The water was cold and dark, the siren pulling me deeper as I struggled to swim away. My heart raced, knowing that at any moment a notification would pop up on my screen. I couldn't resist the temptation to accept every quest that came my way - whether it be a simple side quest or an important main quest.
The rewards were too valuable to pass up - new armor, upgrades, and skills that would help me level up faster. Just as I thought about this, a notification appeared in front of me, startling me out of my thoughts.
"Side quest: Escape the siren." My confusion turned to panic as I realized I wasn't supposed to defeat the siren but escape from it.
With all the strength I could muster, I kicked my legs and took my sword out of my inventory. I swung my right arm in a releasing motion, unleashing the fiery breath of the dragon. The force of the slash pushed the siren back into the depths of the sea. Taking advantage of this moment, I swam upward, towards the safety of the shore.
I gasped for air as I broke through the surface of the water, my heart pounding in my chest. As I took in deep breaths, I glanced around, searching for the siren, but she was gone.
I can't help but notice a chariot on the shore, being pulled by what appears to be a hippocampus. The creature looks like a horse but with fins instead of legs. I chuckle at the sight before another notification pops up congratulating me for completing a side quest. It tells me that my reward is a guide to Atlantis, the legendary city. Looking at the chariot and its unusual steed, I have a feeling that it will be my transportation to this mystical place.
My journey to discover the purpose of this key and finally meet Poseidon draws closer.
As I approach the chariot I notice a nameplate on the side that reads "Captain Nemo". The name sounds familiar, like something I've heard a thousand times before in the real world. Perhaps back in college?
Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, I climb into the chariot and take a seat. The hippocampus lets out a neigh and we are off, plunging into the depths of the sea. A magical shield covers the chariot, protecting me from drowning or getting wet. It's truly an incredible sight to behold.
As we descended deeper into the dark depths of the sea, my breath caught in my throat as I took in the breathtaking sights around us. Bioluminescent creatures swam gracefully by, their vibrant colors and unique shapes captivating me.
The sound of the hippocampus galloping hooves reverberated through the water as we entered a massive underwater cave. The walls were lined with intricate coral formations, and schools of fish darted in and out of view.
As my eyes adjusted to the sudden change in lighting, I gasped at the sight before me - a colossal city rising from the ocean floor. It was none other than Atlantis, the legendary city of the sea gods.
A warning notification suddenly appears in front of me as the chariot continues to move forward. It seems I am entering enemy territory. My thoughts immediately turn to Poseidon, wondering if he is the foe mentioned in the notification. Before I can process the possibility further, a man with a long beard and a trident materializes in front of the chariot.
His intense expression reflects both anger and sadness. There is no mistaking this powerful figure for anyone else but Poseidon, god of the sea and ruler. He angrily yells at me to stop, his booming voice causing ripples in the water around us. Despite us not ever meeting, it is clear that he sees me as an adversary now.
"Zeus warned me you would come to Atlantis," he growls, "but I didn't expect it so soon." The force in his voice causes the chariot to shake as he speaks.
I hold my breath, unsure of how to respond to Poseidon's accusations. I had come to Atlantis in search of answers, not to provoke and start a battle. Slowly, I raise my hands in a gesture of surrender, hoping to diffuse the tension.
"Poseidon," I begin, my voice calm and steady despite the adrenaline coursing through my veins. "I mean no harm. I come to seek answers."
Poseidon's piercing gaze scrutinizes me, his grip tightening on his trident. The water around us seems to simmer with his anger, creating an atmosphere of unease.
"You dare trespass in my kingdom uninvited Hades," he booms, his voice filled with a mixture of fury and sorrow.
A lump forms in my throat as I consider what Zeus must have said to him about me.
In college, Levi and I barely knew each other, but now that we're both players in this dangerous game, it seems he's set on making my life difficult. Ever since he took on the persona of Zeus, he's either become drunk with power or is slowly losing his grip on reality, one thing I know for sure is, Zeus likes to cause problems.
I let out a sigh as another message appears before me: "Main quest! Battle Poseidon."
But before I can fully read it, Poseidon attacks, swinging his trident and causing the chariot to roll violently. I'm thrown about and let out a groan as the chariot finally comes to a stop.
Surprisingly, the barrier keeping the water at bay has broken, but I notice that I am somehow dry and able to breathe underwater. I don't question how or why this is possible; instead, I draw out my bident and aim it at Poseidon. "It seems our fate is to engage in combat," I declare.