《Ten Gates》 Chapter 1 : The Boy from the Frontier Town Night had fallen, and a gentle breeze swept through the streets of the frontier town, carrying with it the crisp chill of autumn. Most of the townsfolk had already retired for the night, with only a few houses still aglow with candlelight, casting flickering shadows upon wooden window frames. The town lay in serene silence. Yet, at the heart of the town square, a sudden burst of azure light tore through the darkness, as if a bolt of lightning had split the night apart. A deep, humming resonance followed as an ancient and intricate magic circle emerged upon the stone-paved ground. Runes interwove and shimmered, pulsing as though some unknown force was at work. As the light gradually dimmed, a boy appeared at the center of the magic circle¡ªunconscious. His clothes were tattered and stained, as if he had endured a harrowing battle. His exposed skin bore numerous wounds, some dried and scarred, others still revealing the severity of past injuries. Though exhaustion lined his features, his face remained sharp and well-defined. He appeared to be around twenty years old. In his right hand, he still clutched a broken sword. The blade was wrapped in frayed cloth, and the hilt bore faint, ancient inscriptions. He lay motionless in the middle of the square, the steady rise and fall of his chest the only sign that he was still alive. Silence reclaimed the square, as if nothing had happened. Yet, no one knew that the arrival of this boy would quietly set the town¡¯s fate on a new course. As the first light of dawn pierced through the lingering mist, the town began to stir. Villagers stepped out of their homes, ready to start a new day. A woman, up early to fetch water, was the first to notice something unusual in the square. The moment her eyes fell upon the unconscious boy, she gasped and took a step back. "Someone! Come quickly! There¡¯s a boy collapsed here!" she called out. Before long, a small crowd had gathered, murmuring amongst themselves. "Who is he? How did he get here?" "Judging by his wounds, he must have been in danger." If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. "His clothes are in tatters¡­ Could he be a fugitive?" A middle-aged man knelt beside the boy and checked for signs of life. Feeling a faint but steady breath, he let out a sigh of relief. "He¡¯s still alive. We need to get him somewhere safe." With the help of the townspeople, the boy was carried to the back room of the town¡¯s blacksmith shop. There, the villagers took turns caring for him¡ªfeeding him warm broth, tending to his wounds, and dressing him in clean clothes. Two days passed before the boy finally opened his eyes. The first thing he saw was the wooden ceiling of a modest room. Dim morning light filtered through the window, casting soft beams across the room. The air carried a faint scent of iron and burning wood. His body felt weak, but his mind was finally clear. Beside his bed sat an elderly blacksmith, who smiled kindly upon seeing him awake. "You¡¯re finally up, lad. Can you hear me?" The boy parted his lips, his voice hoarse and low. "...Where am I?" "This is Orl Town, a small frontier settlement," the blacksmith replied. "We found you unconscious in the town square, covered in wounds. We¡¯ve been looking after you." The boy fell silent, deep in thought. After a moment, he shook his head, his expression clouded with confusion. "I¡­ I don¡¯t remember anything." "What?" The blacksmith¡¯s brow furrowed. "My past¡­ it¡¯s all gone." The boy pressed a hand to his temple, trying to recall even a fragment of memory. But no matter how hard he tried, it was useless. The blacksmith studied him for a moment before sighing. "Not even your own name?" The boy hesitated, then murmured, "No¡­ I remember my name. It¡¯s Leo." That was all. Everything else was a blank slate. Leo remained in the town. Though his past was lost to him, he did not wallow in despair. Instead, he quickly adapted to life in Orl Town, helping around the blacksmith¡¯s forge in exchange for food and shelter. At first, the blacksmith only gave him simple tasks¡ªcarrying ore, polishing metal. But as time went on, Leo displayed an astonishing aptitude for the craft. Whether it was forging iron or shaping a basic blade, he grasped the techniques with remarkable speed, outpacing even seasoned apprentices. "You might¡¯ve been a blacksmith before," the old smith mused with a chuckle. "No one picks things up this fast unless they''ve done it before." Yet, Leo himself wasn¡¯t sure. Sometimes, in the dead of night, fragmented dreams haunted him¡ªvisions of a battlefield drenched in blood, a shattered sword, fallen figures. But each time he tried to see them clearly, the dream would dissolve, leaving behind only an aching emptiness. He never spoke of these dreams. Instead, he continued his quiet life, blending into the town like any other youth. But time passed, and something remained unchanged¡ªhis body. Years slipped by, yet Leo still looked no older than twenty. The villagers noticed but chose not to question it. He was kind, hardworking, and had become a part of their community. That was enough for them. Then, something strange began happening¡ªthe town¡¯s food stores were being raided. At first, the villagers assumed it was wild animals and took extra precautions. But no matter what they did, the thefts continued. Each morning, sacks of flour or dried meat would be missing, vanishing without a trace. "We can''t let this continue," the town elder declared at a village meeting, worry creasing his face. "If this goes on, we won''t have enough supplies to last through the winter." "Could it be bandits?" someone suggested. "Or a monster?" another villager asked nervously. The blacksmith stroked his beard. "Whatever it is, we must catch it. If we don''t, our lives will only get harder." The villagers nodded in agreement. After some discussion, they decided to set an ambush near the granary and catch the thief themselves. Leo volunteered to join the watch. That night, he crouched in the shadows of the granary, a short sword in hand, his eyes scanning the surroundings under the pale moonlight. A strange feeling gnawed at him¡ªa quiet, inexplicable certainty. Tonight would change everything. Chapter 2: The Starlit Prisoner A fine drizzle fell from the low-hanging gray sky, dampening the earth with a crisp, cool scent. In the center of Orville Town¡¯s square, a heavy iron cage stood, its thick chains rattling softly in the rain. Leo stood nearby, his expression calm as he observed the captive thief¡ªa frail-looking girl. She curled up in the corner of the cage, her body caked in mud, her tattered clothes clinging to her form. Long silver-white hair, drenched from the rain, stuck to her face. When she lifted her head, her left eye shimmered with a flowing silver radiance, like drifting starlight in the vast night sky. ¡°Her eyes¡­¡± The gathered villagers whispered uneasily. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± Leo asked in a steady voice. The girl remained silent for a moment before murmuring, ¡°¡­Luna.¡± The villagers exchanged uncertain glances. No one had heard that name before. The village elder, leaning on his cane, stepped forward and frowned. ¡°Why did you steal our food?¡± Luna hesitated, then lifted her gaze. Her voice was hoarse as she replied, ¡°My homeland was swallowed by the ¡®Black Tide¡¯¡­ Everything there was erased. I had no choice but to steal to survive.¡± ¡°Black Tide?¡± The villagers murmured among themselves, confusion written on their faces. Luna lowered her head. ¡°I was sent here by a random teleportation spell, but I was never meant to be here¡­ I am¡­ a member of the ¡®Clockwork Court.¡¯¡± As soon as she spoke, the iron bars of the cage shuddered with a low, eerie vibration. Rust spread across the metal at an unnatural speed, crawling like a living thing. But it was no ordinary rust¡ªit was a deep, blood-red hue, damp and putrid, as if veins pulsed beneath its corroding surface. Fear swept through the crowd. ¡°She¡¯s a heretic!¡± ¡°She¡¯s cursing us!¡± ¡°Get rid of her before she brings disaster!¡± Just as the commotion was about to spiral out of control, an elderly priest stepped forward, clutching a short staff inscribed with ancient runes. His voice was calm yet firm. ¡°Let her undergo purification first. We cannot pass judgment so hastily.¡± If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Reluctantly, the villagers accepted this decision and dispersed. Only Leo and a few young men remained to escort Luna to the sanctum. Inside the sanctum, clear water filled a stone basin, rippling softly. Luna stood before it, silent as the priest performed the purification ritual. He soaked a cloth and gently wiped the dirt from her skin. But when he reached her arm, his hand froze. Under the water¡¯s reflection, Luna¡¯s skin gleamed with an unnatural sheen¡ªit was not flesh but an intricate weave of metallic fibers. Within her, delicate gears turned with precise motion. Her joints bore the subtle marks of mechanical construction, as though she were a masterfully crafted automaton. ¡°She¡­ she¡¯s a machine doll,¡± the priest whispered, his voice tinged with shock. Word spread quickly through the town. The villagers, already wary, grew even more uneasy. Though they allowed Luna to complete the purification ritual, none were willing to take her in. Her very existence defied their understanding of the world. After the ritual, Luna stood at the sanctum¡¯s entrance, her head bowed, facing the wary gazes of the townspeople¡ªfear, distrust, alienation. It was a familiar sight. Just as she turned to leave, Leo stepped forward. His tone was casual, yet firm. ¡°Come with me.¡± Luna blinked in surprise, looking up at him. ¡°You¡¯re willing to take me in?¡± she asked, an edge of disbelief in her voice. ¡°You need a place to stay,¡± Leo shrugged. ¡°I¡¯ve got an empty room.¡± Luna hesitated, then gave a small nod. To make amends for her theft, the villagers assigned Luna the task of repairing the town¡¯s abandoned clock tower. None of them expected what happened next. Luna demonstrated an astonishing talent for machinery. She placed a rusted gear in her mouth for a moment, and when she removed it, it was as pristine as new. Broken pendulums reassembled themselves under her touch as though time itself was reversing. On the night of the full moon, as the repairs neared completion, Luna absentmindedly played a tune on the metal framework. The ancient melody drifted through the night air, and suddenly, all the metal in the vicinity began to levitate. Silver light flickered like stars suspended in the sky. The villagers, once wary, now stood in awe. Some even began to seek her out for help in repairing tools. Leo, too, was surprised by her abilities. One day, while cleaning the stained glass window at the top of the sanctum, Luna made a discovery. Beneath the dust, she uncovered an image¡ªan old depiction of an adventuring party of five. The figure at the forefront bore an uncanny resemblance to Leo. A deep sense of intrigue took root in her mind. That night, she shared her discovery with Leo and voiced her desire to search for the "Silver Pentagram Adventurers." Leo was silent for a long moment. Then, almost unconsciously, he touched his collarbone. There, a five-pointed star was branded into his skin. He had never understood its origin. Perhaps searching for the Silver Pentagram Adventurers would help him reclaim the memories he had lost. In the end, Leo decided to leave town with Luna. But the morning of their departure, the village elder received a torn and weathered wanted poster from Emerald City. The symbol on it¡ªthe same five-pointed star¡ªwas identical to the brand on Leo¡¯s collarbone. Everything grew more uncertain. Before Leo and Luna could set out, an unexpected turn of events occurred. Luna was suddenly dragged into the depths of the clock tower by an unseen force. Leo rushed after her, only to be met with a shocking sight. Beneath the clock tower, a massive bronze wall loomed, covered in dense inscriptions¡ªrows upon rows of confessions, each etched with a weight of sin and regret. And at its center, carved deeper than the rest, was a name that sent a chill down his spine. ¡°Leo.¡± He stood frozen, a flood of fragmented memories pressing at the edges of his mind. ¡°¡­What is this?¡± Chapter 3 : The Secret of Emerald City The air in the bronze tunnel was heavy, filled with the damp scent of rusting metal. Every seven steps Leo took, new words of confession emerged on the walls: "May salvation descend upon me." "I should not have peered into the forbidden." "Emerald City... purification failed..." The words flickered dimly, as if an abandoned soul were whispering its regrets. Leo frowned, gripping his broken sword instinctively. Luna¡¯s cries for help echoed from deep within the passage, urging him forward. After navigating the dark corridor, he reached the central chamber¡ªan empty stone hall etched with ancient runes. Luna was bound to a stone platform, chains wrapped tightly around her, while a faint blue light pulsed from her mechanical core, resonating with the runes on the walls. A deep voice echoed through the chamber: "You cannot leave the town." From the shadows, an ancient suit of armor emerged. Blackened metal was entwined with threads of foul energy. Inside the helmet, there was no face¡ªonly a hollow void, yet it spoke with a low, solemn tone. Slowly, it raised a long spear, pointing directly at Leo. "¡­Good," Leo muttered, his voice steady as he pulled free his cloth-wrapped broken sword. The battle erupted instantly. The guardian''s spear thrust like a violent gust of wind. Leo dodged, parrying with his sword as sparks flew. The armor moved with unnatural precision, unbound by the limitations of a living body. Realizing brute force was futile, Leo feinted to the right before rolling away, creating an opening. In a swift motion, he leaped toward Luna¡¯s chains, slashing downward. Clang! The chains shattered, and Luna landed lightly, quickly analyzing the situation. Observing the guardian¡¯s movements, she spoke calmly, ¡°It¡¯s driven by some kind of corrupted energy. It has no true body¡ªdestroying its core will stop it.¡± The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. They fought side by side, Luna calculating the guardian¡¯s weaknesses while Leo delivered precise strikes. In a final decisive moment, Leo drove his sword through the armor¡¯s core. A twisted phantom flickered inside the empty shell, murmuring in a hollow voice: "Emerald City... a failed specimen of purification..." With those last words, the armor collapsed into dust. A streak of shimmering data shot into Luna¡¯s body, and as her mechanical core processed the information, she opened her eyes and whispered: ¡°¡­This is a three-dimensional map of Emerald City.¡± Everything was pointing them in the same direction. Exchanging a glance, they silently reached a decision. After several days of travel, Leo and Luna arrived at Emerald City, a metropolis surrounded by cascading waterfalls. The city walls shimmered in the water¡¯s reflection, glowing with an emerald brilliance. The streets were bustling, and every citizen wore a five-pointed star pendant around their neck¡ªa peculiar symbol that emitted a faint glow, as if representing some kind of faith. Blending into the crowd, they carefully observed their surroundings. The city appeared peaceful, yet Luna¡¯s mechanical core detected residual traces of corruption in the air. Just then, a small child bumped into Luna and fell, their pendant slipping from their neck and hitting the ground with a crisp clink, forming a tiny crack. "I-I''m sorry!" The child panicked and scrambled to pick it up. Luna crouched down, picking up the pendant first. Examining it closely, she brushed a fingertip over the crack, attempting to repair it¡ªbut the moment she made contact, a hidden mechanism activated. ¡°¡­This isn¡¯t an ordinary pendant,¡± she murmured. Inside the pendant was a micro-container of corrupted energy, and through it, she glimpsed a vision¡ªmemories of the child¡¯s parents in a bitter argument, their anger and sorrow locked away. A troubling realization settled in her mind. As night fell, the citizens gathered by a stream flowing through the city, dipping their five-pointed star pendants into the water. The moment the pendants touched the surface, distorted images appeared¡ªfragments of painful memories, all dissolving into the current. The people¡¯s expressions softened, as if they had been relieved of their burdens. Leo and Luna exchanged wary glances. It seemed the people of Emerald City were "purifying" themselves¡ªerasing unwanted memories. To uncover the truth, they needed answers from the city¡¯s ruler. However, their repeated requests to meet the city lord were refused. Left with no choice, they decided to infiltrate the lord¡¯s manor under the cover of darkness. Navigating past patrols, they slipped into the manor and found the lord¡¯s private chamber. Inside, an elderly man lay in bed, his body partially crystallized, transparent formations creeping across his skin. Above his bed, an old, tattered banner of the Silver Pentagram Adventurers hung on the wall. Hearing their footsteps, the man slowly opened his eyes. His gaze fell upon Leo, and for a brief moment, a mixture of shock and recognition crossed his face. ¡°¡­It¡¯s you.¡± His voice was hoarse and weak. Leo froze. A distant memory surfaced¡ªan old man sitting by a campfire, telling him stories of the Silver Pentagram Adventurers. ¡°¡­You?¡± Leo murmured. A faint smile appeared on the lord¡¯s face as he weakly lifted a trembling hand, removing the bandages covering his face. Beneath them, half of his features had crystallized completely, yet his eyes remained sharp. ¡°You want to know the truth about Emerald City, don¡¯t you?¡± he rasped. ¡°All the answers¡­ are hidden at the roots of the Great Tree.¡± With his final strength, he whispered an incantation¡ª "Silent Forest, Shadowed Thorns." At that moment, Leo and Luna realized they were about to uncover the deepest secret of Emerald City. Chapter 4 : The Mechanical Jellyfish Beneath the Starry Sky Night had fallen, and the lights of Emerald City flickered in the darkness, resembling stars that had descended from the heavens. Leo and Luna stood before the ancient giant tree at the city''s center. Its tangled roots intertwined with the city''s architecture, as if forming the lifeline of Emerald City itself. "This is the place," Leo murmured, recalling the Starshine Incantation the city lord had taught them before his death. He took a deep breath, gazed up at the tree¡¯s weathered trunk, and slowly recited the unfamiliar yet oddly familiar words. As the incantation faded, the tree¡¯s roots trembled slightly, and the ground shimmered with golden light. A hidden fissure slowly opened, revealing a descending passage. Luna blinked her left eye, silver starlight flashing faintly in her pupil. "There¡¯s¡­ a highly complex mechanical structure down there," she said softly, a strange familiarity in her voice. Leo nodded, and together, they stepped into the fissure, their figures swallowed by the darkness. Inside the passage, gears and plant roots spiraled together, forming an eerie yet magnificent spectacle. Metal and life blended seamlessly¡ªboth rigid and organic, as though the result of deliberate engineering or a miracle of nature itself. Ahead, a vast hall unfolded, with a pulsating mechanical heart suspended in its center. With each rhythmic beat, it released a stream of warm golden energy, flowing through the pipes into the tree¡¯s roots. Leo frowned, watching the glowing tendrils seep with golden liquid. He muttered, "So this is¡­ the purification system of Emerald City." Luna stepped forward, her hand gently touching the mechanical heart¡¯s surface. A pulse ran through her fingertips¡ªfamiliar, instinctual. The heart¡¯s rhythm matched her own mechanical core, perfectly synchronized. Suddenly, Luna¡¯s left eye flared, projecting a silvery-white beam into the air. A hazy image materialized¡ªa shadowed figure standing before this very tree, holding its energy heart, embedding runes, and constructing the core of this purification sanctuary. The figure¡¯s face¡­ was Leo¡¯s. Leo¡¯s pupils contracted, his body freezing in place. