Arknights, but the sickly pretty girl starts

"Or let me ask this another way. What is the connection between this war and me?"

"..."

Laurentina hadn't expected Skadi to be so perceptive, and now that things had come to that point, she stopped hiding it.

"We're looking for someone."

"Who?"

"Noah Kyrielight."

"..."

Laurentina noticed the change in Skadi's expression and she wavered.

"I don't remember the name."

"No, you remember. Even though you've forgotten it now, your body still remembers... Skadi." Laurentina held out her hand. "Would you like to come with me to save her? I'll ask you again."

Chapter 76: Offense and Defense Change

Ulpian hid in the cracks of the rocks on the seabed, and the water flowed silently beside him, as if the world had completely stopped in this deep sea.

Hai Si's huge figure shuttled through the dark waters not far away like a ghost. Its huge body and appearance were very different from what Ulpian had previously known. It seemed that every slight swing brought vibrations to the entire seabed.

Ulpian clung to the rock, his body motionless, as if fused with the rocks of the seabed. His physique made it impossible for the sea heirs to detect his presence, but he knew it was only temporary. If one of these sea heirs possessed intelligence, the situation would be completely different.

The chill of the deep sea seeped through his battle suit. Even though he was accustomed to this environment, he could still feel the icy, relentless pressure. Ulpian held his breath and waited. Everything around him was dead silent, as if time had stopped. His hand gently clenched around the four-clawed anchor, the cool metal feeling through his glove. This was his familiar weapon, the only thing he relied on to avoid death time and time again.

And now, he has to entrust his life to this weapon that has been with him for half his life.

When the Haisi patrol finally swam past, Ulpian relaxed his tense muscles. The massive figures of the beasts gradually receded, and the ripples of the water gradually calmed down. But he didn't relax his vigilance. Instead, he pressed himself tightly against the rock wall and continued to wait. Ulpian's experience told him that the Great Trench had undergone many strange changes since it became a gathering place for Haisi. This was likely due to the influence of the beacon tower, but more importantly...

Ulpian's target was the tower that had become some kind of landmark building.

Once again, he detected that faint energy fluctuation through his instrument. This unique frequency was all too familiar. It was the signal from the beacon tower. He raised his head, scanning the water. Something seemed to be calling him from the distant shadows. That energy, mixed with strange messages, constantly transmitted a signal in all directions. Although Agor had detected it, no one could decipher its meaning. This was the second reason why Helatia was so interested in the Great Trench.

A few days ago, he had received a signal from the beacon indicating unusual activity and had immediately rushed to this location. This sea area was no stranger to him. In fact, this was not only where the beacon stood, but also where he had witnessed Noah's final act. Noah's fusion with the beacon, his sacrifice to save Miriam—Ulpian remembered it all vividly.

He never spoke of these events; there was no need. He was a man of action, his emotions unspoken. His guilt, never spoken, lay buried deep within him. Whenever he recalled the moment Noa made that decision, a feeling of powerlessness washed over him like the ocean. Miriam had been saved, thousands had survived, and everyone considered it a victory for the Deep Sea Hunters, and Ulpian was considered to have accomplished his mission. Yet, he couldn't shake the heavy burden—he had failed everyone except Noa Kyrielight.

His stern face remained expressionless, the same impassive man. No one could discern the turmoil within him from his exterior. Yet, every time he set foot in these waters, the heaviness within him would resurface. He never paused to reflect, never allowed himself to wallow in the guilt, but a silent pressure always accompanied him, like the darkness of the deep sea, lingering.

Ulpian had no time to dwell on irreversible events; he now had to focus on the task at hand. The beacon's activation brought not only hope, but also uncertainty and danger. He didn't know what this change meant, but... he had to come here, no matter what lay ahead.

Deep in this vast trench, Hai Si's activities became increasingly frequent, forcing him to be doubly careful.

Ulpian waited quietly for the sea to completely recede before slowly sliding out of the crevice. His movements were silent, the water flowing gently around him, as if he were just a shadow on the seabed. Every movement was precise and careful, no unnecessary movements. He had to be this way—his training as a deep-sea hunter never allowed him to make even the slightest mistake.

