Beyond the docks, a city rose into view.
But it was no ordinary city.
It was a kingdom!
Thalassia—resting along the eastern coast of the Middle Continent, just beyond the reach of the Eastbay Docks.
From where Danir stood, he could see it unfold like a dream made real.
Houses and buildings stretched across the shoreline, each one crafted from coral—alive with color.
Some glowed in soft hues of crimson and gold, others shimmered in shades of deep blue and violet.
No two structures were the same.
Their shapes curved and twisted like waves frozen in time, as if the ocean itself had sculpted them.
And yet… none of it looked worn.
The corals remained vibrant, untouched by decay—enchanted, preserved in their eternal beauty.
The deeper his gaze traveled, the more breathtaking it became.
At the heart of the kingdom, rising above everything else, stood a grand fortress.
Its walls were built from dense red coral bricks, towering and unyielding, yet elegant in their design.
The structure commanded authority, its presence alone enough to declare that rulers of great power resided within.
Danir could feel it.
That quiet pressure.
That silent dominance.
"That's where the rulers live…" he thought, his eyes fixed on the distant castle.
A slow breath escaped his lips.
"This world never ceases to amaze me…"
He stood there, unmoving—lost in the beauty before him while he was holding Rigor's rope behind him.
"Are you just going to stand there?" Mr. Faradic's voice cut through his thoughts.
Danir blinked, snapping back to reality.
He quickly followed after him.
"Look, kid," Mr. Faradic said as they walked, his tone firm but not unkind. "Since you're new here, I suggest you stick with me for a bit. I'll show you around."
Danir nodded without hesitation.
"That sounds good to me."
And so, with quiet anticipation building in his chest…
He followed Mr. Faradic into the kingdom of Thalassia.
They walked deeper into the kingdom, passing through the crowd that filled its lively streets.
At first glance, the people seemed no different from those in Blossomdale—ordinary in appearance, dressed in simple yet elegant garments, moving about their daily lives.
But the longer Danir observed them…
The more he realized they were anything but ordinary.
There was something different in the way they carried themselves—graceful, fluid… almost like the rhythm of the sea lived within their bodies.
"These are…?" Danir thought, his eyes narrowing slightly in curiosity.
Then it came back to him.
These were humans—blessed by the Goddess of Beasts.
Beings who could transform their legs into powerful fish tails, allowing them to dive into the depths and rule the waters as both guides and guardians of the Middle-Eastern Sea.
A race that lived between two worlds—Land and ocean.
"They're… mermaids…" Danir whispered under his breath, a quiet awe filling his voice.
For the first time, he wasn't just seeing a new place—he was witnessing a new kind of life.
Though the season was autumn, this place felt untouched by it—like summer had claimed it forever.
Warm air wrapped around Danir's skin, carrying the scent of salt and life.
The sea breeze here was stronger than in Eastbay Docks—thicker, heavier—almost something he could taste with every breath.
It lingered on his tongue, a sharp mix of ocean rust and brine.
"This place… feels alive," he thought quietly.
As they walked further, they passed through a lively stretch of vendors lining the streets.
Instead of meat or bread, the stalls were filled with vibrant shades of green, violet, and deep red—bundles of seaweeds, hanging strands of kelp, neatly arranged dulse, and layers of sea lettuce glistening under the sunlight. Some were dried, others still fresh, dripping faintly with seawater.
The scent was unfamiliar… but not unpleasant.
It was simply different.
"See that?" Mr. Faradic spoke, glancing at Danir. "That's their food."
Danir looked more closely.
"They only eat sea plants," the captain continued. "Sea grasses, kelp, all of it. No fish. No other sea creatures."
Danir blinked in surprise.
"They don't… eat fish?"
Mr. Faradic shook his head.
"They were born that way. It's their nature."
Danir fell silent, watching as a group of merfolk casually exchanged bundles of seaweed, laughing and chatting like any ordinary people.
And yet…
Everything about them reminded him—this was not his world.
Up ahead, their steps slowed.
A small commotion had formed in the street!
A group of merfolk stood in formation—royal guards, unmistakable in their presence.
They wore finely crafted garments with open-front sleeves and fitted trousers, adorned with strands of pearl beads that shimmered under the light.
In their hands were elegant weapons—not blades, but wands and scepters, humming faintly with magical energy.
They moved with authority—
With judgment.
