Despite the shimmering magic barrier, which had repelled several of Basha's magical attacks without damage, a large number of mages were struggling to maintain it.
Since Basha's attack, over twenty mages had fallen unconscious due to complete depletion of their magical power in an effort to prevent the barrier from breaking. The remaining forty-odd mages were barely holding on, beads of sweat the size of raindrops falling from their foreheads.
Of course, the allied forces were not foolish enough to hide in their shell. While Basha bombarded the barrier with magic, they also continuously pounded the Trench Nation army behind Basha with water cannons.
"Enough!" Seeing the magic barrier holding strong, Basha grew impatient and roared, "Charge! Break through the city walls, leave no one alive!"
The Trench Nation army had long been itching for battle. Upon hearing Basha's command, they let out ear-piercing roars and charged towards the city walls in waves.
"Attack! Attack!"
Facing the onslaught of the Trench Nation, the allied forces on the city ramparts engaged in a fierce defense. Water cannons unleashed their full firepower, bombarding the enemy below.
However, the Trench Nation's numbers were overwhelming. For every one killed, ten more appeared, making it only a matter of time before they breached the walls.
As Basha led the Trench Nation in the siege, we shift our focus to Atlantis.
To counter Basha and her Trench Nation army, eighty percent of Atlantis's military had been dispatched to Fisherman's Country, significantly weakening the domestic defense.
In a reef area not far from Atlantis, three black submarines, shaped like manta rays, were docked. These three submarines were the protagonists of this operation: the Black Manta Ray.
Unlike most villainous factions, the Black Manta Ray had no fixed territory or base. He and his subordinates lived permanently in their submarines, roaming the oceans and subsisting on the plunder of oceanic cargo ships. Their superior mobility and advanced weaponry were a constant headache for many nations.
Logically, a pirate group like the Black Manta Ray would be almost overlooked compared to other members of the Illuminati. However, with the downfall of the former Illuminati member, the Ocean Lord, who was killed by his brother, the current King Arthur, the Illuminati urgently needed a replacement.
Unfortunately, most of the evil villains of the sea were rather inept. After much deliberation, only the Black Manta Ray was deemed somewhat acceptable to the Illuminati, leading to an invitation being extended.
While it was an invitation, the treatment received varied depending on the recipient. For instance, when Bai Qi was invited, his acceptance not only granted him direct formal membership in the Illuminati but also came with additional rewards.
The situation was entirely different for the Black Manta Ray.
As the invited party, the Black Manta Ray was merely given an opportunity to join the Illuminati. Whether he could become a formal member depended on his performance.
For his future development, the Black Manta Ray had gone to great lengths and rendered considerable service to the Illuminati. He had finally reached this point, and if he successfully completed this mission, he would become a formal member.
To ensure no mishaps, the Black Manta Ray had put all his assets on the line for this gamble.
In the flagship, the Black Manta Ray was making final preparations.
Just then, the cabin door was suddenly opened from the outside.
Hearing the sound, the Black Manta Ray, who was inspecting his equipment, frowned slightly.
The Black Manta Ray detested being disturbed while checking his weapons and gear. He had even eliminated two overzealous individuals to make an example, yet someone was still foolish enough to interrupt him.
Without further thought, the Black Manta Ray grabbed the laser pistol from the table, loaded a magazine, and quickly turned, aiming the muzzle directly at the intruder's head.
"Give me a good reason, or I'll show you your own brains."
Despite the blatant threat, the man who entered did not seem frightened. He said, "His Majesty, the Holy Lord, sent me to give you this. He said it's a gift for your joining the Illuminati."
Ignoring the gun, the man walked to the table, placed the heavily wrapped Hai Nu upon it, and then turned to leave without any hesitation.
The Black Manta Ray did not fire until the cabin door closed.
He couldn't afford to. After all, the man was a subordinate of the Holy Lord, the strongest individual in the entire Illuminati. For whatever reason, he was not someone that a person yet to formally join the Illuminati could afford to provoke.
However...
Retracting his gaze, the Black Manta Ray looked at the object on the table.
"What is this thing?"
Driven by curiosity, the Black Manta Ray unwrapped the cloth and saw the Hai Nu inside.
The moment the Black Manta Ray picked up the Hai Nu, streams of dark energy surged into his body. He immediately felt a surge of power throughout his entire being, his fist alone smashing a deep dent into the metal table before him.
Before the Black Manta Ray could rejoice, the information left by Bai Qi on the Hai Nu entered his mind through the dark energy.
This included the Hai Nu's various abilities and the benefits it would bring to the Black Manta Ray. Bai Qi had also left a specific message, implying that if the Black Manta Ray accepted the Hai Nu, he would have to act on his own. Of course, Bai Qi would only assign him tasks within his capabilities, and during times without missions, the Black Manta Ray would be free.
As he finished reading the information, the Black Manta Ray remained silent, instead gripping the Hai Nu tighter in his hand.
The conditions offered by Bai Qi were simply too tempting. Not only did he gain a powerful weapon like the Hai Nu, but more importantly, he gained Bai Qi as a backer.
Even if he joined the Illuminati, the Black Manta Ray would be at a distinct disadvantage against other members based on his own strength. Rather than constantly living on edge, it was better to openly find a powerful supporter.
He had already planned for this, but becoming a subordinate was not as simple as saying it. In the eyes of these powerful figures, unless one could bring them sufficient value, even offering oneself willingly might not gain their attention. This had been a great source of frustration for the Black Manta Ray.
But now, since the Holy Lord had proactively extended an olive branch and provided such tangible benefits, the Black Manta Ray had no choice but to comply, lest he appear foolish.
He couldn't help but wonder what the Holy Lord saw in him to offer such great benefits to recruit him.
Regardless, he had to win this next battle, and win it spectacularly. Otherwise, if he failed to join the Illuminati, everything before him would be an illusion.
After completing the inspection of his weapons and equipment, the Black Manta Ray convened his top cadres and finalized the battle plan for the assault on Atlantis.