The group members gaze in awe at the scene before them. The Crystal Sea stretches out, a vast ocean of liquid light, its waves shimmering with an ethereal glow in the sunlight. The sky''s reflection creates a hypnotic spectacle, as if the entire world were draped in a mantle of floating diamonds. Each ripple seems to whisper an ancient tale, secrets few could comprehend.


    A gentle breeze caresses their faces, carrying a fresh, salty scent that contrasts with the almost unreal atmosphere. Some team members exchange astonished glances, while others simply can''t tear their eyes away from the panoramic view. Time seems to stand still, allowing them to absorb every detail of this magical moment.


    "Don''t just stand there gawking like it''s a show," Carlos says, gesturing towards the enormous glass panels running along the cruiser''s hull. "Those are the guest room windows. Reinforced with magic, they offer panoramic views of the Crystal Sea. Our job today is to clean them."


    Carlos strolls in front of the group, choosing his words carefully as he tries to capture their attention. "Now, to get the job done, we need special gear. We''re not talking rags and buckets here. Technology and magic go hand in hand."


    He approaches a row of backpacks against the wall and picks one up, holding it out as if it were sacred. "This," he says with enthusiasm, "isn''t just a backpack. It''s a device combining advanced tech with levitation runes. It''ll let you move through the air safely and precisely while cleaning the windows. They''re equipped with mechanical wings that fold out when you need them. Plus, magical propulsion systems keep you stable, even in strong currents." He walks over to one of the group members and puts the backpack on their back. With a soft click, metallic wings emerge, gleaming in the sunlight.


    He then walks to the edge of the platform, where the wind starts to ruffle his uniform. Impeccably pressed and adorned with gold trim on the shoulders and cuffs, it reflects his authority. The Eternal Cruiser''s emblem—an anchor entwined with a pair of wings—shines on his left breast, further highlighting his role as team supervisor. Despite his relaxed stance, the uniform lends him an air of unwavering professionalism.


    He pauses, gazing at the horizon with a pensive look. Without a word, he takes out a cigarette and lights it with a silver lighter from his right pocket. He takes a deep drag, letting the smoke rise slowly into the sky.


    "The wind''s... different today," he mutters to himself, barely audible over the murmur of the sea and the whir of the mechanical wings. He takes another, shorter puff, holding the cigarette between his gloved fingers as he turns to the group, letting the smoke escape slowly from his lips.


    He stubs out the cigarette against the platform railing, putting the butt in a small metal container he carries in his pocket. Turning to face the group, he crosses his arms as the wind continues to tug at his uniform.


    His gaze sweeps over them, assessing each one with a mix of impatience and expectation. His eyes finally land on Joaquin. "Joaquin," Carlos says, pointing with a firm gesture. "You''re up first."


    Joaquin swallows hard, but obeys, slowly approaching the designated area. As he reaches the edge, his eyes widen at the depth of the water below. Suddenly, the mechanical wings activate with a soft whir, unfolding completely. Joaquin feels the magical propulsion system stabilize him, letting him float gently in the air. With a mixture of relief and amazement, he starts to move forward, experiencing the freedom the wings offer.


    However, before he can get too far or fully adjust to controlling the wings, something strange happens. From the depths of the Crystal Sea, a creature emerges: a giant translucent octopus, its tentacles emitting an ethereal glow, as if made of pure liquid energy. Its gelatinous body seems to pulse with a life of its own, and its huge, curious eyes observe Joaquin with a mix of fascination and... hunger?


    "What is that?!" Joaquin shouts, trying to fly away. He picks up speed, but the octopus extends one of its long tentacles, wrapping it firmly around him and stopping his escape.


    The octopus lifts him gently into the air, as if inspecting him. The creature''s tentacles move with a hypnotic grace, almost as if they were dancing around Joaquin. Suddenly, one of the tentacles begins to emit a low hum, and small flashing lights run along its surface, as if analyzing something. Joaquin feels a strange tingling on his skin, as if the creature were scanning him, reading every detail of his being.