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. "That¡­ is me?" His voice was hoarse, disbelief thick in his tone. His mind spun. The energy heart planted in the past was completely different from the mechanical heart before them now¡ªhad someone replaced it? Before he could process further, the image shattered. The mechanical heart convulsed violently, its gears spinning out of control. The sudden reversal of energy triggered a catastrophic malfunction. The ground beneath them trembled, walls began to collapse, and a powerful surge of energy erupted outward. "Run!" Leo grabbed Luna¡¯s hand just as a colossal shockwave engulfed them, hurling them into the unknown abyss. Cold water surged over them as they were pulled into a relentless whirlpool, tumbling downward until they were finally thrown onto a soft riverbed. Dimly glowing mushrooms bathed the damp cavern in an eerie blue light. Leo coughed up water, struggling to sit up. Scattered around them were countless transparent glass capsules, each containing blurred images, like fragments of dreams sealed away. He picked one up, and a vision surfaced inside¡ªthe image of a child being scolded by his mother, tears glistening in his eyes before the memory faded. "These are¡­ the memories erased from Emerald City''s people?" Luna whispered, her fingers brushing over the capsules, feeling the emotions trapped within. Footsteps echoed from the darkness. A hooded figure emerged, stepping forward with a slow, deliberate pace. As he lifted his hood, his half-crystallized face was revealed¡ªa face identical to that of the city lord. "Welcome to the Exiles'' Sanctuary," he said in a deep voice. The exiles encircled them, their bodies partially crystallized, their eyes filled with sorrow and pain. These were the ones who had been the first to undergo the purification experiment, only to be deemed failures and cast away, forced to survive in the underground ruins, clinging to the discarded memories. "Who are you?" Leo asked cautiously. The elder answered slowly, "We were the first subjects of Emerald City''s purification process." A bitter gleam flickered in his gaze. "The so-called ''purification'' was nothing more than a lie dressed as salvation. We were the initial test subjects, but the process wasn¡¯t perfect. The pain wasn¡¯t erased¡ªit was merely sealed within our bodies. Over time, it crystallized, turning us into monsters. To prevent panic, they abandoned us here, never allowing us to return to the surface." Leo remained silent, his chest tightening with unspoken fury. The peace of Emerald City had been built upon these people¡¯s suffering. At that moment, a sudden tremor rumbled through the cavern ceiling. Something fell from above, crashing heavily onto the ground. The masked thief! The thief struggled to his feet, his gaze scanning the surroundings before locking onto Leo. His pupils shrank in shock, his voice laced with disbelief. "It¡¯s you!?" Leo''s heartbeat pounded. He stared at the familiar eyes, fragments of forgotten memories stirring within him, yet nothing surfaced. "You¡­ know me?" Leo asked in a low voice. The thief didn¡¯t answer. He took a wary step back, seemingly weighing his options. Luna, watching closely, subtly raised her fingers, ready to act at a moment¡¯s notice. But then¡ªthe tremors intensified. Above them, the mechanical heart¡¯s energy spiraled out of control, reversing at an unstable rate. A massive explosion was imminent. The thief''s expression shifted dramatically, his voice hoarse with urgency. "This isn¡¯t right. The tree¡¯s heart has been stable for years¡ªwhy is it reversing now?" Before anyone could respond, a raging tide of golden energy roared through the underground river, engulfing everything in its path. Darkness descended once more. Chapter 5 : The Shattered Purification A violent surge of energy erupted in the center of the sanctuary. The mechanical heart of the great tree trembled violently, its surface splitting into countless cracks. Golden energy intertwined with black corruption, churning like the core of a world on the verge of collapse. Leo stared at the energy storm, cold sweat beading on his forehead. Every instinct screamed a warning¡ªif the heart exploded, the entire Emerald City would be torn apart. "Get out of here!" He reached for Luna, but she remained still, her silver mechanical pupils reflecting the frenzied beating of the heart. She seemed entranced by an unseen resonance. "Leo, don''t come closer." Luna¡¯s voice was calm, yet carried a firmness he had never heard before. She raised both hands, her mechanical fingers trembling slightly, then pressed them against the surface of the heart. Instantly, a torrent of energy poured into her, flooding her mechanical core. It spun wildly, syncing perfectly with the heart¡¯s pulse. Luna¡¯s body shook violently. Her left eye projected countless intricate magical sigils, and a silver-white radiance illuminated the entire sanctuary. Under her influence, the heart''s energy circuits stabilized¡ªbut at a cost. Cracks formed along her body, golden veins of energy spreading through her mechanical joints. "Luna, stop!" Leo lunged forward, only to be thrown back by a powerful shockwave. Boom! The mechanical heart shattered under Luna¡¯s control. The roots of the great tree, once pulsing with life, shriveled like severed veins. The waterfalls cascading above Emerald City reversed their flow, golden purification liquid swirling within them as though the city¡¯s very lifeblood had begun to flow backward. All across the city, pentagram pendants shot into the air, converging toward the great tree. They wove into a dazzling river of stars before plummeting into the abyss beneath the darkened sanctuary. The barrier of Emerald City¡ªwas broken. Beneath the city, in the long-silent fissure of darkness, a radiant blue light surged skyward. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. A colossal mechanical jellyfish burst through the ground, slowly ascending into the sky. Its body was a behemoth of shimmering currents, its translucent shell pulsing with a deep azure glow. Countless pentagram pendants were strung along its massive tendrils, forming chains of light that draped like a celestial river across the sky. Atop the jellyfish stood a familiar figure¡ªthe Elder of the Exiled, his tattered robes billowing in the wind. His crystallized skin glimmered under the eerie blue light, like a frozen statue carved from sorrow and time. Behind him, mounted on the jellyfish¡¯s back, were the exiles, their eyes burning with a mix of anticipation and vengeance. The Elder spread his arms wide, his voice rolling like thunder across the city¡ª "At last... we are free!" His voice trembled with exhilaration, laced with a madness born of decades in the dark. "For years, we were cast out, forgotten, discarded into the abyss! But now, we have returned! Emerald City¡ªour stolen home¡ªshall be reborn in truth!" The jellyfish¡¯s tendrils pulsed. The pentagram pendants melted into its form, reshaping its armored exterior. Its once-fluid body solidified, growing more resilient, its energy surging with newfound intensity. Boom¡ª! A massive tendril lashed out, plucking the dying City Lord from the ruins, bringing him before the Elder. The City Lord¡¯s cloudy eyes cracked open. He stared at the Elder and let out a weary chuckle. "So... you never gave up after all." "Of course not," the Elder murmured. He pressed a hand against the City Lord¡¯s chest, intricate sigils blooming beneath his touch. A golden light seeped into the Lord¡¯s body, undoing his crystalline affliction. His flesh regained its warmth, his once-lifeless skin breathing anew. The City Lord let out a quiet laugh. "You used the mechanical automaton as a magical conduit¡­ triggered the great tree¡¯s heart¡­ So this was your plan all along." The Elder met his gaze, emotions flickering within his ancient eyes. "You were also one of the first failed experiments of purification. Do you feel no urge for revenge?" The City Lord fell silent for a long moment before slowly closing his eyes. "¡­If we¡¯ve come this far, then do as you wish." The city¡¯s guards finally gathered their wits. Weapons were raised, arrows and spells rained toward the mechanical jellyfish in a desperate counterattack. But its energy shield was unshakable. With a single command from the Elder, the exiled warriors leapt from the jellyfish, colliding with the city¡¯s forces in a battle decades in the making. In the midst of the chaos, a lone figure leapt from the jellyfish''s back, landing lightly in the heart of the battlefield. The masked thief. He unsheathed his dagger, scanning the battlefield until his gaze locked onto Leo. His lips curled into a knowing smirk. Then, with a flicker of motion, he lunged forward¡ª "Let¡¯s see who you really are!" Leo reacted instantly. His broken sword met the thief¡¯s dagger with a burst of sparks. Steel clashed against steel as the two figures became locked in a whirlwind of blows amidst the raging battle. Meanwhile, Luna raised her arm, her mechanical core glowing with raw energy. Her eyes gleamed with intricate silver sigils. "Automaton Magic: Domain Interference!" A silver pulse radiated from her outstretched palm, locking onto the jellyfish¡¯s tendrils. In an instant, several of them convulsed uncontrollably, their movements thrown into disarray. Leo seized the opportunity. He leapt onto the wreckage of a collapsed building, his broken sword raised high. Slash! One of the tendrils was severed. Black liquid spewed from the wound, and the jellyfish let out an earth-shaking wail. The Elder''s expression darkened. His gaze bore into Leo and Luna, his voice now cold and devoid of its earlier triumph. "¡­So, you intend to stand against our rebirth?" His hand lifted. The jellyfish¡¯s core pulsed violently. In the skies above, a vast, intricate magic array began to take form¡ª "Then let me show you¡­ what true evolution looks like." Boom¡ª! Golden light exploded across the battlefield. The war had begun. Chapter 6 : The Shattered Starsea The colossal mechanical jellyfish stretched its luminescent tendrils across the night sky of Emerald City, resembling a drifting river of stars. Beneath its translucent shell, the azure energy core pulsed rhythmically, and its massive body glided through the air, each movement of its tendrils sending waves of magical resonance through the atmosphere. A suffocating pressure filled the air. Leo took a deep breath and suddenly pushed off the ground, leaping onto one of the jellyfish¡¯s gear-shaped suction tendrils using a collapsed stone pillar for momentum. The friction between his boots and the metal produced a sharp screech. The tendril beneath his feet trembled slightly, sensing the intruder, and began to twist violently in an attempt to throw him off. At that moment, a shadow emerged from the darkness¡ª The masked thief! "Your opponent is me." Twin daggers reversed in grip, the thief lunged at Leo like a bolt of lightning! The razor-sharp blades sliced through the air with a piercing whistle, aiming straight for Leo¡¯s throat! Leo reacted swiftly, raising his broken sword to block. Sparks erupted in the night as steel clashed against steel. Their battle unfolded atop the jellyfish¡¯s main tendril, a battlefield of constantly rotating mechanical gears, where each misstep could mean plunging into the abyss. Just as the thief¡¯s blade was about to cut into Leo¡¯s collarbone¡ª He froze. Silver moonlight spilled over them, casting light upon a faint scar on Leo¡¯s collarbone¡ªa shallow five-pointed star, as if branded by searing light. The thief¡¯s pupils constricted violently, his entire body stiffening. "¡­Impossible." Leo didn¡¯t waste the moment. With a swift flick of his broken sword, he tore away the thief¡¯s mask. A face¡ªboth unfamiliar and strangely familiar¡ªwas revealed before him. Yet, Leo¡¯s expression remained unreadable. His memory was still blank. Even looking at the man¡¯s face, no recollections surfaced. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. The thief seemed momentarily stunned, as if struck by the complete lack of recognition in Leo¡¯s eyes. His lips trembled slightly, as if he wanted to say something¡ª But before he could, the jellyfish¡¯s tendril suddenly whipped through the air, hurling him skyward! The thief plummeted toward the ground. But just before impact, a mechanical tendril shot out, wrapping around him and suspending him mid-air. A low voice echoed through the battlefield. ¡ªThe voice of the Exiled Elder. "Keep stalling them, thief boy! Once the jellyfish absorbs enough life energy, it can reverse the curse on you!" The thief¡¯s gaze flickered. He looked at the battlefield¡ªsaw Leo fighting alongside the city guards, saw the jellyfish¡¯s tendrils coiling around helpless civilians, draining them of their life force. In his ears, an old memory resurfaced¡ª A younger Leo, standing atop Emerald City¡¯s high tower, overlooking the people below. His gaze was resolute, his voice echoing across the city. "The Great Tree will create a better purification system for Emerald City." Back then, he was filled with hope, filled with conviction. And now, the thief¡¯s fists clenched ever so slightly. Elsewhere, Luna maneuvered along the jellyfish¡¯s exterior, her mechanical core resonating faintly with its energy pulses, as if something inside was calling to her. Then, she noticed something¡ª The rhythm of the jellyfish¡¯s energy core¡­ was perfectly synchronized with the masked thief¡¯s breathing! "¡­What is this?" Ignoring the risk, she leapt into the jungle of mechanical tendrils, her silver-white fingers brushing against the jellyfish¡¯s core. Instantly, her visual systems collapsed. A flood of foreign memories surged into her consciousness¡ª ¡ªA boy, curled up inside a merfolk tidal altar. But he wasn¡¯t an ordinary boy. He had the body of a human, but the tail of a merfolk. A priest stood over him, star-forged dagger in hand, his voice cold and merciless. "Weaklings are unworthy of the Song of Tides." The dagger slashed across the boy¡¯s throat. He writhed in pain, his voice stolen forever¡­ Luna¡¯s eyes snapped open, her mechanical heart pounding wildly. "¡­I see now." The masked thief was the one providing the water-element core energy for the mechanical jellyfish. Her gaze locked onto him. His combat movements¡ªsomething was off. Every third strike, he deliberately slashed at specific angles, leaving marks on the metal surface! A coded message! Luna dashed toward Leo. "The thief is transmitting a message through his attacks!" Leo inhaled sharply, analyzing the marks to pinpoint the jellyfish¡¯s main energy conduit. With a sudden leap, he raised his broken sword high¡ª And struck. Squelch! The primary conduit was severed. The jellyfish¡¯s energy flow spiraled into chaos. Its glowing tendrils convulsed violently, and its core pulsed erratically, its blue light flickering in distress. At the same moment, the city lord suddenly appeared behind Luna, grabbing her arm. But the thief moved. Feigning an attack on Luna, he spun at the last second¡ª And drove his dagger straight into the city lord¡¯s heart. The city lord¡¯s eyes widened, disbelief flooding his face as blood trickled from his lips. "¡­You¡­" The thief said nothing. He only cast Leo a long, lingering look before turning toward the jellyfish¡¯s core. "¡­This is my final defiance." He spread his arms wide¡ª And released his last, stolen voice¡ª A merfolk¡¯s battle song. A thunderous wave of sound burst forth, shattering the jellyfish¡¯s protective barrier in an instant! Its entire system collapsed. As it plummeted, the core¡¯s gravitational pull surged, drawing in everyone nearby. Their bodies began crystallizing¡ª Leo reached out, trying to grab the thief¡ª But his fingers grasped only empty air. The thief¡¯s lips moved, forming silent words¡ª "Go to the Clockwork Court¡­ find the real¡­" Before he could finish, his body fully crystallized, sinking into the abyss alongside the jellyfish. The waterfall reversed its flow, clouds churned¡ª Revealing a floating citadel of interlocking gears, suspended high above the heavens. The Clockwork Court had awakened. Chapter 7 : The Apex of Gears The night was deep, and silver moonlight cascaded down, illuminating an inverted waterfall that stretched into the sky. It was the Emerald City Falls. Once a ceaseless torrent, the waterfall had undergone a transformation upon the collapse of the mechanical jellyfish¡ªits rushing waters had solidified mid-air, forming a resplendent staircase of crystalline gears that spiraled toward the heavens. Leo and Luna stood at the foot of the staircase, gazing up at the dreamlike path. Luna activated her mechanical eye, her pupils slightly contracting as she observed the energy coursing through the crystalline steps. ¡°...This energy is the same as the seal on your collarbone.¡± Leo placed a hand on his collarbone, where the five-pointed star scar faintly glowed with a subtle warmth. He remained silent for a moment before stepping onto the staircase of gears. Each step was like a transparent gemstone, slowly rotating beneath their feet, producing a deep, resonant hum¡ªas if the entire Mechanical Court was responding to their arrival. When they reached the summit, the sight before them was breathtaking¡ª A colossal citadel of gears floated in the night sky, constructed from a vast network of interwoven metal conduits and nerve-like pipelines. The architecture was ancient yet precise, with every inch of its walls engraved with intricate magical inscriptions, seemingly remnants of a lost civilization. They passed through an archway entwined with pulsating nerve conduits, their surfaces flowing with a luminous blue liquid like veins coursing through a living being. Leo¡¯s fingers brushed against one of the conduits¡ª In an instant, a surge of scorching memories flooded his mind! ¡ªOver a decade ago, the Emerald City had not yet fallen. The sky was clear, and the streets were bustling with life. A young figure stood at the heart of the city, raising an energy crystal high above the crowd, showcasing his invention. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. ¡°This tree will become the new heart of Emerald City.¡± The voice was Leo¡¯s, yet younger, more resolute, filled with unwavering confidence. He gazed at the newly sprouted Purification Tree, his face brimming with pride. ¡°It will absorb all the city¡¯s tainted memories, granting the people of Emerald City a fresh start.¡± But the vision abruptly shifted¡ª In the shadows, someone tampered with the tree, replacing its true heart with a mechanical core. The corrupted system gradually spiraled out of control, ultimately leading to the catastrophe of today. The real heart had been hidden away¡ªwithin the Mechanical Court! Leo¡¯s eyes snapped open, his forehead slick with cold sweat. ¡°...So that¡¯s the truth.¡± Luna steadied him, her tone grave. ¡°So you once created the Purification Tree for Emerald City¡­ but someone altered it, causing today¡¯s disaster?¡± Leo nodded, his expression complex. ¡°And the true heart¡­ lies ahead.¡± They pressed forward through the archways, finally arriving at the central control chamber of the Mechanical Court. Suspended in the air at the chamber¡¯s center was a verdant heart, pulsating with a soft green glow. Encircling it were countless gears and magical circuits, as if the entire Court drew its power from this very source. As they approached, the air itself seemed to shift. ¡ªA translucent figure materialized. It was another Leo. Identical in every way, yet devoid of life. A mere projection. He lifted his head, his gaze cold, gripping a spectral longsword that barred their path. ¡°¡­Trial candidates, prove your worth.¡± With those words, the phantom lunged, sword flashing. Without hesitation, Leo raised his broken blade to meet the strike. Their weapons clashed in a burst of sparks, illuminating the chamber. The phantom¡¯s swordsmanship was swift and precise¡ªsharper, even, than Leo¡¯s own. Every strike was aimed directly at his weak points. The battle reached a deadlock. Luna, analyzing the fight with her mechanical eye, noticed a pattern in the phantom¡¯s movements. Quietly, she began setting a magnetic trap beneath the floor. ¡°Leo, step left!¡± Leo obeyed, sidestepping just as the phantom¡¯s blade wavered¡ªits movements momentarily slowed by the magnetic field. Seizing the opportunity, Leo swung his broken sword¡ª Slash! The phantom shattered, dissolving into motes of stardust. ¡°¡­Trial passed.¡± The voice echoed as it faded. Leo and Luna stood before the suspended heart, exchanging a glance before reaching out without hesitation¡ª Boom! A surge of green light erupted, shaking the entire Mechanical Court. The true heart of the Purification Tree had returned to its rightful place. Far below in Emerald City, the once-withered tree stirred. Its branches burst forth with new life, shattering layers of ruin as radiant light spilled into the city. Meanwhile, the structure of the Mechanical Court began to collapse. Countless gears crumbled, disintegrating into stardust that drifted into the night. The crystallized citizens returned to flesh and blood. Slowly, they opened their eyes¡ªas if awakening from a long nightmare. As for the exiles of the underground, they transformed into beams of starlight, merging with the roots of the tree, becoming the eternal watchlights of the subterranean world. Ancient texts long lost to time reemerged, illuminated beneath their glow. Leo and Luna stood amid the ruins of the Mechanical Court, watching the scattered fragments of gears vanish into the night sky. Turning back toward Emerald City, they saw the resurrected tree standing tall¡ªa beacon of a new beginning. Luna murmured, ¡°This¡­ this is what you once created. And now, it has finally found its way home.¡± Leo said nothing, simply gazing down at his palm¡ªwhere traces of the phantom¡¯s fading light lingered. The wind stirred, carrying the remnants of the Mechanical Court into the cosmos, scattering them across the heavens like a celestial river. ¡ªThus, the Mechanical Court came to an end. Chapter 8 : The Song of Tides The new lord of Emerald City, deeply grateful for Leo and Luna¡¯s sacrifices, decided to offer them a personal gift. He led them deep into the treasury, where countless ancient artifacts lay hidden. However, his gaze was fixed on a particular object that shimmered with an unusual radiance. It was a ring¡ªsmooth, metallic, and unassuming in design, yet crafted with extraordinary precision. A tiny, transparent gemstone was embedded in it, and when light passed through, the gem seemed to hold an endless, flowing void within. ¡°This is the Void Ring.¡± The lord¡¯s voice was solemn, tinged with reverence. ¡°Forged from the essence of the Great Tree, it connects to the void and gathers various elements. The wearer can access its stored energy at will.¡± Leo took the ring, feeling the faint pulse of its energy. It fit his finger perfectly, as if responding to something deep within him. ¡°Thank you for this gift,¡± Leo said, though a strange unease stirred in his heart¡ªthe ring¡¯s energy felt eerily familiar, as if tied to the fragmented memories that had haunted him. Luna observed the ring with narrowed eyes, sensing something beyond its simple appearance. It resonated with an inexplicable part of her intuition. After briefly explaining how to use the ring, the lord bid them farewell, and the two resumed their journey. On the third day after leaving Emerald City, Luna suddenly stopped in her tracks. Her brows furrowed as her sharp gaze swept across their surroundings. ¡°Leo, do you feel that?¡± Her voice was low and tense. Leo halted as well, scanning the area. ¡°Feel what?¡± ¡°We¡¯re being followed.