Chapter 73

Haruka gazed in awe at the towering outer walls of Atlantis. The shimmering, aquamarine structures rose majestically before him, a testament to the engineering prowess of the ancient civilization. His eyes were drawn to the elegant bridge that connected the entrance to the city.

As he approached, he noticed the strange aquatic-themed vehicles lining the bridge. Sleek and streamlined, they seemed to glide effortlessly through the water. Haruka couldn't help but wonder at their purpose.

He turned to his companion, his brow furrowed in curiosity.

"Why is there a bridge underwater?" he asked, his voice tinged with fascination.

Haruka studied the elegant bridge before him, his eyes tracing the graceful curves of the aquatic-themed vehicles lining its length.

"The gateway bridge was a remnant of the old world," Hila explained, her voice tinged with reverence. "It is also the only way in and out of the capital."

Haruka's brow furrowed as he considered this.

"What would happen if someone went over the walls?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

Kaldur's response was firm. "The walls are impenetrable. Even if they evade the guards, they can't get past the Hydro Cannons."

Haruka followed Kaldur's gaze, taking in the sight of the Atlantean guards wielding tridents and riding sharks clad in armor. Above the walls, rows of Hydro Cannons with four barrels each stood ready to defend the city.

Turning to Hila, Haruka's expression was one of awe. "This place is truly remarkable," he marveled, his eyes shining with wonder. "I can see why Atlantis is such a formidable kingdom."

Haruka followed closely behind Hila, Tula, and Kaldur as they approached the grand entrance of Atlantis. The Atlantean guards stationed at the bridge instantly recognized Hila, bowing respectfully as she neared.

"Princess Hila," one of the guards addressed her, "we are relieved to see you have returned safely."

Hila nodded. "Inform the palace of my arrival. I must speak with King Arthur and Queen Mera immediately."

The guard acknowledged her order and swiftly swam towards the towering city, disappearing beneath the waves.

Turning to the remaining guards, Hila gestured towards Haruka. "This is Haruka, my guest. He will be accompanying me."

The head guard eyed Haruka with a mix of curiosity and caution, recognizing Tula and Kaldur but not the armored figure beside them.

"Princess, is he... one of us?" the guard asked, his gaze fixed on Haruka's Kamen Rider Abyss suit.

Hila replied calmly, "He is my guest, and he will be entering the city with us."

The guard hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Very well. You may pass."

Haruka followed the group as they crossed the bridge, marveling at the sheer scale and grandeur of Atlantis. The city's towering structures, luminescent with bioluminescent algae, seemed to radiate an otherworldly energy.

As they neared the entrance, Haruka leaned towards Hila and whispered, "Do they not recognize me in this form?"

Hila glanced at him, her expression unreadable. "The Atlantean guards are trained to be wary of outsiders. But as my guest, they will not question your presence."

Haruka nodded, understanding the importance of Hila's status and the need for discretion. He continued to follow the group, his senses heightened as they entered the bustling capital of Atlantis.

As Haruka entered the magnificent city of Atlantis, he was overwhelmed by the sheer splendor of the place. The towering structures that surrounded him were unlike anything he had ever seen, crafted from gleaming coral and luminescent materials that seemed to radiate an ethereal glow.

Everywhere Haruka looked, he was met with the wonders of Atlantean technology. Sleek, streamlined vehicles glided effortlessly through the water, their propulsion systems a mystery to him. Bioluminescent algae clung to the walls, casting a warm, ethereal light that illuminated the bustling streets.

Haruka's eyes were drawn to the intricate details of the architecture - the graceful arches, the delicate filigree, the seamless integration of the structures with the natural world around them. It was as if the city had grown organically from the ocean floor, a testament to the Atlanteans' mastery of their environment.

"What do you think of our home, Haruka?" Hila asked, her gaze fixed on him, seeking his reaction.

Haruka turned to her, his expression a mixture of awe and wonder. "It's... incredible," he breathed, his words barely above a whisper. "I've never seen anything like it. The technology, the craftsmanship, the way it all seems to blend together so seamlessly - it's truly a marvel."

Hila's lips curved into a small smile, a hint of pride in her voice as she spoke. "Atlantis has stood for millennia, a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of my people. We have mastered the depths of the ocean, harnessing its power and beauty to create a society that thrives in harmony with the sea."

