Chapter 35

Sophia straightened, her thoughts racing. "We need better surveillance. The systems you're utilizing are obsolete. I've worked with surface technologies that could help us track the spread and potentially predict its next moves."

There was a tense quiet after she finished speaking. Tharros was the first to speak. "You're suggesting we rely on the surface world?"

Sophia met his stare unflinchingly. "I propose that we employ every resource we have. The Leviathan is unconcerned about borders or traditions. "If we do not adapt, we will be overrun."

When they arrived, the council chamber was in turmoil. The collapse of the outer settlements sparked alarm and discontent among the commanders. The room was alive with overlapping voices, each more furious than the last.

"We should fortify the capital!" one council member exclaimed.

"And abandon the settlements?" Another responded. "That's madness!"

Sophia stepped forward, her voice breaking through the background commotion. "If we keep fighting each other, the Leviathan will win without lifting a finger."

Everyone looked at her. Some were suspicious, some overtly antagonistic, but Sophia persisted. "Corruption is spreading because we don't see it coming. If we wish to protect Aquaria, we must track it. I can assist, but we will require surface technology to do so.

The chamber exploded again, with council members debating the advantages and dangers of Sophia's idea. Tharros lifted his hand, and the chamber became hushed. "Let her speak."

Sophia looked at him, appreciation shining in her eyes, before continuing. "We're up against an opponent unlike anything we've seen before. Our current tools are inadequate. Surface technology can provide us with the information we need to map the corruption, analyze its patterns, and respond before it spreads further."

A murmur sounded throughout the council. "And what's the cost?" one member inquired. "What happens when the surface world learns of our existence?"

"We can control what information is shared," Sophia argued. "It's not about exposing Aquaria. "It's about survival."

Another voice joined in, dripping with contempt. "You speak as if you understand our world, surface dweller." However, your allegiance to the land remains strong."

Tharros moved forward, his presence commanding. "Sophia's loyalty is to Aquaria. She has demonstrated this time and again. If you question her intentions, you also question mine."

The chamber plunged into tight quiet. No one dared to confront Tharros directly, but the undercurrent of discontent remained obvious.

Sophia rested against the chilly coral walls of an empty corridor, exhausted after the conference. Tharros approached, his expression softening as he paused alongside her.

"You spoke well," he remarked quietly.

She gave a sour laugh. "Did I? "Half the council still considers me an outsider."

"They'll come around," Tharros stated. "They always do." "Fear makes people resistant to change."

Sophia turned to face him, her frustration rising to the surface. "We do not have time for them to 'come around,' Tharros. "The Leviathan isn't waiting for us to put our act together."

His eyes clouded, but he nodded. "You're correct. That is why I will approve the use of surface technology. With or without the council's complete support."

Sophia blinked with amazement. "You're willing to risk that?"

Tharros' lips curved into a slight smile. "For Aquaria? "I am willing to take any risk."

The encounter was cut short when Kael arrived, his demeanor somber. "We have found one of the missing patrols. What's remained of them?"

Sophia's stomach twisted. "Where?"

"Near the ruins of Marillon," Kael explained. "Corruption has already taken hold. "If we're going to test this surface technology, we have to start there."

The ride to Marillon was stressful, with the weight of what they may discover looming over them. Sophia sat in the transport cabin, her thoughts racing with possibilities and doubts. Tharros was by her side, and his steady presence provided comfort. Kael, on the other hand, remained detached, his attention fixated on the next assignment.

When they arrived, the scene was worse than Sophia had anticipated. The once-thriving settlement now a dismal wasteland, with its coral structures charred and disintegrating. The water was thick with an odd haze, and the faint glimmer of corrupted creatures flickered in the darkness.

"We're too late," Kael mumbled, his voice full of defeat.

Sophia shakes her head. "No. We can still learn from this."

She pulled out a little instrument she'd sneaked from the surface: a sophisticated scanner capable of measuring energy signatures. Tharros looked intently as she turned it on, the device generating a gentle hum.

Sophia proceeded cautiously among the wreckage, the scanner's readout showing patterns of corruption. "It's worse than I thought," she mumbled. "The spread is not random. It is focusing on critical points, such as energy nodes and places of power.

Kael joined her, his cynicism turning to curiosity. "You think it's deliberate?"

Sophia nodded. "The Leviathan doesn't only assault; it also consumes. "Feeding on the magic that keeps Aquaria alive."

Tharros' voice was harsh. "Then we need to stop it before it reaches the capital."

Before anyone could answer, a deep growl reverberated across the ruin. Sophia froze, her pulse beating as she searched the shadows. A enormous, twisted beast appeared, its body writhing with corruption.

Kael drew his sword, moving fluidly and precisely. "Stay behind me."