    From the platform, the group watches the scene in astonishment. It seems the octopus has no intention of harming Joaquin immediately, but its behavior is disconcerting. The creature holds him suspended in the air, moving him from side to side as if he were an object of study. Then, one of the free tentacles approaches Joaquin and gently brushes against the mechanical wings. In that instant, the lights on the tentacle glow more intensely, as if the creature were reacting to the magical technology of the wings.


    "Is... is that an octopus?" Dolores asks.


    "Ummm... anyone got a plan?" Sofia interjects.


    "You really expect me to have a plan for this? Of course not!" Carlos retorts.


    Meanwhile, the octopus continues to interact with Joaquin, moving him gently in the air as if deciding what to do with him. Its huge silver eyes remain fixed on him, and for a moment, Joaquin has the strange feeling that the creature is evaluating him, as if deciding whether he poses a threat or is simply a passing curiosity.


    "I''ll go find Mr. Mustache! Maybe he can help," Dolores says, putting away her notebook and hurrying off.


    Carlos waves a dismissive hand, as if to say goodbye, but Dolores is already too far away to notice. He pulls a cigarette from his pocket, lighting it with an exaggerated sigh as if he were in some low-budget drama. He gazes towards the horizon as the clouds drift by.


    "Why does this always happen to me?" he mutters, taking a deep drag. "How''s this supposed to impress Dolores? I couldn''t even keep Joaquin from getting caught by that thing..."


    He exhales the smoke, forming a cloud that briefly resembles a heart. Carlos observes it skeptically before it dissolves into a shapeless blob, as if even his failed attempt at art reflected his frustration.


    "Damn it, damn it, damn it..."


    "Uh... Mr. Carlos," Selene says, interrupting his brooding. "You forgot to mention we''d be using rods to clean the windows, right?"


    Carlos turns to her with annoyance, exhaling a last puff of smoke. His eyes narrow, assessing whether it''s worth answering such a trivial question.


    "What''s that matter now..."


    "Well..." Selene says thoughtfully, momentarily ignoring his attitude. "The rods have magical runes engraved on them. They could generate a flash of energy strong enough to distract the octopus, or even weaken it for a moment."


    Carlos raises an eyebrow, impressed despite himself. For an instant, his authoritative facade falters, and an almost imperceptible smile crosses his face at her creative solution. Without a word, he brings the cigarette to his lips one last time, inhaling deeply before exhaling a plume of smoke towards the sky. Then, with a casual but deliberate flick, he throws the cigarette to the ground and grinds it out under his boot, twisting his foot slightly to make sure no ember remains.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    "All right," he announces, extending his hands to the group as if he were a general rallying his troops. His voice rings with a newfound resolve, although with a slight tone. "We need a brave soul to rescue Joaquin from that blasted octopus!"


    An uncomfortable murmur ripples through the group. They look at each other, avoiding eye contact with Carlos. Some lower their heads, others shrink back, as if afraid of being chosen. Sofia, however, raises her hand enthusiastically.


    "Ah, perfect!" Carlos exclaims, visibly relieved. "Sofia, you''ll be—"


    "Ah, no, wait!" Sofia quickly interrupts, dropping her hand. "I just wanted to ask... why don''t you go?"


    "I, uh... well, you know... I have to coordinate things from here," he stammers, taking a step back.


    Sofia stares at him with a slightly furrowed brow, unconvinced.


    "I''ll go." Selene says


    Carlos turns to her so quickly, he almost seems propelled by a spring. A forced smile spreads across his face, too enthusiastic to be genuine. "Perfect! Just the kind of initiative we need!" he exclaims, striding towards her before she can reconsider.


    "And? Got a plan to deal with that thing?"


