Shawn and Makara turned to see where Jarken was looking. As the storm clouds continued to part, the first rays of sunlight illuminated the sea, revealing the majestic silhouette of Atlantis in the distance. The legendary city floated above the water, bathed in a golden glow, a sight more beautiful than either of them had ever imagined.

  As they sailed toward Atlantis, Shawn stood near the bow of the ship, his gaze fixed on the distant, shimmering silhouette of the legendary city. The rhythmic creaking of the old boat and the gentle lapping of waves against its hull were a stark contrast to the chaos they had just survived. He looked down at his hands, watching as the remnants of conjured smoke still faintly curled back into his fingers, his palms, and around his wrists. The moment he had summoned his power in the heart of the storm replayed over and over in his mind. The reality of what he had done—and what he was capable of—began to sink in, pressing on him like a weight he hadn’t anticipated. His heart pounded as he thought of it. There had been a terrifying clarity in that moment, a desperate need that had pushed him beyond his limits, but now, as the adrenaline faded, doubt began to creep in.

  Shawn closed his eyes, trying to focus, to recall every detail. The storm had been a blur of noise and motion; the external forces—the howling wind, the crashing waves—had made it nearly impossible to focus his power on a scale that he could control. He had acted on instinct, driven by fear and necessity, but had he truly understood what he was doing? Did he even understand the true extent of his abilities? Frustration welled up inside him. He knew the potential of his gift, had seen it in action, but being able to call upon it at will, to summon exactly what he needed when he needed it and use it efficiently, was another matter entirely.

  "I still haven't fully grasped it," he muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible over the soft breeze. "Based on what grandpa told me about the power, I don’t understand the extent of it." The words tasted bitter, filled with the frustration of his own uncertainty. He felt like a child with a toy he didn’t know how to play with, a power he couldn’t fully control.

  Shawn sighed deeply, the weight of the ocean air pressing against his lungs. He realised he needed to approach his power differently. The storm had taught him a harsh lesson about his limitations. For now, he decided to focus on summoning smaller and simpler objects, and less complex to control. A sword, perhaps a shield—things that wouldn’t strain his concentration or test the limits of his understanding. He clenched his fists, feeling the familiar surge of determination settling in his chest. "Small steps… small steps," he whispered to himself.

  As he steeled himself with resolve, a shadow fell across the boat, blocking the sun and casting them into a dim shade. Shawn looked up, his thoughts interrupted. They had sailed closer to Atlantis than he realised, and the massive city loomed above them. The shadow of the magnificent city began to take shape, revealing its towering spires, so vast and tall that they blotted out the sun, its expansive architecture unfolding before them like a dream made real. The sight was breathtaking, a stark reminder of how small and insignificant they were in the face of such grandeur.

  As their ship drew nearer to Atlantis, the first sight that greeted them was the awe-inspiring border wall, rising majestically from the ocean’s surface like a guardian sentinel of the great city. This was no ordinary wall; it was a masterpiece of Atlantean craftsmanship, constructed from a pristine white pearlescent material that shimmered brilliantly in the sunlight. The wall stretched around the entire circumference of Atlantis in a perfect, unbroken circle, standing an imposing 60 feet tall. Its surface seemed to glow with a soft, luminescent light, reflecting the blues and greens of the sea and sky in a mesmerising display. The effect was almost magical, an otherworldly glow that made the wall appear alive, as if it were breathing in sync with the gentle rhythm of the ocean waves.

  At the base of the wall, where it met the ocean, the structure was adorned with natural elements of the sea—etched with coral reefs, encrusted with shells, and draped with vibrant strands of algae. These aquatic embellishments not only added to the wall's beauty but also served as a reminder of Atlantis’s deep connection with the ocean that surrounded it. The coral and shells, meticulously incorporated into the wall's design, created an intricate mosaic that seemed to tell the story of the sea itself, merging seamlessly with the smooth, glistening surface of the wall above.

  Around the magnificent barrier were grand gates—four in total—each positioned precisely at the cardinal points: north, south, east, and west. These gates were the only breaks in the otherwise continuous circle of the wall, and each one was a marvel of artistry and symbolism, a testament to the skill and vision of Atlantean artisans.

  One such gate stood before them, an immense and breathtaking structure carved into the likeness of a mighty Atlantean soldier. The soldier's figure was monumental, with the statue standing 75 feet tall, rising above the wall's height. His powerful form was etched into the wall on both sides of the gate, his lower half seemingly anchored in the ocean itself, his body merging with the sheer surface of the wall, as though he were a part of the outer wall that protects Atlantis. The soldier was depicted clad in ornate armour, crafted from light silver, which contrasted sharply with the pearly white of the wall. His armour was intricately detailed, adorned with the sigils and symbols of Atlantis, representing the city's strength and heritage.