¡± There was an urgency in Luna¡¯s tone that was impossible to ignore. She adjusted her perception, searching for any anomalies. Then¡ªfaintly¡ªshe heard it. A heartbeat, almost ghostlike, lingering in the air. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Leo, now on high alert, tightened his grip on his broken sword. The atmosphere felt heavy, an invisible pressure pressing down on them. That night, they set up camp in a dense forest. Moonlight filtered through the branches, and the wind carried the crisp scent of the wilderness. Sitting by the fire, they exchanged lighthearted words, yet both were acutely aware of the growing tension. Then¡ªsoft footsteps. A familiar presence drifted toward them. Luna instantly sprang to her feet, prepared for a confrontation. Leo followed suit, his expression dark as he fixed his gaze ahead. Under the moon¡¯s glow, a figure emerged from the trees¡ª A masked thief. Agile and armed with twin daggers, his face was hidden beneath a cloth veil. Leo wasted no time. With a swift step forward, he swung his fist¡ª A masked thief. Agile and armed with twin daggers, his face was hidden beneath a cloth veil. Leo wasted no time. With a swift step forward, he swung his fist¡ª BAM! The thief crumpled to the ground, unconscious. But what surprised them more was the tiny figure beside him. A delicate shell spirit, its wings flowing like shifting tides, hovered close. A faint melody, like the rhythmic crash of waves against the shore, whispered through the air. Luna¡¯s eyes widened in shock. ¡°This¡­ This is the Song of Tides.¡± The masked thief stirred, groaning as he regained consciousness. He stood, swaying slightly, and locked eyes with Leo. ¡°You don¡¯t remember me, do you?¡± His voice was low, laced with anger and a bitterness that ran deep. Leo studied the man¡¯s face, but his mind was blank. Yet, an unsettling familiarity crept into his heart. ¡°Who are you? Why are you following us?¡± Leo demanded, his voice cold. Silence. Then, the thief slowly removed his mask. A familiar face was revealed beneath. ¡°My name is Dan.¡± The thief¡¯s voice carried both resignation and fury. ¡°I was once a member of the Silver Pentagram.¡± Luna¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°You¡¯re Dan?¡± Dan nodded. His gaze was filled with layered emotions. ¡°Yes. One of the Silver Pentagram¡¯s own.¡± Leo stiffened. His mind felt like a shattered mirror¡ªfragments of memory attempting to surface but never fully forming. ¡°You really don¡¯t remember?¡± Dan¡¯s voice sharpened. ¡°You don¡¯t remember the battles we fought together?¡± Leo shook his head. ¡°I¡­ I can¡¯t.¡± Luna¡¯s voice broke the silence. ¡°The leader of the Silver Pentagram¡­ was Leo.¡± Leo¡¯s body tensed. The broken pieces of his past shifted again, but clarity remained out of reach. Dan¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Head north. There, you¡¯ll find a part of your missing memories.¡± He hesitated for a moment before continuing, his voice edged with frustration. ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting at my home¡ª¡± A pause. Then, a sharp glint in his eyes. ¡°Driftwind Sea.¡± With that, Dan broke free from their grasp and vanished into the night. Leo stared at the empty space where Dan had stood, his heart pounding. ¡°¡­Driftwind Sea?¡± Luna murmured, frowning. ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of it.¡± Leo¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°Neither have I.¡± Luna¡¯s fingers tightened around the Void Ring, deep in thought. A determined glint flashed in her eyes. ¡°We have to go,¡± she said. ¡°If there¡¯s even a chance it can unlock your past, we can¡¯t ignore it.¡± Leo took a slow breath, his resolve hardening. ¡°Then let¡¯s go,¡± he said. ¡°I need to know who I really am.¡± With that, they set off once more, their path now leading northward. No matter what dangers awaited them, Leo knew one thing¡ª He had to reclaim his lost memories. And the key to his past lay in the Driftwind Sea. Chapter 9 : The Blessing of Crescent Moon Lake The air grew colder as they ascended the snow-capped mountains. The wind whipped the snow in the valleys, as if a massive hand were gripping the distance between the sky and the earth. Wrapped in the mist, Leo and Luna ventured up a narrow path toward the mountain peak, the snow beneath their feet growing softer with each step. The cold air made every breath feel like inhaling frost and snow. The scene here was unlike any place they had encountered before¡ªthere was no oppressive darkness, only the stillness of pure white and ice-blue. After walking for some time, they finally emerged from the clouds, and the sight before them left them momentarily stunned. At the mountain¡¯s summit was not a barren wasteland of ice and snow, but a dreamlike basin. The lake spread out like a blue gemstone, and the village by its shores exuded warmth, as if it were a secluded sanctuary untouched by the outside world. ¡°This is incredible,¡± Luna murmured, her gaze lingering on the shimmering ripples of the lake. The warm atmosphere around her made it hard to believe that such a place could exist, especially since the cold winds of the mountain continued to ravage the peaks, yet here, it felt like spring. Leo stared at the village ahead, silent for a moment. Their journey had been fraught with battles and losses, filled with unanswered questions. Yet now, this peaceful village seemed to offer them a rare moment of respite. ¡°It seems we¡¯ve finally found a place to rest,¡± Leo said, glancing at Luna, his eyes filled with a mixture of weariness and relief. They said no more, simply walking toward the village. As they approached the village, the residents greeted them with warmth and enthusiasm, leaving Leo and Luna momentarily stunned. There was no hostility, no indifference¡ªonly genuine welcome and passionate hospitality. The villagers gathered around them, singing soft, melodic songs. Their voices rang like silver bells, echoing through the air as if angelic music filled the space. The village girls wove delicate wreaths from ice-blue moon dew flowers, gently placing them around Leo and Luna¡¯s necks. The wreaths were cool to the touch but carried a strange sense of tranquility, as if they could melt away all weariness and pain. Each moon dew flower emitted a faint, soothing fragrance that seeped deep into the heart, bringing a calm and comforting power. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. ¡°It is the blessing of the Moon Goddess,¡± the village elder said with a smile, his tone infused with mystery and solemnity. ¡°Wearing the moon dew flowers, you will feel the Moon Goddess''s protection. Peace and joy will always accompany you.¡± Leo and Luna exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with confusion and curiosity. This village was unlike any place they had ever been. The villagers¡¯ warmth and the peaceful lake around them gave off a sense of serene detachment from the world¡¯s troubles. The elder led them to the edge of Crescent Moon Lake. The water was crystal clear, reflecting the silver moon above like a perfect mirror. Moonlight bathed the lake, the ripples catching the light and giving the whole scene an air of mystery. The elder scooped a ladle of lake water and gently poured it over Leo and Luna¡¯s heads. The droplets slid down their hair and faces, bringing a refreshing coolness as if washing away the dust of their travels and the fatigue of their hearts. ¡°The blessing of the Moon Goddess will always protect you,¡± the elder¡¯s voice was deep and filled with tenderness. ¡°Crescent Moon Lake is the Moon Goddess¡¯s tear of compassion for all life, and the moon dew flowers are her will. All who come here feel the Goddess¡¯s grace.¡± As night fell, the moon hung high in the sky, casting its silvery light over the entire lake, creating a dreamlike vision on the water¡¯s surface. The villagers had prepared a lavish feast for Leo and Luna, with fragrant dishes and amber-hued wine that glowed in the cups. Despite the long and arduous journey, they finally felt a moment of warmth and peace on this tranquil land. After the meal, Leo and Luna walked to the shore of Crescent Moon Lake. The moon dew flowers swayed gently in the breeze, casting a soft blue glow. The moon¡¯s reflection rippled on the water¡¯s surface, merging with the gentle waves to create a breathtaking sight that left them breathless. Leo gazed at the lake, fragments of distant memories surfacing in his mind. In the midst of this serene landscape, he saw a version of himself¡ªone who had once set out on an endless journey in search of power and purification. Now, he felt a rare sense of calm, but beneath this tranquility, a greater mystery seemed to be hidden. ¡°Do you think the Moon Goddess really works this way?¡± Luna suddenly spoke, her voice low, as if pondering something deep. ¡°The Moon Goddess¡­¡± Leo furrowed his brows, a flicker of doubt in his eyes. ¡°I¡¯m not sure. But this lake, these flowers¡­ they do give us an unusual feeling.¡± Luna nodded, falling into a thoughtful silence before speaking again. ¡°If the Moon Goddess really guards this place in such a way, then perhaps she¡¯s connected to what we¡¯re searching for. Maybe we can find the answers we need here.¡± ¡°Mm, maybe it¡¯s time to rest,¡± Leo sighed deeply, letting go of some of the burdens weighing on his heart. He could feel the peace of this land, and both he and Luna needed this brief moment of tranquility to continue their journey. The next day, Leo and Luna decided to remain in Crescent Moon Lake Village for a while, to explore the secrets of the mysterious lake and the village. They needed more clues to continue their search for the memory fragments that Dan had mentioned. However, as they stayed longer by the lake, an undeniable thought began to form in Leo¡¯s mind: in this land blessed by the moon, could they find the true answers they sought, uncover their past, and discover the future that awaited them? The blessing of the Moon Goddess was powerful¡ªwould it guide them on their future journey, helping them unlock the great mysteries hidden behind the world? Chapter 10 : Moon Dew Flower Pod The night of Moon Lake was always peaceful and beautiful, the silver moonlight sprinkled on the surface of the lake, which was like a mirror, reflecting a bit of starlight. The Moon Dew Flower in the night was gently swaying in the breeze, its petals emitting a faint ice-blue glow, as if it was a sea of misty stars. However, behind this serenity, Leo and Luna gradually discovered the secrets hidden here. Ever since they came to Moon Lake Village, the warmth and tranquility of this village had given the duo a hint of long-lost comfort. The warmth and songs of the villagers also made them temporarily forget the hardship of the journey and their inner troubles. Especially at night, the villagers would collectively kneel by the lakeshore and whisper those silver-bell-like songs, which resonated with the gentle trembling of the Moon Dew Flower, filling the air with a faint icy blue dust. However, these seemingly beautiful sights gradually aroused Luna''s alarm as time passed. As a mechanical genius, her eyes could detect tiny abnormal components in the air through special scanning techniques. During one of her scans, her mechanical eyes discovered that the dust floating in the air actually contained trace amounts of ''Memory Extraction Particles''. These particles were almost identical to the core substance of the Emerald City''s giant tree purification device. Her heartbeat couldn''t help but speed up as she whispered to Leo, ¡°The composition of this dust is similar to the Giant Tree Purification Device. This means that there might be some kind of connection between ...... this village and Emerald City.¡± Leo sniffed, and the doubts in his heart rose. He looked down at the void ring on his hand. The surface of the ring flickered with a faint blue light, as if responding to Luna''s words. The ring suddenly absorbed the dust floating in the air, and then a blurry image emerged from within it: a robed human assembled with a silver pentagram was walking on the ridge of a snowy peak, with a pale snowy field behind him. The image was as blurry as a nightmare, yet it seemed unusually clear. Leo''s heart skipped a beat. He reached out and squeezed the Void Ring tightly, his eyes burning as he looked at Luna, ¡°This ring resonates after absorbing the energy of the Moon Dew Flower, perhaps there is some kind of unknown connection between this village and the Emerald City.¡± However, in this calm lake, Leo did not have the time to delve into more. His eyes fell on the moon dew flowers that were gradually wilting next to him. The petals of each flower began to become dry and lose their original luster. Luna''s mechanical eye analyzed the environment around the lake once again, scanning that some sort of reaction had occurred between the roots of the moon dew flowers and the lake water. Her voice was low, ¡°The energy absorbed by the Void Ring seems to be affecting the vitality of these flowers. These flowers are starting to wither because the Moon Dew Flower and the Giant Tree Purification Device have some sort of similar energy mechanism, and their energy sources are interconnected.¡± If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Along with the Void Ring constantly drawing on the life force of the Moon Dew Flowers, the Moon Dew Flowers were also wilting. That day the village chief found Leo and Luna, the village chief said worriedly from the sidelines, ¡°We''ve noticed that the wilting of the moon dew flowers is getting worse and worse. We thought there was something wrong with the lake water, but our village people don''t usually know anything about that, so maybe you guys can help us find out why.¡± Leo and Luna looked at each other and finally decided to head to the source of the Moon Dew Lake to see what was going on. The two followed the village chief to the lake, which was still crystal clear, but underneath the calm surface, there was an untold secret hidden. Luna carefully scanned the bottom of the lake with her mechanical eye, and suddenly, her eyes lit up slightly as she spotted an anomaly: ¡°There''s a layer of black flotsam attached to the bottom of the lake here.¡± She reached out and gestured for Leo to look, pointing towards the bottom of the lake. Leo also lowered his head and looked at the layer of black substance that seemed unrecognizable with the naked eye. They couldn''t help but feel suspicious. Without hesitation, the two of them dived into the lake water and quickly swam to the bottom of the lake with the direction provided by Luna''s mechanical eye. As they went deeper into the bottom of the lake, the scene in front of them gradually became clearer: hundreds of large roots wriggled in the lake water, devouring the murky liquid in the water and pumping it deeper. ¡°These roots ...... ¡°Leo frowned, ¡±This is the root system of the Emerald City''s giant tree!¡± ¡°This can''t be ......¡± Luna was deeply shocked, ¡±The root systems of the Emerald City Giant Tree, why are they here?¡± The two continued to follow the direction of the root system, and eventually, they found a waterlogged bronze altar in the depths of the lake bottom. In the center of the altar stood a faceless statue of a god, and strange energy emanated from the statue''s chest, which had a beating white energy heart embedded in it. And shockingly, the heart was entwined with a giant moon dew bud, the roots of each bud unexpectedly piercing deeply into the heart''s surroundings. The ancient inscription on the altar read, ¡°The Moon Dew Flower draws out defilement, transmits moonlight energy, and purifies everything.¡± These words were similar to what Leo and Luna had seen at the roots of the Emerald City''s giant tree, yet completely different. Numerous questions rose in Leo''s mind, ¡°This altar is even here? Why are these Moon Dew Flowers associated with the roots of the Giant Tree? And why is the water of the Moon Dew Lake able to purify filth?¡± He approached the idol and felt the faint vibrations coming from his heart, the pulsation of life and the convergence of energy caused a pang of unease in his heart. He whispered, ¡°I learned earlier in the ancient books that these Moon Dew Flowers turned out to be parasites on the roots of the Emerald City Giant Tree, but why are there no Moon Dew Flowers on the roots of the Emerald City Giant Tree.¡± Luna analyzed, ¡°The Void Ring absorbed the energy of the Moon Dew Flowers and caused the flowers to wither. The energy heart is not functioning enough to effectively purify the dirty energy, causing that energy to be discharged directly into the lake, causing even more serious pollution.¡± Leo took a deep breath and had a clear idea in his mind, ¡°The secrets here are far more complicated than we imagined. We must get to the bottom of this altar in order to find the root of the problem.¡± The two decided to continue their in-depth investigation in an attempt to unravel the mystery behind the Crescent Lake, while also realizing that this mysterious lake seemed to have an unbreakable link with the Emerald City''s past. And the secrets hidden by this altar might change the direction of their entire adventure. Chapter 11 : double-sided idol At the bottom of Crescent Lake, the dark waters were filled with a layer of strange dense, the temperature was freezing cold, and the air seemed to be frozen heavy. Leo and Luna were suspended in the water, the current beside them was delicate and slow, only their breathing and heartbeats broke this dead silence. The wilting of the Moon Dew Flower continued, and as the Void Ring drew on it, the light at the bottom of the lake became more and more disturbing. The Void Ring in Leo''s hand suddenly vibrated violently, and his fingertips felt an unprecedented power surging towards him, as if the black hole inside the ring was devouring everything. His expression became grave and his brows knitted. The ring''s energy was fluctuating in more ways than one, and he himself was unable to control it all. ¡°Leo! You ......¡± Luna had also sensed the ring''s abnormality, and her mechanical eyes had begun to flash a warning red light. ¡°The ring is absorbing energy, it''s becoming uncontrollable!¡± ¡°I know.¡± Leo replied in a low voice, a hint of helplessness in his tense breath. ¡°It''s devouring the power of these flowers, but there''s no way I can stop it.¡± As the Void Ring continued to absorb, the surrounding Moon Dew Flower Pods began to show extensive wilting, the white petals streaking like snowflakes as they quickly withered. Even with this change, Leo still couldn''t stop the ring''s energy absorption. The petals became fragile and subsequently fell off, sinking to the bottom of the lake. The flowers that were originally as white as jade seemed to have lost their vitality at this point. ¡°These flowers ...... ¡°Luna took a deep breath and looked around, the mechanical eye light on her face flickering slightly. She analyzed, ¡°The energy of these flowers has disappeared, perhaps ...... also affecting the operation of the Lunar Lake.¡± ¡°We have to find out why.¡± Leo forced himself to calm down and took a deep breath of the chilly underwater air as he suddenly realized that some kind of latent threat was creeping closer. Just then, a blur of light suddenly emerged from within the void ring, the image flickered like a dream, a picture intertwined into a picture of tattered memories. Leo''s eyes slightly lurched as those images played continuously with almost no pause - he saw that the roots of the Emerald City''s giant tree, where countless Moon Dew Flowers had originally grown, had suddenly lost their vitality at a certain point in time. The roots of the giant tree no longer nourished these flowers, but were suppressed by some mysterious force. Leo unconsciously whispered, his heart beating violently faster, the sight in front of him deeply shocked, ¡°The roots of the giant trees in the Emerald City ...... they used to be the parasites of the Moon Dew Flowers.¡± He gripped the Void Ring tightly and felt the energy surging within it intensify. The ring seemed to be responding to his shock; it seemed to realize that memory. Accompanied by more images, the details of everything gradually became clearer: the Emerald City''s giant tree was replaced with a mechanical heart, and the Moon Dew Flower gradually withered under the suppression of this power, eventually disappearing completely. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. ¡°So that''s it.¡± Leo muttered, his brows furrowed as his gaze became deep, as if he was recalling something from the past. ¡°This means ......,¡± Luna analyzed calmly, her gaze fixed on him, ¡±the power of the Moon Dew Flowers came from the Emerald City''s giant tree, of which they were once a part of the roots. But with the replacement of the mechanical heart, all that changed.¡± However, just as Leo and Luna were immersed in this unexpected discovery, the white energy heart at the bottom of the lake suddenly beat violently. With the beating of the heart, the surrounding water current seemed to fluctuate, and layers of ripples appeared on the originally transparent water surface. Then, Leo and Luna''s eyes focused on the energy heart - its color began to gradually shift, from a flawless white hue to a bright red filled with evil connotations. ¡°What is this ......¡± Leo''s heartbeat accelerated rapidly, and he realized that the change in front of him was not just as simple as an energy reaction at the bottom of the lake, but represented some kind of more profound change. Suddenly, Leo''s eyes snapped open. Just as he was still deep in thought, the faceless idol at the bottom of the lake suddenly moved, its blood-red eyes suddenly opening as if it had captured the presence of all living beings, radiating a strong sense of oppression. Those blood-red eyes seemed to pierce through all the nothingness, gazing deeply at Leo and Luna. ¡°What happened?