The beast lunged, and chaos ensued. Kael and Tharros fought with precise coordination, their attacks quick and merciless. Sophia concentrated on the scanner, her fingers moving over the knobs as she attempted to record the creature's energy patterns.

Arin's voice crackled through the communications. "Get out there. Now."

"We're not done!" Sophia shot back.

"You will be if that thing kills you," Arin responded.

Kael and Tharros defeated the beast with one final, coordinated assault. But the victory seemed hollow as other growls echoed in the distance.

"We're leaving," Tharros instructed.

Sophia hesitantly followed, her scanner still glowing with information. As they retreated, the remains of Marillon appeared to watch them, a terrible warning of what would happen if they failed.

Back in the capital, the anxiety was apparent. Sophia evaluated the information she had gathered, her mind racing with possibilities. Tharros stood behind her, calm and soothing.

"You did well," he remarked.

Sophia shakes her head. "That's not enough. "We need more time."

"We don't have time," Kael stated as he entered the room. "The Leviathan's reach is expanding faster than we can contain it. We need a plan right now."

Sophia gazed at both guys, the weight of their trust resting on her shoulders. "Then let's make one. Together."

But even as she spoke, a dark shadow moved across the city, its presence tangible. The Leviathan was closer than they had thought.

The Betrayal Unveiled

Kael stood at the edge of the training fields, his sharp gaze surveying the rows of troops getting ready for the day's drill. The tension in the air was oppressive, and his instincts were sharpened to detect the slightest hint of betrayal. Today would determine everything.

The names on the list he'd discovered had been haunting him for days. He'd studied their actions, seen their subtle signals during meetings, and saw how their gaze stayed on him for too long. The betrayal was no longer a matter of "if" but "when." And Kael planned to strike before they could.

"Are you sure about this?" Sophia's words interrupted his thoughts. She stood behind him, her presence unwavering despite the tempest raging around them.

Kael's jaws constricted. "I don't have a choice."

Sophia rested a hand on his arm, her touch grounding. "Remember, they want you to act rashly." Don't give them any satisfaction.

He looked at her with a glimmer of thanks in his stony expression. "I'll handle it."

Tharros approached, his commanding presence emanating silent authority. "Everything's in place," he said quietly. "If they make a move, we'll know."

Kael nodded, his concentration increasing. "Then let's begin."

The exercise started with practiced precision. Soldiers advanced in formation, generating a rhythm that echoed around the arena. Kael stared from the command station, his senses sharpened to every detail.

It began subtly-one soldier fumbling his weapon, another trailing behind his group. Minor blunders that could be attributed to tiredness. But Kael knew better.

"They're testing you," Sophia said softly from his side.

He did not respond, his gaze locked on the field. Then he noticed it: a brief exchange of glances between two officers, followed by a barely noticeable nod.

Kael's pulse quickened. "It's happening."

Before Sophia could react, mayhem broke out.

A blast rocked the training grounds, sending plumes of water and debris into the sky. Soldiers scattered, their shouts mingling in with the explosion's noise. Kael leaped into action, instinctively barking orders to restore order.

"Form up!" He yelled, his voice cutting through the confusion. "Secure the perimeter!"

However, the saboteurs had already made their move. Two people emerged from the commotion, with their weapons drawn and their intents obvious. Kael hardly had time to react as they lunged for him, their strikes quick and deliberate.

He ducked the first stroke, his sword colliding with theirs in a clatter of steel. The second attacker circled behind him, but Kael was prepared. With a quick kick, he drove the first attacker tumbling and twisted to avoid the second's sword.

Sophia watched from the sidelines, her heart racing as the fight progressed. Kael glided with lethal ease, his strikes precise and unrelenting. But the saboteurs were unrelenting, their actions motivated by desperation.

One of them feinted to distract Kael's attention, while the other delivered a fatal blow. Sophia's breath caught, and her voice sounded out in warning. "Kael, behind you!"

He reacted immediately, twisting and blocking the hit with his dagger. The force of the hit drove him reeling, but he recovered swiftly, smashing his elbow into his attacker's chest.

The fight stopped as soon as it started. Kael stepped over the dead saboteurs, his blade ready to strike, but he paused. Their faces were familiar-men he had trained and fought alongside.

"You should've known better," Kael remarked bitterly, his voice full of betrayal.

One of the men spat at his feet, his eyes flaming with defiance. "You are blind, Kael. Aquaria is sinking, and you're too devoted to notice it."

Kael's jaw tightened, but before he could answer, Tharros came forward.

"Take them into custody," Tharros said, his voice steely. "They'll answer for their crimes."

The aftermath was tense. Soldiers muttered amongst themselves, their anxiety evident as the saboteurs were led away. Kael stood in the center of the arena, his shoulders heavy with the weight of what had transpired.

