Chapter 66 The Village
As the village came into sight of the group's formation, a mesmerizing sight greeted their eyes. The gentle glow of bioluminescent siphonophores, floating in the water above the village, cast an ethereal light that enveloped the small, tranquil settlement. The illuminated strands danced and shimmered, creating an enchanting display akin to the aurora borealis, giving the village its own mystical sky on the abyssal plain.The merfolk of the village, engrossed in their daily tasks of handling and corralling schools of fish for farming, paused in unison as they caught sight of the rare hippocampi pulling the carriage. In an instant, word spread like wildfire through the village, and the villagers abandoned their duties, their attention fixed on the approaching royal entourage.With a sense of reverence and anticipation, the villagers swiftly swam towards the group, their movements graceful and purposeful. They formed a gathering near thChapter 67 The EateryOn their way to the recommended eatery, Prince Tritan spots the other members of their group and eagerly flags them down. Joe and Bryan, who had stopped to purchase a book for Bryan and acquire an oxyplant, join the rest of the party. The princesses, Nerissa and Madissa, along with Markous, follow Tritan's directions and soon find themselves at the entrance of the bustling eatery.As they enter, the lively atmosphere of the underwater establishment embraces them. The sound of cheerful chatter fills the air, and the tantalizing aroma of various dishes wafts through the space. The merfolk patrons, engaged in animated conversations and laughter, create a vibrant ambiance that sets the stage for a delightful meal.Making their way through the bustling crowd, the group locates Lucious, Marine, Hunter, and Trent sitting at the bar, each enjoying their respective drinks. Lucious and Markous sip on refreshing gelled non-alcoholic beverages, w
Chapter 68 Fractured BondAfter hours of steady progress, Tritan sensed the need to pause for the night. Through a series of intricate Aquasign gestures, he communicated the decision to the group, and Markous skillfully guided the hippocampi to a suitable resting spot. The merfolk swiftly initiated their familiar routine of establishing camp, erecting shelters, and fortifying their surroundings.As darkness descended upon Aqualeara, enveloping the depths of the abysmal plain, the world plunged into perpetual obscurity. In this realm where natural light ceased to exist, the passage of time was marked by the ethereal glow of the waysticks. With the fading light, the waysticks transitioned from their vibrant orange hue to a soothing shade of green, casting an otherworldly radiance that served as a silent testament to the progression of the unseen sun.The heroic group had finally reached the Pillars of Hercules, commonly known as the Pillars' Strait, which st
Chapter 69 Into The PassageAs the group busied themselves with packing up, Finrir's sharp eyes caught sight of Hunter already prepared to head out as their scout. A memory from his pod's journey to Tritania weighed heavily in Finrir's stomach, but uncertainty about the state of his bond with Tritan left him unsure if speaking to him would make any difference. Nonetheless, Tritan had proven himself to be a capable leader who would listen to the guidance of their guide. With a burst of speed, Finrir rushed over to where Trent and Hunter stood together, determined to catch them before Hunter swam off into the distance.With a distinctive click of his tongue, Finrir grabbed their attention. Hunter scowled, but he begrudgingly waited, his impatience evident. Finrir wasted no time and signed urgently, "My pod had to pass through the Pillars on our way to Tritania, so I have an idea of what we'll encounter in there." Before Finrir could finish his sentence, Hun
Chapter 70 Through The Pillars.As they followed the gentle undercurrent leading out to the Atlantic Oceanus, its subtle push hastening their journey, the passage stretched wide before them. The towering pillars rose like colossal walls on either side, creating a majestic underwater canyon. Finrir, positioned as the rear guard, swam level with the top of the carriage, utilizing his keen depth vision to survey the path ahead. Even with the expanse of the passage, he could sense the narrowing ahead, an invisible grip gradually tightening.Within three quarters of an hour into their progress, the pillars loomed closer, closing in on their path. The once wide passage now constricted, the walls squeezing closer together. Finrir's observant gaze detected the gradual transformation, his eyes scanning the narrowing terrain. The grandeur of the underwater mountains intensified, their rugged features becoming more pronounced as they approached the most narrow point of the pa
Chapter 71 Battle In The GloomOnce Tritan was free from those who would ensure his safety, he turned back to help Finrir. Tritan swiftly retrieved his trident from his pack and propelled himself into the gloom, the absence of light enveloping him, his heart pounding with anticipation. He knew the shark had broken free from Finrir's grasp, heightening his senses. His dilated pupils reduced to mere rings, Tritan strained to utilize the scant illumination available, yet his efforts proved futile. The massive shadow of the shark circled the silhouette of a merman, and Tritan could catch only a glint of sunlight reflecting off Finrir's sword. Hope bloomed within Tritan's chest as he realized that Finrir continued to fight the great white shark.Swimming toward them, Tritan suddenly halted, acutely aware of the constant gloom that reminded him of his poor depth vision. He didn't want to distract Finrir, potentially giving the shark an advantage. Choosing to ha
