Chapter 972: Live A Little

Archer chuckled at Olivia's smile, but soon Ella spoke up and got them back on track, "We're here to tour the Underwater Bases. We can joke around later on."
Everyone agreed with a nod and continued down the corridor as Nathan led the way. Archer was too busy looking at the outside of the base, which reminded him of a Borg Cube. The Draconian builders made it out of a dark metal that helped the structure blend into the seafloor.
Several missile platforms were dotting the outside that were protected with the same shield the mining platforms used, causing him to think, 'Luckily, we have the Manaheart Crystals that can power everything. If I remember correctly, Aisha said we have enough for thousands of years, but that's the minimum because the mining platforms are always bringing more in.'
Following that, the base commander, Teuila's uncle Mao, was ideally suited for the role. When Mao saw Archer, he knelt and spoke in the same exotic tone as his Aquarian niece, "My King, thank you for entrusting me with this command. I vow to protect Draconia with my life."
Archer scrutinized the man before him, noting his blue hair streaked with grey. Though Mao shared the same brown skin as Teuila, his face bore the marks of age and experience. He nodded in acknowledgment before replying, "Don't let me down, Mao, or I will eat you regardless if you're her uncle."
The man gulped audibly before rising to offer them a tour of the base, a proposal everyone readily accepted. As they entered the submarine's bridge, Archer observed in silence. The space was bustling with activity.
Sailors worked diligently at their desks while others moved across the room, navigating between the various platforms and boards scattered throughout, 'This scene reminds me of a sci-fi movie,' he thought while glancing around.
Mao turned to them and started speaking professionally, "This is the Operations Room that watches all over using scouts, smaller vessels that can explore the many underwater tunnels, caverns, and chasms."
When Archer heard this, he approached one of the boards and looked at the information gathered. There were many warnings about strong sea monsters that lurk in this area, and there were loads.
'I could hunt some of these, but I hate fighting underwater,' Archer mused.
There was a picture of a giant black snake swimming past the base and another of a massive crab fighting Deep-Trench Sharks. The crustacean was slicing the ten-foot-long monsters that were trying to attack.
Archer was lost in his thoughts as Ella approached and touched his arm to bring him back to reality. He shook his head and smiled, "The scouts have been busy. I'll have to tell Teuila and Lucrezia about these monsters."
Following that, Mao guided them through the security features of the Underwater Base, showcasing the Deep Sea and Death Launchers, among other advanced weapon systems that Archer and the Ironfoot Family had collaboratively developed.
Should the Alliance attempt to invade Draconia, the bases would launch a devastating counterattack from beneath, decimating the invading forces. Simultaneously, the Deep Sea Legions would engage with Draconian two-person submersibles and streak through the water with rocket-like speed.
Archer was happy with everything before Moa showed the group the soldier's barracks built below the seafloor while everything needed for the base operations was above and well- defended.
He looked at the Deep Sea Legionnaires, who wore similar black armor to the surface soldiers, but theirs had a blue glow because it was crafted from metal pulled from the seafloor.
"This cost billions of gold coins, but when the war finally starts, they will be useful to keeping the island safe,' he pondered.
There were laboratories, gyms, ammunition storage, a food hall, a small hospital, and many other valuable rooms. Following the base tour, the group entered the sub, which took them around the seafloor platform launchers.
Ella, Dellah, Olivia, Elara, and Ferrah looked at the smaller version of the Underwater Base, which looked more lethal, with massive cannons on each corner. The half-elf and admiral turned to him for an explanation, which he was willing to give.
Nathan looked confused, but Archer continued, "My point is that you're too hung up on where you would rather be. You're letting the worry control your life instead of making the most of
where you are."
"What do you mean?"
Archer looked into his eyes with a friendly smile before concluding with a sentence that would change the man's life, "Take a break from worrying about what you can't control; live a little
Nathan."
"Live a little,' the young man muttered.
***
[Olivia's POV]
While looking for her grandson, she heard Archer speaking, "Take a break from worrying
about what you can't control; live a little Nathan."
'When did he become so wise? He doesn't realize he's helping a lost young man,' she smiled.
Once Archer finished speaking, he left the submarine, allowing her to speak to Nathan. "I've rarely seen him talking to people apart from us women. It looks like he likes your grandson." "Why is the king acting like that? No other ruler would give such valuable advice to a lowly -captain," the young man asked.
Olivia smiled and gently took his arm as she explained, "You see, little one, Archer is a lost soul himself. He built this kingdom for the people and doesn't take a single gold coin from it, unlike most others who would hoard wealth."
Nathan nodded as she continued, "I love that silly dragon so much. He doesn't realize it, but he's revered by billions of Draconians for who he is. Did you know he roams the kingdom, helping random people, which never fails to surprise them."
"I've heard the rumors," Nathan said. "He moved a large family into a mansion because they
were living in squalor. Will he ever find happiness?"
Olivia smiled and nodded. "He's making progress, slowly but surely. Every day, he's
embracing life to the fullest," she replied.
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