Solo Max-Level Newbie - Chapter 426: Underwater City 'Atlantis' (2)

The content revealed by ‘Eyes of Gluttony.’

[Character Information]
Name: Repetia Ann Drakaonmia Te Artanmir
Level: 85
Unique Ability: [Will of the Currents] (Race-Specific Ability)
Skills: [Seahorse Training Lv15], [Unified Command Lv15], [Multi-Shot Lv14], [Sacred Spear of the Sea Lv14].

Copy Conditions:
The trust of the merfolk in humans is currently at rock bottom. To gain their trust, several tasks must be completed:

1. Name at least three merfolk (the names must be accepted and used by them).
2. Hand over the [Spear of Atlantis (Source)].
3. Return the floor to its rightful master on the 29th floor.

—

Race-Specific Unique Ability
All merfolk share the same unique ability, [Will of the Currents], which boasts unparalleled efficiency underwater.

‘Even though it comes with three conditions, I must secure it somehow.’

Fighting underwater was a recurring scenario, not just on the 29th floor but even in the upper levels. Having this ability could make an enormous difference.

‘I should start by coming up with suitable names.’

Naming wasn’t an easy task, especially when both parties had to be satisfied. It was an endeavor allowed only to those with exceptional wit and creativity.

Jinhyuk slowly spoke up.

“How about Salmon Sushi?”

A type of fish that didn’t exist on the 29th floor.

To be exact, there was a similar species, but the name was different. With this, there was no way it would be forgotten. The bright orange hair and white armor, resembling rice, matched the name perfectly.

“What is this… ‘Salmon Sushi’?”

“It’s a revered name in our world. It’s incredibly popular.”

“Is that so? It’s quite a charming name. Then, do the queens of your world also have such names?”

Hmm. The queen’s name…

“Tuna Sushi.”

If Jinhyuk remembered correctly, the queens of Atlantis had always been known for their pink-tinged hair.

“The word ‘sushi’ is repeated. Does it have some meaning?”

“It’s a kind of title. Consider it an honor bestowed only upon those recognized by humans. By the way, your skill in commanding subordinates is quite impressive.”

“Kuhum! Well, our merfolk undergo rigorous training from a young age. More importantly, it’s an honor to share a title with the queen.”

Repetia, now Salmon Sushi, nodded in satisfaction.

The atmosphere softened a little. Being recognized by someone with overwhelming strength was enough to make Salmon Sushi proud.

Furthermore…

‘Carrying the relic from our world and handling seahorses so freely… this isn’t an ordinary human.’

According to the legends passed down through the texts, a ‘hero’ born of a human-merfolk hybrid would appear in a time of crisis to save Atlantis.

For centuries, the merfolk had clung to this hope, enduring the suffering inflicted by pirates who enslaved them.

Salmon Sushi’s green pupils narrowed.

‘The strength he showed earlier…’

There was no doubt.

The man before them was the hero from the legend.

Meanwhile, Jinhyuk clicked his tongue inwardly as he observed Salmon Sushi.

‘Well, it’s understandable they’d think that.’

It wasn’t unreasonable for them to make such assumptions.

A hero, or more accurately, a “Returner.”

This term referred to residents of the Tower of Trials who had traveled to other dimensions and returned. The stories in the texts likely chronicled instances where Returners helped oppressed people.

‘Most Returners tend to be on the kinder side. Especially that one…’

The Returner, Medray, was the one who had come to this place. Although Medray was currently on the 30th floor, he had once annihilated a kingdom here and rescued all the enslaved merfolk.

Thanks to that, Jinhyuk’s task was made much easier.

“Then, let me guide you.”

The group resumed their rapid movement.

—

After a long journey, Jinhyuk and the merfolk finally arrived at their destination.

[You have entered the Hidden Place: Underwater City ‘Atlantis’!]

A breathtaking view unfolded in the deep sea. Despite descending several kilometers, sunlight illuminated the city interior.

‘They said unique bacteria lived here, and it truly is fascinating.’

Jinhyuk murmured in awe.

Atlantis boasted a landscape as beautiful as, if not more than, any metropolis on the surface.

At the entrance, guards quickly paid their respects.

“I have heard about the Spear of Atlantis. Repetia Ann…”

“From now on, call me Salmon Sushi.”

“Pardon?”

“It’s a name given by the hero who brought the spear.”

“The hero…?”

Behind the guard, Jinhyuk appeared, skillfully managing a seahorse.

“Is it true?”

“It’s not certain, but many things align. At the very least, he’s not spouting nonsense.”

“I see.”

The guards’ expressions became more serious.

If this man truly was a hero, they could not afford to underestimate him, even if he was human.

“Understood. I shall escort you immediately. Her Majesty is awaiting your arrival.”

—

Columns lined both sides of the grand hall.

Sitting on a majestic throne was a beautiful mermaid with pink hair.

Judging by human standards, she looked no older than her early twenties.

Flanking her were guards clad in heavy armor.