After passing a group of reefs, his senses picked up the energy fluctuations again. The beacon tower was just ahead. Without hesitation, he quickly headed in that direction. The underwater darkness grew thicker, as if swallowing all light. Ulpian never lost his way, and at this moment, he didn't think he had lost his sense of direction either. As he gradually descended, darkness enveloped him, and he could only rely on his sense of direction and the biological light emitted by the sea creatures themselves.

As he drew closer to the beacon, Noya's image surfaced in his mind. She had resolutely sacrificed herself to save Miriam in these very waters. And he, the captain of the Deep Sea Hunters, could only watch helplessly as she departed. Those images remained etched deep within his heart, like a blunt knife, occasionally opening the wounds within him. Gloria had no idea what Ulpian's true feelings were like at that moment.

Ulpian never spoke of his guilt towards Noya, never mentioned it to anyone. But he knew he owed Noya an explanation, both as a warrior and as a former companion. He was never good at expressing his feelings in words, perhaps he never needed to. Action was his only language. Finding the truth, investigating the unusual movements of the beacon tower, was the last thing he could do for Noya.

The beacon's outline loomed in the distance, a massive tower long silent, now emitting a faint glow once more. Ulpian paused behind a reef, gazing at the tower that had once witnessed the glory and arrogance of the Argol people. The light from its summit was faint and obscure, a call, a warning. A sense of unease welled up in Ulpian, but he remained undeterred as he slowly approached.

Each of his steps was controlled with exquisite precision. The water beneath his feet rippled subtly, as if about to reveal some truth. He didn't hesitate, nor did he pause. A force deep within guided him forward. He didn't know what the beacon's activation meant, but he knew he had to uncover the truth quickly, to find the answer before the main force arrived.

His gaze remained fixed on the outline of the beacon tower. It was his sole goal, and perhaps also a kind of relief deep within him. He could no longer allow unfinished business to haunt him, nor could he let past regrets hinder his future actions. Ulpian knew that Noa's sacrifice had long since become an indelible memory, and this mission was his final promise to Noa.

If this is the invitation letter Noah left for Agor, then Ulpian has come to the appointment on behalf of Agor.

The moment he stepped into the beacon tower, lights suddenly lit up one by one in the dark trench. Ulpian stood in the middle of the lights, and in front of him appeared a woman in a transparent veil.

"Amaya..." Ulpian pronounced the woman's name, "You are still here."

"I am her protector. If I'm not here, where else can I be? Mr. Ulpian?" Amaya turned and looked at the man in front of her. "If you just came to see her, I welcome you, but if you try to do anything unnecessary, I will tear you apart here."

"Do you think you can do it?" Ulpian clenched the weapon in his hand. This giant anchor had killed countless members of the Deep Sea Church and countless sea heirs. In countless battles, he had never failed.

Perhaps, in his mind, the one operation that truly failed was the one with Noah.

"I mean what I say." Amaya stared at the man before her, a smile curling her lips. "You should understand that within the Great Trench, there are more sea heirs than you can imagine. They flock to this tower as if it were their own god. If you dare to touch this holy tower, you will only become food for the hordes!"

"She doesn't belong to Hai Si, nor to you, Amaya. You are delusionally thinking of keeping her by your side. You are just greedy for the sense of security that comes from staying by her side." Ulpian's words sharply pierced into Amaya's soft heart that she didn't want to touch. Indeed, Noah bound herself here, and she guarded here. In a sense, she was guarding Noah's side. Even Noah himself would certainly not think so, but she herself was satisfied because of this.

Even if I could only stay by her side like this, I had been with her for a very long time——

But as soon as Ulpian opened his mouth, he attacked the fact that Amaya was most unwilling to face. Anger - almost pure anger filled Amaya's heart, making her almost lose her mind.

"Ul! Er! B! An!" Her voice echoed on the bottom of the sea. At the bottom of this trench, the water pressure that Ulpian was bearing made him actually much slower than before. When he realized that Amaya was going to take action, Ulpian immediately placed the anchor in front of his chest. Sure enough, a strange current of water hit his chest, knocking him flying backwards.

