Chapter 92: Chapter 91
A few days had passed since Orm's betrayal. Aquaman stood before the other kingdoms, his expression somber as he delivered his apologies.
"Orm's actions have brought shame upon our people," he said, his voice heavy with regret. "I take full responsibility for his transgressions, and I assure you that justice will be served."
The gathered rulers nodded, their faces etched with a mix of understanding and distrust. It had been revealed that Orm and Black Manta had been working in tandem, orchestrating the attack on Atlantis with their fleet of submarines.
Many had called for Orm's execution, their thirst for vengeance palpable. But Aquaman and his mother, Atlanna, could not bring themselves to end his life. Instead, Orm was sentenced to a lifetime of imprisonment in the harsh, unforgiving Kingdom of the Deserters.
Haruka sank into the soft mattress, his muscles finally relaxing after the whirlwind of events. The criminal charges against him had been dropped, and he was now regarded as a hero and ally of Atlantis for saving Queen Atlanna and stopping Orm's treacherous plans.
He let out a deep breath, the tension leaving his body.
"Finally, some peace and quiet," he murmured, closing his eyes. The room Atlantis had provided him felt like a sanctuary, a far cry from the chaos he'd experienced in the past few days.
Haruka glanced at the screen projected before him. Ada's hologram flickered to life, casting a soft blue glow across his features.
"Your mission parameters have been updated," she said, her voice calm and measured. Haruka leaned in, eyes narrowing as he scanned the new information displayed.
[Urgent Mission: Objective: Prevent the war between the sea and the surface: Completed
Rewards: 20,000 points, 2 gacha draws.]
Sam gazed at the screen, his eyes scanning the updated mission details. He let out a small sigh of relief, the tension in his shoulders easing. With the war between the surface and the sea averted, he had amassed a sizable - 23,550 points.
He could already picture the main riders he could acquire with this bounty. But that was a decision for another time. Right now, all he wanted was to rest. The past few days had been a whirlwind, and his body craved the sanctuary of the soft mattress beneath him.
Sinking deeper into the plush bedding, Sam closed his eyes. The chaos had subsided, replaced by a tranquil silence that enveloped the room. He savored this moment of peace, knowing it was a rare respite in the life he had chosen.
A few days passed, and Haruka found himself fully rested, the tension having left his body. However, his respite was short-lived as he was summoned to the throne room. Tula and Kaldur arrived to escort him, their expressions serious.
Tula and Kaldur led Haruka through the ornate Atlantean corridors, the sound of their footsteps echoing against the gleaming walls. As they walked, Tula turned to Haruka with an apologetic expression.
"Kamen Rider, we... we want to apologize for attacking you before," Tula said. "When we saw you with Atlanna, we thought you might have harmed her, and we reacted without thinking."
Kaldur nodded in agreement. "We were just doing our duty to protect the queen. But we should have given you a chance to explain yourself first."
Haruka held up his hand, a small smile playing on his lips. "Hey, no need to apologize. I understand you were just looking out for Atlanna. Although, a few seconds of warning would have been nice before you two came at me with those tridents."
Tula and Kaldur exchanged a glance, and then chuckled. "Fair enough," Kaldur said, a hint of amusement in his voice.
The three continued their trek, the tension having dissipated. Haruka felt a sense of camaraderie growing between them, and he was grateful for their understanding.
Haruka followed Tula and Kaldur into the grand throne room, where King Arthur, Queen Mera, Atlanna, and Hila, along with King Nereus, were waiting. As he entered, the room fell silent, all eyes turning to him.
King Arthur stepped forward, a warm expression on his face. "Kamen Rider, on behalf of Atlantis, we owe you a debt of gratitude. Without your intervention, a devastating war between our kingdoms would have erupted."
Queen Mera nodded in agreement. "You have proven yourself a true friend to Atlantis, and we are honored to have you as an ally."
Atlanna approached Haruka, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "My son, you have my deepest thanks. I shudder to think what would have happened had you not been there to protect my family."
Hila, standing beside her father, King Nereus, offered Haruka a rare smile. "You have earned the respect of Xebel, Kamen Rider. We are in your debt."
Nereus, a stern-faced man, stepped forward, his gaze meeting Haruka's. "As a surface dweller, I must admit, I was skeptical of your intentions. But you have shown true courage and a willingness to stand by Atlantis in our time of need. For that, you have my respect."
Haruka felt a sense of humility wash over him. He bowed his head slightly, his voice calm and even. "I was merely doing what was right. The thought of war between our worlds was unacceptable to me. I am honored to have played a small part in preventing such a tragedy."
The leaders of Atlantis and Xebel exchanged approving nods, their respect for the Kamen Rider evident in their expressions.
King Arthur stepped forward, his expression thoughtful. "Kamen Rider, now that the immediate crisis has been averted, what are your plans moving forward?"
Haruka considered the question for a moment, his gaze shifting between the assembled rulers. "Your Majesty, I feel it is time I returned to my own city. I fear I may have overstayed my welcome here in Atlantis."
Hila, standing beside her father, King Nereus, spoke up. "Must you leave so soon, Kamen Rider? There is still so much of Atlantis and Xebel that I wish to show you."
Haruka turned to Hila, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "As much as I have enjoyed my time here, I must get back to my own life and responsibilities. My city and my family need me."
Hila's expression fell, a hint of sadness visible in her eyes. "I understand," she said softly. "But please, if you ever find yourself in our kingdoms again, you must allow me to fulfill my promise and show you the wonders of Xebel."
Haruka nodded, his gaze warm. "I would be honored, Princess Hila. And if you ever find yourself in my city, I will be sure to return the favor and show you around."
King Nereus stepped forward, his stern features softening slightly. "You have proven yourself a worthy ally, Kamen Rider. Should you ever have need of us, know that Xebel and Atlantis will stand with you."
Haruka bowed respectfully. "I am grateful for your hospitality and your trust. I will not forget the kindness you have shown me."
With a final exchange of farewells, Haruka made his way to the surface,
Hila watched with a pang of regret as Haruka made his way to the surface, his departure leaving her with a sense of melancholy. Mera, ever the perceptive sister, sidled up to Hila, a knowing smile playing on her lips.
"I saw the way you looked at him, dear sister," Mera said, her voice laced with amusement. "Don't tell me you're going to let him leave without a fight?"
Hila felt a flush creep up her cheeks, her gaze darting away from Mera's teasing expression. "I have no idea what you're talking about," she said, feigning nonchalance.
Mera chuckled, placing a gentle hand on Hila's shoulder. "Oh, come now, Hila. You know as well as I do that the Kamen Rider has captured your heart. And if you don't act soon, someone else may sweep him off his feet."
Hila's eyes widened at the implication, and she opened her mouth to protest, but the words died on her lips. Mera was right, and they both knew it.
From the corner of the throne room, King Nereus observed his daughters, a slight frown etching his features. "Hila is about to leave soon," he murmured, his gaze fixed on the pair. The weight of his words hung in the air, a subtle reminder of the duties that awaited his youngest child.
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