"It had become a new year for everyone and it had seemed things were normal as ever, except for the 'Mauler' incident that resulted in an alternate version of the blue clone and the unknown mystery behind the machine that the twins were building. For months they had been kept in the dark due to Cecil keeping the guardians as well Mark from learning about what exactly they had stopped. Still, it didn't bother Mark as he was right now in the process of finally graduating High School with his friends and especially Sledge. Who was surprised on passing the classes as well the others since they barely knew about humanity and it's history. Though fortunate enough the aliens disguised as human beings had graduated from the facility and could be on active duty that involved watching for alien criminals or potential threats that Mark or the Guardians couldn't handle. The one thing that Sledge and the others had to deal with was the numerous speeches that their classmates were giving out today, and most of them have left them to fall asleep."

Morning-Reginald Vel Johnson High School

Behind the building in the open field was a row of bleachers with hundreds of parents looking over their kids in becoming independent young adults. It had felt like hours since it started at Sledge as well the others were with the other graduates snoring at how long it was taking for him to get his degree. Sitting by his side were the others along with William and Mark who could hear him were getting annoyed due to the sound he was making while snoring.

"Out of all the aliens that crash here. There could have been one that didn't sound like a drunk biker?"

William whispered which had Mark chuckled lightly due to it being true on Sledge acting grouchy half of the time that he meets him from time to time. The others were fortunate enough to not sleep since they were all looking at the stage seeing their classmates on stage doing their speeches.

"At least you know one that isn't and can enjoy a burger without sounding like a bear."

He responded back since Mark was fortunate enough to make here after taking care of the numerous crimes have been happening lately. Amongst the row of graduates was Eve who kept silent since she's taken a break from helping the world in restoring the forests and taking care of natural disasters. While she would enjoy graduating from High School due to the memories she'd experienced with her friends, her family wasn't with the other parents watching their kids become independent adults.

"I don't think you should look all that glum since your already a star."

Poisandra asked as she was touching up her makeup since she was still in her human disguise and wanted to amaze the crowd one last time before leaving the school. While Eve didn't mind being thanked by the people she's helped around the world, it didn't fill her heart for having parents that wanted her to be ordinary and human.

"You should tell that to my parents who feel ashamed about it."

Eve spoke out since it would be gratifying that they'd accept her for what she's doing than using her powers to satisfy her own needs. Her train of thought was interrupted by the principal who was coming up on stage to give the graduation speech that many principals give to the students, so they'd be ready for the outside world.

"For some of you, it probably seemed like this day would never come. For others, it came far too quickly Maybe you're even wondering if you're ready for this. For what comes next. You are. I look out at this class, and I see hope. I see a bright new world with a special place for each and every one of you."

The principal starting off his speech to the graduated students since most of them were either worried about what to expect in the world where they live in. Mark, while having experienced half of his life changed after learning about his father's heritage and doing everything in his power to change it. There was still things he was experiencing, which was trying to have an ordinary life.

"Can't believe this is how the young become mature for the world. On my home world our parents would pit us against the most ferocious predators, if they survive. They become true warriors and do whatever please. You can tell what happens when they lose."

Fury stating how his people reacted when their children would fail in fighting the creatures of his home. They didn't say anything as the graduates continued to listen to the principal's speech on what they'd expect down the road. The only one that didn't care was Sledge since he's traveled across countless planets and met numerous aliens that would make the education here child's play. Despite him being in classes and dealing with premature humans annoying him every day, he could finally work on capturing the escaped outlaws and not getting blamed by Cecil for the crimes they were committing across the city and other various locations.

"Well. After this I'm heading straight to college to try and have an actual education, despite working as a hero I still need money."

Mark informed the aliens since he couldn't be Invincible all the time and wanted to experience an ordinary life. It was then at the moment when he brought up money, Sledge woke up startling some of the other graduates in front of him due to his sudden jolt of waking up. The others tried to not react to him since it was embarrassing and that was the only thing he'd respond to.