Ulpian quickly steadied himself. The four-clawed anchor on his chest vibrated slowly, and the seabed currents rippled around him. That surge of water wasn't just a simple attack, but rather carried a strange power. Even a seasoned warrior could sense the underlying oppression. Amaya, the woman guarding the beacon, was one of the few to achieve the perfect union of humanity and sea heir. Her abilities were inextricably linked to this sea.

Ulpian stood straight, his cold gaze fixed on Amaya, the determination in his eyes like a giant anchor in his hand. Although his physical strength and reaction were greatly suppressed in the depths of the trench, this did not mean that he would retreat.

Amaya stood across from him, draped in a transparent veil, the faint glow of the beacon tower behind her. Disdain etched in her eyes, a cold smile still lingering on her lips. "Do you truly think you can defeat me, Ulpian? Here, I am the master of this sea. This realm responds to my will, and you are merely an intruder."

Ulpian's gaze remained unwavering. He knew full well that Amaya's power stemmed from the strange connection to this realm, deeply transformed by the Sea Si. But, so what?

Ulpian never backs down!

He walked towards Amaya step by step, and the four-clawed anchor dragged and made a low friction sound on the seabed, as if responding to the battle he was about to start.

"I don't need your approval, Amaya." Ulpian's voice was deep and powerful, like an echo from the bottom of the sea. "I'm not here to compete with you for dominance of this sea, nor am I here to challenge your power. I'm here just for Noya. I want to take her back."

A cold glint flashed in Amaya's eyes. She turned abruptly and waved her sleeves. The current on the seabed suddenly accelerated, as if transformed into invisible blades, rushing towards Ulpian. Ulpian was already prepared. The four-clawed anchor swung violently, and the current collided with the anchor, making a loud explosion and stirring up waves.

The ground beneath Ulpian's feet shattered into a hail of gravel, and the force of the current caused him to take a slight step back. But this did not shake his resolve. He immediately adjusted his stance and regained his footing, digging his legs into the sandy seabed, his entire body as solid as a rock.

The rage in Amaya's eyes intensified. She raised her hands slightly, and the jellyfish-shaped sea creatures around her, as if summoned by some invisible force, began to rapidly gather around her. They swam and emitted disturbing low hums.

"Do you really think you can defeat the combined strength of me and these sea heirs? You are just a mortal, and I have surpassed the limits of all of you humans." Amaya's voice was filled with cold mockery, and every word she said seemed to be a challenge to Ulpian's will.

Ulpian didn't answer. Her taunts were meaningless to him. With a flick of his wrist, the four-clawed anchor swept out like lightning, smashing forward with a ferocious force. The anchor roared and slashed towards Amaya, crushing her defenses with overwhelming force.

Amaya remained calm, instantly raising her hands. The surrounding water instantly transformed into a powerful barrier, blocking her path. Ulpian's anchor slammed into the barrier with a dull thud, but its force was unable to break through the water.

However, Ulpian didn't stop. He swung the four-clawed anchor back, then swung it again with even greater speed—each blow heavier, each faster than the last. This time, he adjusted the angle and attacked from the side of Amaya. The water flow brought up by the anchor was like a whirlwind, slamming heavily into her barrier.

——Leaping into the waves and striking.

It used to be one of Skadi's special skills, but now, this move appeared in Ulpian's hands, and it was obviously extremely skillful.

boom--

The water barrier was forcibly torn apart, and Amaya's figure flashed, turning into a shadow and quickly retreating, avoiding the attack. Her eyes became even colder, obviously not expecting Ulpian to be able to exert such powerful strength in this deep sea environment.

"It seems that I underestimated you." Amaya sneered softly, and then she waved her hands again. The water flow around her seemed to become more active, and the mud and sand on the seabed began to churn, forming spiral whirlpools, which quickly rushed towards Ulpian.

Ulpian keenly sensed the danger and slid backwards, evading the ever-approaching whirlpools. However, the seabed's conditions severely limited his speed. The whirlpools pursued him relentlessly, and Ulpian adjusted his pace as he dodged. He not only had to avoid the whirlpools, but also their terrifying suction, which further restricted his movements.

