protests, instead following Orm as they led their combined forces toward the mysterious golden light.
The moment they entered the Dark Sea's boundaries, everyone immediately felt the dramatically increased water pressure. The liquid became extraordinarily viscous, as if they were trapped within some thick industrial fluid that made all movement sluggish and labored.
"Criminal of the Fishermen Kingdom, surrender immediately!" Orm commanded with imperial authority.
That said, he had no intention of providing Ben with any opportunity to comply. He spurred his blue dragon forward and lunged toward the faint illumination in the darkness, his razor-sharp trident cutting through the murky water to target Ben's head with lethal precision.
CLANG!
Sparks erupted through the seawater as metal met an immovable force.
Orm felt as though his weapon had struck solid bedrock, the impact shocking his palm with numbing vibrations that traveled up his entire arm.
Looking more carefully, he discovered that his trident was pressed against the rugged shoulder armor covering Ripjaws' left side, completely unable to advance even a millimeter. The monstrous creature opened its mouth to reveal a hideous and terrifying smile that sent chills through Orm's spine.
The young king instinctively recoiled from the nightmarish visage.
"You don't even possess enough strength to hurt someone, and you still aspire to kingship?" Ben observed with casual contempt.
He had seen Orm approaching with obvious hostile intent from a considerable distance but hadn't even bothered to dodge the attack.
Due to his genetic fusion with the Brine Kingdom bloodline, portions of his body had developed hardened shell plating that resembled organic armor. Even in areas without this natural protection, his scales had been significantly enhanced for defensive purposes.
Orm's offensive capabilities were simply insufficient to penetrate such defenses.
Ben grasped Orm's trident with his free hand, and before the startled king could react, he spun him around through the water like a discus before hurling him away with tremendous force.
Orm's confident charge had resulted in instant humiliation.
Nereus found himself increasingly impressed with Ben's demonstration of power. With such overwhelming strength, the creature was clearly the reincarnation of some ancient sea deity.
Consider that although Orm appeared somewhat slender, he was actually the most outstanding and powerful warrior in all of Atlantis. In genuine combat, looking across the entire Seven Seas, Nereus wouldn't dare claim that anyone could defeat Orm in single combat.
But even such a formidable opponent had been immediately overwhelmed in direct confrontation.
It's unfortunate that he stole the Mother Box, Nereus reflected with genuine regret. Otherwise, he would make an absolutely perfect son-in-law.
"Mera, come here quickly and distance yourself from the criminal who stole the Mother Box!" Nereus called out, though his tone lacked any real conviction.
"Don't worry, Father," Mera replied with serene confidence. "He possesses Poseidon's Trident."
"What, Poseidon's Trident?!" Nereus's eyes suddenly blazed with excitement as he finally noticed the weapon emanating golden ripples in Ben's left hand.
Excellent! It's Poseidon's Trident! We are saved!
Nereus didn't hesitate for even a moment. The instant he confirmed the legendary weapon's presence, he immediately pulled his seahorse's reins, wheeled around with military precision, and thrust his own harpoon directly at Orm.
Orm never could have imagined that his ally would betray him at such a critical moment. Caught completely off-guard, he barely managed to dodge the attack, losing a strand of hair to the weapon's edge.
"Nereus, what in the seven hells are you doing?!" he roared, so enraged that he abandoned all pretense of royal courtesy.
"Orm, you are overstepping your authority," Nereus replied with solemn gravitas, as if addressing a traitor who had strayed from the righteous path. "Don't forget, anyone who can lift that hammer... no, anyone who gains recognition from Poseidon's Trident automatically becomes the rightful sovereign of all seven kingdoms!"
But internally, he was absolutely euphoric.
Mera, my brilliant daughter! You've done magnificently! Without saying a word, you've actually found yourself a Sea God for a husband!
He was so thrilled he could barely contain his excitement.
The Kingdom of Xebel's status had instantly surpassed that of Atlantis itself.
This isn't just some delinquent boyfriend, this is a golden opportunity that could elevate our entire civilization!
"Absolute nonsense! What Sea God? He's nothing but a criminal who stole the Mother Box!" Orm protested desperately.
"What criminal?" Nereus scoffed dismissively. "As the Sea God, everything within the Seven Seas belongs to him by divine right. What's wrong with taking a simple artifact from his own domain? But you, Orm, if I recall correctly, you aren't the true King of Atlantis. You're not the only legitimate heir to that throne."
"Don't you dare mention that bastard in my presence!" Orm's composure shattered completely.
His eyes blazed with murderous hatred as he fixed his gaze on Ben. "I'll eliminate this pretender first, then deal with that half-breed mongrel!"
Having declared his intentions, Orm launched another assault against Ben, but this time his opponent was prepared to retaliate properly.
The child is having a tantrum, Ben observed with clinical detachment. He probably needs a thorough beating to adjust his attitude. Most behavioral problems can be corrected with appropriate physical education.
The black fish tail behind him swept powerfully through the water as the scales along his waist opened and closed, releasing tremendous hydraulic pressure to propel him forward.
In an instant, the seawater seemed to explode around him, and a gray figure shot forth like a biological torpedo, leaving a brilliant white contrail through the abyssal depths.
Ben rotated his wrist with casual grace, causing the golden Trident to spin several times in his grip with mesmerizing fluidity.
Orm was completely unable to process what was happening.
He perceived only a flash of movement before Ben's figure vanished from his field of vision. The next moment, a blur of motion approached with such overwhelming momentum and water displacement that breathing became difficult.
Then golden light flashed with blinding intensity, forcing Orm to squint against the radiance.
He desperately raised his own trident in defense, but the weapon that had seemed indestructible throughout his entire military career now proved as fragile as a dried branch. It was instantly severed by the legendary artifact in Ben's grasp.
Poseidon's golden Trident halted mere centimeters from Orm's throat. The slightest forward movement would pierce his brain and end his life immediately.
This time, Orm was genuinely convinced of his complete defeat.
His pride and self-esteem lay as shattered as the weapon fragments drifting around them. They were inferior in equipment, overwhelmed in strength, and thoroughly outclassed in every conceivable metric.
He stared intently at Ben's alien features, so close he could see his own reflection in those black eyes, and felt profound defeat wash over him like a tide.
"I... surrender," he said quietly, closing his eyes as if accepting his fate.
"Why would I want to kill you?" Ben retracted the Trident with surprising gentleness.
He had no intention of executing Orm, as such action would provide no tangible benefits. Now that Poseidon's Trident belonged to him, the Seven Seas could legitimately be considered his kingdom and territory.
Kill Orm and then search for some talented administrator to manage everything?
Arthur? Forget it, that fool is just the seafood version of Thor, with a brain marinated in beer and surface-world naivety.
If he became king, Atlantis would collapse within a decade.
Ben placed his hand on Orm's shoulder with unexpected warmth and spoke with genuine sincerity: "The Kingdom needs your skills!"
Orm blinked in complete confusion. Wait, what? If you're not going to kill me, what exactly do you plan to do?
The defeated king couldn't comprehend Ben's intentions or motivations.
"Don't understand? That's perfectly fine, you'll understand after seeing this." Ben stepped aside to reveal Atlanna, who had remained silent since emerging from the Dark Sea.
"My mother is still alive?" Orm's eyes widened as his gaze shifted rapidly between Ben and Atlanna, processing the implications. "Did he spare my life because of my mother? Are he and my mother...?"
The pieces seemed to fall into place in his mind, and Orm nodded slowly with dawning comprehension.
Ben sighed in exasperation. You understand absolutely nothing!