"Education is for suckers that don't know how to take a punch. Seriously, I can hook you up for some cash. Despite this planet's currency is paper, I'm sure we can get something that you can start with since your new to the game."

Making an offer on getting him into the mercenary business since it would be beneficial than acting human like everyone around him. This earned him a glare from Eve since it was his life in choosing what he wanted to do, while he wasn't that intimidated by the red head since she doesn't fight that much. It was better to not mess with someone that can bring trees back to life and make anything out of nothing.

"Sloan. May you please come up on stage to receive your diploma."

The principal announced Sledge's human name as everyone began to applaud him for graduating as the confused boy stood up to receive it. Walking up to the stage and take it, he takes a moment to enjoy the applause before returning with the others as they were called on to receive their diplomas. While Mark and the others enjoyed the idea of what their futures could be, the disguised aliens had different ideals of the matter since they had lives before coming to Earth. Except for Wrench who was examining the diploma with optimism since he never earned an item like this before.

"I don't know about you all but I'm glad that nothing's happened to the school after the Immortal coming back. Sad that the others couldn't be brought back."

Amber spoke out that since the news of the former Guardian's leader had returned after surviving his battle with Omni man. People have been questioning the methods of the new team that's been looking after the city. The others didn't respond to that since apparently the team was having issues with Immortal taking over after Robot's debacle on how he suddenly became human after believing that he was an actual robot.

"Luckily, that's not what today is about. It's about everyone deciding what they'll future will be. As well the beverages that Mark's mom is making for us back home."

Wrench spoke out since it was still a rough subject for Mark and Eve since they had certain issues with its members that was best kept in the past. They looked over to where they saw Debbie and Art who waved at them showing they were nearby to congratulate them. The two were also accompanied by Curio who was fascinated by his human disguised that Poisandra had made for him since she wanted the patchwork monster to watch the graduation too.

"This disguise is ugly. People won't freak out if they saw my real form since they like Invincible and the others."

Curio complained at how he appeared like a young kid since his identity was being Mark's cousin who was living with her when Nolan left for a long vacation. Debbie stopped him since not many people around them were used to aliens or monsters, especially that later on they'd have a feast with the others back at her home. Walking over to greet them, Mark smiled at how his mother doing since she was able to spend time with Art and Curio since they were the only ones that seemed to help her out with Nolan's true identity.

"I'm so proud of all of you. Especially you Mark for surviving with this bunch, I can tell they've been carrying you for a while in classes."

Telling them and joking around how they had to manage her son for a while which left them to laugh how most of it was true. Mark, merely muttered before jugging his mom since it was good for her to be here and seeing Art here since he wanted to check up on him. It was a good moment before Sledge noticed on the side was Cecil who was by a car waiting for himself to be noticed by him.

"Hey Mark? I think we should check up on one of those teachers to say goodbye to them, you know. Since it's our last time seeing them."

He asked the boy as Sledge nudged his head towards the old man which Mark noticed as his smile went away slowly since if the director was here then it wasn't good. Going over to tell his mom about Cecil being here quietly left her to sigh at the director crashing the graduation. She decided to let the group show her to their other friends in order to distract them from Cecil as both Mark and Sledge made their way towards him.

"Congratulations Mark. I would say the same for Sledge, but I believe he doesn't know the concept of a school education."

Cecil complementing Mark on him making it out of school and shaking his hand while also getting Sledge upset since their 'partnership' was still being tested due to his bounties being accounted for. Though the graduated student was curious about why he was here since this was bad timing for him to come here and inform him about a possible threat happening.

"While it's rude to interrupt an occasion like this. It's urgent since it involves Immortal's old team member, Aquarus. Whose people are demanding the man responsible for their king's death and pay for the crime. along another issue that's resurfaced."

Acknowledging his bad timing and that Mark had a situation that needed to be handled immediately. Cecil brought out his tablet to show them what seemed like an underwater kingdom that was populated by Aquarus's species. From what he's read about him growing up was that the fish themed hero was the king of Atlantis and had an army capable of handling the military by themselves. Another image came up which showed a familiar face that Mark and Sledge had thought was considered dead.

