Chapter 285: CheckUp!

The merchant wrapped the Tideheart Pendant carefully in layers of thin sea-silk before placing it inside a small protective coral case.

The glow from the moon-pearl shimmered faintly through the container, the tiny current of swirling mana drifting lazily inside the gem like a miniature ocean trapped in time.

It was beautiful. Albedo took the small case and turned it over once in his hand.

Even through the wrapping he could feel the gentle mana signature radiating from it, a very stable and protective aura.

Exactly what he had hoped for. He imagined Gwen wearing it around her neck, the pearl resting just beneath her collarbone as she walked through the gardens back home.

A small smile almost formed on his face as he slipped the pendant into his spatial storage alongside the other souvenirs.

The merchant bowed respectfully.

"You have chosen well."

Albedo nodded once.

"I know."

Elektra stretched her arms as they stepped away from the stall.

"Well," she said casually, glancing around the bustling market plaza, "I think that officially completes your big brother shopping spree."

Mera laughed softly.

"You bought half the district."

Albedo glanced back briefly toward the glowing market.

"...Not half."

Elektra smirked.

"Give it another hour."

The Pearl District remained alive with activity around them.

Merchants continued calling out deals.

Merfolk drifted between stalls.

Large sea-beasts glided slowly through the overhead water channels while their riders conversed with traders below.

It was lively.

Warm.

Peaceful.

A stark contrast to the abyssal horror that had nearly consumed the Midnight Trench earlier that day.

Albedo watched the crowds for a moment before speaking.

"We should check the medical wing."

Mera’s smile faded slightly.

"You want to see them?"

Albedo nodded.

"They fought to survive."

"And we promised to help."

Elektra shrugged.

"Fair enough."

Mera turned toward one of the large coral avenues branching away from the market plaza.

"The Royal Medical District is closer to the palace."

She gestured ahead.

"Come."

—

The walk through Atlantis during twilight felt almost magical.

As the city transitioned fully into evening, the glowing coral lanterns brightened across every district.

Bridges of hardened water currents shimmered overhead.

Schools of bioluminescent fish gathered in enormous formations that drifted through the sky-like ocean above the city.

Merfolk musicians performed along street platforms, playing instruments carved from seashells and enchanted coral.

The music carried softly through the air domes. A song born from the ocean itself.

Albedo took several more pictures along the way.

Massive coral towers glowing beneath the twilight currents. Street performers summoning spirals of glowing plankton and even children riding miniature seahorse mounts along floating training rings.

He stored every photo carefully, as he knew that Gwen would spend hours looking through them.

Eventually the lively market districts began to thin.

The architecture shifted subtly as Albedo headed to the Medical District.

Large coral buildings surrounded a central plaza where healers moved quickly between structures carrying glowing mana crystals and medical supplies.

Wide channels of flowing restorative water connected the buildings like veins of healing energy.

Above the central complex floated several enormous spheres of concentrated mana—restorative cores that powered the entire medical network.

Elektra whistled quietly.

"Damn."

"That’s a lot of healing power."

Mera nodded.

"The Royal Medical Wing is one of the most advanced facilities in Atlantis."

They approached the largest building in the district.

Its exterior was constructed from layered pearl-stone reinforced with thick coral ribs that spiraled upward like protective armor.

Soft green light glowed through its windows.

Healers moved in and out constantly.

The moment Mera stepped inside, several attendants immediately bowed.

"Princess."

Mera acknowledged them with a small nod.

"How are the rescued mermaids?"

One of the senior healers stepped forward.

An elderly merwoman with silver hair flowing down her back and glowing green eyes.

"They are recovering well."

Her gaze shifted toward Albedo.

Recognition flashed instantly.

"The one who stabilized them."

She bowed respectfully.

"Your intervention saved many lives today."

Albedo inclined his head slightly.

"How many were injured?"

"Thirty-seven brought in from the trench."

Her voice was calm.

"But none are critical anymore."

Relief flickered across Mera’s face.

"Good."

The healer gestured down a long hallway lined with softly glowing coral walls.

"They are resting in the recovery chambers."

"Follow me."

They moved forward, and the interior of the medical wing was quiet and peaceful.

Soft mana pulses drifted through the air like gentle heartbeats.

Rows of healing chambers lined the hallways.

Inside them, injured merfolk rested on floating beds of enchanted water that slowly circulated restorative energy through their bodies.

Glowing runic circles hovered above each patient, monitoring vital signs and stabilizing mana fluctuations.

The healer led them into one of the larger recovery rooms.

Nearly a dozen mermaids rested there.

Several of them were awake now.

Bandages made from enchanted kelp wrapped around their injuries while healing spells continued working quietly in the background.

When the door opened, one of the mermaids looked up.

Her eyes widened instantly.

"That’s him..."

Another turned her head.

And then another.

Recognition spread across the room like a ripple through water.

Within seconds every conscious patient was staring at Albedo.

One of them slowly sat up.

"You... you’re the one who fought the abyss creatures."

Albedo shrugged slightly.

"Part of it."

Another mermaid clutched her blanket tighter.

"We thought we were going to die down there."

Her voice trembled slightly.

"The corruption... it kept spreading."

Mera stepped forward gently.

"You’re safe now."

The mermaids looked between Mera, Elektra... and Albedo.

Then one of them did something unexpected.

She bowed her head deeply.

"Thank you."

The others followed.

One by one.

Every mermaid in the room lowered their head in gratitude.

Even some of the unconscious ones stirred slightly as the movement disturbed the air currents.

The healer smiled softly.

"Your actions saved them."

Albedo shifted uncomfortably.

"...You survived."

"That’s what matters."

Elektra leaned against the wall with her arms crossed.

"You should’ve seen him down there."

She smirked slightly.

"Guy turned the trench into a fireworks show."

Mera rolled her eyes.

"That’s one way to describe it."

One of the younger mermaids looked at Albedo with wide eyes.

"Is it true you fought the abyss monsters with fire underwater?"

Albedo glanced at her.

"...Yes."

Her jaw dropped.

"That’s insane."

The room filled with quiet laughter.

The tension slowly faded and the healer stepped forward again.

"They will remain here for the foreseeable future for observation."

Her voice carried quiet confidence.

"But probably by the end of the week, they’ll probably be able to return home,"

Mera’s shoulders relaxed visibly as she heard that, "That’s wonderful."