Following Salmon Sushi’s lead, Jinhyuk stepped into the hall.

“Oh… so this man is the hero?”

“They say he wiped out the Pain Pirates too. Something our entire military couldn’t accomplish.”

“Hero? More like a troublemaker who destroyed the sacred Millennium Conch.”

“I’m sure there’s some trick behind the spear too. There’s no way it just reappeared out of nowhere after being lost for so long.”

Conflicting reactions spread among the crowd.

Though the whispers were quiet, every word reached Jinhyuk’s ears.

“Welcome to Atlantis. You’ve come a long way to get here.”

A voice as clear as a string of pearls echoed through the hall.

Everyone’s gaze turned to the queen.

“It’s nothing. In fact, I’m the one who’s grateful to witness such breathtaking sights. My name is Kang Jinhyuk.”

Jinhyuk placed his index and middle fingers over his left chest and gave a slight bow.

It was a flawless execution of the merfolk’s royal etiquette.

“A human performing royal protocol…”

“How is that even possible?”

Once again, murmurs rippled through the hall.

“As you may have guessed, opinions about you, Kang Jinhyuk, are divided. On one hand, you destroyed a sacred beast we hold dear, but on the other, you possess Atlantis’s holy relic. Of course, I’ve heard your reason. You said it was to meet me, correct?”

“Yes. Sensitive as the merfolk are to the sea, you must have felt it. An ancient lifeform is awakening on this floor.”

The Kraken—a calamity incomparable even to Gigantdalos.

“We are aware of it. However, the Kraken targets life on the surface, not us.”

The pirates and kingdoms that occupied the 29th floor.

The Kraken would likely consume them first. The merfolk, agile and deeply connected to the sea, weren’t an attractive prey for the creature.

This meant the merfolk were far down its list of priorities.

However…

“Have you thought about what happens after they’re all dead? It might take months, or even years, but you’ll eventually face the consequences of standing by. Unless every living thing on this floor is wiped out, the Kraken will never stop.”

“…”

The queen pressed her lips tightly together.

She knew it to be true.

Atlantis couldn’t remain a safe haven forever.

Even if not in her reign, a future queen would one day suffer the agony of a ruined kingdom.

“So, are you saying that if we ally with you, we can drive out this demon?”

“Saving your race in moments of crisis—that is the very purpose of a hero’s existence, is it not?”

Jinhyuk declared himself a hero without changing his expression. He even puffed out his chest for effect.

Ah… if Chun Yoosung or Teresa were here, they would have added a confident smile.

For Jinhyuk, however, any attempt would likely come across as a mocking smirk, so he refrained.

“…If you truly are a hero, then you must be capable of defeating the Kraken. If, indeed, you are a hero.”

A question tinged with doubt.

This was the final test.

The queen demanded undeniable proof to put all suspicion to rest.

In response…

‘Woong!’

Jinhyuk silently opened his subspace inventory.

What emerged was a bracelet adorned with intricate patterns.

It was the [Returner’s Bracelet], obtained from the treasure vault of the Kunlun Sect—one of Medray’s relics.

“T-this… it’s real…!”

“It’s exactly like Medray’s relic.”

The crowd erupted with astonished gasps.

The unique design recorded in their ancient texts was unmistakable.

It was knowledge only the merfolk could possess, making it impossible to forge a counterfeit in advance.

“…So it’s true.”

The queen nodded, seemingly accepting everything.

If the hero had truly appeared, there was no reason to hesitate.

“I will follow the hero’s decision. We, too, shall assist you in fighting the Kraken.”

At last, the queen made her decision.

“Y-your Majesty!”

“But—!”

Voices of dissent rose.

“I have already made up my mind. Ministers, focus on preparing for war.”

Once an order was given, it could not be rescinded.

Especially now that they had a justified reason—a hero following in Medray’s footsteps had appeared.

‘The bond and the Nine Pillars seemed to have worked out nicely.’

A faint smile crept across Jinhyuk’s lips.

With the promise of the merfolk’s support, the odds had shifted significantly in his favor.

But then…

“However.”

The queen added an unexpected condition.

“Besides returning the Spear of Atlantis, there is one more thing the hero must do. Surely you are aware of it, Kang Jinhyuk, as you hold Medray’s relic?”

Wait, come to think of it…

Something from an ancient text suddenly came to Jinhyuk’s mind.

– A hero must leave descendants to prepare for future dangers.

A hybrid of merfolk and human.

It all made sense now. The queen’s overly amiable demeanor stemmed from this very reason.

Once he was confirmed as the hero, they would no longer be strangers.

At the same time…

‘Bzzz!’

The [Braham’s Ring] on Jinhyuk’s finger trembled violently.

Hidden within the ring, Alice, who had secretly accompanied him to Atlantis, was fuming with rage.

Her emotions were so intense that the seal was close to breaking entirely.

“Hero, will you accept our terms?”

“…”

Jinhyuk swallowed hard, cold sweat dripping down his cheek.

This was a serious problem.

A very big one.