Warlock of Oceans: My Poseidon System-Chapter 351: The Holy City of Rebelkin (Final)

As the silence deepened, Cyrus found his gaze drifting back to Athena. There was something almost ethereal about her, a quality that seemed to go beyond mere human beauty. The soft light filtering through the cafe’s window illuminated her features, casting a gentle glow around her that accentuated the sense of otherworldliness she exuded.

Her skin seemed to radiate a soft, inner light, smooth and flawless, with a warmth that contrasted with the cool, distant aura she carried. It wasn’t just the light that made her appear angelic; there was a serenity in her posture, a quiet grace that seemed effortless. Her dark red hair flowed down her back in soft waves, the rich color deepening the impression that she was something more than human. The crimson strands caught the light in a way that almost made them shimmer as if they held a life of their own.

Her eyes, however, were what truly captivated Cyrus. They were a deep, intense shade, with a depth that seemed to hold secrets older than time itself. Despite the warmth of her appearance, her gaze held an authority, a subtle power that was impossible to ignore. As she met his eyes, Cyrus felt a momentary chill, as if those eyes could see through every defense he had built, yet she showed no sign of using that power against him.

At that moment, with the light catching her hair and skin just so, she looked almost like an angel, a being of light and grace. Yet the dark red of her hair, and the depth of her gaze, hinted at something more complex, something not entirely pure. It was as if she straddled the line between celestial and mortal, a being caught between two worlds, much like Cyrus himself felt in this strange, new reality.

Cyrus, upon looking over the woman once more, came to the sudden realization that… ’Wait, isn’t this just a date?’

"Ahem, so this place…" Cyrus immediately started up a conversation. "The Holy City of Rebelkin, right? Is it just this place that is in a ravine or is the entire world like this?"

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The woman lightly chuckled before speaking. "Well, most of the world is underground like this. I mean, this is basically a mirror world to the overworld. It isn’t hell, I can promise you that… Think of it as more of a purgatory though, compared to an alternate dimension."

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As they settled into their conversation, the tension from earlier began to ease. Cyrus and Athena exchanged questions, starting with simple preferences—favorite foods, colors, and hobbies. Athena’s voice was soft, yet it carried a certain warmth that drew Cyrus in, making the conversation flow naturally despite the strangeness of the situation.

"So, what do you like to do when you’re not... well, doing whatever it is you do?" Cyrus asked, taking a sip from his drink, which turned out to be a pleasantly sweet and slightly spiced concoction.

Athena smiled, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "I enjoy reading, mostly. There’s something calming about losing oneself in a good book, don’t you think? And you? What about you, Cyrus?"

Cyrus hesitated, realizing how little he actually indulged in simple pleasures lately. "I guess I like... exploring. Seeing new places, understanding how things work. It’s... fulfilling."

Their conversation wove through various topics, each sharing bits of their personalities. Athena revealed a fondness for ancient history and music, while Cyrus admitted to a surprising liking for intricate puzzles and, somewhat reluctantly, a preference for quiet moments of reflection.

As they talked, the food arrived—simple but well-prepared dishes that seemed to carry the flavors of the underground city itself. The meal was satisfying, and as they ate, they found themselves relaxing more into the conversation, the initial awkwardness fading into a comfortable rhythm.

After finishing their meal, Athena led Cyrus out of the café, and they began to walk through the city. The streets were bustling with life, yet there was a tranquility to the place, a harmony that was rare in most cities Cyrus had seen.

The architecture was intricate, with buildings carved from the very rock of the cavern, their designs illuminated by the soft, ambient glow of crystals embedded in the walls. Above them, far above, the ceiling of the cavern was so high it was almost out of sight, yet it reflected a soft, crystal-clear sky, a remarkable illusion that made the underground world feel open and expansive.

"This city is beautiful," Cyrus remarked as they walked, his eyes tracing the delicate details of the structures around them. "It’s hard to believe we’re so far underground."

Athena nodded, her expression serene. "Rebelkin is one of the few places where the underground world truly mirrors the beauty of the surface. It’s a place where people can live almost as they would above ground, but with its own unique charm."

As they walked, the conversation continued, flowing easily between them. Cyrus found himself oddly at ease, despite the strangeness of the situation. There was something about Athena—her presence, her calm demeanor—that made it easy to forget, if only for a moment, the larger mysteries and dangers that loomed in this world.

They passed by markets filled with goods, artisans crafting wares, and children playing in the streets, all under the soft, ever-present glow from above. The city’s beauty was undeniable, and Cyrus found himself wondering more about the people who lived here and how they had come to be in such a place.

Eventually, their walk led them to a large, open plaza, where the sky illusion above was at its most brilliant, casting a warm, golden light across the stone surfaces. They paused there, the two of them standing side by side, each lost in their thoughts as they looked up at the faux sky.

"It’s almost like being outside," Cyrus mused, his voice thoughtful.

"Yes," Athena replied softly. "It’s a reminder that even in the depths, there’s always a connection to the world above, even if it’s just an illusion."

Cyrus glanced at her, seeing the light play off her features in a way that made her seem even more otherworldly. For a moment, he felt a strange sense of peace, as if, despite everything, he was exactly where he needed to be.

They stood there for a while longer, letting the moment stretch out in silence before Athena finally turned to him with a gentle smile. "Shall we continue?"

Cyrus nodded, and together, they walked on, their path lit by the eternal sky above and the shared curiosity of two people from different worlds, drawn together in this strange and beautiful place.

As Athena led Cyrus through the city, her steps confident and unhurried, she began to share details that couldn’t be found in any book or manuscript. Her voice was soft yet clear, each word carrying the weight of knowledge that had been passed down through generations.

"This city, Rebelkin," she began, "is more than just a place to live. It’s a sanctuary, a refuge for those who’ve lost their way in the world above. Many of the people here are descendants of those who sought shelter from wars, persecution, or simply the harshness of the surface world. But over time, Rebelkin has become something more—a place where people can start anew."

As they walked through the winding streets, Athena pointed out various landmarks and hidden details. They passed a narrow alleyway that led to a small, tucked-away courtyard, where a solitary tree grew. Its leaves were a deep, almost unnatural green, and it emitted a faint, soothing glow.

"That tree," Athena said, noticing Cyrus’s curiosity, "is called a Luminara. It’s unique to this underground world. The tree’s glow is said to bring peace to those who sit beneath it, helping them to find clarity in their thoughts. Many come here to meditate or seek answers to difficult questions."

They continued on, passing by buildings with intricately carved facades. Some had symbols etched into the stonework—runes that seemed to shift and change when looked at from different angles. Athena explained that these runes were a form of ancient magic, used to protect and preserve the city.

"These runes," she said, tracing one with her finger, "are part of what keeps Rebelkin hidden and safe. They blend the city with the surrounding rock, making it nearly impossible to find unless you know exactly where to look. They also ward off dangerous creatures that might try to enter."

As they walked further, they came to a bustling marketplace. Stalls were filled with goods that Cyrus had never seen before—fruits that glowed faintly, fabrics that shimmered like liquid, and trinkets imbued with subtle magic. Athena paused by a stall selling a variety of spices, each one more vibrant and aromatic than the last.

"Many of these goods are traded from other underground cities," Athena explained. "There’s a vast network of tunnels and caverns connecting different places like Rebelkin. It’s almost like a world within a world, with its own economy and culture, completely separate from the surface."

They passed through the market and arrived at a large, open space with a towering statue in the center. The statue depicted a woman with outstretched arms, her face serene and wise. The figure was made of a material that seemed to absorb and reflect light, giving it a lifelike appearance.