"Isn't that old guy that tried to break Mount Rushmore? Professor earthquake? Mister Weight?"

Trying to figure out his name as Sledge groaned at Mark's memory of how despite him fighting possibly his first villain, he forgot since Doc Seismic was both laughable and idiotic. Cecil got the two focused as it showed him wearing a molten style armor as well leading a group of magma creatures entering the ocean.

"Doc Seismic. Who the agency thought had died has recently resurfaced with his own groups of volcanic creatures. While Atlantis isn't fond of humans due to us polluting its waters, the queen has recently been persuaded by the old man in joining both of their groups together to take over the surface. We need you to explain the situation to her since what happened to Aquarus."

He explained the case as Sledge was left confused about why he was being left back while Mark was going handle this by himself. Before he could as Cecil why he wasn't going join him, the director pointed over to Wrench who was right now getting a noogie from Fury due to him showing off for several cheerleaders by the side.

"Hell no. You're not thinking of sending the tin can with him down there with Mark. Wrench's all brains not muscle, plus he's a wimp!"

Sledge called out how the robot was only good for making inventions and being a mechanic. The yell didn't faze Cecil while Mark was convinced that he might be jealous of not getting another shot at Doc Seismic or visiting Atlantis.

"We need subtlety to avoid an international event. Wrench already informed me about taking a study in knowing it's history of it when I told him the mission. You'll go tomorrow morning to take care of it."

Stating how Sledge wasn't the type of handle delicate matters than going in and stomp everyone around him. With that being said and letting Mark have the day with his friend and mother, Cecil made his way off to handle other matters while leaving Sledge to grumble at being cut out of the fight. Mark was contemplating on what he'd expect in traveling to an underwater in handling one of his father's killing and being held responsible for it. Hopefully Wrench could give him useful information on how he can inform the Atlanteans about Doc Seismic being a psychopath before he leads them to war against the surface.

Next Day-Underwater

Having the entirety of yesterday to enjoy his graduation party with the others and mentally prepare himself for his trip to Atlantis. Invincible and Wrench were given transportation by Aquarus queen who had taken control of the deceased king's people. They were in the passenger's seat while the guards were driving the vehicle to the city, Mark was right now getting the rundown on how the history of Atlantis was and the customs due to robot's intense studying after learning about the hidden kingdom.

"So. I'm not going have to sleep with a fish?"

Mark asked in a curious manner which made the guards look behind them due to how he referred to their queen as a 'fish'. Wrench waved his hands towards them on how he didn't mean that and it was about another fish being that he knew.

"No. That law was abolished years ago because of how savage it was, mostly because how the previous rulers attempted to attack humans constantly. Though I haven't been able to look up what the new law is for taking out a king, I'm sure when you discuss it with the queen she'll understand."

Wrench responded to what Mark believed that he would have to marry the queen due to how he believed Atlantis had to deal with old traditions. While it was helpful that he didn't have to cheat on Eve with someone he barely knew, the last thing that he would have to worry about was Seismic and his lava men from convincing the queen to aid him in his attack on the surface. Several minutes later, the ship had arrived to the kingdom of Atlantis where the two saw numerous fish individuals swimming towards what looked like an arena where the queen was located.

"Be honored surface dwellers. The only ones who come here either face the crimes against our kingdom or equal to that of our power, you already know why we haven't executed the frail human that occupies our queen's presence."

The guard stated to the boys how they were only alive due to Mark's father killing their king. Otherwise they'd would have already avenge Aquarus and killed Mark quickly, though that idea would be impossible since it's hard to take a Viltrumite's life that easily. Landing at the entrance of the arena, Mark was given a breathing helmet so he could speak to the others while Wrench was able to adapt to the pressure of the water. The guards led the two through the entrance where they were around several hundred fish folk yelling and shouting at Mark due to his father being responsible for killing the king. However, he was focused on the balcony where he saw the queen standing by Doc Seismic along his magma men who despite being underwater were able to continue to burn even at this depth of water.

