The mermaids' performance grew even more spectacular, and Maria, unsatisfied, leaned further over the transparent platform, mesmerized.
With her long lashes and violet crystal-like large eyes, she gazed up innocently, her gaze sparkling.
At times, she playfully tapped the crystal-clear steel platform, trying to startle them. When she noticed the mermaids pause, a triumphant smile would spread across her face.
One of the mermaids shot her a look, blowing out a bubble and performing an evasive maneuver. The young girl immediately bowed in apology.
"Hee hee..."
A clear, cheerful laugh filled the villa.
Suddenly, a strange noise echoed.
"Hmm? What was that?"
Lying on the platform, Maria heard the sound and glanced down at the water, perplexed.
Zhao Lun also heard it. Following the sound, he reached the edge of the crystal steel platform, peering into the distance.
Through the splashing water, two shimmering scales emerged, spinning whirlpools that rapidly advanced toward the mermaids.
The closer the whirlpools got, the louder the sound became. The mermaids, performing underwater, sensed the danger and swam urgently toward the edge of the platform.
Their movements remained graceful, their speed undiminished, and within moments, they were on the verge of safety.
Buzz! Suddenly, everyone on the platform felt a ringing in their ears, leaving them slightly disoriented, almost stumbling.
The mermaids underwater hesitated, bubbles rising from their mouths.
"This is bad! Nicole and the others are drowning!"
Thanks to their enhancement by the Holy Spring, the group was not particularly weak. The buzzing was not targeted at them, and they quickly regained their senses.
Ada recovered instantly and saw several mermaids bubbling up, their graceful forms now gone.
"Beep beep! Beep beep!"
An alarm sounded.
"Unidentified creature detected."
"Prepare weapons!"
Dark, gun-like tubes emerged.
"Water rescue in progress for key drowning individuals!"
Before they could respond, Athena's voice rang out, almost simultaneously with the correct decision.
Silently, a net rose from the water, skillfully scooping up the struggling mermaids and swiftly bringing them to the surface.
Buzz!!!
Seeing their prey almost escape, the invaders seemed enraged and retaliated with a larger attack, sending shockwaves through the air.
Fortunately, the large net was controlled by Athena and remained unaffected. The group regained their composure and, despite the discomfort, rushed to the edge of the platform, pulling the mermaids from the net and placing them safely atop it.
At that moment, the mermaids' bellies were swollen, no longer resembling their graceful forms. As they were placed on the platform, they began vomiting water.
Seeing their prey slip away, the creatures in the water grew furious and started to attack.
The whirlpools intensified, and suddenly, a massive wave of water surged toward the platform.
"Weapon systems ready! Lock on! Attack!"
The whirlpools had been distant before, limiting their attack. But now, the enemy was near, and the weapons could finally be deployed.
A stream of water shot forth, and rows of specially crafted harpoons were fired in rapid succession.
The harpoons were densely packed, specialized, fast-moving, and covered the entire area—impossible to dodge unless they leapt out of the water.
The harpoons were razor-sharp, and the invaders felt a genuine threat, prompting them to abandon their submerged position and burst above the surface.
"Ah! Hiss!!!"
As they emerged from the water, two bloodthirsty, humanoid creatures with gills screeched, their cold and merciless faces sending shockwaves through the onlookers.
Before they could recover from the shock, the sudden shriek pierced their eardrums, causing their heads to throb and blood to flow from their ears.
Thud! The invaders safely plunged back into the water.
Furious at the loss of their prey, the invaders swiftly swam toward the platform, raising weapons to attack the crystal steel.
Bang! The entire platform shook violently, seemingly on the verge of collapse.
"Get out of here! It's dangerous!"
Enduring the pain, Ada grabbed Maria, and Zhao Lun pulled the others, making their way toward the villa's interior.
"Don't worry about me! Get them to safety!"
Zhao Lun, gritting his teeth, shouted, then grabbed one of the girls and rushed into the villa. Ada followed, leading the others to safety.
Bang! The platform trembled once more, but remained unscathed.
Crystal steel, a material developed through countless calculations and iterations, was transparent and resembled pure, flawless crystal. Those unfamiliar with it might mistake it for sturdy glass, but in the face of such violent attacks, it gave no sense of security.
Today would prove the material's strength.
A humming noise indicated the activation of electrical systems, and steel barriers rose beneath the water, blocking the invaders' retreat.
"Hiss!"
A screech echoed as another special attack was launched, attempting to influence something.
But these systems were under Athena's control, rendering the attack useless. The iron barriers locked into place, sealing their fate.
"Hiss!!!"
A more intense surge of energy surged toward Zhao Lun, Ada, and the others as they entered the villa's safe zone.
Unfortunately, it was too late. The crystal steel barriers blocked them out, ensuring their safety. The group finally made it to safety, despite the continuing vibrations from the attack.
"Boss?"
Ada, still in pain, looked at him.
"First, help Nicole and the others expel the water!"
Zhao Lun, his face pale and eyes filled with cold fury, stared at the invaders on the holographic projection.
Ada immediately followed his orders and began helping the mermaids expel the seawater.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The attacks were relentless, their intensity so great that even from within the villa, the group could hear the impact. They worried whether the crystal steel would hold up.
"Ah!"
Maria suddenly awoke from her daze, letting out a small, frightened scream as she looked around.
"Maria! Don't be afraid! It's safe now!"
A voice reassured her, and Maria calmed as she recognized her brother's voice.
"Brother!"
Hearing him, the young girl immediately buried herself in his embrace.
"Don't worry, it's okay."
Zhao Lun hugged her trembling form, gazing down at her bloodied ears, his anger boiling over.
Bang! Bang! The crashing noises grew more frequent, and the outcome was imminent.
Maria, now comforted, noticed the three mermaids still undergoing treatment.
"Nicole! Angela! Monica!"
Thinking they were still in danger, she anxiously called out their names.
The three remained motionless, allowing Ada to assist them.
Tears welled up in Maria's eyes.
"Maria, don't cry, they're fine."
Zhao Lun reassured her, signaling to Ada to wake the others.
Ada pressed the pressure points on their chests.
"Cough! Cough!"
"Ugh!"
The three mermaids stirred, coughing and expelling the seawater. It was clear they had already cleared out all the water, leaving nothing behind.
"Thank goodness!"
"Nicole and the others are awake!"
"They're okay!"
Maria wiped her eyes, momentarily forgetting the ongoing danger. She happily clung to Zhao Lun's arm, calling out joyfully.
"Yes, they're fine now." Ada said.
Bang! Bang! The violent impacts continued from below, as the creatures outside still attempted to break in. But despite their fierce efforts, the outcome was sealed.
Fortunately, the crystal steel held firm, remaining as strong as ever despite the powerful assaults.
Zhao Lun smiled, his eyes narrowing as he glared at the invaders on the projection.