A not-so-hospitable welcome

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Before we went inside, Arthur immediately became more serious and put that haughty and majestic expression on his face. Mera did the same, and I decided not to stand out too much. However, I didn't make such grimaces as they did, I just pretended perfect indifference on my face. That would be enough...

- We let that surface barbarian in here after all," I heard as soon as we entered. Well, it's not a very positive atmosphere. But there's nothing we can do about it.

It was the Atlantean who had the most negative attitude toward me, at least it seemed so from the emotions he was expressing. A pumped-up man with a serious and somehow slightly contemptuous expression was looking right at me, and I could see the open displeasure in his eyes.

This guy was wearing almost the same armour as many of the soldiers of Atlantis, but still some details stood out. And the first thing that caught my eye was a piece of reef or some sort of growth on his shoulder. And I don't know if it was part of his body or just a piece of jewellery. Still, I realised that some Atlanteans might have such distinctive features.

- Murk! Behave respectfully in the presence of the King and his guest! - Mera shouted, immediately moralising at him. However, despite his displeasure, he did not resist or object, but only snorted angrily, not taking his eyes off me.

In addition to him, there were two other people in the hall, and they were old enough to be elders.

- Alright, enough of this mess. We have important business to discuss! - Arthur spoke a little louder than usual, sitting down on the highest backed chair. Then everyone settled down, apparently in their own seats. But I got a seat on the other side of the table, right across from Arthur. That's how you mark out a stranger.

- Firstly, we need to introduce you to each other. This is Edmont Kent, one of the strongest fighters on the surface and also the leader of the surface warriors," he introduced me, and it was obvious that he had been thinking about how to introduce me for a long time. Though how long ago... I wouldn't be surprised if he'd thought it up while we were on our way here.

- This is a member of the Royal Council of Atlantis, Elder Kae," Arthur said, pointing to one of the old men. He was bald, but he still had an aura of strength, and I wouldn't be surprised if he had been a warrior in the past. And despite his old age, he had almost no wrinkles, and his skin was surprisingly light and clean, like a true aristocrat. Though his position here was not much different from that, - And this is the Elder of the Law, Koa, - Arthur pointed to the next old man.

He looked even older and rather overweight, but his half-closed eyes told me that he was clearly intelligent and was studying me closely. Though I realised this through intuition rather than analysis.

- And Commander Murk, the head of the palace guard, - Arthur was the last to introduce the angry man who was still looking at me aggressively.

- Now I suggest we start discussing the attacks on the Flood," Arthur said.

- What's your hurry, My King? You cannot be in such a hurry in your position. There are some traditions to observe," Koa said calmly, smiling in a friendly manner, but I could sense that he was clearly trying to cause me some trouble.

- This is not a good time for that, Koa," Arthur said irritably, glancing at the Elder, but he smiled back.

- Elder Koa is right, King. Many of your predecessors have followed these traditions, so it is your duty to do so as well," said Koa, looking less peaceful. At this point, even Murk smiled bloodthirstily, foreshadowing trouble for me. I don't think it'll be much, but I'll still have to suffer mentally.

- All right, what exactly do you want? - Arthur sighed tiredly, giving me an apologetic look.

- Since ancient times, many mighty warriors have come to Atlantis, enemies and friends alike. However, they all had to prove their strength. You can't be a warrior by words alone, you need proof," Koa began calmly, and his smile only deepened.

Arthur realised at that moment where everything was going and apparently wanted to stop it, but I saw Mera put her hand gently on his shoulder and he calmed down. I also understood exactly what these old men were up to. I wouldn't be surprised if they were planning now to prove Atlantis' superiority over the surface, point out Arthur's incompetence, and a million other hidden agendas.

- And so our guest must fight one of Atlantis' recognised warriors, and I offer my candidacy," Murk said, standing up and looking at me.

- No! We can't just force my guest to fight," Arthur said, frowning at those around him.

- There is no need to react like that, My King. We still need to test the strength of the one on whom the fate of Atlantis will depend. Your words are very valid and we trust them, but because of your youth and inexperience, you may have simply exaggerated the strength of our guest," Koa said, his face unchanged.

In response to his words, Arthur showed an even more annoyed expression and looked at me. I didn't say anything and just made a small nod as if to say that I didn't mind a little fight. In any case, if I show my strength, it would be even easier for the others to accept my presence here.

