Makara, ever observant, noticed the subtle change in the king’s demeanour and decided to press further. “My king,” he ventured cautiously, “so would you help the Tri-Kings in their war against King Azure?”

  King Atlann threw his head back and let out a loud, booming laugh. "No," he declared, his tone firm. "I will not. I cannot let the blood of an Atlantean be spilt for someone else’s war. The answer is no, Messenger. You have delivered your message, and now you can be on your way back."

  Makara’s eyes narrowed slightly, determination flashing in them. He wasn’t ready to give up just yet. "My king," he continued, "would you reconsider your decision if I were to tell you something—something I have not even shared with the Tri-Kings themselves?"

  King Atlann's interest was piqued by this statement. He leaned forward, his expression a mixture of curiosity and scepticism. "And what could you possibly say that would change my mind?" he asked, though his voice carried a note of doubt.

  Shawn, standing beside Makara, felt his own curiosity swell. He wondered what Makara was hiding, what secret he had kept even from the Tri-Kings, and why he was willing to reveal it now. The air in the chamber grew tense, as all eyes remained fixed on Makara, waiting to hear what he would reveal next.

  Makara took a deep breath and continued, “My king, what if I told you the Guardian will join the war, aiding the Tri-Kings against King Azure?”

  The room fell silent at his words. King Atlann's eyes narrowed with suspicion as he processed what Makara had just said. "Which Guardian?" he asked sharply. "Do you mean... The Guardian?"

  “Yes, my king,” Makara replied confidently. “The only one who can stop this war.”

  A ripple of shock passed over King Atlann’s face. “Has he returned?” he asked, his voice a mix of disbelief and hope. “If he is truly joining the fight, then why do you need my help at all?”

  Makara’s expression remained steady. “Unfortunately, not him, my king, but the next in the bloodline,” he explained. “But that person is inexperienced. Your support could provide the crucial advantage needed to turn the tide of the war.”

  Shawn, standing beside Makara, felt a jolt of realisation. He knew immediately that Makara was speaking about him. His heart pounded in his chest, but he kept his face neutral, hiding any hint of recognition. He prepared himself mentally, ready to reveal his true identity if Makara gave the signal.

  King Atlann’s gaze shifted toward Shawn, studying him intently. Suspicion flickered in his eyes, and he asked, “Is it him?”

  Makara, noticing the king’s attention on Shawn, quickly intervened. “No, my king,” he said smoothly. “He is just a humble travel companion, nothing more.”

  Shawn understood the unspoken message in Makara’s words. Makara did not want to reveal his identity just yet, and Shawn respected that decision. He remained silent, his posture relaxed, doing his best to appear unremarkable.

  King Atlann leaned back on his throne, his mind churning with thoughts. The room was thick with tension, everyone waiting to see what the king would decide. His eyes moved from Makara to Shawn and back again, clearly weighing his options.

  Finally, he spoke, his voice thoughtful. “If what you say is true, and the Guardian’s bloodline is indeed represented in this war, then perhaps... perhaps my stance could be reconsidered. I will send an army of 10,000 Atlantean warriors to aid the Tri-Kings in this war against King Azure, but not more than that.”

  Makara and Shawn exchanged a brief, satisfied glance at King Atlann's agreement. Makara spoke up with respectful gratitude, “Thank you, my king. Your kindness will be noted by the Tri-Kings.” He then hesitated for a moment before adding, “We have one more mission, my king, and we humbly request your help. We carry another scroll, this one intended for Prince Zhao, the first child of King Azure, whose castle lies near yours. We seek a guide to help us navigate to his castle.”

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  King Atlann raised an eyebrow, intrigued by this new request. “A message for Prince Zhao, you say? His castle is located in the north-western border of my kingdom, deep beneath the water.”

  Makara nodded, his tone earnest. “Indeed, my king. That’s why we seek your assistance—to provide us with a navigator and the means to reach his underwater stronghold.”