Seeing that he couldn't completely avoid it, Ulpian suddenly swung the anchor and smashed it directly into one of the whirlpools. The force of the anchor directly broke the whirlpool, and the water instantly scattered. However, more whirlpools were already surrounding him.

Amaya's attacks intensified, her form seeming to merge with the currents, drifting like a ghost. Each attack carried a powerful sense of oppression, forcing Ulpian to respond.

Ulpian remained calm, knowing he had to maintain his focus. He swung the four-clawed anchor repeatedly, repelling each approaching vortex. Each swing carried immense force, disrupting Amaya's attack rhythm.

At that moment, Amaya suddenly crossed her arms and swung them down, sending the seabed's currents churning violently. As if receiving some command, the surrounding sea creatures rushed towards Ulpian. Ulpian's eyes narrowed, and he pushed off the ground with both feet, leaping upward. The four-clawed anchor swept across, slamming fiercely into the oncoming sea creatures.

"Bang!" The water flow caused by the huge anchor shook, and several sea snakes were repelled, but more sea snakes swarmed in from all directions, surrounding Ulpian. Amaya stood in the distance, watching all this coldly, as if waiting to see how Ulpian would respond.

"It seems that you can't get out of this sea today, Ulpian." Amaya's voice was full of sarcasm. She was already convinced in her heart that Ulpian could not escape the siege.

However, Ulpian remained unfazed. He took a deep breath, gripped the anchor tightly with both hands, and stepped forward. The anchor's four claws traced a graceful, yet deadly arc through the water, slamming fiercely into the oncoming sea creatures. The anchor's power was astonishing, and each strike carried devastating force, repelling the oncoming sea creatures one by one.

However, Ulpian's movements grew faster and faster, his body growing more steady under the pressure of the deep sea. He knew he could no longer fight these sea creatures. Suddenly, Ulpian's gaze swept towards Amaya, and the giant anchor suddenly flew out of his hand, suddenly piercing the barrier of flesh and blood formed by the sea creatures and smashing towards her.

Amaya had clearly not anticipated Ulpian's sudden attack, and a flicker of surprise crossed her eyes. Ulpian's anchor was already within reach, his strike precise and deadly, carrying an unstoppable momentum.

Amaya waved her hand violently, and the water formed a barrier in front of her again. However, this time, Ulpian's force was even greater than before. The anchor slammed into the barrier, instantly shattering it. Amaya flew backward, slamming hard into the rock wall beside the beacon. However, Ulpian used the hole created by the anchor to successfully break free from Haisi's encirclement. With incredible speed, he grabbed the thrown anchor and swung it high.

"General——"

Now - the offense and defense have changed!

Chapter 77: Retreat

Ulpian's anchor was about to drop when it suddenly froze in mid-air. It wasn't because he was being soft-hearted; rather, soft-heartedness simply wasn't in his vocabulary. He looked up—and a transparent tentacle silently wrapped around his arm, like a ghost suddenly emerging from the deep sea. This soft force instantly suppressed his movements, and the anchor froze in mid-air, leaving no room for his power.

Ulpian's gaze then followed the direction of the tentacles, looking into the thick darkness where a figure slowly emerged.

From the darkness of the deep sea, a strange figure slowly emerged, as if condensed from nothingness. Tall and ethereal, the surrounding waters seemed to ripple strangely at its presence. His form resembled a ghost draped in a galaxy of stars, his robes drifting silently through the depths. A faint halo emanated from him, seemingly enveloping the endless universe. His face, veiled in flowing energy, resembled a luminous star, surrounded by countless twisting currents of energy, appearing mysterious and unreal.

That inhuman form instantly made Ulpian feel a deep sense of threat. At this moment, this figure wasn't just a symbol of Maritus, but more like the incarnation of the Deep Sea Church, controlling the boundless power of the deep sea. His presence seemed to merge with the water, his tentacles gently wriggling, ready to control everything at any moment.

"Maritus..." Ulpian murmured, his gaze still icy. He knew full well that the being before him was more dangerous than any enemy he had faced before. Although this person had never actively attacked, his intimidating presence filled every inch of the seabed with a tense, oppressive feeling.