- Fuhhhh, okay, but he won't fight Murk! He has too much prejudice against the surface dwellers for a friendly fight," Arthur said, looking not at the guard commander himself, but at the elders.

- Well, that's a sensible position for a King to take. But we have many capable warriors, so we will find an opponent for Edmund," Koa said, saying my name with a faint disgust. What kind of underwater racists are these? Everyone's against me at once just because I'm sushi? That's a pretty weird stance to take, don't you think? Although it might be quite normal for them....

- I suggest Zakiel," Kae said, surprising not only Arthur, but also the second elder. Who was this guy that surprised everyone so much. I even got a little curious.

Arthur was really starting to think about this proposal, apparently remembering what exactly I was capable of. He didn't see much of my abilities, though it was possible that he had looked me up on the Internet while he was in San Francisco. Still, despite everything, he'd been born on land, and he should have been able to use all the technology.

- Well, Zakiel does seem like a good fit, I agree. And I think our guest is too," Arthur looked at me. I just nodded, remaining as indifferent on the surface as the whole conversation had been. Judging by the expressions on the others' faces, though, they didn't really care about my agreement.

But I was curious to know who Zakiel was. From the looks of it, he must have had a lot of power. He might even be one of the strongest in Atlantis.

Things got a little more interesting from there. We all packed up and walked towards the stadium that was in this city. Is there going to be some kind of gladiatorial combat now? Despite being so technologically advanced, the culture of Atlantis is still on the level of some Roman Empire. it doesn't have all these modern values, which isn't even that bad.

Interestingly enough, as we walked along, I noticed that all the Atlanteans looked pretty nice, and everyone here looked European, there wasn't a single hint of any other human races. And for all that, most of the people I saw were blue-eyed blondes. I won't even say who the Atlanteans reminded me of....

- Here we are," Arthur said calmly as we reached and entered some of the interior of the arena.

Immediately afterwards, a rather tall man came out to us, bowing respectfully to Arthur. The man was massive and serious. From the look on his face, he was no longer young. He was wearing armour that was identical to that of most ordinary soldiers, and he had a small harpoon in his hand.

- Greetings, My King, Queen, Elders. Murk. - he said hello to everyone and looked at me, apparently expecting to know who I was.

- Zakiel... Meet Edmont Kent, one of the best warriors on the surface," Arthur pointed at me.

- Zakiel Neol, commander of the Atlantis army," he came up to me to introduce himself. There was no contempt in his eyes like the rest of the Atlanteans, and he even shook my hand as a sign of acquaintance.

- We have brought our guest here for a test, - Koa began to speak, and he was immediately understood, judging by the warrior's face.

- And his opponent will be me, right? Heh, it's been a long time since I've fought under these conditions. Well, anyway, it will be a pleasure for me to fight with a strong opponent, if I have such a good chance," he said with a smile.

- I don't mind fighting either," I said calmly with a slight curve of my lips.

- The arena will be ready in a few minutes. You can get ready in that time," Kae said, looking at us indifferently.

Arthur took me away from him, and Zakiel went off somewhere else, apparently to get ready.

- I'm sorry about that, Edmont, I'm not really familiar with Atlantis' traditions yet, so I didn't expect this," Arthur apologised with an annoyed look on his face.

- Don't worry, it's even good for us. I've already realised how biased the people of Atlantis are towards the surface people, so my victory in this battle will make things easier for us," I said without lying. This victory will indeed help us a lot, and I don't even doubt the outcome of the fight. Although this Zakiel is quite strong in my senses, he is no match for me.

- In fact, you should be very careful in battle. Zakiel is a very strong warrior, and he can fight well in water, unlike you. Still, you might have problems even though you're not used to it," Arthur warned me, and I only now realised something.

- Wait... In the water? - I looked at the King, perplexed.

- Yeah, this is Atlantis. All battles take place in the water," he said.

Well, that's great news, I can't tell you that. Fighting in the water will be more difficult, although on the other hand, with all my water control abilities, that might be an advantage.

And now it seems like the fight is about to start and I need to prepare, but one feeling keeps me going. Why does this situation remind me so much of the plot of some Chinese Ranube....

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