Before Haruka could respond, the sound of approaching vehicles drew his attention. Royal guards, mounted on sleek, shark-like creatures, swiftly approached the group, their tridents gleaming in the ethereal light.

"Princess Hila," one of the guards addressed her, "King Arthur and Queen Mera request your presence at the palace, along with your companions."

Hila nodded, turning to Haruka, Tula, and Kaldur. "Come, we mustn't keep them waiting."

The group climbed into one of the Atlantean vehicles, a smooth, streamlined craft that seemed to glide effortlessly through the water. Haruka marveled at the technology, his eyes darting from one detail to the next as they sped through the city.

As they approached the towering palace, Haruka's breath caught in his throat. The structure was a breathtaking blend of power and grace, its spires and domes rising high above the surrounding buildings. Bioluminescent algae clung to its walls, casting a shimmering glow that seemed to emanate from the very heart of the palace.

Haruka followed closely behind Hila, Tula, and Kaldur as they approached the towering palace. His heart raced with a mix of anticipation and unease. The grandeur of Atlantis had left him in awe, but the thought of meeting the king and queen filled him with trepidation.

As they neared the palace entrance, Haruka leaned towards Hila, his voice low. "Do I need to follow any particular customs when meeting King Arthur and Queen Mera?" he asked, his brow furrowed with concern.

Hila glanced at him, her expression softening. "Relax, Haruka," she said, her tone reassuring. "Just treat them with the respect due to the rulers of Atlantis, and you'll be fine."

Haruka nodded, but Hila's encouragement did little to calm his nerves. He couldn't help but feel out of place, a surface-dweller in the heart of this ancient, underwater kingdom. The weight of the situation pressed down on him, and he found himself gripping the sleek, armored exterior of his Kamen Rider Abyss suit, as if seeking comfort in its familiar form.

As they reached the palace entrance, Haruka took a deep breath, steeling himself for the encounter to come. He knew he needed to be on his best behavior.

Haruka stood nervously behind Hila as they entered the grand throne room. His eyes were drawn to the towering thrones, where King Arthur and Queen Mera sat in regal splendor.

Mera rose from her seat, her expression softening as she laid eyes on Hila. "Hila!" she exclaimed, sweeping her sister into a warm embrace. "Thank the gods you are safe."

Haruka watched as the two sisters reunited, a pang of longing stirring within him. He had never known the comfort of family, and seeing Mera's genuine relief and affection filled him with a strange mix of emotions.

King Arthur, too, rose from his throne, a smile gracing his weathered features. "Hila," he said, his deep voice resonating through the chamber, "we are relieved to have you back." His gaze then shifted to Haruka, and the Kamen Rider felt the weight of the king's scrutiny.

"And who is this that accompanies you?" Arthur asked, his tone cautious but not unkind.

Hila turned to Haruka, gesturing towards him. "This is Kamen Rider, a friend who saved me from harm. He has come to Atlantis with me."

Haruka stepped forward, bowing respectfully. "It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesties," he said, his voice steady despite the nerves that threatened to betray him.

Haruka watched as Arthur and Mera turned their attention towards him, their expressions softening.

"Kamen Rider," Arthur said, his deep voice resonating through the chamber, "we owe you a debt of gratitude for protecting our dear Hila." The king's gaze was unwavering, and Haruka felt the weight of his words.

Mera stepped forward, placing a hand on Haruka's arm. "Yes, thank you for your bravery," she said, her voice warm and sincere. "Hila means more to us than you can know."

Haruka felt a flush of embarrassment creep up his neck. "I... I simply saw her in trouble and couldn't turn a blind eye," he replied, his words tumbling out in a rush. "Anyone would have done the same."

Arthur shook his head, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Not everyone has the courage to act, Haruka. Your actions have not gone unnoticed, and for that, we are grateful."

Haruka shifted his weight, suddenly self-conscious under the king and queen's appreciative gaze. "I'm just glad I could help," he murmured, his eyes downcast.

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Give Power Stones so I can continue to write this story. If it does not gain any interest, I will drop it.

Advance chapters on my P@tE0N Najicablitz, which is also the best way to support me.