¡± There was panic in Luna''s tone, but her mechanical eyes remained calm. ¡°This idol, it ......¡± Before she could finish, Leo pulled her hand violently, feeling an unspeakable energy spreading through the water. He knew that the awakening of the faceless idol meant that a greater danger was about to descend. Suddenly, the entire space at the bottom of the lake began to distort violently, and the originally calm surface of the lake transformed into an endless whirlpool, as Leo and Luna were attracted by the powerful force and lost their balance. Both of them felt a strong suction force almost simultaneously, followed by a huge pressure, as if there was an invisible weight pressing them towards the abyss. Just as the suction became more violent, the surrounding waters suddenly exploded into a whirlpool. Leo and Luna lost their sense of direction for a moment, and the scene in front of them instantly became blurry. Then, they were pulled into a collapsing illusion by the powerful force. The water was like a mirror, reflecting the endless sky, Leo and Luna stood on the boundless water, surrounded by silence. In front of them, it was the faceless idol, still standing in the distance, its blood-red eyes like an abyss, gazing at them. ¡°This is ......¡± Leo violently stopped his feet, a chill rose in his heart, ¡±This is not reality, this is ...... an illusion! ¡± ¡°No!¡± Luna analyzed nervously, ¡°This is an illusion, it''s manipulated by the idol! We must find the breakthrough as soon as possible!¡± Huge waves suddenly emerged from the water, and as they twisted, several grotesque water-shaped demons instantly emerged from the water. Their bodies were made of transparent water, and the water flowing from their limbs, claws, and mouths raged like living creatures. Whenever their bodies were severed, they quickly reconstituted themselves with water into a new form, seemingly never disappearing. ¡°These monsters ...... ¡°Leo''s sword blade flashed in the water as he said coldly, ¡±They are made of water and cannot be killed!¡± ¡°Only by destroying that faceless idol will these water-shaped demons disappear.¡± Luna frowned, her eyes cold. Her mechanical eye was already aimed at the faceless idol, ¡°Leo, we can''t delay, we must find a way as soon as possible!¡± Leo nodded, realizing that this was the only way. He drew his sword and quickly moved towards the idol''s back, preparing to attack from the idol''s blind spot. However, just as he was about to approach the idol, a sudden change occurred in front of his eyes - a brand new idol suddenly grew behind the faceless idol, a blood-red face with eyes that were still blood-red and filled with overwhelming power. ¡°How is this possible ...... ¡°Leo stopped in his tracks in shock, the shock on his face hard to hide. That idol had even derived a second side from its original foundation, turning into a two-sided idol. Instantly, the water-shaped demons in the water became even more ferocious, their speed accelerated, their strength increased, just like immortal demons, constantly lunging at Leo and Luna. The blood-red eyes of the two-faced idol gazed at the two, as if they wanted to devour them completely. ¡°We have to break its two-sided structure!¡± Luna said through gritted teeth, ¡°There''s no time, Leo!¡± Chapter 12 : Mirror Image Trickery The water illusion was full of killing opportunities. Leo and Luna''s figures were being pressed step by step by the water-shaped demonic creatures manipulated by the faceless idol, and the water currents around them twisted into a monster with teeth and claws, pouncing on them in a hideous manner. After each chop, the water demonic creature would quickly recover, as if it was immortal. What was even more disturbing was that the faceless idol changed once again, its stone surface twisting like a flowing liquid, deriving a second face from its single faceless state in just a few breaths. The originally indifferent faceless idol had now turned into a two-faced existence, with two pairs of scarlet eyes staring deathly at Leo and Luna, sending shivers down the spine. ¡°It''s turned into a two-faced idol again!¡± Luna quickly analyzed the enemy''s changes, her mechanical eyes captured the instantaneous changes in the idol''s structure and calmly said, ¡°It''s strengthening itself, even the water demonic objects have become stronger.¡± Leo gripped the broken sword in his hand tightly, his gaze was calm and steady, despite the extremely dangerous situation in front of him, he still didn''t retreat. The water demonic object surrounded them more and more tightly, even squeezing the two of them together, making it impossible for them to effectively launch an attack. ¡°It''s forcing us to restrict our movements.¡± Leo whispered, ¡°This way, our attack methods are restricted.¡± However, just as the water demonic object was on the verge of trapping them completely, the idol''s body suddenly trembled, and the outline of its second face twisted slightly, as if it was having trouble maintaining its two-sided form. Immediately afterward, its two-faced structure ruptured in an instant, reverting back to its single faceless form. ¡°This idol ...... doesn''t seem to be able to maintain its two-faced form for too long.¡± Luna''s gaze brightened slightly, immediately realizing where the opportunity lay, ¡°Leo, I can use mirror magic to create a doppelganger of you to distract it. Then you take the opportunity to go around to its back and launch a surprise attack!¡± Leo and Luna glanced at each other and understood each other. Even though there were no words exchanged, their tacit understanding no longer needed to be said. Luna quickly cast mirror magic, her finger gently clicked, a stream of light emerged in the air, and in an instant, a mirror image doppelganger identical to Leo appeared beside her. The mirror image doppelganger''s expression, movements and even the folds of his coat were all unrecognizable from the real Leo. ¡°Go!¡± Luna shouted lowly, and the mirror image doppelganger quickly merged into the battle, facing the water demonic creature side by side with her. At the same time, the real Leo silently disappeared into the water mist and quickly circled around to the back of the faceless idol. He gripped his broken sword tightly and adjusted his breathing to lock onto his target''s weak point. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. Luna took the opportunity to cast fire elemental magic, and a ball of flame suddenly rose up, colliding with the water demonic object and stirring up a large water mist. The thick water mist obscured the faceless idol''s field of vision, preventing it from accurately locking onto its target. It was at this moment that the real Leo seized the moment and rushed towards the back of the faceless idol like a speeding wind, his broken sword glowing with a faint cold light, stabbing straight into the idol''s core. However, the moment the sword blade was about to pierce into the idol, a sudden change occurred - the body of the faceless idol began to alienate once again, blood-red energy surged, the second face appeared once again, and the two-faced idol was reborn! Leo''s attack was blocked by that newborn second face, and the sword blade was actually unable to pierce through the idol''s defense! ¡°Damn it ......¡± Leo cursed in a low voice and immediately retreated to avoid being counterattacked by the idol''s power. At the same time, due to the influence of the idol''s power, Leo''s body began to become unstable, and eventually dissipated into light and shadow in the air. The faceless idol once again regained control of the battlefield and once again utilized the water demonic object to force the real Leo and Luna together. This time, the idol''s attack was even more violent, and the water demonic object''s attack was even more furious, as if it wanted to completely devour them. ¡°It''s reverted back to its one-sided form!¡± Luna quickly observed this change, while a bold strategy surfaced in her mind. She whispered to Leo, ¡°Let''s gamble again, do you trust me?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Leo didn''t hesitate for a second. The corners of Luna''s mouth rose slightly, and a sly glint flashed in her eyes as she quietly cast her magic. This time, Leo stood on the battlefield and did not take the initiative to attack, but stood quietly beside Luna as if he had already resigned himself to his fate and allowed the water demonic creature to approach. The faceless idol seemed to sense that victory was in sight, and it manipulated the Water Demon to violently launch a fatal strike - a huge Water Demon transformed into a sharp water blade and violently penetrated Leo''s chest! But that was only Leo''s doppelganger. The body of the doppelganger trembled violently for a moment, then slowly dissipated into a shadow. The red eyes of the faceless idol trembled slightly as it seemed to realize that something was wrong, but it was already too late. ¡°It''s now!¡± Luna shouted violently. The real Leo appeared behind the faceless idol, and the moment the stealth magic was lifted, he was already gripping the broken sword, ready to strike. Without any hesitation, Leo swung his sword with all his might, and with berserk power, he chopped the broken sword fiercely towards the core of the idol. ¡°Crack--!¡± Accompanied by a crisp cracking sound, cracks appeared in the body of the Faceless God Statue, red light flickered in the cracks, and eventually, the entire statue collapsed and shattered into countless pieces of stone. In an instant, the entire illusionary realm began to shake violently, the water falling apart like a broken mirror, the space around them collapsing, and violent energy sweeping over everything. Leo and Luna felt a strong suction force hit them, and their bodies were uncontrollably pulled towards the real world. When they opened their eyes again, they were already back at the bottom of Luna Lake. The remains of the broken Faceless God Statue was silently sinking at the bottom of the lake, while the energy heart that originally belonged to the statue was beating violently, its color gradually turning from scarlet to dark, and eventually turning into pure energy that was completely drawn by the Void Ring. The lake gradually subsided, and the surrounding area returned to deathly silence. Leo and Luna looked at each other and smiled, despite having just experienced a life and death encounter, their hearts had an extra sense of relief from victory. ¡°Looks like we made it.¡± Luna said softly, with a hint of exhaustion in her voice, but more than anything, she was relieved. Leo looked at the Void Ring on his hand with a deep gaze. He knew that this battle was only part of the journey, and the real challenge might still be waiting for them further away. Chapter 13 : The Secret of the Lake The lake slowly calmed down as if everything had never happened. Leo and Luna stood silently at the bottom of Crescent Lake, their breathing rapid and their heartbeats still hadn''t calmed down from the battle they had just fought. The fragments of the faceless idol sank to the bottom of the lake, turning into silent wreckage, and the energy heart that originally belonged to the idol had long since been absorbed by the Void Ring, and the bottom of the lake returned to a dead silence. ¡°We ...... succeeded?¡± Luna murmured in a low voice, her hand gently stroking over the corner of her forehead, her mechanical eyes still analyzing the changes around her. Leo didn''t answer immediately as he looked at his palm, the Void Ring still emitting a faint glow. He could feel an unfamiliar energy flowing through his body, a mysterious power drawn from the idol. However, he had no time to think about more as the lake began to become unusually clear, as if everything was returning to normal. ¡°Let''s go up and take a look.¡± Leo took a deep breath and adjusted his breathing before slowly floating up to the surface with Luna. The moment the two stepped from the lake onto land, their eyes instantly froze. The originally tranquil village was currently enveloped by a bizarre aura. The villagers gathered by the lake in twos and threes, their figures still familiar, but - their faces were no longer young. All of the villagers had become abnormally aged. Wrinkles crawled all over their faces, the once robust farmers were now hunched over, their hands covered with calluses and veins. The figures of children no longer existed; it was as if they had grown up overnight and become dying old men. And those already aged elders were even more thin and bony at this moment, as if they would turn into dust at any time. For a while, both Leo and Luna were unable to accept the sight in front of them. ¡°What''s ...... going on here?¡± Luna''s eyes widened as her mechanical eyes quickly scanned the villagers'' vital features, only to realize that their aging was not natural, but some kind of sudden change. Leo''s fists clenched slightly, his gaze heavy. They destroyed the faceless idol at the bottom of the lake, and at that moment, the Moon Dew Flower completely withered. Then, is the change ...... of these villagers related to the moon dew flower? The villagers walked slowly, and instead of anger in their eyes, they carried a complex emotion of both relief and regret. ¡°Moon God ah ...... This day has finally arrived.¡± The village chief''s voice echoed in the silent air, his face was already covered with wrinkles, but his eyes still had a wise light in them. Leo and Luna looked at each other, then lowered their heads and said sincerely, ¡°I''m sorry we didn''t solve the problem of the wilting Moon Dew Flower.¡± Their voices were filled with self-blame, after all, their goal was to help the villagers, but now they had caused irreparable consequences. However, the village chief smiled, a smile that didn''t have the slightest hint of reproach, but instead was filled with relief. He slowly shook his head, his voice hoarse but gentle, ¡°No, you guys don''t need to apologize. In fact, you guys just brought everything back to the way it was.¡± Leo frowned slightly, looking at the village chief in puzzlement. The village chief looked at the lake, his eyes deep, as if he had fallen into long ago memories, ¡°Do you guys know how we can live here for decades and our looks remain unchanged?¡± Luna blinked, her mechanical eyes quickly captured the residual energy in the villagers'' bodies, her pupils contracted slightly, ¡°Could ...... it be related to the Moon Dew Flower?¡± The village chief nodded slowly and continued, ¡°Then let''s start with our past. As a matter of fact, we are not native Moon Dew Lake villagers, but ''Primordial Purifiers'' from the Emerald City.¡± ¡°Primordial Purifiers?¡± Leo and Luna asked in unison. ¡°Yes.¡± The village chief''s voice was low and distant, ¡°As you already know, the Emerald City''s giant tree once conducted a vast ¡®Purification Experiment¡¯ in an attempt to purify human souls from the filth of the world.¡± Leo recalled the secret of the Emerald City, the giant tree''s roots originally grew moon dew flowers, but after the giant tree was replaced with a mechanical heart, the moon dew flowers withered completely. And the villagers in front of him were actually directly connected to that history? This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. The village elder sighed and continued, ''''Back then, the Emerald City''s experiment was not an overnight success. The initial purification system wasn''t perfect, and many of the experimental subjects collapsed because they weren''t adapted to the purification energy, turning into soulless walking corpses. And we - we are those very few who successfully underwent purification.¡± The villagers nodded in silence, their eyes showing complex emotions. The village chief''s gaze looked into the distance, and his voice slowly said, ¡°Later, we successful purifiers realized that the system was not perfect. Even though we obtained ''pure'' souls, those failed experimental subjects were left to languish in the city. Thus, we decided to leave the Emerald City and a more perfect purification system to them, while we, the successful ones, chose to leave and find a new home.¡± Hearing this, Leo''s heart rippled. He hadn''t expected that these villagers would have such a heavy past. ¡°When we left the Emerald City, we took with us the roots of a giant tree.¡± The village chief pointed towards the lake with a deep gaze, ¡°We hope to recreate the purification system in our new land, so that our souls will remain pure.¡± Luna nodded thoughtfully, ¡°So, you cast the root system of that giant tree into Lake Luna and found the seeds of the Moon Dew Flower here?¡± The village chief smiled, ¡°Exactly. Since that day, the Moon Dew Flower in the lake began to grow, and our appearance stopped changing from then on.¡± Hearing this, Leo finally understood - it turned out that the villagers hadn''t aged for decades, not because of the Moon God''s blessing, but because the power of the Moon Dew Flower was sustaining their state of life. And when they destroyed the faceless idol at the bottom of the lake and caused the Moon Dew Flower to wither, the villagers'' time resumed its flow and returned to nature. The village chief sighed softly, and the wrinkles on his face seemed to deepen a bit more, ¡°For decades, we have thought that it was the gift of the Moon God that allowed us to enjoy this unchanging serenity. But now it seems that it was just the aftermath of another purification system after all.¡± Leo was silent for a moment and slowly asked, ¡°Do you ...... regret it?¡± The village chief froze slightly, then smiled, that smile calm and relieved, ¡°No, we don''t regret it. Life should have followed the laws of nature, and the flow of time is the true life.¡± The villagers nodded their heads as well, and even though their bodies had aged, their eyes were relaxed like never before. Leo''s fingers clenched into fists as he watched all of this, his heart filled with self-blame. He didn''t think that his unintentional behavior had caused these villagers to lose their ¡°eternal time¡±. He looked down at his hand, the faint energy fluctuation still remained on the void ring, that was the residual afterglow of the energy heart. Luna''s mechanical eyes flickered with a shimmering light, her brow furrowed deeply as she murmured, ¡°It''s all because of us ...... that we''ve caused all of this.¡± Her voice was tinged with pain and guilt, they had come here to help the villagers, but they ended up personally breaking the peaceful life they had lived for decades. Just then, the village chief slowly came forward, his figure was much more stooped, but those eyes still shone with a wise light. He looked at the two of them and smiled, his tone calm, ''''Children, there is no need to blame yourself. We''ve had too much time, and now, it''s time to let everything return to nature.¡± Leo raised his head, his eyes still carrying uneasiness, ¡°But if it wasn''t us ......¡± The village chief waved his hand, interrupting him, a faint smile on his face, ¡°Do you think that you are the ones who made us grow old? No, it would have been our destiny.¡± The villagers nodded their heads, without a trace of resentment on their faces, instead, they carried a relieved calmness. They looked at each other as if they had finally recovered a long-lost sense of reality. ¡°For decades, we have been living outside of time, trapped in a static world.¡± The Mayor''s gaze was cast to the lake, his tone distant, ¡°While this unchanging serenity is beautiful, it has also made us forget what true life is.¡± He turned to Leo and slowly reached out his hand, handing an emerald green shard into Leo''s palm. ¡°This emerald shard, belongs to you.¡± Leo froze slightly as he looked down at the emerald shard in his palm, a smooth and translucent crystal that gave off a faint glow under the moonlight. He raised his head and looked at the village chief suspiciously. The village chief smiled and gently patted Leo''s shoulder, ¡°Your back resembles and resembles that hero who created the giant tree.¡± ¡°The ...... hero who created the giant tree?¡± Luna''s eyes flashed with surprise. The village chief nodded slowly, ¡°Yes, he left behind this emerald fragment, perhaps waiting for someone to come and take it. And right now, I think that someone is you.¡± Leo''s brows furrowed slightly as he gripped the emerald shard tightly, a strange feeling rising in his heart. His memories were still confused and unclear, but vaguely, he felt that this emerald shard, as if it had some kind of connection with himself. Luna looked at Leo, she knew that his past was still a mystery, and this emerald shard might be able to bring them closer to the truth. However, despite the clue, Luna''s mood was not lightened. Her gaze swept over the villagers, looking at their aged figures, and the guilt inside her made it hard to let go. ¡°But ...... we really ruined everything.¡± Luna''s voice trembled slightly, ¡°If it wasn''t for us, they could have continued to live ......¡± The village elder sighed softly and reached out, gently stroking the top of Luna''s hair, ¡°Children, you have your own journey to make, it is time to go.¡± He looked out over the lake, the moonlight spilling over the wilted moon dew flowers, his tone soft and firm, ¡°We thank you for coming, so that we can finally understand that the meaning of life is not in eternity, but in the flow that it was meant to be.¡± ¡°So go.