Maritus didn't respond immediately. His figure swayed in the light and shadows of the seabed, like a silent underwater god, gazing at everything before him. His presence made all creatures in this sea seem infinitely smaller. Each transparent tentacle silently squirmed around his body, as if ready to unleash some power.

Amaya's expression shifted from anger to complexity as she saw Maritus arrive. She understood the man's strength; it was he who had brought her to her current state. She knew Maritus would never act rashly unless he felt the situation was no longer going his way.

"Lord Maritus," Amaya whispered, and while her tone still held awe, it also carried a hint of hidden fear.

Maritus's voice seemed to come from the distant stars, with a sense of echo unique to the deep sea, low and ethereal: "The tide has not yet arrived, why rush to stir up waves?" His words were full of endless mystery, as if he had no interest in the battle in front of him. He was more expressing a warning, a foresight about the entire situation.

Ulpian's brow furrowed slightly. He was unimpressed by such profound words, but Maritus's power prevented him from acting rashly. The man before him wasn't just profound in his words; the power and plans behind him were unfathomable.

"What do you want, Maritus?" Ulpian asked coldly. He didn't intend to beat around the bush and directly questioned the sage in front of him.

Maritus raised a tentacle slightly, as if unconcerned with the momentary truce. His face, shimmering with stars, tilted slightly, as if observing Ulpian's every reaction. He spoke slowly, "You chase the tide's endpoint, but never see its true source. The sea is but a ripple; the true wave has yet to manifest."

There was a distortion in his voice, as if suggesting that he grasped something beyond Ulpian's comprehension.

Ulpian felt a chill in his heart. He did not fully understand Maritus' words, but he could sense that the man before him was revealing some uncontrollable power, some existence beyond human comprehension.

Maritus's gaze slowly turned to Amaya, his voice filled with unfathomable meaning: "Amaya, what you are guarding is nothing but an illusion. The power of the ocean does not belong to you, nor to any individual. The tide will eventually submerge everything. No matter how you struggle, you will only add a faint ripple in its path."

Amaya's expression shifted slightly. Although she had anticipated Maritus's attitude, hearing his words still filled her with unease and anger. The power she had always sought was so vulnerable in Maritus's eyes. This contempt fueled her resolve and her fight.

"You said the tide cannot be controlled, but I believe that as long as I am strong enough, I can change its direction." Amaya responded coldly, with an unyielding tone.

Maritus smiled faintly, if his physiology allowed him to. His smile was so subtle that it made it impossible to discern his true intentions. He whispered back, "The tide never changes at the will of anyone. It only devours those foolish enough to try to control it."

Ulpian remained silent, gripping the anchor tightly. He knew the conversation was losing its focus. Although Maritus' presence hadn't directly affected their actions, his every word seemed to reveal some irreversible fate.

Maritus's gaze fell on Ulpian again, his eyes still as deep as the sea of ​​stars. "Ulpian, you do not belong to this sea, but you cannot escape its influence. Noa's sacrifice has already pointed you down a path of no return. Are you here for answers, or for redemption?"

Ulpian was silent for a moment, his eyes as cold as a knife: "I am only here for Noah."

"The Noa you seek may have already transcended your comprehension," Maritus said calmly. "Her choices have long since merged into this ocean. And you, perhaps, will eventually follow her path, though you may not yet realize it."

A heavy sense of oppression once again filled the air. Maritus' words echoed like an undersea voice, carrying an irresistible, mysterious power. Ulpian felt a faint unease. Although he didn't want to admit it, he knew that if Maritus truly intended to attack him, he would be almost powerless to fight back. Two humans who had perfectly integrated with the sea would be a terrifying opponent for the deep-sea hunter.

Besides...it seems that Amaya has not received the recognition of this sage.

"You, come with me." Maritus turned around and left Ulpian with his back. He seemed not worried at all that Ulpian would attack him, and even had a feeling that it was up to Ulpian to come or not.

Ulpian glanced at Amaya warily, and after hesitating for a moment, he decided to follow... There was no need for the other party to go to such great lengths to kill him. He must have something to say to him by making such a gesture. Instead of going all out, it would be better to try to find out more.

