Chapter 11: "Beneath the Veil: Discovering Atlantis"

Atlantis resides at the depths of the Atlantic Ocean.Much like the legends, Atlantis in this world also suffered a catastrophic sinking, yet its resilient inhabitants endured.Marvel's Atlantis shares a parallel background with DC's Atlantis—an empire steeped in advanced technology, once harnessing limitless energy on a grand scale.After the submersion, Atlantis's technological focus shifted to ocean-related endeavors, primarily water manipulation technologies.They developed numerous advanced technologies: nanotechnology, ultra-pure water membranes, energy cannons, scientific weaponry, biotechnology, organism control, transformation research, among others.Comparatively, perhaps only Wakanda, with its mines, could match Atlantis's technological prowess among Earth's nations.Guided by Godzilla, their journey westward led them through a lengthy undersea canyon, revealing a breathtaking sight—an awe-inspiring undersea city entered Arthur's view."This is Atlantis. It's truly magnificent!"Amidst the ocean's abyss, a brightly illuminated and robust city defied belief—a miracle amidst the abyss.The distinctive architecture, unexplored technologies, myriad peculiar marine life, and the blue-skinned Atlanteans were a refreshing sight for Arthur.For instance, the king crab, towering at more than ten meters—quite a feast!In comparison to the DC world and humans, Atlantis didn't differ significantly.The Marvel Atlanteans sported light blue skin, elven-like pointed ears, and gill-like breathing organs on their necks, enabling them to breathe freely underwater.Living off seaweed and raw fish, Atlanteans resided in caves and reefs. Only nobles inhabited luxurious edifices.Modern Atlanteans have fully adapted to the depths; without special protective clothing, surviving on land is challenging, limited to merely five minutes. A few powerful beings can prolong this, albeit at the cost of a shortened lifespan.The harsh environment of the deep sea accelerated Atlanteans' evolution, rendering them significantly stronger than surface dwellers—ten times more robust and incredibly swift swimmers.They effortlessly withstood the seabed's pressure and extreme cold.As shared by Godzilla, Atlantis was once a small landmass in the Atlantic, a cradle of advanced civilization. Roughly 20,000 years ago, an earthquake submerged Atlantis.Thanks to an activated energy shield, the Atlantean populace survived, albeit stranded in the deep, dark ocean.Around 10,000 years ago, due to survival pressures, some human gene variants mutated into today's Atlanteans, facilitating their adaptation to underwater life.Approximately 200 years ago, an undersea earthquake created a new connection between the inner earth and Atlantis, releasing subterranean creatures.To safeguard his people, King Thakur relocated the capital near Antarctica, leaving the present-day Atlantis as an old site.Godzilla had resolved the monsters that surfaced, preserving Atlantis.Remarkably, most Atlanteans retained a human-like appearance, save for their light blue skin and tattooed fish gills on their necks.A few underwent more drastic mutations, becoming half-human, half-fish, laying the foundation for the mermaid legends.Arthur remarked, "I always took you for a house beast, but you harbor so many secrets.""That's right. I don't possess any abilities, yet I survive. Whenever those Atlanteans perform sacrifices, they babble about these things, and it's irksome," Godzilla replied with genuine annoyance.Hearing Godzilla's heartfelt voice, Arthur couldn't help but smile.As Godzilla approached, Atlantis' denizens noticed his arrival."It's the guardian deity.""The divine protector is here; inform the priests!""I'm fortunate to witness Lord Guardian with my own eyes!""Welcome, Lord Protector."Many Atlanteans respectfully saluted Godzilla, who seemed genuinely adored in Atlantis.Godzilla, akin to a celebrated star, commanded adoration and even had his fanbase here."Ang~"Godzilla roared triumphantly, causing ripples as fish scattered.Incomprehensible to ordinary Atlanteans, lacking the ability to communicate with sea creatures, they bowed reverently.Arthur understood Godzilla's roar—something akin to: "Little brother, don't you think big brother is truly magnificent?"What could Arthur say except, "Big Brother is mighty."Taking in the praise, Godzilla casually swam toward a submarine platform.En route, Arthur glimpsed Atlantis' walls, adorned with massive forts. In the distance, signs of war and the remnants of colossal unknown monsters left impressions.Atlantis was well-repaired, and Arthur encountered nothing out of the ordinary during his maiden visit.Passing through a massive protective shield akin to a bubble, Godzilla effortlessly ascended to the platform.Devoid of water pressure and filled with air, this area was livable even for ordinary humans.[Ding! The host is currently situated on the Atlantis Sacrifice Platform, fulfilling check-in conditions. Do you wish to check-in?]Arthur was thrilled by the sudden system prompt."Check-in."[Checking in. The countdown begins: 10, 9, 8, 7...3, 2, 1. Check-in successful. Congratulations to the host for acquiring the Golden Battle Suit.][Golden Battle Suit: Sea God's legacy armor, forged from enchanted N-metal, possesses formidable defensive capabilities.][Do you wish to receive it?]"Arthur's golden armor?"Given its less risky environment, the rewards were less substantial compared to those on Godzilla's head.Punching in at Atlantis was no easy feat without the Sea King's physique to withstand the ocean's depth.Moreover, without Godzilla's guidance, finding Atlantis underwater would have been challenging.Nevertheless, viewing it as a freebie, Arthur accepted the gift with pleasure."Instantly, an opulent set of golden armor materialized around Arthur, exuding grandeur and attracting the attention of other Atlanteans.