Sophia approached slowly, speaking softly. "Are you okay?"

He did not respond right away, his gaze distant. Finally, he explained, "They were my men. "I trusted them."

Sophia's heart wrenched from the obvious agony in his voice. "You did what you needed to do, Kael. Their decisions are not your fault."

He turned to her, his face hard but his eyes weak. "How can I lead when I don't know who I can trust?"

"You start with the ones who've proven themselves," she stated firmly. Like Tharros. "Like me."

Kael observed her, his posture relaxed slightly. "You're not making this easy."

Sophia smiled slightly. "I'm not supposed to."

Later, in the council room, the tone was dismal. The revelation of the traitors had sent shockwaves through Aquaria's leadership, forcing everyone to confront the fragility of their union.

"We can't ignore this," Tharros insisted, his voice steady but stern. "The corruption isn't just outside our walls-it's within them."

One of the council members bristled. "Are you saying that we begin scrutinizing everyone's loyalty? "That is a dangerous path, Tharros."

Sophia stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. "We don't need to turn against each other. What we need is transparency and accountability. "Secrets and paranoia will only weaken us."

The council muttered in agreement, but the tension remained high.

Tharros looked at Sophia with admiration in his eyes. "Wise words."

Kael, seated next to him, nodded unwillingly. "She's correct. We must focus on repairing trust, not ripping it apart."

Sophia felt a glimmer of hope as she looked around the room. Despite the fractures, there was still an opportunity to repair what had been shattered.

Sophia lingered in the chamber after the meeting, her mind heavy. Kael approached her, his expression opaque.

"Thank you," he replied after a time.

"For what?"

"For keeping me grounded," he said. "I was ready to lose control out there."

Sophia smiled softly. "That's what friends are for."

Kael stopped before adding, "You're more than that, Sophia. To everyone of us."

Her pulse skipped a beat, but before she could react, a messenger entered the room, his face pallid.

"Sire," the messenger exclaimed breathlessly, addressing Tharros as he reentered. "There's been another attack-this time in the capital."

Tharros' expression clouded. "Where?"

"The council's archives," the messenger answered. "They've been burned."

As the enormity of the situation dawned on everyone, the room became silent.

Sophia's voice was hardly audible. "They're trying to erase something."

Kael clinched his hands. "Or someone."

Tharros' golden gaze shone with purpose. "It's not over. Definitely not."

The weight of his words hung in the air, a grim reminder of the battles to come.

A Fragile Alliance

The council chamber was filled with anxiety. The Shark Clans had issued an ultimatum: either cease the unrest in Aquaria or lose their allegiance. The threat could not have arrived at a worse time for a monarchy that was already on the verge of collapse.

Tharros paced at the front of the room, his irritation barely hidden. "We cannot afford to lose their support. Aquaria will not have a chance if the Leviathan attacks while we are split.

Kael leaned against the wall with his arms crossed. "Yet they're seizing this opportunity to demonstrate their dominance. Typical."

Sophia sat quietly, her thoughts whirling as she absorbed the conversation. The Shark Clans had always been an unexpected ally, their devotion based on power and respect. Aquaria's current volatility has given them reason to question both.

"They won't listen to threats or pleas," Sophia finally replied, her voice breaking through the growing debate. "We need to meet them on their terms."

Tharros stopped pacing, his golden eyes narrowing. "And how do you suggest we do that?"

"Let me speak to them," Sophia said.

Kael straightened, suspicion engraved on his face. "Do you believe they will listen to you? They scarcely tolerate us, and you are a surface dweller."

Sophia met his gaze evenly. "That's exactly why I think I have a chance. They will not expect me to understand them. This provides us an advantage.

Tharros pondered her words, the weight of leadership resting heavily on his large shoulders. Eventually, he nodded. "You will have our complete support. But be careful, Sophia. The Shark Clans value strength but loathe weakness.

The journey to Shark Clan territory was stressful. Their habitat was the jagged reefs that surrounded the abyssal trenches, a perilous maze of razor-sharp coral and predatory currents. The transport craft glided cautiously over the waves, its crew remaining silent as they approached the heavily guarded entrance.

Sophia stood at the helm, her heart racing as the Shark Clan sentries swam alongside the ship, their sleek shapes slashing through the water like blades. Their lord, Lord Tyros, awaited her in the ceremonial room.

Kael joined her as they disembarked, his presence a combination of protective instinct and mistrust. "Are you sure about this?" he inquired calmly.

Sophia looked at him, her face calm despite her nervousness. "No. "But I'm doing it anyway."

The ceremonial chamber was as impressive as its residents. Walls of jagged coral sparkled under the bioluminescent light, and the water had a subtle tang of salt and iron. Lord Tyros sat in the center, his huge form emanating authority and danger. His harsh, toothy grin was far from welcoming.