Chapter 82: The Great Elder of the Ocean

The sky erupted in a burst of power. The mages summoned [Hell Fire] and [Lightning Storm], sending columns of fire that boiled the sea and lightning strikes that split the sea beasts in two. The archers launched [Arrow Meteor Strike], projectiles so heavy and fast that upon impact they tore bodies apart, pulverizing flesh and bone in a river of blood. Chaos reigned in the enemy ranks: dismembered creatures floated in the water, others screamed with ripped-off limbs, and blood darkened the sea surface like an endless black river. The massacre was ruthless. In seconds, nearly a fifth of the marine army was reduced to floating remains among smoke, flames, and red-tinged foam. Shark heads fell into the sea without bodies, burned tentacles writhed convulsively, and giant lobsters split apart like fragile shells. The screams of the dying beasts mixed with the roar of fire and lightning, creating a macabre symphony that made even the fiercest tremble. The mages and archers stood tall, pretending to be strong, though their bodies trembled slightly from exhaustion. In reality, they had emptied all their energy twice, pushing their limits to unleash a second devastating charge immediately, taking advantage of their level-up. The deception was perfect: they smiled calmly, hiding fatigue, while drops of sweat ran down their foreheads. To the sea races, it seemed as if they hadn’t even tried, as if these rains of fire, lightning, and destructive arrows were mere games. This illusion increased the terror of the enemies, who already doubted their ability to face such demons disguised as humans. The Mermaid Queen gripped her trident with fury, her voice booming through the ocean."I made a mistake underestimating them... but don’t think victory is yours just because of this." Her eyes shone with hatred as her soldiers trembled behind her."I’ll propose something different. A one-on-one battle. I won’t waste more lives needlessly." Jax raised an eyebrow, incredulous at her words. Then, the sea began to churn violently. Two colossal sea serpents emerged, endless bodies rising toward the sky, water swirling around them like living tornadoes. [Water Dragon King – Lvl 95][Water Dragon King – Lvl 94] The roar of the beasts shook the air, and the sea surface became a stormy battlefield. Behind them, a deformed monster came to light: a semi-human snail with slimy skin and crystal-encrusted shells on its back, its gaze empty and hungry. [Abyssal Diamond Snail – Lvl 95] Around them emerged more marine horrors, all above level 90. Each name appearing over their heads was like a death sentence: [Blood Leviathan Shark – Lvl 92][Black Water Kraken – Lvl 93][Coral Devastator – Lvl 91][Eternal Tide Serpent – Lvl 94][Crimson Abyss Spawn – Lvl 90] The sight was so terrifying that for a moment even the air seemed to freeze. Jax narrowed his eyes, reading each name in front of him as if they were scars carved into the air. The atmosphere grew heavy, each breath felt harder as he did calculations in his mind. With so many level 90+ monsters, the battle would be a slaughter. Maybe with his divine ability [Sanctuary of Life] he could keep his allies alive a little longer, but not much. The sanctuary’s range was short, and as soon as any of the girls left that area, water attacks would tear them apart mercilessly. Jets capable of splitting a ship, storms that devoured the sky, tsunamis that could swallow entire cities. That was what they faced. And Jax knew: if combat began, only he would remain standing. The sanctuary followed him as a light center, but could not cover beyond. It was a small shield against an ocean of death. Jax observed the Mermaid Queen, analyzing her stance and the power radiating from her."What kind of challenge do you want to propose?" he asked, his voice firm but calm. The siren crossed her arms, looking at him with disdain and replied:"I want a duel, one-on-one. My best warrior against the best human. Whoever survives may request a wish from the other." Jax frowned, hesitating for a moment, and asked:"Can I demand the enemy’s total submission?" The Queen became furious, roaring in rage."Do not underestimate me! If you ask that, there will be war to the end. Even if I must sacrifice my entire army, I will make sure you and your people die." Jax nodded, understanding that total submission was impossible."Then, if I win, your people will retreat and will not try to invade my territory again." The siren looked at him for a moment and finally agreed."Fine... APPEAR, Great Elder!" From the ocean emerged a humanoid with a massive turtle shell and a long white beard giving him an air of wisdom."[Eternal Abyssal Turtle – Lvl 97]" Everyone bowed to him, including the Queen."Honorable Great Elder, I request your help to defeat our enemies," she said respectfully. Jax fixed his gaze into the elder’s eyes.He returned the look and, addressing the Queen, replied:"I will act according to your will." Jax looked at the elder curiously and frowned."With all your power... why do you obey a child?" The elder lifted his gaze, calm and authoritative."You wouldn’t understand the ocean’s traditions, young human. The Queen’s words are law." Jax clenched his fists, evaluating the situation."I wouldn’t want to kill someone so noble. Step back," he said firmly. The elder observed him for a few seconds and, with a gleam in his eyes, slightly tilted his head."Step back? Young fish... do not mock me. You are underestimating what stands before you." A cold smile appeared on his face as he continued:"Young fish do not fear a shark... until they are devoured." Jax clenched his fists, taking a deep breath and focusing on the battle about to begin. The ocean roared, the sea creatures waited, and the tension could be cut with a knife. Everything was ready. The battle was about to start. --------------------- Hope you are enjoying the Chapter; any feedback is welcome to help improve it