Following Maritus's lead, Ulpian and Amaya gradually delved deeper into the Sea Heir's lair. At the deepest point of the ocean, the once chaotic world of the Sea Heir had become orderly. The architecture of the lair was no longer the usual barbaric and primitive structures, but a world imbued with artistic beauty and orderly beauty. This all profoundly shook Ulpian's perceptions.

He slowly looked around. The unprecedented beauty of these sea lairs stirred a silent storm within him. The sea lairs had never before displayed such an appreciation for art, but everything before him told Ulpian that they were changing, evolving into something new. The structure of the lairs drew inspiration from the ancient aesthetics of the Agorges. The intricate carvings on the stone pillars, the graceful curves along the corridors, and even the architectural design that seemed to adhere to a certain golden ratio all hinted that the sea lairs were no longer savage creatures operating solely on instinct.

"Surprised?" Maritus' voice broke Ulpian's contemplation, his tone tinged with mockery. "Do you think art is only the preserve of humans?"

Ulpian didn't respond, his gaze still absorbed in these artistic nests. These buildings weren't merely imitations; they were a recreation of beauty, even a transcendence. What did this mean? Art is a manifestation of emotion, thought, and spirit. When Hai Si began to understand art and express his pursuit of beauty, something fundamental had already begun to change: a personalization.

"You believe the Sea Si are mere creatures, enemies to be controlled and hunted." Maritus's voice rang softly, drifting through the empty space like a whisper. "But they have long surpassed your imagination. They not only imitate, but also absorb, understand, and reshape everything. Their understanding of beauty is no less than what you call civilization."

Maritus' tone carried a mysterious and profound power; his words did not sound like a simple statement, but more like a prophecy.

Ulpian's thoughts gradually cleared. He finally understood that what he saw wasn't just the Haisi imitating the Agor's architectural style, but a crucial step in their process of personification. Haisi's understanding of art meant they were no longer simply living creatures, but were beginning to evolve towards possessing full minds and emotions. This step would alter their relationship to the world, and even the balance between them and humans and the Agor.

"They're not imitators, they're creating." Ulpian's voice was low, yet it carried a hint of undisguised shock. "They've begun to develop their own consciousness and thinking."

"Yes, Ulpian, they are transcending the limits of your comprehension." Maritus' voice was filled with a certain fanatical conviction. "Art is proof of the evolution of the Sea Heirs. They are no longer the ignorant monsters you see. They will become higher beings, even surpassing us."

He slowly turned and faced Ulpian. His voice was low but powerful. "This is more than just an evolution. Their existence is no longer simply a matter of natural law. They are building their own civilization, and this civilization will redefine the ocean and the world as you know it."

Ulpian fell into deep thought, fully aware of what this meant. The evolution of the Seaborn wasn't merely a threat of power; they were beginning to understand beauty and create art, signifying their entry into the realm of the spiritual world. All of this would profoundly alter the future, and he, too, would have to reevaluate the relationship between the Deep Sea Hunters and the Seaborn.

"Is this your ultimate goal?" Ulpian asked, a hint of coldness in his tone.

Maritus shook his head slightly and smiled. "Goal? No, Ulpian, that's not the goal. Their evolution has never had a so-called 'end'. They will continue to move forward to heights that you cannot comprehend."

An invisible sense of oppression hung in the air, and Ulpian knew he was facing more than just an enemy, but a transformation far more profound than any battle he had ever faced. Hai Si's evolution had surpassed his previous understanding, even transcending the boundaries of biology.

He gripped the anchor tightly, a complex complexity building within him. He was more than a warrior; he was a deep-sea hunter, a defender of Agor civilization. And now, he had to decide how to confront this rapidly evolving "enemy," one with a growing understanding of beauty and civilization.

The evolution of Haisi, as Maritus said, will redefine the entire world.

Ulpian's heart was filled with an indescribable shock. His mind raced, trying to comprehend what was happening before his eyes. If the Haisi were building their own civilization, if they were not simply savage creatures, but beings capable of learning, evolving, and even surpassing humanity, then how long could humanity's thousands of years of accumulated civilization truly survive this invisible competition?