"Welcome son of he who slayed my husband. And companion who fought him last before his demise."

The queen greeted the two as Wrench bowed his head towards her in an honorable manner, which Mark does so in case he didn't offend her since they were surrounded by two groups that could overwhelm them. The moment was interrupted by a cynical laughter which came from the doctor has he crossed his arms towards the masked boy for bowing his head poorly to the queen.

"You see your majesty? Just as I said to you that he does not know what true authority is. Which is what I stood against my own people and defeating your hated enemy. The Magmanites."

He stated that unlike Mark who has taken the life of her husband and doesn't know how to present himself to others, he has shown to be someone that she can trust and handling Atlantis oldest enemies. The queen remained silent as she looked at the two surface dwellers and the doctor as she focused on the situation that stood before her.

"Despite what you both may have heard of when Aquarus had died. I've been running this kingdom for a decade, without the service of anyone that offered a hand. Though that does not mean I'm a queen that takes things likely. That being said, the human here has his own reason for destroying the surface due to how cruel the humans act amongst each other and handling the Magmanites. You? Child, despite your father's intention continued to protect humanity. Which has left me to come up with a solution to handle this debacle."

The queen announced that each of the humans have represented as well brought to her, such as Mark standing up against his father for humanity and Doc Seismic taming the Magmanites. Snapping her fingers to the guards in taking Wrench to her side and sending the doctor to Mark's side, the two heard the audience cheer as they were excited at what she was about to do.

"You both will face off against Atlantis's fiercest beast. The Depth Dweller. Whoever survives, I will side with."

The queen explained of what the trial would be as Mark and Seismic heard the rumbling of chains slowly moving from behind them. Seismic smirked at how he had the advantage of handling whatever the queen will sent at them, while Mark didn't know what type of aquatic creature they had that might use for the surface if he failed to beat it. The crowd cheered on as they saw emerging from the entrance was a small fish that looked similar to a plushie that Curio owns.

"Seriously? I have to fight that. I mean alright, why not."

Invincible responded towards the fish as he swam over and began to tug on the fish in a playful manner as he couldn't take it seriously. Wrench, tried to signal Mark on how he recognized the harmless looking fish as it was connected to an antenna. Coming out of the rocks was a large serpent creature with claws and stared at the boy due to him holding onto its antenna.

"As always. Youngsters always go in headfirst. Not taking advantage and killing what's in front of them!"

Doc shouted as he used his suit to unleash a powerful semitic attack that pushed the Depth Dweller back against the wall. Both men barraged the creature in trying to take it down first in order to earn the queen's favor, while that was happening. What was unique about the Depth Dweller was its sonic attack that was able to hurt the two's hearing which left them unguarded to its attack. The queen looked at Wrench with a questionable expression as she was fascinated with him aligned to Invincible's side.

"Tell me machine. Why did you come here with the boy? Despite his father's actions and the lives his father had taken on the surface. You and the others seem to stand by him. Is it because you respect his power? Or fear it."

Questioning Wrench's loyalty to Mark as she viewed the battle on the surface seeing on several occasion of him and the rest of Sledge's crew aiding Invincible on several occasions. While at first it was under orders from Cecil because he was cautious of the boy's powers as well Omni man, it slowly changed to a respectful partnership that has resolved around trying to keep Mark from ending up like his father.

"What believe is that it's a second chance for my boss. For all of us in trying to fix ourselves since we weren't exactly good like he was. For right now? We're still figuring out where we're heading, even if we have to stand by Invincible's side. Even if the world is against him."

He responded to the queen as they continued to watch the battle continue seeing how Mark and Seismic were barely breaking through the Dweller's armor. It seemed the battle was going to continue for hours due to the durability of the creature, though the doctor however had an idea on settling this stalemate. Looking over to the chains that kept the dweller at bay, he uses his gauntlet to destroy the chain that kept the beast contained which surprised the Atlanteans at the betrayal he had just done.

"Now my Magmanites! Destroy your enemies and make it our new kingdom of seamount!"