Chapter 72 The Depth Of Their BondTritan was stunned the moment Finrir's lips touched his, instinctively pulling his head away from the unexpected kiss. But as his mind raced with memories of their past interactions, everything that had been uncertain or questionable now seemed to come into focus. The truth revealed itself in a cascade of understanding. Finrir's reaction to Tritan's battle with the squid wasn't about Naida; it was about Tritan himself. And the reputation that Tritan had assumed was negative back in Finrir’s homesea was, in fact, simply unorthodox—a path that most merfolk would not dare to swim.As these realizations swirled within Tritan, he found himself standing at a crossroads. Could he accept this unconventional bond that Finrir offered, one that would defy societal norms and expectations? The weight of this question hung heavy in the depths of Tritan's thoughts, but before he could fully formulate his own conclusions, he instinctive
Chapter 73 The New Scout.As Finrir concludes his oath, his piercing gaze turns to Tritan's wounded arm. With utmost care, he lifts Tritan's wrist to his eyes, where the heartfelt tears continue to seep, their milky white hue dispersing in the water. The healing properties of these tears work their magic, closing and mending the small wounds with a gentle touch. The sensation of warmth and restoration spreads through Tritan's arm, an affirmation of Finrir's emotional connection and his unwavering commitment.Moved by this profound display of vulnerability, Tritan's hand moves from Finrir's cheek to wipe away the lingering tears. His touch is gentle, a tender caress that carries a sense of comfort and reassurance. As his fingertips brush against Finrir's lashes, the pearlescent droplets fade away, leaving only a faint shimmer in the water.A distant light catches Tritan's eye, drawing his attention beyond the confines of their intimate moment. With a slight
Chapter 74 Through The MountainsAs the group ventures forth, their determined efforts are met with the relentless struggle against the unyielding current. The swirling depths and turbulent waters conspire to impede their progress, challenging their strength and resilience at every turn. They navigate through treacherous valleys, where jagged rock formations jut out like formidable obstacles, and imposing mountains rise majestically, casting shadows over their path. Each stroke they take is a battle against the powerful forces that threaten to sweep them away, demanding their unwavering commitment to press forward.As the group forges ahead, Joe's focus intensifies on the arduous task that lies before them. His gaze remains fixed on the path that stretches ahead, an intricate labyrinth carved through the underwater mountain range. The waters surge and churn around them, mirroring the challenges that Joe once faced as a human, driving a defective car throu
Chapter 114 More Secrets.It dawned on her that they might not fully understand the significance of the special dish she had prepared for them earlier. In her culture, this dish was traditionally made for groom-pair to eat at the wedding feast. By accepting and eating the dish, the groom-pair would be acknowledging the bride as their mate. In a legal sense, they were already mated temporarily for a year, during which the pod would determine if they were a good fit. They had the option to recommit permanently at the end of the year, or if a child was born or conceived during that time, the mating would become legally binding when the child was born.However, given their short time together, Aziza wasn't sure if Trent and Hunter, her bonded mermen, would still feel the same about her later. She knew they were both honorable and would take care of her if a child was born, but she didn't want them to feel obligated. So she thought perhaps it best if they used
Chapter 113 Last Night In LuxuryWith the old weight unhooked and pushed aside, Trent grasped the metal cords anchoring the air bladder to the weight and began to lift. The two counterweights were supposed to balance each other, ensuring buoyancy while underwater. However, it seemed a little heavy, and he planned to discuss this with Tritan later to get his input on the matter. Despite that, Trent knew his work was done for now."Good! Because I saved you dinner. Everyone else already ate, and I told them you were busy," Hunter informed Trent through their bondlink. "Aziza and I are waiting for you."As he prepared to head back, Hunter's message reached him through their bondlink. Trent smiled at the thoughtfulness of his bondmate and thanked him. Feeling a renewed eagerness, he swiftly swam back to The Serpent's Blood inn, where Aziza awaited them.Trent's heart warmed at the gesture and the camaraderie he shared with his companion
Chapter 112 Air, A Commodity Later, Trent finds himself entering the black market alone, heading towards the specific shop where they inquired about a restricted item the previous day. The merchant, known for dealing in new Atlantian military-restricted items, had mentioned that he had what they were looking for, but it wasn't kept in the shop. Trent navigates the hidden and unsavory place, a black market that can provide anything you need, even if it's hard to find elsewhere. However, what sets this black market apart from others and puts Trent at ease is the absence of one despicable thing he couldn't stand witnessing – slavery. There's no hint of such terrible activity here, which allows Trent to focus on his mission without worry.As Trent reaches the end of the hallway, he turns left into the shop he seeks. Inside, the shelves are filled with crates containing various weapons, including lazerarms, light spears, crystal induction daggers, and other items restr