At the center of the scene, two male merfolk stood surrounded—tense, cornered, their expressions caught between fear and defiance.
"We are here by order of the king," one of the guards declared, his voice firm and echoing through the street.
He raised his scepter, pointing it directly at them. "You are under arrest for violating the king's decree!"
The crowd fell silent.
Danir felt the weight of those words settle heavily in the air.
Beside him, Mr. Faradic leaned slightly closer.
"See that, kid?" he murmured. "That's their most important law… and the strictest one."
Danir kept his eyes on the scene.
"Anyone who disobeys it…" the captain continued, his tone lowering, "is punished by execution."
Danir's breath hitched—just slightly.
"Execution?!"
Mr. Faradic paused for a moment, letting the gravity of it sink in before continuing.
"In this kingdom, when it comes to choosing an adventurer's jobclass…" he said, "they are only allowed to become either a Mage or a Wizard—with water affinity."
Danir frowned.
"Anything else…" Mr. Faradic added, "is strictly forbidden."
Danir's eyes widened a little.
"Whoa… that's harsh," he muttered. Then, after a brief pause, he added more quietly, "But… I guess there must be a reason for it, right?"
Mr. Faradic nodded.
"There is," he said. "Despite how strict he is, the king doesn't rule out of cruelty. Everything he does… is for the stability and peace of this kingdom."
Danir looked back at the guards as they began to seize the two accused merfolk.
A kingdom built on order…
Even if that order came at a cost.
"The mermaid king—Tridon," Mr. Faradic continued, "was once one of the Ten Heroes."
Danir's eyes widened in surprise.
"So… he fought alongside our king?" he asked, a spark of awe rising in his voice.
A distant connection.
Between rulers.
Between legends.
And for the first time since entering this place—Danir didn't just see beauty in this kingdom.
He saw power.
And the weight of it.
They continued talking as they walked, their conversation drifting from small topics to quiet observations about the kingdom, until at last, Mr. Faradic came to a stop.
Before them stood a well-built residence—modest compared to the grand coral structures around it, yet clearly maintained with care.
It carried a quiet dignity, the kind given only to those recognized by the kingdom itself.
"This is where I stay," Mr. Faradic said, glancing at the house. "A place issued to me by the mermaid king."
He then turned to Danir.
"I guess this is where our journey together ends—for now." A faint smile crossed his face. "Take care of yourself, kid. We'll meet again."
Danir nodded.
"Thank you… Captain."
With that, Mr. Faradic stepped toward his home without another word.
Danir remained where he stood for a moment, watching him go.
"…He didn't even invite me inside," he muttered under his breath, a slight frown forming.
Then, almost immediately—
"Tch. I bet there are mistresses waiting for him in there."
He clicked his tongue lightly, shaking his head.
And… he wasn't wrong.
Though Danir never saw it for himself, Mr. Faradic indeed had mermaid mistresses waiting behind those doors—hidden from the eyes of outsiders.
Danir exhaled softly, letting the thought pass.
"Whatever…"
Turning away, he continued on his own path along with Rigor as he mounted up Himself onto him.
As they walked through the vibrant streets of Thalassia, Danir pulled out his enchanted map, letting it hover slightly in his hands.
The glowing markings shifted as he moved, guiding him while he explored the unfamiliar kingdom.
His eyes wandered between the map… and the world around him.
They stopped for a while, drawn by the lively rows of vendors.
The scent of something savory drifted through the air—warm, roasted, and unfamiliar.
"Hey, you there—young human adventurer!" a merman called out with a cheerful grin. "Would you like to try my fried salted seaweeds? You're going to love it."
Danir paused, glancing at the neatly arranged strips hanging from the stall,"…How much?"
"Five pieces for a bronze zen."
Danir nodded and handed over the coin.
The vendor carefully gave him five pieces—crispy, slightly glistening under the light.
Danir took a bite!
And for a moment—he froze.
The texture crunched softly, followed by a burst of flavor that spread across his tongue.
Savory and roasted, yet rich with the deep, briny essence of the ocean. It carried a delicate balance—intense umami, sharp saltiness, and an unexpected sweetness that lingered pleasantly.
It was… addictive.
"…How can something this good be so cheap?" Danir muttered in disbelief.
The vendor chuckled, folding his arms.
"You see, kid," he said, his tone calm and proud, "in this kingdom, we already have everything we need."
Danir looked at him.