¡± The villagers smiled and nodded, there was no resentment in their eyes, only relief and gratitude. Leo and Luna stood in the center of the village with heavy hearts, unwilling to take a step for a long time. However, the villagers continued to send them off as they did when they first arrived, only this time, there was a hint of vicissitude and sadness in their singing. The song echoed in the night, it was an ancient melody, melodious and far-reaching. Leo and Luna finally took their steps, walking step by step towards the exit of the village. However, the moment they stepped out of the village, a breeze blew by, filling the air with a light dust. Leo and Luna jerked back - The village disappeared. All the buildings, the villagers, were turned into ashes in the sky in an instant, drifting away with the wind. They disappeared so quietly, as if they had never existed, only that piece of drifting dust, slowly falling with the night wind. However, just as the dust fell on the lakeshore, those withered moon dew flowers, miraculously grew back. One, two ...... I don''t know when, the entire lakeside was once again covered by moon dew flowers, blooming with a white and pure light. However, this time, the Moon Dew Flowers no longer emitted mysterious energy, they were just the most ordinary flowers, swaying quietly under the moonlight. As the wind blew by the lake, the songs of the villagers seemed to echo in the sea of flowers, as if they had never truly left. Tears came to Luna''s eyes, and she bit her lips tightly, her voice choking, ¡°Is it because of us that they disappeared?¡± Her shoulders trembled slightly as tears slid down her cheeks and dripped onto the moon dew flowers. Leo was silent for a moment, he looked at the sea of flowers in front of him, his eyes were deep, and he said in a low voice, ¡°Maybe ...... what guides everything is fate.¡± The night breeze blew again, brushing away the tears on Luna''s face, the breeze seemed to carry a warm comfort, gently caressing their cheeks. The wind whispered as if telling them - go forward, don''t look back. Leo and Luna took a deep look at the sea of flowers by the lake, then turned around and continued on their journey towards the distance. Their silhouettes gradually disappeared into the night, while on the shores of the Luna Lake, the Moon Dew Flowers gently swayed in the wind, quietly witnessing all of this. Chapter 14 : Fragments of Memory The moonlight fell on the grass of the wilderness, reflecting the two lonely figures. Leo and Luna were a little tired from their walk, the difficulty of the journey and the unknown future both made this night seem particularly silent. There was no wind in the air, only the occasional rustle of grass blades being brushed by the breeze. The story of Crescent Lake was already far away, but the heaviness it brought to them still hung in their hearts, hard to let go of. "We should be almost there, the ''Sea of Broken Winds'' that Dan spoke of is just ahead."Luna turned back and whispered. Her eyes scanned the distance through that mechanical eye, and she could vaguely see a blurry outline at the horizon. Leo didn''t respond, just nodded silently. His mind was a bit disorganized, as if there was some kind of power invisibly tugging at him, and that kind of feeling, was not the first time it had appeared. Ever since he wore the Void Ring, Leo always felt that there was an unexplainable force that was constantly trying to guide him, taking him in some unknown direction. From time to time, when he fell asleep at night, he felt something wriggling within his body, like a long ago memory that was slowly reviving. The two continued to travel until the night gradually fell, the temperature in the grass gradually dropped, and the night dew began to condense at the tips of the grass. Eventually, they found a relatively flat clearing, set up a temporary tent, and built a fire. The firelight from the campfire pulsed, illuminating the dark night sky and mapping their tense and confused faces. "We can rest for a while."Luna carefully arranged the tent with a calm tone, yet from her occasional glances, Leo could feel the complex emotions within her. Leo sat by the campfire, unconsciously holding in his hand the emerald shard that he had received from the village chief of Luna Lake. The emerald flickered in the firelight, emitting an emerald green glow as if it contained some kind of mysteLeous power. As he gazed at the emerald fragment, a question suddenly surfaced in his mind - what exactly did this fragment have to do with himself? Why did the Village Chief of Crescent Lake give it to himself? He held the shard closer and scrutinized it, his fingertips feeling the cold touch. Under the moonlight, the surface of the emerald shard seemed to become even more crystalline and translucent, the strange luster becoming more and more apparent to Leo''s eyes. Suddenly, the pentagram brand at his collarbone vibrated slightly, as if sensing the call of some power, and a small mass of black energy slowly emerged. "What is this?"Leo frowned, his fingers unconsciously touching the branding. Only to see the black mass of power slowly surging under the guidance of the pentagram, like a long-lurking tide, emanating a gloomy aura from Leo''s body. The black power seemed to possess some kind of consciousness, and the moment it touched the emerald shard, a violent vibration spread throughout Leo''s body. The emerald green light emanating from the emerald fragment became more and more brilliant, while the black energy did not have the slightest intention of retreating, instead, it seemed to be attracted by a certain force, and began to frantically come into contact with the emerald fragment. Just as Leo''s consciousness was occupied by this energy, the Void Ring suddenly shook violently, as if some kind of powerful gravitational force drew it in. The energy heart inside the Void Ring that had previously been sucked in emerged from it like a beating heart, and as the emerald shard came into contact with the black energy, the energy heart began to emit a buzzing sound as if it was echoing the chaotic force. "What''s going on?"Leo felt a wave of dizziness as pain spread through his body as if it was being torn apart. The collision of those three forces seemed to be causing his entire body to disintegrate, and he clutched the emerald shard tightly, wanting to stop this uncontrollable force, but he was unable to resist. Just then, that energy began to spread, quickly penetrating his skin and drilling into Leo''s brow. Instantly, his consciousness was pulled into an unfamiliar space - a world full of memories. His vision blurred, the sound of wind gusts came from his ears, and a scene of broken walls floated before his eyes. There, trees were clustered and green, and a huge tree towered over the clouds, its spreading branches and roots seeming to hold up the entire world. Leo felt like he was in the middle of it, yet as if he was a bystander, unable to make a real connection to these memories. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. He saw himself and a group of companions with blurred faces, growing hard together on this land, erecting a facility and building giant trees. In the memories, time seemed to stand still, and everything was like an old dream long forgotten. The faces of those who had fought side by side with him remained blurred, as if erased by some unspeakable force. Leo reached out with difficulty to touch those people, but whenever his fingers got close, the images dissipated like mist and turned into nothingness. "So this is what ...... Dan calls ''memory fragments''?"Leo whispered to himself as he tried to sort out the chaos in his mind, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn''t recall who the group of people were, nor could he uncover the truth about that time. He felt a strong pull, as if he was being pulled out of this ocean of memories by invisible hands. A moment later, Leo snapped his eyes open and realized that he was still sitting by the campfire, the emerald shard in his hand still emitting a faint glow. And the energy heart within the Void Ring had also returned to calm, as if everything had returned to tranquility. "Leo? Are you alright?"Luna''s voice broke the silence of the night as she crouched down in front of Leo with worry in her gaze. Leo slowly exhaled a breath, forcing himself to stabilize his emotions, a hint of confusion and bewilderment in his eyes, "It''s fine, it''s just that ...... I just now seemed to have entered a memory, a memory in which I built the Giant Tree together with some people, but their faces......I couldn''t see them clearly."He looked down at the emerald shard in his hand, his tone a bit heavy, "I think this shard has something to do with my past." Luna nodded silently, she could feel the doubt and uneasiness in Leo''s heart. "These memory fragments ...... you will find them, Leo. We''ll find out the truth together."She said softly, a glint of determination in her eyes. Leo looked at her, his eyes complicated. Yes, no matter what, he was going to figure out everything about his past. Night gradually descended, and starlight flooded the night sky, illuminating the streets of Broken Wind City. The waves in the distance lapped against the shore, making soft sounds as if they were whispering some unspoken secret. Leo and Luna passed through a bustling market, the streets bustling with people, shouting, and the lively atmosphere made the city seem full of life. However, Leo''s mood couldn''t get a moment''s peace with this bustle. With a part of his memory restored, he felt that he was stepping into a path set by fate, and at the end of this path, there seemed to be a certain mystery hidden that he could not control. "This city doesn''t look simple."Luna''s voice broke Leo''s contemplation. Her eyes were still vigilantly scanning the surrounding crowd, sensing any abnormalities. As a well-trained adventurer, her keen observation skills allowed her to detect almost every tiny detail. Leo nodded slightly as his gaze swept along with hers and landed on the soldiers around him. Those soldiers wore uniform armor, but the quality of that armor was something that one couldn''t help but frown at. The cracks and patches on the armor, as well as an incomplete power emanating from the armor itself, caused Leo to feel a sense of unease. He had seen something similar in the Emerald City, but he hadn''t paid much attention to it then, and now, he realized that there was some sort of unknown crisis hidden beneath the city''s apparent prosperity. "We have to be careful."Leo whispered, a hint of caution in his voice, "This city doesn''t look as simple as it appears." Luna nodded, her expression becoming grave, "I understand, let''s find a place to stay first, and we''ll continue inquiring about Dan tomorrow."She turned and pulled Leo into a quieter street, ready to find an inn. The two walked through the marketplace and through a narrow alleyway before finally finding an inn that was shabby in appearance but looked reasonably clean. After nightfall, Leo and Luna sat quietly in the inn''s room. The two didn''t rush to rest, but instead discussed their next plan in low tones. Luna showed the memory fragment she had gotten from the Emerald City, which was a clip related to Dan. She remembered clearly seeing that Dan was a mermaid with a slender figure and deep eyes that seemed to be filled with mysterious power. "Dan''s identity seems to be hidden by some kind of power."Luna said softly, her gaze lingering on the shard of memories. Leo nodded, but his brow was furrowed, "But the city doesn''t seem to welcome talk of merfolk. After asking so many times on the streets today, no one is willing to reveal half of the information. Even the soldiers didn''t dare to say much." "Maybe it''s because the mermaid race is related to some secrets of this city."Luna''s tone remained calm, but the sharpness in her eyes made Leo feel an inexplicable pressure. "We have to figure these things out tomorrow."Leo stood up, his eyes determined, "Tomorrow, we''ll go and keep asking around." However, the next day on the streets, the situation was far more complicated than they expected. On the streets of the downtown area, they began to ask about the mermaid race, but every time the topic was brought up, the faces of those citizens would become embarrassed, and then they would turn around and leave. Some even deliberately avoided them, as if they were filled with fear of the topic. "What''s going on here?"Luna frowned, "Is there some unknown secret here?" Leo''s eyes became even deeper as he felt as if there was some sort of huge shadow creeping behind him. Just as they were about to leave the market and continue to another area of the city, they unintentionally walked into a sparsely traveled alley. The alley was dark and damp, and the air smelled of decay. Leo and Luna carefully walked through the alley, when suddenly, a figure flashed out from the shadows. It was a beggar in rags, squatting in the corner, his face covered in dust and dirt. Seeing Leo and Luna approaching, he suddenly opened his mouth, his voice low and hoarse, "You two, why are you inquiring about things regarding the mermaid race?" Leo and Luna both froze and looked at each other for a moment. The two did not respond immediately, but stood in silence, observing the beggar vigilantly. The beggar looked like a wanderer with nothing to rely on, but his tone was unusually calm, as if he knew some unknown secrets. "What do you know?"Leo asked calmly, his tone calm but with an intimidating tone. His intuition told him that this beggar was not as simple as it seemed. Chapter 15 : Tides "You want to ask about the merfolk?" The beggar¡¯s voice was deep and raspy, like it had emerged from the depths of an abyss. Leo and Luna exchanged a glance, immediately understanding that this beggar clearly knew something. Wanting to gather more information, Leo decided to take out some money and handed it to the beggar. The beggar accepted the coin, a sly smile playing at the corner of his mouth. He didn¡¯t seem in a rush to speak, instead staring at Leo and Luna for a long while before finally beginning to speak: "You want to know about the merfolk? This little bit of money isn¡¯t enough." "We know," Leo responded calmly, his gaze unwavering. "Speak first." The beggar seemed satisfied with Leo¡¯s attitude and finally began his tale. "The merfolk were once a brave and warlike species. They were tall, strong, and commanded the power of the oceans. For centuries, humans and merfolk lived in harmony, maintaining the order of the seas together." He paused, his gaze growing dark. "But decades ago, the merfolk changed. They suddenly became violent and began to hate humans. The ships that once sailed these waters were destroyed one by one, and the people aboard disappeared without a trace. I¡¯ve heard that they devoured all the human corpses." The beggar paused here, seemingly waiting for a reaction from Leo and Luna. A chill ran through them as the conclusion of the story was far more terrifying than they had imagined. Doubts began to stir in Leo¡¯s mind: If Dan was truly one of the merfolk, could he have been involved in this uprising? "Then why is it that people avoid talking about the merfolk here?" Luna finally asked, a hint of curiosity in her voice. The beggar sneered softly and muttered, "Because the people of this city are terrified. The merfolk¡¯s uprising not only destroyed their seas but also brought an unspoken fear. Humans betrayed them, and everything they¡¯ve done since has led them to loathe humanity. Now, except for a few daring souls, everyone else keeps their distance and avoids bringing up the topic." Both Leo and Luna felt the weight of the words, the atmosphere growing tense. Clearly, the relationship between this city and the merfolk was far more complicated than they had imagined. "So, what should we do?" Luna asked. "Where can we find Dan?" A complicated expression crossed the beggar¡¯s face. "You want to find your merfolk friend? Then you¡¯ll have to go deep into the Tattered Winds Sea. That place is treacherous, covered in thick fog year-round, and even seafaring ships rarely venture close." Leo¡¯s gaze was resolute. "We have no other choice. We must go." The beggar seemed to have no intention of stopping them, but he offered a quiet warning. "I can¡¯t stop you, but maybe¡­ you¡¯ll regret it." They said nothing in reply. Leo handed the beggar a silver coin, then turned and walked away. "Thank you for the information," Luna said to the beggar as they left, though doubt still lingered in her heart. She knew they had no choice but to continue forward and uncover more truths. As they exited the alley, the beggar¡¯s eyes continued to follow them, a strange smile curving at his lips. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. "You¡¯ll understand," he muttered to himself, as if speaking to no one, or perhaps foretelling something. Leo and Luna turned back, an ominous premonition rising in their hearts. It felt as though they had already embarked on a path from which there was no turning back. "Whatever happens, we must go to the depths of the sea," Leo said firmly. "This path, no matter how dangerous, is the only one we can walk." They spoke no more, silently leaving the alley, their hearts filled with both fear of the unknown and determination. Leo and Luna had their dinner in a small inn in Tattered Winds City. As night fell, the atmosphere in the dining hall was lively. Though the outside world remained tense, business seemed to never cease in the heart of the city. It was a rare moment of relaxation for Leo and Luna. The restaurant carried a distinct oceanic scent, blending fresh seafood and the salty tang of sea air. "These seafood dishes look great," Luna said, picking up her chopsticks and placing a piece of fresh sea urchin sashimi into her mouth, her eyes showing a hint of surprise. "It¡¯s absolutely delicious." "Yeah, the seafood here in Tattered Winds City is probably the best I¡¯ve ever had," Leo agreed, picking up a piece of conch meat with his chopsticks and chewing slowly, a look of relaxation flashing in his eyes. Despite the terrifying rumors about the merfolk they had heard earlier in the day, the warmth of the lights and the delicious food had helped him unwind. At their table, a group of burly fishermen sat, clearly a crew just back from the sea. Their loud conversations and laughter filled the space. "Did you hear? Another fishing boat was sunk by the merfolk," one fisherman put down his cup of wine, his voice tinged with anger. "These merfolk are out of control. The war between Tattered Winds City and them is bound to happen soon!" "I heard the young city lord is closely monitoring the merfolk''s movements. He won''t let these man-eating monsters get away with it," another fisherman added, his eyes showing signs of unease. "Yeah, I¡¯ve heard these merfolk are getting more violent. One ship, two ships¡ªnone of it¡¯s enough. But what are these merfolk doing in the city?" a third fisherman chimed in, his eyes filled with doubt. "Maybe they already know about the young city lord¡¯s plans and have started retaliating," another fisherman whispered, as though speaking about something dangerous. The conversation made Leo and Luna¡¯s hearts sink. The merfolk''s sudden uprising clearly wasn''t just a crisis for Tattered Winds City; it seemed like part of a deeper, hidden conspiracy. The conflict between them appeared to be concealing more secrets that no one knew about. At that moment, the waiter approached, pushing a small cart adorned with vibrant ocean patterns, atop which was a strange dish. It looked like fresh sashimi, but its appearance made Leo and Luna uneasy. "This is our specialty ¡ª merfolk sashimi," the waiter said with a smile, a hint of pride on his face. "You must be from outside the city, right? Many people come here specifically for this dish. Its freshness is unparalleled. Would you like to give it a try?" Leo and Luna exchanged a glance, a cold shiver running down their spines. Merfolk meat, especially raw, seemed to be a signature dish of Tattered Winds City, but the danger lurking behind it made them hesitant to try it. "We''ll pass on that," Leo replied coolly, his tone firm. "Do you have any other seafood? Just something more ordinary." The waiter didn''t press the issue. He nodded and retreated to continue his work. The atmosphere in the restaurant remained lively, but Leo and Luna¡¯s mood had grown heavier. "Merfolk sashimi... it¡¯s become a delicacy on the table," Luna whispered, her eyes flashing with a complex light. "And it contains toxins." "It seems the city¡¯s attitude towards the merfolk is more complicated than we thought," Leo murmured after a moment of silence. "This isn''t just about food. There¡¯s something deeper going on here." They continued eating, but their doubts never fully dissipated. Outside, the wind had turned cooler, and the night deepened. The air carried the salty scent of the sea. The next morning, Leo was awoken by the shrill sound of cart wheels. He sat up in bed, pulled back the curtains, and looked outside. The street was filled with carts passing by, each covered with thick cloths that concealed the objects beneath. Watching these figures hurry by, Leo narrowed his eyes, sensing something unusual in the atmosphere. He reached out and opened the window, and faint voices reached his ears. Two people were pushing a cart full of goods, but the cloths couldn''t mask the stench of blood that emanated from beneath. As the cart slowly passed, Leo saw the body of a merfolk ¡ª a dead merfolk. "This merfolk¡¯s meat will be fresh enough; the young city lord will definitely like it," a masked human said in a low voice, his tone tinged with satisfaction. "Yeah, it¡¯ll definitely fetch a good price," another masked human agreed, his voice full of greed. Leo¡¯s heart skipped a beat. He didn¡¯t rush away from the window but continued to observe the masked humans. They wore simple clothing, their forms hidden, clearly trying not to draw attention. "Though, it seems we¡¯ve been eating a lot of merfolk lately. Why does the young city lord have such a large appetite?" one of them muttered, sounding confused. The other one chuckled, "Who cares about that? As long as we get paid." The words hit Leo like a sledgehammer. His mind raced, quickly piecing together some hidden clues: the young city lord¡¯s unusual appetite, the large number of merfolk bodies being sold here, and the fact that these merfolk¡¯s meat contained lethal