  King Atlann regarded them thoughtfully before responding, “Very well. I will grant you the means and the finest navigator Atlantis can offer.” He then turned slightly and called out to someone who had been standing quietly in the shadows, listening to their entire conversation.

  From the back of the room, a figure began to emerge, moving with the grace and poise of royalty. Clad in a royal attire adorned with blue jewels, she wore a necklace, earrings, and rings that gleamed with the same dark, pearl-blue hue as her eyes. Her long hair was meticulously braided, cascading down her back in an elegant fashion. It was none other than Princess Selena of Atlantis.

  Both Shawn and Makara stiffened in recognition. She was the same person Shawn had fought against in the training pit, but they remained silent, choosing not to reveal this fact.

  Princess Selena moved with an air of authority and grace, presenting herself before the king and his guests. King Atlann spoke proudly, “This is Princess Selena, my daughter. She is currently studying navigation and is the best navigator Atlantis has to offer. She will guide you to Prince Zhao's castle, but remember, she will only show you the way and then return.”

  Shawn and Makara exchanged a glance, understanding the gravity of the situation. They knew they couldn't refuse the king's offer, no matter how unexpected. With a slight bow, they accepted the arrangement. “We are honoured, your Majesty,” Makara said. “We will respect your conditions.”

  King Atlann then addressed his daughter, his tone firm yet caring. “Selena, my daughter, guide them to Prince Zhao's castle and return immediately. You are not to engage in any other activity under any circumstances. This is an educational journey for you.”

  Princess Selena nodded obediently, her voice calm and composed. “Yes, father, as you wish.”

  The king then gave a final command. “Now, take them to the Ocean Master. He will prepare you for the journey.” As they turned to leave the chamber, King Atlann suddenly called out, “Messenger, a word in private, if you don’t mind.” Makara glanced at Shawn, who gave a subtle nod before following Princess Selena out of the room.

  As Makara remained behind with King Atlann, Shawn and Princess Selena made their way through the grand halls of the Atlantean palace, their footsteps echoing softly against the marble floors. The walls around them shimmered with intricate murals depicting ancient battles and legends, each stroke of paint alive with the ocean’s hues—deep blues, greens, and bursts of coral. Despite the palace’s beauty, an uneasy silence settled between them, laden with an unspoken tension. Shawn could feel the weight of Selena’s displeasure hanging in the air, a palpable force that seemed to ripple through the space between them.

  Determined to break the silence, Shawn cleared his throat, attempting a casual tone. "So, you're still upset about the fight?" he asked, a slight grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. He hoped a bit of light-heartedness might ease the tension.

  Princess Selena cast him a sidelong glance, her expression cool and composed, though her dark pearl-blue eyes betrayed a flicker of irritation. "I am not upset," she replied curtly. "I simply do not like losing, especially not to an amateur like you. You just got lucky and nothing more."

  Shawn chuckled, his smile widening. "Fair enough. You’re quite the fighter, but why did your father say you are a navigator?" he said, genuinely impressed by her skill.

  Selena's lips pressed into a thin line, her pride clearly still stung. "I secretly take training under General Kelathor occasionally," she said, her tone clipped.

  Shawn nodded, sensing the sting in her words but choosing not to challenge her pride. He knew well enough the honour an Atlantean warrior held dear. "Maybe. But you're skilled, too. You had me on the ropes. I’ll give you that," he acknowledged, his voice sincere.

  Selena's posture relaxed slightly, though she maintained her stern demeanour. "If my disguise had not been revealed, I might have demanded a rematch," she muttered, a note of regret in her voice.

  Shawn smiled at her, picking up on the challenge in her tone. "Well, maybe once this is all over, we can have that rematch," he suggested, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

  Selena glanced at him, her expression softening just a fraction. For a brief moment, a hint of a smile played on her lips, though she quickly suppressed it, her guard still up. "Well then, I will hold onto your word," she replied, a trace of amusement in her voice.

  Sword Master has officially been released, Princess Selena has finally stepped into the journey.

  If you’d like to see how I personally envisioned her appearance and presence, I’ve shared my concept with readers.

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