    "Well..." Selene begins, pausing for a moment to think. But before she can elaborate, Carlos acts with almost comical haste. With swift movements, he grabs Selene by both arms, lifting her slightly off the ground like a ragdoll. He drags her towards the edge of the platform without giving her time to think.


    "Wait, wait, wait!" Selene protests, struggling to keep her balance as she''s unceremoniously hauled along.


    "No time for second-guessing!" Carlos exclaims. "Your bravery is truly inspiring!"


    Finally, Carlos halts at the very edge of the platform, leaving Selene facing the void. Wordlessly, he thrusts the backpack and rods at her, making sure she holds them tight. His movements are fast but somewhat rough, as if he wants to ensure there''s no excuse for delay.


    "So, what''s your name?" Carlos suddenly asks.


    "You dragged me here without so much as a ''how do you do'', to face a giant octopus... and you don''t even know my name?" Selene sighs deeply. "Fine. I''ll tell you, but I''m not repeating it."


    She observes him intently, as if taking his measure. After a tense silence, she replies firmly:


    "My name is Selene. Selene Crimson."


    Selene adjusts the backpack straps with quick, precise movements, regaining her composure while glaring at Carlos. But as she turns to face the horizon, her expression changes completely. The wind caresses her crimson hair, sending loose strands dancing like flames in the sunlight. For a heartbeat, she seems to freeze in time, motionless before the vastness of the Crystal Sea stretching out to infinity. The ethereal waters reflect flashes of light, as if the ocean itself were breathing with life, and the sky unfolds above her, full of silent promises. It''s a fragile, almost sacred moment, as if the universe were offering her a moment''s pause before the inevitable.


    She takes a deep breath, filling her lungs with the fresh air, letting the distant roar of the sea soothe her racing heart. Every second seems etched into her memory: the feel of the wind on her skin, the hypnotic shimmer of the ocean, the weight of the mechanical wings on her back. Then, with a deliberate move, she activates the wings. They unfold slowly, emitting a soft whir that echoes in the air.


    With her wings extended, Selene floats gently, balancing her body as she observes the giant octopus. Her crimson eyes narrow, analytical, as she assesses every detail of the creature. The octopus''s translucent tentacles glow with pulsating blue lights, as if beating to the rhythm of an invisible heart. Its gelatinous body vibrates with a strange, almost unsettling energy that doesn''t match the underwater creatures she''s seen before in the Aquarium.


    "It''s strange... these creatures are normally peaceful, but... There''s something different about this one,"


    she murmurs to herself, her voice barely audible over the wind. Suddenly, the octopus turns one of its huge eyes towards her. The gaze is intense, piercing, and Selene feels a shiver run down her spine. For a brief moment, a dark aura envelops the octopus, distorting the air around it as if it were being swallowed by shadow. The creature seems different, more aware, as if something within it has awakened. For a fleeting instant, a resonant and ethereal voice fills Selene''s mind, whispering words that seem to vibrate deep within her soul. Only she can hear it, as if the message were meant for her alone:


    "Ancient shadows awaken where light fears to tread. The light within you will soon be extinguished, little flame. You carry the echo of what was condemned to oblivion, the heartbeat of a heart that should never have been, but soon... soon, it will be devoured."


    Selene holds her breath, paralyzed by the weight of the words. But before she can grasp their meaning, the voice shifts drastically. From an ethereal whisper, it explodes into a deafening scream, charged with fury and power, that resonates in her mind like a thunderclap. It''s a scream that feels as if it''s tearing her soul apart, filled with a primordial rage that doesn''t belong to this world. And then, it pronounces her name with terrifying clarity, making each letter vibrate like an endless echo:


    "SELENEE!"


    The sound of her name, shrieked by that inhuman voice, pierces her like an icy dagger. Her eyes widen, and her body trembles uncontrollably. The octopus stares at her, its huge eye glowing with a mix of curiosity and insatiable hunger. For a moment, Selene feels the creature not only sees her but recognizes her, as if it knows something about her she doesn''t even comprehend.