Chapter 111 Last Day To RelaxAs the bright white waylights illuminated the underwater city of Watch Point, the group gathered at the little eatery near the statue. Markous and Lucious hovered in the line to get food, while Marine kept the table clear, waiting for the rest of the group. Soon, the whole group arrived, and they all sat at the table to eat. Tritan briefly explained that they would be leaving the morning after next, having to wait one more day for the custom sword to be made.After enjoying their meal and engaging in pleasant conversation, Bryan leaned forward and addressed the group, "I've already found the perfect place to get the rest of our provisions. There's a reputable merchant named Fintar, not far from here, who specializes in supplying adventurers like us with high-quality gear and tools for underwater journeys."The group's eyes lit up with interest, and Joe nodded in approval. "That sounds great, Bryan. Lead the way, and we'll follow you to Fintar's shop," he
Chapter 110 The ForgeAs Tritan, Finrir, and Naida approached the end of the alley, they were met with a sight that captured their attention—a large shop with no front wall, only a bar-like counter stretching from one end to the other, leaving the interior visible and open. Beyond the counter lay a bustling work area where four skilled mermen were diligently crafting their creations around a central wall. The wall, not perfectly round but built around a natural formation, exuded an aura of rugged elegance. It extended around the back like an irregular well, with the mermen moving gracefully amidst their craft, adding an artistic touch to the workshop's ambiance.Two windows were meticulously cut into the wall, and each window's sill extended out a foot, supported by a large anvil stone. This unique design left a square foot area with high sides around each window, which then rose and joined in an arch at the top, forming a tunnel-like extension that stretched out a foot, also supporte
Chapter 109 The Arms Alley Finrir swims around the circular market, his eyes carefully scanning each alley until they finally lock onto something of interest down the alley directly behind a grand statue standing tall in the center of the market. Eager to share his discovery, he swiftly swims back to Tritan and signs, "I found it, it's this way."Tritan can't help but grin playfully, his curiosity piqued by Finrir's excitement. Naida's eyes also light up with anticipation as they both join in the chase, following Finrir through the bustling market. With each stroke, they navigate the narrow alleyways, passing by various stalls offering an array of goods, ranging from colorful trinkets to delectable underwater delicacies.Finrir leads them down the alley, never pausing for a moment, while Tritan and Naida eagerly keep up the pace. They pass a series of weapon shops along the way, each displaying the usual assortment of tridents, spears, harpoons, and sleek metal armor. Tritan briefly
Chapter 108 The Black MarketElsewhere in the market, Trent and Hunter, the latter still with one eye bandaged from his recent injury, stealthily navigate a dark and secluded alley. The row of stalls and shops surrounding them appear closed or abandoned, concealing the pathway leading to their destination. Trent's senses are heightened, and he can't help but feel the weight of anticipation in the air. His parents' unscrupulous teachings have honed his ability to locate the secretive black markets hidden in the most obscure corners of any realm.As they venture further into the dimly lit alley, Trent and Hunter rely on instinct, guided by Trent's uncanny knowledge of finding these covert hubs. The absence of illumination, the hushed silence, and the shadows looming around them all add to the enigmatic allure of this clandestine place. Trent remains vigilant, feeling the gaze of unseen eyes upon him, but he remains composed, knowing that the right sigil can lead them
Chapter 107 The SonoclamSwimming up to Nerissa, he peered over her shoulder as the merchant signed to her. She held a delicate metal clam in her hand, and Joe could see a crystal bead inside, nestled like a pearl in a real clam. To his surprise, as Nerissa opened the clamshell, he noticed an intricate holographic screen inside the top shell. She deftly interacted with the holographic display, leaving Joe in awe. He had no idea that merfolk possessed such advanced technology.The presence of the honeycomb-shaped piece and the tiny node on the other wall now made sense. Just above the holographic screen, near the top of the clamshell, there was a honeycomb piece similar to the ones he had seen earlier. A matching smaller piece, fitting into the center of the honeycomb, was attached to the bottom shell. The arrangement resembled a flip-phone, with the two glass-coated metal pieces functioning as a speaker and microphone.As Joe scrutinized the device, he cou
Chapter 106 Watch Point’s Market.The next morning, as the first rays of dawn gently touched Aqualeara, the group emerged from their rooms, feeling refreshed and ready for a new day of exploration. Aziza sat gracefully at the bar, her tail swaying softly as she engrossed herself in a captivating book, waiting patiently for her companions to join her. The inn's airgarden provided a tranquil start to their morning, allowing them a few peaceful moments to collect their thoughts before they embarked on their adventure.With their spirits lifted and stomachs content from a hearty breakfast, they set off for the market, the heart of Watch Point. As they approached, the sight that unfolded before them was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The enormous statue of the Guardian of Virtue stood majestically at the center, a testament to the village's values and beliefs. The smaller-than-life-size sea serpent coiled gracefully in a magnificent mound, its head rising up in a protective stance, and it