"Our wealth isn't measured by coins," the merman continued. "It's carved into our hearts. We live in peace, in abundance, under a leader we respect. We don't compete to be on top…"
He smiled faintly.
"We only strive to give our best. That's our pride."
Danir felt a chill run down his spine.
Not fear but to something deeper.
"…People like this still exist…" he thought quietly.
Without another word, he reached into his pouch and pulled out ten bronze zens.
"I'll take fifty pieces."
The vendor's eyes widened slightly before he laughed and prepared the order.
Danir ate half of it on the spot, savoring every bite… before handing the rest to Rigor.
"Here, you should try it too."
Rigor chewed slowly, then let out a soft, satisfied sound.
Nearby, a small figure approached.
The vendor's daughter—curious, hesitant—held a single piece of seaweed in her tiny hands.
She looked at Rigor with wide eyes.
"Go on," Danir said gently. "He won't bite. He's a good boy."
The girl stepped closer and fed Rigor carefully.
The horse responded calmly, lowering his head as if understanding her nervousness.
Danir smiled.
He gently lifted the girl and let her pat Rigor's head.
Then, with care, he helped her sit atop Rigor's back.
For a brief moment—She laughed.
A pure, bright sound that cut through the noise of the street.
After a while, Danir helped her down and returned her safely to her father.
"Thank you, young man," the vendor said sincerely. "We don't keep companions like that here… we are guardians of the Thalassea. This is a rare experience for my daughter."
Danir nodded. "You're welcome, Mr…?"
"Cetos," the man replied. "And this is my daughter, Cai."
Danir placed a hand over his chest slightly.
"Danir… Danir Granger. It's a pleasure to meet you."
The name made the vendor pause.
"…Granger," Cetos repeated, as if recalling something distant.
Then he smiled. "Take care on your journey, kid."
As the day slowly faded, Danir continued wandering until he found an inn.
It stood quietly among the coral structures—cozy, elegant, and far more beautiful than he expected.
"For five bronze zens a night…?" he muttered. "This is way too cheap…"
Stepping inside felt almost unreal.
"…Am I really living in a fantasy world?"
He lightly slapped his cheeks twice, just to be sure.
Inside his room, everything felt soft… comfortable.
The bed was made from fluffy sea sponge, layered with smooth silk sheets.
A glowing pearl lamp rested on a nearby desk, casting a gentle light across the room.
Through the window, the vibrant street below shimmered under the night sky.
Danir lay down, sinking into the bed.
"…This feels too good…"
But before sleep could fully take him, he stepped outside once more.
Drawn by the sea.
The shoreline was calm, illuminated by the soft glow of the ocean.
Waves shimmered gently, reflecting the night like liquid light.
There were others there too—outsiders, travelers like him—quietly watching.
Then—
It happened.
From beneath the water, delicate forms began to rise.
Jellyfish.
But not ordinary ones.
They drifted upward into the air, glowing softly in shades of pale blue and violet—floating like spirits freed from the sea.
"Lunaphage…" someone whispered nearby.
The nocturnal jellyfish hovered for a few brief moments, their bodies absorbing the moonlight itself—feeding on it, glowing brighter with each passing second.
A silent… midnight photosynthesis.
Danir stood still, eyes wide, breath shallow.
It was beautiful.
Otherworldly.
Unreal.
And yet—
He was here.
Watching it.
Living it.
That night, as he returned to his room and lay down once more…
Sleep came easily.
Carrying with it the quiet wonder of a world that refused to stop amazing him.
The sun had just begun to rise over the horizon when a loud, blaring horn suddenly rang out across the city.
This time, it didn't came from a ship.
It came from one of the merman guards stationed atop a tower near the shore.
"Sireeeeeeeeeeeeeeens!" the guard shouted, his voice echoing through the entire kingdom.
Danir's Amulet of Power suddenly glowed green.
His eyes snapped open.
Without wasting a second, he jumped out of bed and rushed to the window.
What he saw made his blood run cold.
Hundreds of savage creatures were storming into the city—attacking anything in their path.
They had humanoid upper bodies, covered in fish scales, with webbed fingers ending in sharp, deadly claws. Their heads resembled vicious piranhas, filled with jagged teeth. Below the waist, their bodies stretched into long eel-like tails, slithering violently across the ground.
A band of SIRENS!
The sworn enemies of the mermaids.