toxins. All of this pointed to a much deeper conspiracy. "What are they doing?" Luna¡¯s voice came from behind Leo. She had overheard the conversation and had clearly realized the gravity of the situation. Leo fell silent for a moment before slowly turning around, speaking in a low voice, "Something¡¯s definitely happened between the young city lord and these merfolk." Chapter 16 : The Merfolk City The streets of Tattered Winds City remained bustling, filled with the salty scent of the sea breeze. Though yesterday¡¯s conversation had left Leo and Luna feeling uneasy, they had no time to dwell on their worries¡ªtheir goal was still the ocean depths, where they would seek out Dan and uncover the secrets of the merfolk. And tonight, they would leave the city quietly, stepping into a dangerous, unknown world. As they walked through the streets, their steps were light, avoiding unnecessary attention. Though unfamiliar faces weren¡¯t uncommon in this busy city, they couldn''t shake the feeling of an unseen pressure, as if someone was watching them from afar. ¡°This place really gives me a bad feeling,¡± Luna murmured, scanning her surroundings for anything unusual. Leo didn¡¯t reply, only giving a slight nod. Their destination was a hidden place¡ªa small apothecary on the city¡¯s outskirts. A potion that could transform humans into merfolk seemed to be their only hope of reaching the merfolk territory. The apothecary was nestled in a narrow alleyway, where the dim lighting and damp air carried the scent of herbs. A worn wooden sign hung above the entrance, bearing the words "Franz¡¯s Magic Apothecary." The faded lettering suggested that the shop hadn''t seen many visitors in a long time. Leo pushed open the door and stepped inside quietly. The dim yellow light cast shadows over shelves filled with potions and dried herbs. Dust had gathered in the corners, giving the place an aged and abandoned feel. Behind the counter stood an elderly man in a faded robe. His face was lined with deep wrinkles, his brow furrowed, giving him a mysterious and shrewd appearance. "Welcome," the old man said in a low, raspy voice, carrying an air of authority that was hard to ignore. Leo and Luna stepped up to the counter, and Leo spoke first. "We¡¯re looking for a potion that can turn humans into merfolk. Do you have any?" The old man froze for a moment, a flicker of surprise flashing in his eyes. "You''re planning to go to the depths of Tattered Winds Sea?" he asked, his tone filled with both curiosity and caution. "How do you know that?" Luna and Leo asked almost simultaneously, exchanging a glance filled with tension. This potion was crucial to their plan, but they hadn¡¯t expected the shopkeeper to guess their intentions so easily. The old man let out a soft sigh, as if he had long anticipated this moment. "Only those who intend to reach the merfolk¡¯s territory would seek this potion," he said slowly. "But it¡¯s been a long time since anyone last asked for it. This potion is neither popular nor safe for casual use. What exactly are you planning?" "We just¡­ want to learn more about the situation," Leo replied vaguely, not wanting to reveal too much. The old man fell silent for a moment, then turned and disappeared through a small door at the back of the shop. He returned after a while, carrying several bottles coated in a thick layer of dust. Inside each, a green liquid shimmered faintly, like a piece of the ocean trapped in glass. "This is all I have left," he said, placing the bottles down with a more serious expression. "Each dose will allow you to maintain a merfolk form for one day. The effects will wear off by the following morning." He paused, looking directly into their eyes, as if searching for hesitation. Leo took one of the bottles and examined it in silence. He noticed the complexity in the shopkeeper¡¯s gaze and felt a twinge of unease. He couldn¡¯t tell whether it was concern or a warning, but he knew that this potion might be their only key to uncovering the truth. "Thank you," Leo said simply, placing a few gold coins on the counter. "We also need information. Can you tell us anything about the merfolk?" The shopkeeper¡¯s eyes lingered on the coins for a moment, but he didn¡¯t answer immediately. Instead, he gazed out the window, as if carefully choosing his words. "If you¡¯re heading to the merfolk¡¯s territory, you must be extremely careful," he finally said, his voice carrying a clear warning. "The merfolk do not like humans¡ªespecially those who dare to trespass in their lands. If they catch you, they will kill you without hesitation. Many have tried to reach the depths before, but none have ever returned." "You¡¯re right, we understand the risks," Leo nodded, his voice calm and resolute. "We¡¯re prepared." The shopkeeper frowned, as if reluctant to let them go, but he said nothing more. He only let out a quiet sigh. "Fine. If you insist, I won¡¯t try to stop you," he said after a pause. "But remember, if anything happens, I won¡¯t be responsible." Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. "Thank you," Luna said softly, taking one of the potions. Leo and Luna left the apothecary, stepping into the deepening night. The streets, once bustling with life, had grown quiet. They walked lightly, careful not to attract attention. Leo gripped the bottle in his hand, the weight of it pressing against his palm. A sense of unease settled in his chest, but he didn¡¯t stop moving. They made their way through the city and arrived at a secluded cove outside the walls. The area was far from the crowds, the surrounding rocks worn smooth by the relentless tide. The ground was slick, and the salty sea breeze carried a sharp chill. "This is where we¡¯ll begin," Leo said, his voice low as he gazed out at the dark ocean. His heartbeat quickened¡ªnot just from the anticipation of the unknown adventure ahead, but from a growing pressure that seemed to rise from the depths of the sea itself. Luna nodded slightly as she stood beside Leo, gazing at the rolling ocean with a determined look in her eyes. "We have to be careful. The potion can turn us into merfolk, but it¡¯s only temporary." Leo nodded in agreement. He took out the vial and was about to open it when he suddenly felt a wave of unease. He spun around sharply, his gaze scanning the surroundings as if searching for something. "I feel like someone is watching us¡­ Do you feel it too?" Luna furrowed her brows and looked around but saw no suspicious figures. "There¡¯s no one," she said in a low voice. "Maybe you''re just too tense." Leo hesitated for a moment but remained on guard. "Maybe I''m overthinking it," he muttered before finally uncorking the vial, preparing to drink. Even though there were no obvious signs of danger, Leo couldn¡¯t shake the feeling of being watched. The presence lingered somewhere in the shadows¡ªunseen but palpable. He couldn''t tell if it was an illusion or reality. Regardless, there was no turning back now. "Are you ready?" he asked, his gaze unwavering. Luna nodded, her expression solemn. "We''ve come this far. We can¡¯t back down now." Leo took a deep breath, raised the vial, and poured the green liquid into his mouth. The moment it touched his throat, a cold sensation spread rapidly through his body. The potion began to take effect, sending waves of unbearable pain coursing through them. Leo clenched his fists tightly, trying to suppress his agony. Beside him, Luna bit her lower lip, doing her best to remain silent. As the transformation took hold, their bodies started to change in astonishing ways. "Ah¡ª" Leo groaned softly, feeling his bones and muscles contorting violently. The pain was excruciating. His eyes grew sharper, as if the world around him had been magnified¡ªcolors became more vivid, and every detail stood out with startling clarity. As the pain intensified, he sensed his retinas shifting, his vision adapting to an underwater environment. Luna was undergoing a similar transformation. She looked down at her hands, watching as her fingernails cracked and gave way to shimmering, metallic scales. Then, the skin near her jawline began to bulge slightly. After a few convulsions, two perfect gills unfolded on the sides of her neck. With each breath, they fluttered open and closed, as if already drawing in the ocean¡¯s water. She frowned, adjusting to the strange sensations overtaking her body. The pain surged again as her legs began to change¡ªthe muscles and bones reshaped themselves, fusing into a single, powerful tail, perfectly designed for underwater movement. Each shimmering scale reflected light, making her look both strong and otherworldly, like a true creature of the deep. Once the pain subsided, Leo and Luna finally stood still on the shoreline. Their bodies had undergone a complete transformation, yet their resolve remained unshaken. "We did it," Leo murmured, running his hand over his newly formed tail. His voice carried a hint of awe. "Yeah," Luna said, glancing down at her own tail with a newfound lightness in her tone. "I was actually worried the potion wouldn¡¯t work on me since I¡¯m a mechanical doll." She tried to make a joke to ease the tension. Leo chuckled. "Most of the time, I don¡¯t even think of you as a mechanical doll. You feel like a real person¡ªyou have emotions, you can feel pain, you even cry. Whoever created you must have been incredible." He looked at her seriously, his eyes filled with deep respect. Luna¡¯s expression grew complicated. She lowered her gaze, her voice turning quieter. "But¡­ I¡¯ve forgotten who created me. It¡¯s like those memories are lost in a fog." A trace of sorrow lingered in her words, as if the absence of her past left an unhealed wound deep within her heart. Leo remained silent for a moment, then gently patted Luna on the back. "Maybe one day, we''ll find those lost memories and discover who created you," he said, his voice gentle yet firm. They exchanged a small smile before diving into the ocean together. The moment he entered the water, Leo felt an exhilarating sense of freedom¡ªhis body seemed to merge with the sea itself. His tail fin moved gracefully and powerfully as he swam in circles, reveling in the newfound sensation. "The water feels amazing," Luna''s voice resonated through the sea. She had already adapted to the underwater environment, her movements becoming smoother with each passing second. "Yeah¡­ this feeling of freedom¡­ it¡¯s like coming back to life." Leo looked around at the vast, blue ocean, overwhelmed by an indescribable sense of comfort. However, just as they were lost in the joy of swimming, an unexplainable tension crept into Leo¡¯s heart. A strange sensation¡ªlike the weight of an unseen gaze¡ªmade the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. "Luna¡­" Leo halted his movements, scanning the water around them. "I think someone¡¯s watching us." Luna stopped as well, glancing around cautiously but seeing nothing unusual. "Are you sure? There are plenty of sea creatures here. Maybe it¡¯s just¡ª" "It might be my imagination." Leo nodded, though unease still lingered in his mind. Either way, they couldn¡¯t afford to stop. Picking up speed, Leo and Luna swam forward, gliding through the underwater world. They passed through a vibrant coral reef teeming with marine life, where schools of colorful fish darted between swaying anemones. The seabed was a breathtaking tapestry of movement and color, yet their gazes kept flickering toward the shadows, wary of any hidden threats. After a while, the scenery suddenly opened up. The currents around them grew calmer, the water still and serene. They had entered a massive underwater expanse¡ªan entire city beneath the sea. At its center stood a colossal Tide Sanctuary Tree. Its trunk shimmered with a silvery glow, and its branches swayed gently with the ocean¡¯s rhythm, emitting a soft luminescence. The tree¡¯s roots stretched deep into a great underwater trench, where countless blue lights drifted like stars flowing through a cosmic river¡ªmystical and awe-inspiring. The city itself surrounded the Tide Sanctuary Tree. Its halls and buildings were constructed from living coral, their surfaces adorned with glowing moss that pulsed with a faint light in sync with the ocean currents and the distant echoes of merfolk songs. Intricately carved reliefs depicting battles between merfolk and ancient sea beasts lined the pillars, adding an air of antiquity and solemnity to the city. Leo and Luna swam toward a massive entrance, where a grand archway made of silver coral loomed before them. Standing guard at either side were several imposing merfolk warriors¡ªtall, strong, and armed with razor-sharp weapons. Their keen eyes scanned every passerby with unwavering vigilance. As they approached the checkpoint, Leo and Luna made a conscious effort to remain calm. Though they had fully transformed into merfolk, a primal sense of caution lingered in their instincts. They knew that even the slightest mistake could spell danger. Just as they were about to pass through, one of the guards at the gate furrowed his brows, staring at them for an unusually long time. "You look unfamiliar," the guard remarked, his voice deep and impassive, yet tinged with suspicion. Leo and Luna¡¯s hearts pounded. They stopped in their tracks, a wave of unease washing over them. The guard¡¯s piercing gaze seemed to see past their disguise, as if sensing something was amiss. "Who are you?" the guard asked again, his eyes narrowing with cautious scrutiny. Chapter 17 : The Tide Sanctuary Tree "I''ve never seen you two before..." The voice of the merfolk guard was deep, tinged with an inquisitive tone and an unmistakable sense of authority, carrying a subtle threat. The words struck like a blade, cutting through the defenses in their hearts. Luna frowned slightly. Though her eyes could discern every detail in the dark waters, this sudden question left her feeling uneasy. Leo reacted swiftly, answering calmly, "Yes, we''re visitors from another sea region, hoping to rest here for a few days." The merfolk guard continued to stare at them, as if weighing every word Leo had spoken. Despite their flawless story, it was clear that passing this test wouldn¡¯t be easy. The guard¡¯s vigilance only intensified. "Alright, foreign merfolk, you''ll come with me to meet the clan leader," the guard finally decided, his tone resolute, leaving them no chance to escape. Though doubt filled their minds, Leo and Luna knew they couldn¡¯t afford to reveal any signs of abnormality at this moment. They followed the guard, who was large in stature, and the currents stirred by his movements only heightened the unease in their hearts. The surroundings grew more majestic, with the coral reefs and the blue marine creatures matching their pace, as if the entire underwater world were watching their journey. Soon, they entered an area far more tranquil than anywhere they had been before. The water became calm, and the light from the seabed grew soft. Ahead, a structure made of shimmering coral and enormous seaweed loomed, with the giant Tide Sanctuary Tree at its center. Its branches gently swayed in the water, glittering with silver light. Its roots dug deep into a rift in the ocean floor, as if supporting the life force of the entire sea. "This is the clan leader¡¯s residence," the guard pointed to a stone door ahead and said softly, "Come in." The door creaked open, revealing a dimly lit hall filled with slender crystal pillars and mysterious carvings. Ancient runes and images of sea beasts adorned the walls, creating an atmosphere of solemnity and authority. Leo and Luna followed the guard inside, the oppressive atmosphere weighing heavily upon them. It felt as though every inch of the air was infused with the enigmatic essence of the deep sea. At one corner of the hall sat a merfolk woman who appeared to be quite elderly. Her hair was woven from countless shimmering seaweeds, and her eyes were deep and wise, as if she could see through the secrets of the world. Her face, though aged, retained an elegant beauty, and her lips held a faint smile, one that concealed an unspoken authority. "Leader, these two are outsiders, so I¡¯ve brought them here," the guard reported in a respectful tone. The clan leader waved her hand, signaling for the guard to leave. "Thank you. You may go now." Her voice was gentle, yet carried an unmistakable force. The guard said nothing more. After casting a wary glance at Leo and Luna, he exited the hall. The atmosphere inside grew even tenser as Leo and Luna could feel the immense pressure from the clan leader. Even without speaking, her presence exuded an overwhelming authority, as if she were scrutinizing their very souls. The leader¡¯s eyes slowly turned toward them, her gaze piercing and all-knowing, as if she could see through every hidden detail. "Did you come here with a purpose?" The clan leader''s voice was calm but carried a quiet authority. "We..." Leo hesitated, but quickly regained his composure, "We just wanted to learn more about the merfolk, and hoped to stay here for a while." The leader nodded slightly, seemingly unsurprised by the response. However, she did not immediately answer. Instead, her eyes closed, entering a meditative state as if establishing a silent connection with the ocean, the Tide Sanctuary Tree, and even the world itself. Leo and Luna stood silently by, feeling increasingly anxious as time passed. The air grew heavier, and the water seemed almost still. Finally, the leader opened her eyes, her voice low but clear. "The Tide Sanctuary Tree holds the life and wisdom of our entire clan. It is not only the source of our power but also a mirror to our souls." She paused, then continued, "The Tide Sanctuary Tree will sense and judge whether your hearts are pure." The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. Leo and Luna exchanged glances. Though they had been prepared for this moment, the pressure they felt was still overwhelming. The leader slowly swam toward the base of the massive Tide Sanctuary Tree, lifting her head to gaze up at it. In a quiet voice, she prayed, "Tide Sanctuary Tree, please judge their hearts." After a brief silence, the tree¡¯s branches swayed gently, but no sound or significant reaction followed. Leo¡¯s heartbeat quickened, and he nervously watched the tree, but there was still no sign of change. As time passed, the atmosphere became even more tense, as if the entire room was waiting for the tree¡¯s response. Just as Leo was about to lose hope, the leaves of the tree began to glow softly. As the light flickered, the entire hall¡¯s atmosphere shifted subtly. The glow slowly gathered into a stream of light that spiraled up the tree¡¯s trunk, as if responding to the clan leader¡¯s prayer. The leader closed her eyes once more, nodding slightly, as if receiving an answer from the tree. She turned to Leo and Luna, a faint smile gracing her lips. "The Tide Sanctuary Tree has recognized the purity of your hearts. You may move freely here." Upon hearing this, the heavy weight in Leo and Luna¡¯s hearts finally lifted. Though they still felt a slight unease, at least they were safe for now. "Thank you, Clan Leader," Leo and Luna said in unison, their hearts filled with deep respect for the leader''s wisdom and the power of the Tide Sanctuary Tree. The leader nodded. "Since the tree has accepted you, I trust you will follow our rules. During your stay, you must live in harmony with the rest of the clan and avoid any actions that might provoke them." Leo responded earnestly, "We will respect the rules." The leader smiled faintly. "Good. You are free to move about, but remember, the world outside poses many threats to us. I hope you understand the caution of our people." The two of them bowed again in gratitude and, following the leader¡¯s guidance, left her residence. After leaving the leader¡¯s quarters, Leo and Luna were finally able to observe the legendary silver Tide Sanctuary Tree up close. The tree towered over them, standing like a natural lighthouse in the vast, blue sea, radiating a soft silver-blue glow. However, as they examined it more closely, they realized that this symbol of the merfolk¡¯s power and wisdom was no longer perfect. A third of the tree¡¯s branches had lost their original luster, the silver leaves that once pulsed with sacred energy now dried and blackened, as though some illness was slowly draining the tree¡¯s vitality. This sight made Leo¡¯s heart tighten, and he quickly sensed that the tree¡¯s deteriorating state was likely connected to the changes within the merfolk clan itself. Just then, Leo suddenly remembered the purpose of their trip¡ªlooking for clues about Dan. This name had been appearing constantly since they entered the Windfall City, and it seemed the merfolk were reluctant to speak of him. Leo took a deep breath and immediately returned to the matriarch¡¯s residence, asking her: ¡°Matriarch, do you know a merfolk named Dan?¡± As soon as the words left his mouth, the matriarch¡¯s expression instantly turned cold, even showing a hint of disdain. She narrowed her eyes slightly, the corner of her mouth curling into a cold smile: ¡°Dan? That weakling was banished long ago, he¡¯s not even worth mentioning.¡± Leo noticed the matriarch¡¯s gaze sharpen, clearly becoming suspicious of their question: ¡°Do you know him?¡± Realizing he might have been too direct, Leo quickly waved his hand: ¡°No, I don¡¯t know him. I just... saw his name on a wanted poster.