Cheat Awakening

Chapter 454. The Underwater City: Abysshold

Myne was confused. Where had Levi suddenly vanished, he had no idea. He was about to ask Fenrir when he felt a strange sensation. It was as if he had passed through a transparent bubble of air, soft and slightly watery, like putting his face underwater. When he blinked and opened his eyes again, a completely different world stretched before him.

An underwater world, encased in a bubble-like barrier that isolated it from the outside. A large, sphere-shaped white ball hung directly in the centre of the barrier's peak, providing the entire place with warm, sun-like light. However, what truly shocked Myne was the sight of colossal octopus tentacles, resembling the roots of a tree, surrounding the entire ball as if holding it captive.

These roots emerged from the darkness above and disappeared into the depths below. Due to the previous darkness, Myne hadn't noticed them, but now, under the light of the mysterious ball, he could finally see everything and understand what Fenrir meant Levi's jellyfish form got stuck, and why she had made such a commotion to get out from it.

But the details were insignificant compared to the entire city at the bottom of the barrier. Here, nestled amidst coral castles and bioluminescent kelp forests, thrived a multitude of aquatic races, each as unique and intelligent as the next. thousands, even hundred-thousands, of aquatic people bustled about, performing their daily tasks.

They weren't dissimilar to humes if you could ignore their fish-like features – crab claws, large, ant-like antennae, fish tails, razor-sharp teeth, and fish scales all over their body. Many weren't even humanoid; they possessed various fish-like faces, colourful skin of all hues, small, creepy eyes, and bald heads.

Buildings were designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment. Strict laws were in place to protect the coral reefs and marine life. The residents seemed to have a penchant for creating bizarrely shaped houses, most resembling seashells or mushroom heads, adorned with vibrant green and yellow seaweed.

Despite their differences, the races of this underwater city coexisted in harmony. They relied on each other's skills to prosper, fostering a spirit of cooperation. Trade flourished in the city's central bazaar, a dazzling display of coral jewellery, luminous seaweed cloth, intricate pearl carvings, etc.

The entire city was cleverly designed to manage water flow, ensuring breathable air bubbles for races that required it. Tunnels and channels weaved through the city, powered by currents and bioluminescent algae that produced oxygen. The city sprawled across miles of the seabed, with buildings ranging from modest coral dwellings to grand, multi-storied kelp castles.

Some structures were built on stilts above the seabed, while others rested on the artificial ground created by the bubble barrier.

For short distances, residents navigated the city on foot or by swimming. For longer journeys, they used giant clamshells as underwater carriages, pulled by trained manta rays.

Compared to Myne, who had witnessed many wonders in the last few months and had developed a certain immunity to such marvels sight, the people living in the city clearly didn't share his jaded perspective.

Upon seeing Myne, or more specifically Fenrir and Levi swimming above their head, they all fell to the ground, kowtowing as if they were in the presence of a god, bestowing upon them the highest form of respect.

So, if you ever encounter a grumpy Merfolk, it's best to run away before they start their nonsense, and make trouble."

"The Karkinoi, or Crab-people, are easy to recognize. They're sturdy, strong, and possess a kind nature. Karkinoi has thick carapaces and powerful claws. These industrious creatures maintain the city's infrastructure; their labour is essential for keeping the currents flowing and the structures secure.

Their homes are carved into the seabed, resembling fortified caves with gardens of bioluminescent algae. They like to enjoy a wide variety of food. If you want to befriend anyone in the city, then I suggest bringing your race's most delicious dishes and going to them. It won't take long for you to become one of their most honoured guests."

"Hippocampi, the Seahorse-people, are also not easy to deal with. They have the smallest population but consider themselves ethereal and wise. Hippocampi are known for their deep connection to the ocean currents and the secrets they hold, a sort of special bloodline talent, you could say.

Their slender bodies and flowing manes resemble seahorses, and their homes are nestled in bioluminescent kelp forests, where they commune with the spirits of the deep. Because of their so-called superior wisdom, they tend to stay away from other races, and you rarely see them roaming the city.

They prefer their own area, studying various creepy and weird things they call exploring the ocean's secrets. They are simply madmen; you better stay away from them."

"Those five are the most powerful and respected races in Abysshold City, but there are many others here as well. You can look for them slowly yourself when you have time, this would be more fun. Based on your nature as I've observed so far, I'm fully confident you'll definitely enjoy it here..."

"Levi, I didn't want to disturb you and your idiot guest, but I'm really not in the mood to waste any more time. After I finish my business, I'll hand Myne over to you, and you two can play as much as you want... without me. Now, you better move your tail and take me to the endpoint instead of your castle. Otherwise, I wouldn't mind meeting with Grandpa Oce for you."

Fenrir's threat clearly carried a lot of weight. After she finished speaking, Levi, who was pouting hard while holding back her dissatisfaction, snorted unhappily and quickly swung over the castle instead of entering through the ten-meter-tall, magnificent stone door with its indescribable carvings.

Fenrir, long accustomed to Levi's childish personality, didn't pay her any mind. She followed Levi until they reached the back of the castle, where a dense kelp forest stretched before them. Visibility was very limited and Myne could barely see to ten meters, however again it wasn't a problem for Fenrir, and without hesitation, plunged into the forest depths.

For the next twenty minutes, Myne did nothing but defend his poor body, especially his face, from the onslaught of kelp weeds, strange small aquatic creatures, and countless unknown things. He had no idea what most of them were, but one thing about them he hated the most was that many of them were very creepy.

Finally, after another 5 minutes, they reached the centre of the forest, where a small clearing opened up. In its centre was a deep, bottomless hole in the ground, at least three meters in diameter.