Twisted! cannibalistic versions of their kind.
Demonic pawns.
Danir didn't hesitate.
He rushed out to join the guards.
The charging sirens didn't expect his sudden assault— "Ice Shards Daggers!"
His magic burst forth, freezing multiple sirens mid-charge, their bodies instantly locked in ice.
"Shatter them!" Danir shouted to the guards.
"Break them before they could gain their body back!"
The guards followed his command, smashing the frozen bodies apart before the creatures could reform.
Danir continued casting, over and over—freezing wave after wave of incoming enemies.
But the battlefield was far from clean.
Guards fell.
Some were torn apart—limbs ripped, torsos crushed.
Others screamed in agony, bleeding out on the streets they once protected.
Even with their efforts, the cost was heavy.
Then—
The tide shifted.
A presence!
Heavy!
Suffocating!
Danir's Amulet of Power flared—Purple.
His heart dropped.
A Prime-level demon warlord.
From the distance, something massive approached.
Slardrar! The siren's leader, one of the demon warlords.
His towering figure alone was enough to shake the courage of the royal guards. His monstrous body radiated raw, brutal power—not magic, but something far more primal.
Pure killing instinct.
Then—
"Big brother Danir! Please be careful!"
A familiar voice.
Danir's eyes widened.
It was Cai—standing by the window of her home.
"No—!"
Slardrar charged straight at Danir—
Then suddenly changed direction!
Toward the child.
"No! No! No—NOOO!!"
Danir sprinted forward, panic surging through his veins.
Slardrar leaped violently, reaching the second-floor window in a single bound.
His massive claws snatched the child, lifting her helpless body into the air.
Cai screamed, tears streaming down her face.
The demon warlord opened his jaws—rows of razor-sharp teeth ready to devour her whole.
Without hesitation—
"Ice Shards Daggers!!"
Danir unleashed everything!
The barrage struck Slardrar, forcing him to loosen his grip.
The child fell.
Time slowed.
Danir pushed his body beyond its limit—diving forward—
—and caught her just before she hit the ground.
He held her tightly.
Her face was bruised from shattered glass, her arms scratched by claws—but she was alive.
"Y-you're okay…" he whispered, breath shaking.
He quickly handed her to the guards.
Then he turned.
And faced the demon warlord.
Alone!
Fear crawled through his chest—but he stood his ground.
They charged at each other.
Then—
A flash!
A blade of water—faster than sight.
SSSHHHKKK!!
Slardrar's body split clean in half.
Like it had been cut by a divine blade.
The battlefield fell silent.
It was the king.
A single spell—Needle Jet on a higher level.
The mermaid king had arrived.
King Tridon stood before them, his presence commanding, overwhelming—yet calm.
The fight was over.
Danir dropped to his knees, his body trembling.
"…How was I stupid enough… to face something like that…" he whispered, letting out a shaky breath of relief.
He knew the truth that he would have died.
Without question.
The guards knelt, bowing deeply as the king approached.
"Little human," King Tridon called, his voice rough yet powerful.
Danir froze for a moment, then quickly bowed.
"Y-Your Majesty… my name is Danir… Danir Granger."
The king studied him.
Then nodded.
"I admired your bravery. And… I knew your father long ago."
Danir's eyes widened slightly—but before he could respond, the king turned away.
The royal guards escorted him back toward the castle.
The moment passed.
But its weight lingered.
Danir immediately rushed back to Cai.
He knelt beside her and gently placed his hand over her wounds.
"Nature's Touch…"
A soft green light glowed, healing her injuries.
The bruises faded.
The scratches closed.
Cai burst into tears and hugged him tightly.
Her father, Cetos, rushed over and pulled her into his arms.
"Kid… I don't know how to repay you…" his voice trembled.
"Thank you… thank you for saving my daughter…"
Tears streamed down his face.
"Before you go… please… take everything from my stall. All of it. It's the only way I can show my gratitude."
Danir didn't say anything at first.
He simply nodded.
Around them, the kingdom began to recover. The dead were gathered. The wounded were carried. The people—together—began rebuilding what had been destroyed.
Life moved forward.
Slowly.
Quietly.
Danir walked back to Rigor, placing a gentle hand on his loyal companion.
"Let's go…"
Without looking back, he mounted his horse.
And continued his journey—
As the enchanted forest on ahead of them awaits...
Nordrassil!