Chapter 429: Who is the King of Atlantis? (2)
The New King
In the confined space, green mist seeped out from the dirt, constantly spreading around.
A faint sound emerged from the mist. As a small flame rose, a transparent, mysterious phantom appeared beside Luke Shaw.
The phantom radiated a pale green light, and its facial features were vaguely visible. From its appearance, it was about seventy percent similar to Luke Shaw, but with subtle differences.
Orm stared at the scene in astonishment. Realizing something, he cried out in terror,
"Solidified soul? How is that possible?"
The soul is intangible and untouchable. It originates from the body but can separate from it. Most people's souls are at the same level. Some magic-practicing wizards, dark creatures, and demons have slightly stronger souls, but the difference isn't vast.
The soul separating from the body was the limit of Orm's understanding. He had never imagined a solidified soul.
"Who exactly are you? How do you possess something like this?"
Luke Shaw ignored him, turning his gaze to Number Two.
"Go."
Number Two bowed slightly, turning into a green light that drilled into Orm's body. The latter clutched his head, crying out in pain. Green light occasionally flashed in his flickering pupils, and two struggling figures could be vaguely seen grappling inside.
After just a few seconds, the struggle vanished.
The now-calm "Orm" climbed up from the ground, walking step by step toward Luke Shaw. The usual arrogance in his eyes was replaced by silence and coldness. He knelt on one knee, submitting to Luke Shaw.
"Master!"
Luke Shaw acknowledged him. "How do you feel?"
"I still need some time to adapt."
"And the memories?"
"I have them."
"That's good."
Luke Shaw's lips curved upward. Thinking of his triumph, he couldn't help but burst into laughter. The President of the United States is his servant, and the King of Atlantis is his clone. In this vast world, what else... Alright, don't get too proud. Maintain a normal state of mind.
Luke Shaw took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his laughter.
"From now on, you are the ruler of Atlantis, the one and only King."
"Understood, Master. I will not disappoint you."
Orm raised his head expressionlessly. His hollow gaze was like that of an emotionless puppet, or a newly awakened zombie.
He was Orm Marius, the King of Atlantis, and also Number Two of the Thirteen Apostles.
"Let's go. Time to meet your subjects."
The Duel's Aftermath
Luke Shaw grabbed Number Two. The Float Armor emitted a faint spatial ripple. A flash of red light cut through the collapsed mountain and reappeared directly above the island.
Seeing the suddenly appearing red armor, the surrounding Atlantean soldiers immediately opened fire without hesitation.
Countless energy blasts assailed them but were blocked by an energy barrier in mid-air.
Number Two commanded sharply,
"Stop! Stop immediately!"
Vulko shouted urgently, "Don't shoot! It's His Highness! Stop now!"
The soldiers finally noticed that the surface-dweller was holding a blood-soaked body in his hand, which appeared to be Prince Orm.
His Highness lost? How could that be?
Number Two wiped the blood from his face, revealing his true features. His injuries were severe, and he stumbled as he landed on the ground.
"Your Highness, are you alright!"
Amilco quickly supported him. The latter shook his head coldly.
"I nearly died. He saved my life."
These words were part of the pre-prepared script, intended to make the performance flawless and believable.
Amilco and Vulko exchanged glances, both seeing confusion in the other's eyes. Number Two was too preoccupied to explain. The memories in his head were too complex; he needed time to digest them and adapt to his new role.
"The battle is over. Return to Atlantis."
"Notify the Western forces to cease the attack on the surface and retreat to their original posts."
"Also, arrange for the medical team. I need to treat my wounds."
After saying this, he closed his eyes, entering a state of feigned sleep.
Amilco didn't hesitate, quickly calling for a doctor and helping His Highness into a medical treatment pod. The accompanying Vulko, however, frowned, greatly puzzled.
He had watched Orm grow up and knew the Prince possessed an extremely stubborn side. Due to his father, Orm hated surface-dwellers and had always wanted to start a war, lacking only an excuse. The princess kidnapping incident perfectly filled that void. How could he so easily give up such a golden opportunity?
Could it have something to do with the surface-dweller?
Vulko couldn't figure it out. He could only attribute the change of heart to Luke Shaw. Perhaps the surface-dweller had displayed some kind of superweapon capable of destroying Atlantis, forcing Orm to reconsider.
Regardless of the reason, the outcome was positive. Like Mera, Vulko was a pacifist and did not wish to see conflict erupt between the surface and the sea.
The duel, which arrived with great fanfare, ended quite anticlimactically.
Under "Orm's" command, the Atlantean soldiers quickly withdrew from the island. In the end, only the Xebel contingent remained. Mera quickly rushed over, shouting excitedly,
"Orm actually gave up the war! What did you say to him? Oh my god! That is incredible!"
"Tell me quickly!"
Luke Shaw extended his index finger and gently shook it. "A secret between men. I can't tell you." He then turned his gaze to Nereus and smiled faintly.
"I am returning your daughter to you exactly as she was. Our grievances are now over. I wonder if Your Majesty is interested in renewing our friendship."
Nereus was silent for a moment, then took out a token from his clothes.
"This is the King's Credential. With it, you can freely enter and exit anywhere in Xebel."
"Your Majesty is too generous. In that case, I must also show my appreciation. I wonder if Your Majesty is interested in battlesuits."
Nereus's eyes lit up. He couldn't help but ask, "The kind you are wearing?"
"Your Majesty is joking. This battlesuit is a relic of alien technology. Even if I had the technology, I lack the materials. I am referring to equipment that can comprehensively enhance a soldier's combat capability, such as the Sea God Armor. I can mass-produce similar weapons and equipment. I wonder if Your Majesty is interested in this business venture?"
Nereus turned and made an inviting gesture.
"Mr. Shaw, please follow me."
Luke Shaw laughed heartily, shed his Float Armor, and walked away side-by-side with Nereus.
Watching the two chatting and laughing, Mera nudged Carol.
"Is he really only nineteen years old?"
Carol rolled her eyes. "What do you think?"
Mera sighed sadly. "The first time we met, I thought he was a cultured warrior. After spending a few days with him, I found him quite interesting. Later, I realized he was a lunatic, and now I completely fail to understand him."
"Orm is harder than a rock. How did he convince him to abandon the war?"
"Don't ask me. I don't know either." She paused, then said gravely, "Compared to Luke, you should worry about your own situation. Orm may have been defeated, but that doesn't mean he will give up on you."
"I will never marry him!"
Mera scoffed heavily. "If they force me, I'll run away to the surface and never return."
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