¡± The matriarch stared at him for a few seconds, seemingly trying to find any inconsistency in his eyes. In the end, she didn¡¯t press further, instead giving a cold snort and gesturing for them to leave. Leo and Luna exchanged a glance before bidding the matriarch farewell and swimming away swiftly. Once the matriarch¡¯s wary gaze was no longer on them, Leo and Luna were finally free to explore the merfolk city. Despite being located deep under the sea, the city¡¯s prosperity rivaled that of human towns. On both sides of the streets, vibrant coral reefs had been shaped into various unique buildings. There were shops, plazas, training grounds, and even a market-like area where the merfolk traded various oceanic products and magical tools. However, what amazed Leo and Luna the most wasn¡¯t the bustling cityscape, but the merfolk warriors. Whether male or female, all of the merfolk had robust physiques, their well-defined muscles demonstrating incredible strength in the water. Not only were they adept in magic, but they also excelled in hand-to-hand combat. Many merfolk carried specially crafted tidal spears or sharkbone daggers, showcasing a high level of martial skill. Witnessing this, Luna couldn¡¯t help but comment: ¡°These merfolk are not only capable of using magic, but physical combat seems to be an essential part of their daily training.¡± She turned to Leo, a hint of curiosity in her eyes: ¡°By the way, Leo, you¡¯ve never used magic, have you? Can you use it?¡± Leo was momentarily taken aback, as he had never really thought about it. He slowly shook his head: ¡°I¡¯m not sure¡­ At least, since I lost my memory, I haven¡¯t used any magic. I wonder if I could use it before?¡± Luna nodded thoughtfully, not pressing further. The next morning, Leo and Luna woke up and took the merfolk transformation potion again to continue their investigation. They swam through the merfolk city, heading towards the deep sea regions far from the town, in search of more clues about Dan. However, as they swam out of the city, they witnessed a shocking sight. A large merfolk warrior was dragging several nearly dead humans towards the merfolk city. The humans were covered in wounds, their limbs dangling lifelessly at their sides, clearly on the verge of death. Their eyes were filled with terror, yet they had no strength left to resist. Seeing this, Leo¡¯s brow furrowed sharply, and anger flared within him. He whispered, ¡°We have to save those people!¡± Luna took a deep breath and quickly formulated a plan, then softly murmured an incantation. In an instant, a ghostly blue light shot from her fingertips, rapidly spreading in front of the merfolk warrior¡ªBlindness spell! The merfolk warrior, caught off guard, let out a scream, releasing his grip and shutting his eyes tightly. He began to thrash wildly in the water, clearly losing all sense of sight. Seizing the opportunity, Leo swiftly swam forward, his broken sword lacking any murderous intent, but he used the hilt to strike the merfolk warrior¡¯s back of the head with force. ¡°Bang¡ª¡± The merfolk warrior¡¯s vision went black, and his body lost balance, slowly collapsing and sinking to the ocean floor. Leo and Luna immediately sprang into action, propping up the nearly dead humans to ensure they could still breathe. However, just as they were preparing to retreat, a cold voice suddenly came from behind them: ¡°Doing this will lead to a manhunt by the merfolk.¡± The two turned sharply and saw a mysterious, masked merfolk floating behind them. His figure was hidden in the shadows, only his sharp eyes visible, intensely staring at them. Leo tightened his grip on his broken sword and warily asked, ¡°Who are you?¡± Chapter 18 : The Name That Returned "You¡¯re doing this, and you will be hunted by the merfolk." The two of them turned sharply, alertly scanning their surroundings. Leo¡¯s fingers tightened around the hilt of his broken sword, standing on guard, his eyes fixed on the figure slowly emerging from the darkness. Luna quickly prepared her magic, her fingertips faintly glowing with blue light. The owner of the voice slowly swam out from the shadows, revealing a familiar face. Leo¡¯s heart skipped a beat, a flash of shock and disbelief crossing his expression. The masked merfolk in front of them removed the veil from his face, revealing his true identity. The familiar face, still slender in build, eyes full of wisdom and determination¡ªit was Dan. "Leo, you''re still as cautious as ever," Dan said with a slight smile, his voice carrying a familiar sense of ease and teasing. "Dan!" Leo blurted out, a complex mix of emotions surging within him. Dan no longer hid his appearance. He now had a real merfolk tail, its blue scales glimmering faintly in the moonlight, different from his previous form. The small shell sprite still rested on his shoulder, emitting a faint light from its shell. The sprite playfully swam into Luna''s palm, nuzzling it with a soft, affectionate motion. "A shell sprite?" Luna couldn''t help but laugh lightly, reaching out to gently stroke its back. The shell sprite looked up at her with a contented expression, as though her touch brought it a sense of reassurance. Leo stood frozen, still in shock at Dan¡¯s sudden reappearance. Although part of his memory had returned, Dan¡¯s return still left him stunned. "Dan, you¡¯ve come back?" Leo asked softly, his voice laced with confusion and surprise. A subtle glint flashed in Dan¡¯s eyes as he looked at Leo, his tone softening. "I¡¯m glad you remember me." However, there was an underlying complexity in his gaze, as if there were some unspeakable bitterness tied to this question. "It¡¯s good that you remember me," Dan continued, "And that¡¯s what matters the most." A warmth surged in Leo¡¯s chest. His memories were still fragmented, with many blanks, but at least in front of Dan, he could be certain that he had regained a part of his past. Dan gently patted Leo¡¯s shoulder, offering him some comfort. "You¡¯ve done well, Leo." But Dan didn¡¯t stop there. He continued, "Ever since you two entered Windfall City, I¡¯ve been watching you. Then, when you entered the Windfall Sea, I followed quietly behind." His tone was calm, but there was an underlying emotion that hinted at a secret¡ªone he had been silently observing from the shadows. Leo lowered his head, reflecting on the strange coincidences of their journey. Dan¡¯s appearance wasn¡¯t just a coincidence; it seemed he had been following them, always staying connected. Leo couldn¡¯t help but feel suspicious and asked, "Why have you been following us all this time?" Dan was silent for a moment, letting out a small sigh. "It¡¯s not something simple. I¡¯ll tell you later." His tone carried a firm sense of finality, indicating that he didn¡¯t want to discuss the matter further. Leo understood that this was something sensitive to Dan, so he didn¡¯t press him any further. He knew that Dan wasn¡¯t an ordinary person, and if he didn¡¯t want to talk about it, Leo shouldn¡¯t push. However, Leo¡¯s curiosity couldn¡¯t be fully suppressed, and he asked, "You were exiled by the merfolk matriarch. What happened there?" This was a question that had been lingering in his mind, one that he couldn¡¯t quite understand. At this, Dan¡¯s expression shifted slightly. His face grew dim, and a trace of sadness flickered in his eyes. "Let¡¯s talk about it later," Dan replied softly, his gaze carrying an indescribable pain and contemplation. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. Leo recognized that now wasn¡¯t the right time to pursue the matter. He gave a small nod, signaling that he would wait until Dan was ready to speak. After all, since Dan had returned, Leo should trust him and give him the space and time he needed. After a brief silence, Leo and Luna exchanged a glance, their minds filled with unsaid words. Finally, Luna broke the silence. "Dan, now that you¡¯ve returned, can you tell us more about this sea, especially about the damaged Tidal Sacred Tree?" Dan¡¯s gaze darkened slightly as he shook his head gently. "The Tidal Sacred Tree... it may be the source of everything. Its decay signifies the unrest of the entire sea. As for this mysterious force, I haven¡¯t fully figured it out yet. All I know is that it¡¯s quietly changing everything here." Leo listened in silence, a growing sense of foreboding rising within him. This situation seemed far more complicated than they could understand. The secrets of Dan, the merfolk, and this sea were much deeper and more intricate than they had imagined. After a brief pause, Dan gently patted both of their shoulders. "Now that you¡¯ve come here, the road ahead may not be easy, but I believe that your arrival is the only hope for this sea." "Hope?" Luna murmured quietly, sensing something unusual in Dan¡¯s words. "Yes," Dan said, his tone firm. "And with every step you take, a new chapter will be revealed." He then glanced down at the humans who were on the brink of death. "Leo, why do you save them? Is it because they are human like you?" Dan''s voice echoed through the dark sea, calm but laced with a touch of sarcasm. Leo took a deep breath, turned to look at Dan, his eyes steady and thoughtful. "Maybe. But I believe there¡¯s more to the hatred between merfolk and humans. These ordinary people shouldn¡¯t be caught up in it," he said, his tone carrying a mix of anger and helplessness. He wasn¡¯t entirely speaking from a human perspective but was considering the issue from a deeper angle. Hatred wasn¡¯t the solution. Dan didn¡¯t answer immediately. He merely looked at the dying humans around him. His gaze was calm and profound, as though he could see the root of everything. His eyes lingered on a small boy, clearly still young, his face filled with fear, seemingly unaware of the danger he was in. "Are you saving them just because they are human?" Dan asked again, his tone flat. Leo didn¡¯t respond right away. Instead, he turned his gaze toward the people trapped in the water. Their faces were twisted, clearly dead from suffocation and fear. A fleeting look of sorrow crossed Leo¡¯s face, but it was mostly helplessness. "In wars, ordinary people are always innocent. They¡¯re just pawns being used," Dan sighed softly, his voice tinged with sorrow. He gently picked up the small boy and began to cast magic¡ªUnderwater Breathing. As the magic flowed, the boy¡¯s face began to return to its natural color, from pale to a slightly reddish hue, and his eyes cleared. "These people are all dead, only this boy can still be saved," Dan said softly, as if he had grown accustomed to the ruthlessness and coldness of war. "I swim fast, so I¡¯ll take him back to shore first. You two follow." With that, Dan swiftly turned and swam towards the surface, disappearing into the deep water with the boy. Leo and Luna exchanged a glance, then followed closely behind, increasing their speed as a sense of unease settled in their hearts. Everything was happening too quickly, and they had never felt so heavy-hearted. At the Shore Soon, they reached the surface. Dan, using his merfolk speed, was the first to bring the boy to the shore, gently laying him down on the sand. As the waves washed over the shore, Dan¡¯s figure gradually became blurry, and then his tail slowly disappeared as he transformed back into his human form. His body returned to its original shape, still strong, but he seemed weary. "Come up quickly," Dan called back to Leo and Luna, signaling them to come ashore. Leo and Luna swam up to the surface and slowly climbed onto the shore. As they steadied themselves, the boy¡¯s eyes finally fluttered open. He weakly looked around, clearly not understanding where he was. He struggled to sit up but winced in pain and gasped. His eyes were filled with confusion and fear. "I... I don¡¯t understand. How did I get here?" Luna immediately bent down, gently extending her hand. She cast a healing spell, softly stroking the boy¡¯s wounds. Her magic radiated like warm sunlight, gradually easing the boy¡¯s pain. As the wounds healed, the boy¡¯s expression softened, though he still looked weak. At that moment, hurried footsteps approached from a distance. Leo, Luna, and Dan turned to see a weary woman running along the shore. She looked extremely anxious, calling out repeatedly, "Xiao Kai! Xiao Kai!" As she neared, she saw the boy on the ground and rushed over, tightly embracing him. Tears streamed down her face. "Xiao Kai! You¡¯re awake! You¡¯re alright! I¡¯m so happy!" The boy weakly lifted his hand, gently wiping the tears from his mother¡¯s face, and forced a smile. "Mom, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m fine." Though his voice was faint, his tone was strong. The woman held her son tightly, as if she couldn¡¯t quite believe what was happening. Her tears mixed with overwhelming joy and pain, not yet subsiding. Seeing this, Leo and Luna quietly stepped back a few paces, giving the mother and son some space. Meanwhile, Dan stood nearby, his gaze slightly lowered, as if deep in thought. After a while, the woman finally calmed down. She wiped her tears, looked at the three of them, and spoke with a choked voice. "You... thank you for saving my son. I know it was you who brought him back from that terrible place." Her eyes were filled with gratitude and pain. "I think I should tell you something." Xiao Kai¡¯s mother slowly began to speak, telling her story. It turned out that Xiao Kai¡¯s father had been a fisherman, going out to sea with other fishermen. However, a few months ago, their boat had been attacked by a group of merfolk. His father was thrown into the sea during the attack and had been missing ever since. At the time, the woman was too weak to go fishing herself and had no other source of income. As a result, Xiao Kai had secretly followed other fishermen to help provide for the family. "I thought he went out to play with his friends, but..." The woman¡¯s voice trembled, and a trace of helplessness crossed her eyes. "Until I heard that a human ship was attacked by merfolk, and that Xiao Kai had been on the ship, I realized... I might never see him again." Leo and Luna were moved by the story. Luna bit her lip, a hint of sympathy in her eyes. Leo took a deep breath, a quiet resolve forming in his heart. The hatred behind this conflict surely hid more secrets, and there were things they had to uncover. Dan¡¯s gaze grew deep, though he remained silent. He nodded slightly, seemingly unsurprised by the mother and son¡¯s plight. Hatred and war often left the innocent as casualties. "You don¡¯t need to thank us," Leo spoke slowly, his voice low but firm. "What we did was simply what we should have done." He looked at Xiao Kai¡¯s mother with determination in his eyes. "We will continue seeking the truth. Perhaps the solution to all of this is closer than we think." In silence, the three exchanged a glance. The road ahead would undoubtedly be full of challenges, but Leo, Luna, and Dan had made up their minds¡ªthey would find a real solution for this sea. Chapter 19 : The Beggar Mage The streets of Windbreaker City were bustling with crowds, the sounds of vendors shouting and people calling out echoing in the air. The lively scene was in stark contrast to the coolness of the night. Leo, Luna, and Dan walked slowly, not speaking much to each other. Lacking the mermaid transformation potion, they could only stay in the city for the time being, waiting for the supply of potions. As the three of them walked down the street, they observed everything around them. The people in the city didn¡¯t pay them any special attention, as the residents were used to seeing all kinds of unfamiliar faces. Despite Dan and Luna''s unusual appearances, they didn¡¯t stand out too much, as they didn¡¯t show any overt abnormalities. Suddenly, a stumbling man came from the side and collided straight into Dan. The man was frail, dressed in tattered clothes, and his face was flushed, clearly drunk. He staggered a few steps, muttering incoherently, ¡°You... you monster!... What are you looking at, dare to bump into me¡­¡± He cursed as he pointed at Dan, his eyes unsteady, with a mix of anger and embarrassment in his tone. Leo frowned at the scene and took a slow step forward, his gaze turning wary. He stood between Dan and the drunk, ready to act at any moment. Dan, however, remained calm, his expression unchanged, as if he was used to such situations. The drunk man¡¯s curses grew louder, drawing the attention of the people around them. Yet, Dan still made no move, his eyes flickering with a thoughtful light, as if the drunk¡¯s insults didn¡¯t affect him at all. At that moment, several armored guards swiftly approached, clearly having noticed the commotion. One of the guards stepped forward and helped the drunk up, bowing respectfully as he said, ¡°Young Master, please come with us.¡± Upon hearing the words ¡°Young Master,¡± Leo immediately furrowed his brow. He turned to Luna and whispered, ¡°Is he the Young Master who likes to eat mermaid meat?¡± Luna¡¯s eyes flashed with confusion, but she didn¡¯t answer immediately, only giving a slight nod. She seemed to be observing the drunk man closely, trying to find some clue. ¡°I... it hurts...¡± The drunk suddenly cried out in pain, then shook violently, clutching his chest with both hands, his face contorted in unbearable agony. He mumbled continuously, ¡°Antidote... antidote... I need the antidote¡­¡± His voice grew more frantic, as if each second was filled with immense suffering. The guards immediately helped him up and quickly moved him toward the inner city. ¡°Young Master, are you all right?¡± one of the guards asked with concern. The drunk man didn¡¯t answer, still groaning in pain, clearly unable to speak coherently. The other guards quickly helped him away, and they soon disappeared into the crowd. ¡°That Young Master is definitely unusual,¡± Luna said in a low tone, gently stroking her chin with a hint of doubt in her eyes. ¡°Not only is he delirious, but the energy fluctuations in his body are also quite intense.¡± Upon hearing Luna¡¯s words, Leo felt a surge of confusion. He turned to Dan, his eyes filled with puzzlement. ¡°What do you think happened to him?¡± Dan didn¡¯t answer immediately. He silently observed the direction in which the Young Master was taken, his brow furrowing slightly. There was a flicker of contemplation in his eyes, clearly feeling that this was no simple matter. The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. ¡°Perhaps we can find some clues from him,¡± Dan said in a low voice, though he didn¡¯t say more. Clearly, he wasn¡¯t planning to discuss it further. Just as the three were about to leave, a sharp gust of wind suddenly howled from behind them. Leo felt his vision blur, his body being pulled by a powerful force. In an instant, the environment around them changed drastically. The texture of the air shifted, the noise of the streets vanished, replaced by a profound silence. Leo and Luna froze, their surroundings now completely different¡ªthey were no longer standing on the streets of Windbreaker City, but had instead been transported to a narrow, dimly lit alley. Luna widened her eyes, a look of surprise crossing her face. ¡°Space transference magic... How did we get sent here?¡± Her voice carried a clear sense of shock and confusion, clearly unprepared for such an abrupt change. Leo¡¯s eyes scanned the area, noticing the gloomy atmosphere¡ªthe walls of the alley were covered in moss, a few dim yellow lights cast eerie glows, and the air was thick with a sense of oppression. Dan¡¯s expression grew serious, his gaze sweeping the surroundings. ¡°Someone deliberately used space transference magic to bring us here,¡± he said softly, a flicker of vigilance crossing his eyes. ¡°Someone has been watching us.¡± The atmosphere in the alley grew increasingly dark, the air seeming to freeze, suffocating and unsettling. Suddenly, a deep voice echoed through the silence: ¡°You¡¯ve crossed the line with the mermaid tribe by rescuing humans from the sea.¡± Leo, Luna, and Dan all froze, looking toward the source of the voice. The voice carried an unspoken pressure, like an invisible force emanating from it, causing the three of them to feel an instant chill. A figure stepped out from the darkness. At first glance, he appeared to be a frail beggar, dressed in a tattered robe, his face covered in a scruffy beard, and his posture hunched. He looked unremarkable, standing at the far end of the alley, his cold gaze fixed on them. The surrounding darkness seemed to devour everything around him. Leo¡¯s eyes immediately turned alert, and he stared in surprise, whispering, ¡°It¡¯s you?!¡± He recognized this beggar. It was the same beggar they had encountered when they first arrived in Windbreaker City. At that time, the beggar had hinted at some secrets about the mermaid tribe. Though his words had been vague, the content had made Leo deeply suspicious. To his surprise, they had run into him again in this dim alley, and the beggar now seemed even more mysterious. Luna also sensed something was off. She immediately responded cautiously, ¡°You can use space transference magic, and you know we rescued humans from the sea. You must be a powerful mage. Why disguise yourself as a beggar?¡± The beggar let out a cold laugh, his deep voice tinged with sarcasm. ¡°A mage?¡± He threw his head back and laughed, his voice echoing through the alley, sharp and grating. ¡°Hahaha, I was indeed once a powerful mage, but now... I¡¯ve fallen.¡± He paused, a deep weariness and helplessness flashing in his eyes, as if all the glory and dignity he once had had long since faded. After speaking, the beggar¡¯s gaze casually swept over Dan before he suddenly asked, ¡°Young man, you¡¯re from the mermaid tribe. Why do you help humans?¡± Dan was taken aback by this question, his brow furrowing slightly. He hadn¡¯t expected this seemingly pathetic beggar to see through his mermaid origins so easily. He had no idea just how powerful the beggar truly was. Dan didn¡¯t immediately respond but sighed softly, his expression complex. ¡°The struggle between humans and mermaids should not involve these innocent people.¡± He gazed at the beggar, his eyes firm, his voice resolute. ¡°No matter what our tribes are like, ordinary people shouldn¡¯t be pawns.¡± The beggar was silent for a moment, as if contemplating something. His eyes deepened, as if seeing through time and space to an unknown truth. ¡°The conflict between humans and mermaids is far more complicated than you realize,¡± the beggar whispered, his voice heavy with meaning. ¡°You only see the surface opposition, but the real enemy has long been manipulating everything from behind the scenes.