    But before she can delve into the meaning of the words or the shriek, the aura vanishes as quickly as it came. The octopus reverts to its previous state, refocusing its attention on Joaquin, who still dangles in the air, ensnared by one of its tentacles.


    Selene blinks, shaking her head slightly to clear her thoughts. "What the hell was that...?" she wonders, but there''s no time for answers. Regaining her composure, she straightens her posture and grips the rods tightly. She knows whatever she perceived just now can''t be ignored, but she has a more pressing task at hand.


    Meanwhile, on the platform, hushed voices begin to spread among those present, mingling curiosity and speculation.


    "Is that her?" one of the group members whispers, glancing at Selene.


    "Yeah, it''s her, all right," another confirms, nodding with certainty. "That''s the girl they brought here as a child."


    "They say the owner bought her," a third adds, lowering his voice as if afraid of being overheard. "Not only that... they say she''s got strange powers."


    "Strange powers? Like what?"


    "Heard she can talk to snakes. At least, that''s what some of the old-timers say."


    "What? Seriously?"


    "Wait, the snake talker, are they talking about her or the owner?"


    "SHUT UP!"


    Carlos barks, whirling around to face the group with a fierce look. His voice cuts through the air like a whip, silencing everyone instantly. They all freeze, avoiding his gaze. He swivels back to Selene, now poised at the edge of the platform, wings unfurled and ready to plunge into the abyss. Her eyes, full of courage and determination, blaze in the light."


    In one of the corridors of the Eternal Cruiser, Dolores follows Mr. Mustache as he paces frantically. The man, a bald dwarf with an enormous mustache that gives him an unmistakable air, is officially known as Gimly. But because of his signature handlebar, most people simply call him Mr. Mustache.


    "Of all days, it had to be today!" Mr. Mustache exclaims, visibly agitated as he quickens his pace.


    "I''m so sorry, Mr. Mustache," Dolores replies quickly, trying to keep up.


    "Arghh...!" he groans, pausing to clutch his forehead in despair. "Today is an important day, Miss Dolores. Too important for this nonsense!"


    Just as he''s about to stride on, a rather tall man appears between Dolores and Mr. Mustache. At first, she can''t quite make him out, but as Mr. Mustache recognizes the newcomer, he''s thunderstruck.


    "M-m-m-m-my lord!" Mr. Mustache stammers, bowing deeply with a mix of surprise and reverence. "I thought you would be waiting for me in the VIP lounge."


    Intrigued by Mr. Mustache''s extreme reaction, Dolores discreetly peers up to study the stranger. The man is cloaked in a long black coat that reaches his ankles, its simple yet elegant design revealing meticulous attention to detail: the high collar and wide lapels lending him an imposing, enigmatic air. His black gloves gleam softly in the dim corridor light, while a black fedora shades much of his face, casting his features in shadow. Despite the poor visibility, his presence is unmistakable; he exudes authority and power. However, before Dolores can glean any more details, Mr. Mustache presses down on her slightly, forcing her into a hasty bow as well.


    "No need for such formality, my dear Mr. Mustache," the man says, his voice calm but firm, infused with a serenity that contrasts with Mr. Mustache''s agitation. He extends a gloved hand to Dolores, who slowly raises her head to get a better look.


    When she finally sees his face, Dolores experiences a mix of awe and unease. At first glance, he seems normal: balanced features, pale skin, a serene expression that might go unnoticed in any other context. But something about him disturbs her inexplicably. Perhaps it''s the intensity of his gaze, or perhaps it''s the stark contrast between his eyes. One is an intense crimson, burning like a hot coal in the dim corridor light, while the other remains dark, almost lost in the shadow of his hat. That duality creates a strange feeling, as if she were seeing two different people in one.


    "A pleasure, Miss," the man continues, his tone formal but with a touch of cordiality that tempers his intimidating aura. "I am the creator and owner of the Eternal Cruiser, Darius Crimson."