Samsara Tower: Only I Know the Plot!-Chapter 428 - 429: Applause for Poseidon!

Behind Orm stood a thin-faced middle-aged man.

This was Vulko, counselor of Atlantis, Orm’s confidant, and his so-called right-hand man.

But anyone who had seen the movie Aquaman knew the truth—this man was no loyal adviser. He was a double-dealer.

While eating from Orm’s hand, Vulko secretly guided Arthur, training him into a capable warrior. In fact, Vulko was largely responsible for Arthur’s current combat prowess.

Worse still, Vulko often whispered in Arthur’s ear, sowing seeds of rebellion: Orm is unfit to rule... Atlantis will wither under his reign... You, Arthur, are of royal blood, more suited to the throne than your brother.

It was blatant betrayal—encouraging Arthur to take Orm’s throne.

In truth, Orm’s situation was tragic.

His fiancée Mera despised him.

His trusted counselor betrayed him.

Even his own mother refused to support him.

Surviving this long was itself a kind of misery.

With or without Fenric, Orm’s downfall was inevitable. Everyone close to him already leaned toward Arthur.

—---

The grand council began.

Orm greeted the gathered rulers with a calm smile, concealing the ambition burning in his chest.

He already had a plan—a plan for mankind itself.

If it succeeded, he would become ruler of the entire world. But to accomplish it, he needed allies. The kings before him were the perfect candidates.

"Welcome to Atlantis," Orm began.

King Nereus raised a brow. "With respect, King Orm, your chosen venue for this council seems... rather run-down."

Instead of the bright, expansive hall usually used for such gatherings, Orm had chosen a ruined chamber within the palace. Though part of Atlantis, the place was desolate.

Orm’s expression turned solemn. "Do you not recognize it, King Nereus? These statues are of the ancient kings. Long ago, when the seven kingdoms were still united, they gathered here. King Atlan himself presided at this very table."

He gestured toward the stone effigies. "Here sat the kings of Xebel, the Fishermen, the Brine... together, they forged the greatest empire the world had ever known."

At the mention of their ancestors, the gathered kings fell silent. The weight of history filled the chamber.

Orm pressed on. "But look at us now. The seven kingdoms shattered and decayed. We hide beneath the waves, while the land above threatens our very survival!"

Nereus interjected, his tone sharp. "Humans on land have always reveled in violence. One day, they will destroy themselves."

Orm’s voice rose with passion. "And before that day, they will destroy us! Land-dwellers take endlessly from nature. If they are not stopped, the world will perish by their hands.

No more hiding. No more silence. We must remind the land who truly rules this planet!"

At that moment, Orm’s words carried the fire of a prophet.

From the shadows, Fenric listened and allowed himself a quiet sigh. For all his flaws, Orm was a gifted orator.

The other kings shifted in their seats, visibly moved. They too resented humanity and longed for the undersea nations to rise again.

But they were not fools. Unity sounded grand—but who would lead?

The question weighed heavy in their hearts.

Then Nereus spoke.

"King Orm, your speech is stirring, but we should address something first. From what I have heard, you are not the rightful heir to Atlantis’ throne."

"..!"

The chamber stilled. The other two kings stared at Nereus in disbelief.

What was this? Weren’t he and Orm soon to be in-laws? Why turn against him now?

Orm’s face hardened. "King Nereus, are you questioning my legitimacy? Do you understand the consequences of such words?"

Nereus only smiled. "Do not be alarmed, Orm. I have received news—you still have an elder brother. According to Atlantean law, he is the rightful heir."

"!!"

The two other kings were shocked.

Orm had a brother? They had never heard of such a thing.

Orm’s expression turned stormy, his eyes burning with anger and confusion. Their alliance through marriage was imminent—so why was Nereus tearing him down now?

And to what benefit?

"You mean that half-blood bastard?" Orm snarled. "He is Atlantis’ shame! What right does he have to wear the crown?"

From the darkened corner, Arthur’s fists clenched. His face flushed purple with rage. If not for Atlanna’s restraining hand, he would have rushed forward and struck Orm where he stood.

"Does he have the right? That is not for you to decide," Nereus said evenly.

"Then who decides?" Orm sneered.

Nereus’ eyes gleamed. "Lord Poseidon himself."

The chamber erupted in gasps.

"Poseidon?!" the two kings exclaimed in unison.

All undersea kingdoms shared the same faith—the Sea God, the giver of the trident once wielded by King Atlan.

Even Orm faltered, doubt flashing across his face. If Poseidon truly appeared and named Arthur king, then not even Orm could resist. The faith of the entire ocean would crush him.

Nereus raised his voice. "Then let us show our reverence! I ask you all to rise and welcome the arrival of Poseidon!"

He turned and bowed deeply toward the shadows.

The other kings, and even Orm, instinctively followed his gaze.

From the darkness, a figure slowly emerged.

A man carrying a trident.

The kings’ eyes widened in shock. The weapon—its aura, its power—could only be genuine.

But when they beheld the wielder, their faces froze.

Black hair. Black eyes.

Since when had Poseidon taken such a form?

Orm broke the silence with sudden laughter.

"Hahaha! This? This is the Sea God? King Nereus, have you lost your senses?"