“In the legends, the central temple of Atlantis was built with gold, silver, brass, and ivory.”

“These are easy to understand. Based on our research, over ten thousand years ago, the Sahara Desert was an oasis.”

“Elephants roamed there, and the gold and silver mineral resources were abundant beyond imagination,” Zero explained, his voice steady and measured.

“But do you know what brass is?” he asked, turning his gaze to Reinhard.

Reinhard instinctively shook his head. He'd only heard of copper.

Zero displayed a picture. “Mauritania’s brass reserves have been scientifically verified. It’s nickel-gold ore.

This nickel-gold ore is extracted and made into nickel-iron alloy. It's the main material for modern tank armor and aircraft shells. This resource is extremely rare worldwide.”

“But in Mauritania, it’s incredibly abundant,” Zero continued, a glint in his eyes.

“And in this so-called story, the Atlanteans used nickel-iron alloy to build their palaces. What does this tell us?”

“It means they already knew how to refine nickel-gold ore. This is a scientific achievement that's ahead of its time, even ahead of this century.”

“Now, tell me, what do you think this so-called Golden Trident is made of?”

Zero suddenly pulled out a dagger. It wasn’t gold, but yellowish. Its material was incredibly similar to the Golden Trident. He held it up, the light catching its edges.

“A cold weapon made of nickel-iron alloy,” he stated, his voice laced with a hint of excitement.

“Over ten thousand years ago, can you imagine what kind of world that was?” He leaned back, a thoughtful expression on his face.

“Aside from primitive humans, I can’t think of another way to describe it.”

But what’s even more unbelievable is that this Golden Trident doesn’t seem to be made entirely of nickel-iron alloy. There are other metallic elements in it.

This would require testing to confirm.

But for now, it’s certain that being able to fuse nickel-iron alloy with other metallic elements to create this Trident…

The level of technology required is unimaginable.

“I once heard a Mauritanian resident say that their first king, holding a Golden Trident, came from the North Mountain.”

“I didn’t know which North Mountain they were referring to. But now, I do.”

“If the Strait of Gibraltar is the Pillars of Hercules, then the mountain south of Gibraltar…”

“It has been called Mount Atlas since ancient times.”

“This is the North Mountain they spoke of.”

“Combined with my initial guess, Atlantis is in the Sahara Desert.”

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

“The specific location should be the Eye of the Sahara.”

“Didn’t you mention before that the oceans were navigable back then, and now, it’s a place ships can’t reach?”

“I can tell you clearly, Africa not only had oases, but also oceans.”

“Humans have discovered many giant whale skeletons in Africa. This is enough to prove that there was once an ocean in the African region.”

“And even now, on the map of Africa, you can still clearly see traces of a great flood, flowing toward the Atlantic Ocean.”

“At this point, the conclusion is obvious.”

“The sealed place we’re looking for is right here.”

Zero stood up. “This trip to Africa is unavoidable.”

“Of course, you’ll be coming with us.”

Reinhard pointed at himself. “Huh?”

“Why?”

“If it was fate that led you to the Trident, then it’s also fate that you’ll come to Africa with us.”

...

Deep under the sea.

Vespa returned to the underwater city of Rlyeh. “Master, I…”

“I already know.”

Chino didn’t speak, but a resounding voice echoed in Vespa’s ears.

“You did well.”

Vespa was stunned. He did well?

“The Kitsune took the Trident. They’ve found the location of Atlantis. And they’ve also helped me find Atlantis.”

“This is thanks to you.”

“But the Trident…”

“No need to rush. Someone will bring the Trident to us.” A knowing glint flickered in Chino's golden eyes.

Chino slowly stood up. “But before that, we need to go to Africa. We’ll arrive at Atlantis before they do.”

...

That afternoon, the Kitsune held a meeting.

“This trip to Africa will be extremely dangerous. We need everyone,” Zero announced, his gaze sweeping over the assembled members.

“The Centaur and Celestial Beast will go ahead. The rest will follow with the main force. 012, 014, and 020, you don’t need to go.” He addressed the Master of Flesh, the Priest, and the Computer directly. Their roles were vital to the Kitsune's operations, and their safety was paramount.

“The Right Hand will also be deployed. Naira Sorkin, you are their commander. As for when to act, you’ll follow my orders.” He turned to Naira Sorkin, his expression serious. The Right Hand, still in its experimental phase, represented a significant risk, but their potential power was undeniable.

“Yes, Chief,” Naira Sorkin responded, a determined glint in his eyes.

“As for the rest…” Zero continued, then paused as The Vermin suddenly stood.

“Sorry to interrupt, Chief Zero, but I need to take my leave.” The Vermin’s voice was smooth, almost too casual for the serious atmosphere in the room. “I have to go pick up my sister. If you have any orders for me, please send them directly.”

With that, The Vermin opened the door and left the meeting room, not waiting for a response.

Zero’s eyes narrowed as he watched him go. The Vermin had a younger sister. This was clearly recorded in the files.

But the information about The Vermin himself was scarce.

He was too mysterious. Even Zero couldn’t quite grasp him. A flicker of unease crossed Zero's mind. The Vermin was a wildcard, and wildcards were inherently unpredictable.

...

Leaving Kitsune Headquarters.

The Vermin casually hailed a taxi and went to a college.

Soon, the school gates opened, and students started pouring out.

Among them was a girl. She was walking and chatting with a boy, approaching The Vermin.

“Brother, you don’t have to pick me up every day.”

The Vermin smiled. “I’m not comfortable with you going home alone. Sis, who was that boy?”

“Just a classmate. We’re on cleaning duty tomorrow.” The girl responded.

The Vermin looked at the boy’s back. “Is that so? Do you like him?”

“He’s alright.”

The girl casually answered.

“Let’s go, brother. I want hot pot today.”

The Vermin patted the girl’s head. “Okay, hot pot it is. Has anyone been bullying you lately, sis?”

The girl said, “No, no. No one dares to bully me at school. Don’t worry too much, brother.”

At that moment, the boy walked over. “Tomorrow…”

Crack!

A crack suddenly opened on The Vermin’s neck. The crack opened into a green eye, appearing right in front of the boy!

The boy was terrified. Seeing this, he instantly sat down on the ground.

But in a flash, the green eye closed.

The girl popped her head out. “What about tomorrow?”

The boy shook his head repeatedly. “Nothing, it’s nothing… I’ll go first!”

The boy scrambled to his feet and ran away in a panic.