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  The soldier's arms were around his chest, gripping a massive trident with a commanding posture. The trident itself was crafted from a single pure jade crystal, its surface polished to a gleaming finish that caught the sunlight, creating an almost blinding green flash as it reflected the rays. The trident's three prongs pointed skyward, while its base seemed to plunge deep into the ocean’s surface below, giving the impression that it was a conduit of power connecting the heavens and the sea. The jade of the trident was carved with exquisite precision, its design mirroring the intense gaze of the soldier’s eyes, also fashioned from jade. This alignment gave the illusion that the soldier was wielding the trident to command the ocean itself, an imposing figure of authority and protection over the waters surrounding Atlantis.

  Each gate not only served as a point of entry but also stood as a powerful symbol of Atlantis's profound connection to both the sea below and the celestial skies above. Flanking each gate were formidable guard towers, rising like vigilant sentinels over the ocean’s expanse. Atop these towers, banners fluttered proudly in the ocean breeze, each emblazoned with the sigil of Atlantis—a radiant sun cresting over turbulent waves. The guards stationed on these towers were ever watchful, their silver armour gleaming in the sunlight, their eyes scanning the horizon for those who sought entry to their legendary city.

  As the ship drew nearer to the gate, Shawn stood at the prow, his gaze fixed on the imposing sight before him. The sheer beauty of the Atlantis border wall, the towering statue of the Atlantean soldier, and the radiant jade trident left him in awe. Beside him, Makara sat lazily in the middle of the boat, taking swigs from his sake gourd, his eyes half-lidded with fatigue due to the storm, but even in his weary state, he couldn’t help but glance up at the impressive sight before them.

  Curious about how they would enter the magnificent city, Shawn turned to Jarken and asked, “Where is the entrance? I don’t see any way in.” Jarken, steering the ship with the ease of a seasoned sailor, flashed a sly grin. “Ah, ye’ll see soon enough, lad,” he said cryptically, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes.

  Just then, one of the guards atop the wall called out, his voice booming across the waves, “State your purpose!” The call was clear and authoritative, echoing off the walls and the vast expanse of the sea. Shawn squinted up at the source of the voice, but the bright sun overhead made it difficult to discern the guard’s face.

  Jarken remained calm. He reached down to his hip, revealing a chain of pendants of various shapes and sizes hanging from his belt. Some were crafted from shimmering crystals, while others were forged from different metals. His fingers deftly moved through the assortment, searching for a particular one. As his hand settled on a specific pendant, his face lit up with recognition. Holding it high for the guard to see, he revealed a beautiful larimar crystal pendant, its unique blue hue glinting in the sunlight.

  The guard atop the tower peered down, his eyes catching the light of the larimar crystal pendant. Recognising the symbol, he nodded and gave a signal to his colleagues. Shawn watched in fascination as Jarken displayed the pendant. “What did you show him?” he asked, curiosity evident in his voice.

  Jarken chuckled, a deep, gravelly sound like a rolling wave. “You see, we fishermen, we sail far and wide, out to waters controlled by all sorts of folks. Each place got its own rules and rulers, and ye can’t just go tossing a net anywhere ye like. This here crystal,” he held up the larimar pendant, letting it catch the light, “is our permit to fish in Atlantis’s waters. It shows we’re trusted here. Now, turn around, lad, or ye’ll miss the show!”

  Shawn, intrigued, did as he was told. “What show?” he asked, but his question was soon answered by the sound of stone grating against stone. The noise was deep and resonant, a rumbling that seemed to shake the very air around them.

  He turned back just in time to see the massive Atlantean soldier statue begin to move. Dust and small debris fell away as the enormous stone arms, holding the jade trident, slowly began to rise. As the trident lifted higher and higher, and with each inch it ascended towards the sky and the gate behind it was revealed. A massive opening that led into the heart of the city of Atlantis.

  Shawn watched, his eyes wide with wonder, as the gates fully opened. The display was not just a show of strength but also of the city’s advanced craftsmanship and deep ties to its seafaring heritage. As the gate parted, it was as if the city itself was welcoming them, its grand entrance now fully revealed against the backdrop of the gleaming walls and the endless ocean. The city of Atlantis, with all its splendour, lay just beyond.

  As the ship passed through the gate, the sun shone brightly, momentarily blinding Shawn. He raised his hand to shield his eyes from the glare, blinking rapidly. The distant cries of seagulls filled the air, adding to the sounds of the bustling harbour. As his vision cleared, he lowered his hand and was greeted by the breathtaking sight of Atlantis.

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