Seismic announced as the Magmanites on his command let out a bellowing roar that had them go out on a rampage attacking the audience. There was chaos amongst the crowd as well the Dweller trying to break free and join in on the rampage happening around it. The guards that were by the queen's side were quickly taken out by the Magmanites as they surrounded her majesty, it left Wrench to stand guard and protect her.

"Mark! I think your going have to take this seriously now!"

Wrench suggested to Mark since he wasn't pushing himself in the fight as the boy was noticing the Atlanteans dying around him. It made him remember what his father did when he and Sledge battled him in the city two years ago. Focusing on his anger and staring at the Dweller, he launches at full speed into the creature and was able to crack its armor. Doc Seismic took the chance and delivered a blast below the beast that would take it and Invincible down into the depths. Before Mark could escape the creature's claws grabbed a hold of him and dragged it down into the crack. Wrench couldn't help out as he was focused on taking out the Magmanites with his axe as he did his best in keeping them away from the queen.

"And then there was one little knight protecting a queen who can't protect herself. Much like the same one I met when I dethroned her back at her underground world. With both lava and water armies at my command, there will be no one to stop me!"

Seismic announced as he launched himself right towards the balcony where he stood with the Magmanites ready to kill the two. Just as things seemed lost and the two preparing to face a fiery demise, they heard a large snapping sound from the deep as well an object flying towards them. Wrench quickly carried the queen and jumped out of the way while letting the projectile hit Seismic and the Magmanites.

"What in the ocean's was that?"

She asked surprised as the queen's eyes widen at seeing it was the dweller's head that was thrown at her would be attackers. Looking over at the edge was Invincible with his suit half torn off and covered in bruises as well bleeding at the same time.

"I guess you know who's on your side then. Right?"

He asked almost out of breath as the three heard some movement underneath the deceased Depth Dweller as it was Seismic who's armor was damaged and taking in water. Dazed and angered by the surprise attack, he was ready to attack them again in an unhinged manner. It was interrupted by a large blast from the depth behind Mark. They gazed at the eruption as they saw a figure slowly emerging from the blast, it was a woman with volcanic skin and ponytail that was burning brightly. The remaining Magmanites that were intact noticed the woman and bowed at her presences, indicating that this was the queen that Seismic was talking out.

"Queen Volcanikka? It's a surprise seeing you awake. Especially after that speech I made about 'dethroning' you. It was all a ruse to catch the queen off guard and for you to come and destroy her yourself."

Seismic explained in a worried tone as he didn't expect her to be here as well that she wasn't fond of seeing her creatures being used by a human. Without saying a word, Volcanikka aimed her right arm towards Seismic which she fired a stream of lava towards the human and encased him in rock and killing him in an instant.

"Asshole. Tell's me about the surface world only to trap me under a boulder."

She spoke as she looked over at the Atlantean queen as the boys stood in front of her thinking she'd might want to harm her. Volcanikka took a moment in examining the bruises that they had earned, including Wrench's as his axe was stained in lava due to his fighting with her Magmanites.

"It seems the surface has surprised us in handling our forces. I believe it's time to form an alliance, in the hopes of working with the surface than against it."

Volcanikka speaking on how despite their bodies unable to withstand neither the pressure of the sea and intensity of lava. It was a clear sign that neither of them would be able to withstand anyone from above them if they were able to fight either their soldiers or beasts. The queen nodded to Volcanikka as it seemed this was a sign that the two kingdoms could aid in the surface in preparing for whatever threat that could come towards them. Mark out of breath let a laugh at how he managed to help bring two sides together and handling an old problem for good.

"However. I would like to speak with your 'champion' in the matter of our alliance. Seeing as how there's never been a man or creature able to slay that many of my Magmanites."

Insisted on learning about Wrench as Volcanikka smirked at the delight of how deadly he was with his axe. The robot got nervous by her request and was unsure of what to do, though Mark tapped him on the side of his shoulder due to how he could manage it. The real issue was now seeing if he could continue on proving himself to others that he wasn't like his father and continue protecting the world, no matter how hard they'd try to challenge him.