¡± His tone was full of warning, as if revealing a hidden world far beyond what Leo and Luna could imagine. The beggar paused for a moment before continuing, ¡°You must have noticed the Young Master¡¯s abnormality, right? The mermaid transformation potion you¡¯re looking for is in the Young Master¡¯s residence. Remember, don¡¯t trust anyone¡¯s words.¡± After saying this, his gaze swept over the three of them, as if he could see through their every thought. Then, with a subtle movement, he turned and vanished into the darkness, blending with the shadows, disappearing without a trace. The three of them stood frozen. The air seemed to have solidified. Leo and Luna exchanged a look, both filled with an inexplicable unease. The beggar¡¯s words were full of hints and warnings, but why would he provide them with such information at this moment? Was he truly trying to help them, or did he have other motives? ¡°What do you think?¡± Leo whispered. Luna¡¯s brow furrowed, clearly filled with doubt. ¡°I can¡¯t sense any powerful energy from him. If he were a mage, I should be able to sense more. But he clearly doesn¡¯t seem like a regular beggar.¡± She paused for a moment, then continued, ¡°His words are worth considering, especially about the Young Master.¡± Dan¡¯s eyes remained calm. He shook his head lightly and spoke in a low voice, ¡°What if this is a trap? If he really has such power, why didn¡¯t he just deal with us directly? Why go through the trouble of guiding us this way?¡± Leo didn¡¯t answer immediately, instead lost in thought. Indeed, the beggar¡¯s actions were full of suspicious signs, and his words seemed to hide many layers of meaning. But whether they were true or not, no one could say for sure. Even so, Leo couldn¡¯t help but feel a strong urge to investigate further. ¡°I think we should go and check it out. " Chapter 20 : The Underground Altar Night had fully descended, and the streets of Windbreak City gradually fell into silence, the surrounding lights appearing faint against the darkened sky. Leo, Luna, and Dan blended seamlessly into the shadows, their steps light and quick as they avoided the patrolling guards. Leo and Luna were quietly approaching the residence of the young city lord. Suddenly, a hand patted Leo¡¯s shoulder. He turned around and found that Dan had caught up with them. Noticing Leo and Luna¡¯s confusion, Dan explained, "Don¡¯t worry. I just want to see what secrets this young lord is hiding." Leo and Luna didn¡¯t respond, though Dan¡¯s presence gave them some reassurance, their doubts weren¡¯t fully erased. After all, their mission was still unclear, and they couldn¡¯t be sure whether the "beggar¡¯s" words were trustworthy. "I¡¯ll go first," Leo whispered, taking the lead. He and Luna then began to quietly scale the wall. Dan followed them closely behind, his movements as stealthy as a shadow, making hardly any noise. The three of them jumped over the wall and, moving along the shadows, slowly approached the young lord''s residence. Once atop the roof, Leo and Luna paused and quietly peered inside. Through the window, they saw that everything seemed normal¡ªthe maids were busy cleaning, and the remnants of dinner on the table had been neatly tidied up. There didn¡¯t seem to be anything unusual. "It all looks normal," Leo whispered, furrowing his brows with a hint of confusion. However, Luna¡¯s gaze was unusually sharp. Her eyes narrowed as she studied every corner of the house. After a moment, she whispered, "But¡­ where is the young lord?" Her words immediately snapped Leo and Dan out of their thoughts. Indeed, they had been watching for a while, yet they hadn¡¯t seen the young lord at all. While everything inside the house was proceeding in an orderly manner, the young lord¡¯s absence seemed odd. A sense of unease crept into Leo¡¯s chest. He quickly turned to Luna and Dan, whispering, "Let¡¯s go down and find out, maybe ask the staff inside." The three of them swiftly descended from the roof, sliding down the walls, and quietly circled to the side of the house, avoiding the view from the windows. Leo flicked his wrist, his movements swift and precise, as he grabbed a passing maid and pulled her into a dark corner. "Where is the young lord?" Leo''s voice was low, filled with threat. The maid instinctively struggled, her face filled with fear, but soon she was overwhelmed by a strong pressure. Her eyes flickered as if deciding whether to reveal the truth. "I¡­ I don¡¯t know¡­" The maid¡¯s voice trembled, laced with fear. Clearly, she didn¡¯t want to give too much away. Leo applied more pressure, and her struggles weakened as she began to realize her chance of escape was slim. After a moment of silence, she finally spoke, "The young lord¡­ every time after dinner, he goes to the basement." Her voice was barely audible, "That¡¯s his secret place. No one is allowed in unless he permits it." Leo froze for a moment, then pulled the maid¡¯s face closer, whispering, "The basement? What¡¯s down there?" The maid shook her head, her eyes filled with terror. "I only know that the young lord stays there for a long time each time, and no one dares disturb him. Without his orders, no one can enter the basement." She paused, a hint of unease flashing in her eyes. "No one knows what¡¯s down there, only that¡­ every time the young lord comes back, he seems¡­ off." "Good," Leo nodded, realizing this was the clue they were looking for. He glanced around quickly, making a decision. "We¡¯ll hide you, or you might get into trouble." With that, he knocked the maid unconscious and concealed her in a corner, ensuring she wouldn¡¯t be found by anyone else. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. "The basement¡­" Luna murmured, her eyes reflecting deep thought. "What could it be? The young lord stays down there for so long. It seems like something important." "Either way, we have to check it out," Leo said in a determined whisper. Luna then activated her magic, her eyes glowing faintly with power. She carefully sensed the magical fluctuations around them, hoping to locate the entrance to the basement. As her magical detection spread, she quickly found an unusual energy surge in one of the corners of the house. "I found it," Luna whispered, pointing to the ground. "There¡¯s a strong magical fluctuation here. It should be the entrance to the basement." Leo moved closer and found a large stone slab on the ground with faint cracks running through it, clearly hiding some kind of passage. Upon closer inspection, he noticed two guards standing near the entrance, vigilantly scanning the surroundings. "It looks like we need to figure out how to get past them," Leo whispered, his gaze sweeping over the guards as he started to think of a plan to break through without alerting them. Dan was silent for a moment, then spoke up, "I¡¯ll distract them. You two take the chance to get in." His gaze was sharp, his body nimble, clearly prepared for this kind of situation. "Alright," Leo nodded. "We have to move fast." Dan gently extended his hand, palm up, and the shell sprite leaped from his shoulder, floating lightly in the air. Its wings fluttered slightly, shimmering with a soft blue light. The sprite silently flew toward the ears of the two guards, its lips parted as it began to chant a deep and prolonged melody. This was an ancient mermaid song, its tone ethereal, like a murmur from the deep sea. The moment the melody began, the guards froze, their pupils dilating as their eyes became vacant and lifeless. After a moment, their bodies swayed slightly, then stood still, as if completely controlled. Dan whispered, "Hurry, let''s go." Leo and Luna nodded, and the three of them quickly passed the controlled guards, pushing open the hidden cellar entrance in the corner and swiftly descending the stone steps. The passage to the cellar was dark and damp, filled with a strong fishy odor. "The smell here..." Luna frowned, covering her nose, and murmured, "It''s too pungent." Leo nodded slightly, his fingers gently touching the stone walls, sensing a dampness. As they moved deeper, the passage began to widen, and the light ahead grew brighter. Suddenly, their vision expanded, and they entered a vast underground space. They stood in a circular corridor that wrapped around the entire space, spiraling down along the walls. In the center of the corridor, a stone staircase wound downward, leading to the bottom of the space. The scale of the space was far beyond their imagination¡ªlarger even than any building on the surface, like a gigantic palace hidden underground. What was even more shocking was that at the bottom of the space, there was a large, blood-red pool of blood! The three of them looked down at the stone steps, their hearts sinking. In the center of the blood pool stood an ancient altar, intricately carved with a magical array. Blood flowed slowly along the grooves of the array, emitting an ominous glow. What was even more terrifying was that when they looked up at the top of the space, they gasped in shock. Countless mermaids, suspended by iron chains, hung in the air. Their bodies were covered in gruesome wounds, and blood dripped from their bodies, flowing down the iron chains in the air and finally collecting in the blood pool below. The faces of these mermaids were twisted in agony and despair. Their lips trembled, as if trying to make a sound, but some force seemed to suppress them, leaving them unable to scream or cry for help. The air was thick with the smell of blood, mixed with the scent of magic, creating an eerie, oppressive atmosphere in the entire space. Leo, Luna, and Dan were all stunned into silence by the scene before them. It was all so cruel and unimaginable. They never thought they would find such a bloody altar beneath Windbreaker City. Just as they were frozen in shock, the sound of footsteps echoed from a distant passage. "Someone''s coming!" The three of them quickly hid in the shadows behind a stone pillar, holding their breath, peeking through the gaps to observe the newcomer. The footsteps grew louder, and soon, a young man in luxurious robes slowly walked into the center of the altar. It was¡ªThe Young Lord! However, unlike during the day, the Young Lord was no longer in a mad state. Instead, he exuded an aura of coldness, disdain, and even a hint of arrogance. His eyes were sharp, his lips curled into a slight sneer, as if he were completely indifferent to the bloody scene before him, even¡­ accustomed to it! Behind him followed a magician in a black robe. The magician crossed his arms in front of his chest, his head slightly bowed, as if waiting for the Young Lord¡¯s command. The Young Lord stood in the center of the altar, looking around with a mocking smile on his face. ¡°Still too slow.¡± His voice was calm but tinged with impatience, and his gaze fell on the magical array on the altar. His tone was indifferent, "Is there a faster way? This method is still too slow." The magician slightly lifted his head, responding in a low voice, "My lord, the power you seek cannot be obtained in an instant. The magical power from the blood sacrifice needs time to accumulate, especially since the blood of these mermaids is not an ordinary sacrificial medium. Their blood contains powerful magical resistance, and it requires a specific ritual for complete transformation." The Young Lord furrowed his brows, his tone growing more impatient, ¡°You know I don¡¯t have time to waste.¡± The magician nodded, whispering, ¡°If the lord is willing, we can directly initiate a stronger ritual. Though it carries greater risks, it can significantly shorten the transformation time.¡± The Young Lord''s eyes brightened slightly. He slowly walked to the edge of the blood pool, extended a finger, and gently stirred the blood, as though contemplating something. ¡°Risk?¡± he murmured, a glint of interest flashing in his eyes, ¡°I don''t mind the risk, as long as... it¡¯s powerful enough.¡± Chapter 21 : Scale Wilt Syndrome The nauseating stench of blood permeated the entire underground space, oppressive and suffocating. The faint glow of the magical array flickered, reflecting on the pale face of the Young Lord standing in its center. He clenched his fists tightly, his eyes filled with agitation and dissatisfaction, resembling a wild beast trapped in a cage, yearning for greater power. "But... but it''s too slow! I need more powerful strength!" The Young Lord''s voice trembled with a hint of madness, his nails deeply embedded in his palm, his knuckles turning white. The magician behind him frowned slightly. His tone remained respectful, though tinged with a hint of unease. "Young Lord, this method is already the most effective for you. Your body has already shown severe side effects. If we intensify the effect, your body might not be able to withstand it." "Side effects?" The Young Lord gritted his teeth, his eyes narrowed with malice as he glared at the magician. "I don¡¯t care about side effects! What I want is power, real power!" The magician sighed helplessly and shook his head. "Since you insist, I will enhance the magic array''s effect when absorbing the energy. But if you cannot withstand it, we must stop immediately." With those words, the magician raised both hands, his fingertips glowing with an eerie blue light. He chanted an incomprehensible incantation, and the underground magical array suddenly erupted with intense red light. The blood in the blood pool churned violently, as if being stirred by an invisible force, rippling outward in widening circles. "AAAHH!!" The mermaids suspended in the air suddenly thrashed about. The iron chains clanked as they twisted. Their mouths opened wide, emitting agonized wails as though they were undergoing the cruelest of tortures. Their blood no longer just dripped; it seemed to be pulled by some invisible force, flowing in streams from their wounds, transforming into crimson beams that merged into the magical array on the altar! "He... he¡¯s absorbing the mermaids'' power!" Dan widened his eyes, his voice trembling, unable to believe what he was witnessing. As the energy poured in, the Young Lord''s body quivered slightly, his eyes glowing with a blood-red light. His aura grew stronger, his robes rustling as they were buffeted by the violent surge of magical energy. Meanwhile, the suspended mermaids'' scales began to lose their luster, wilting and cracking, like lifeless tree bark. "Scale Wilt Syndrome?!" Dan''s eyes widened in horror, his face turning pale in an instant. Scale Wilt Syndrome ¡ª a terrifying phenomenon that only occurs when a mermaid''s vitality is completely drained. Once their scales completely wither, these mermaids cannot survive, and even their souls will vanish, leaving no chance for reincarnation! "Stop!!" Dan could no longer contain his anger and grief. His eyes filled with despair as his voice cracked in a hoarse shout. Unfortunately, his cries could not halt the magic ritual. In just a few breaths, all the mermaids hanging in the air had completely turned into withered husks. Their scales fell off, and they lost their life force, dangling in the air like dead puppets. The magical array on the altar absorbed all the energy, and the light gradually dimmed. The blood pool returned to stillness, resembling a dead, silent lake. The Young Lord closed his eyes, savoring the surging power within him. His lips curled into a faint smile, as if intoxicated by the infinite energy. Slowly, he opened his eyes, still glowing with blood-red light, his aura now even stronger than before. "This is power... Ha... Hahaha!" He threw his head back and laughed, his voice filled with excitement. "No... my people, no!!" Dan could no longer suppress his fury. Tears streamed from the corners of his eyes as he gripped his twin daggers tightly, his gaze filled with murderous intent. With a sudden leap from his hiding place, his daggers gleamed coldly, aiming directly at the Young Lord in the center of the altar! You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. "You demon, I will kill you!!" The blades sliced through the air in a sharp arc, heading straight for the Young Lord''s chest! However, just as the blades were about to strike their target, the Young Lord slowly raised both hands and effortlessly caught Dan''s daggers with his bare hands! "What?!" Dan''s pupils contracted, his face filled with shock. The Young Lord''s hands were completely unarmored, yet they seemed to possess an indestructible defense. His fingers gripped the blades firmly, allowing the edges to cut into his palms, but he didn''t loosen his grip. Instead, a cruel grin curled on the Young Lord¡¯s lips, his eyes gleaming with a bloodthirsty light. "How did you get in here?" His voice was low and cold, carrying a dangerous pressure. With a sudden yank, Dan''s body was thrown off balance, stumbling forward! At that moment, two figures suddenly leapt down from the corridor, landing next to Dan! ¡ªIt was Leo and Luna! Luna''s hands shimmered with magical light, and Leo tightly gripped the Void Ring, his gaze fixed firmly on the Young Lord and the magician. "Let him go!" Leo said coldly. The magician''s eyes flickered slightly at the sight, and he snorted before raising his hand and casting a defensive spell. A blue magical barrier spread around them, enclosing the Young Lord within. The Young Lord slowly released Dan''s daggers, licking the corner of his mouth, his eyes filled with mockery. "Oh? So there¡¯s not just one intruder, huh¡­" Suddenly, the Young Lord spat out a mouthful of blood, his pale face turning even more ashen. His body swayed as if losing balance, and the blood-red glow in his eyes gradually faded. The magician quickly reacted, rushing forward to support him, speaking in a low voice, "Young Lord, you absorbed so much power just now. Your body is still too weak; you need to retreat and rest." The Young Lord''s face was pale, and he bit his lip in pain, clearly not expecting that absorbing so much energy would have such a backlash on his body. His eyes were filled with reluctance, but with the magician''s support, he could only nod weakly. "Quick, take the Young Lord back!" the magician commanded, then turned his attention to the three who were preparing to fight back. At the same time, several armored guards poured out from a small underground room, quickly surrounding Leo, Luna, and Dan, forming a siege. The cold gleam in their eyes reflected the readiness of their weapons, prepared to strike at any moment. The Young Lord stood beside the magician, pointing at Leo and Luna. His voice was cold as he commanded, "Kill them!" At the sound of the order, the guards immediately raised their weapons and charged at the three. "They''re coming!" Leo muttered lowly, drawing his broken sword, a look of determination flashing in his eyes. Luna quickly moved to Leo''s side, forming magical seals with both hands, while Dan skillfully darted between the guards, his twin daggers gleaming with cold light, ready to intercept the oncoming enemies. The three of them stood back to back, forming a defensive line as they began to counterattack. Leo struck first. He gripped the broken sword tightly, quickly channeling the elemental power from the Void Ring into the blade. The sword immediately gleamed with a ghostly blue light, the chill of the blade intensifying, and an oppressive aura filled the air. His movements were swift and fierce, each strike accompanied by a sharp wind, as the broken sword cut through a guard¡¯s armor, sending him flying. "Quickly, stop them!" the magician shouted, trying to cast a spell to support the guards. Luna, not to be outdone, stood beside Leo, raising both hands. Brilliant light poured from her palms, forming magical barriers that surged forward to attack the enemies. Waves of energy shot like arrows at the advancing guards, knocking down several of the frontmost enemies. Her face was serious, her eyes filled with resolve. However, the number of guards was simply too great. Despite the three¡¯s efforts to fight back, they were still surrounded in the center of the altar, gradually falling into a more desperate situation. "Damn it! How are there so many of them?!" Dan muttered in frustration as he swung his twin daggers, his movements growing more urgent. Faced with such a dense array of enemies, he felt somewhat overwhelmed. Every time he knocked one down, another few guards quickly filled the gap, encircling them more tightly. Leo took a deep breath and quietly said to Dan and Luna, "I¡¯ll charge ahead. We¡¯ll break through the cellar¡¯s exit. Follow me!" They nodded quickly, adjusting their positions, ready for the coming rush. Leo took a deep breath, feeling the five-pointed star mark on his body pulsing violently. Black energy surged from his collarbone, spreading rapidly to the broken sword. The black sealing power spread across the blade, and the surface of the sword emitted an oppressive chill, becoming sharper. "Go!" Leo shouted, suddenly charging forward, swinging the sword at the approaching guards. Bang! Bang! With every strike, the guards were blasted away, blood splattering in the air. The broken sword seemed to come alive, each swing cutting through the air with a sharp sound, breaking through the enemies'' defenses. Seizing the opportunity in the chaos, the three broke free from the guards'' encirclement and made their way to the cellar''s exit. "Quick! Let¡¯s get out!" Leo shouted, his eyes fixed firmly on the exit ahead. As they drew closer to the exit, the three finally broke through the defense, successfully escaping the cellar and rushing out of the house onto the street. The moonlight above them spilled through the clouds, casting their weary figures in its glow. However, just as their breathing had barely settled, a bright light wall suddenly appeared before them, blocking their path. "What is this?" Luna exclaimed in surprise, looking at the light wall that had suddenly formed. She tried to use magic to probe it but found that the wall¡¯s power was extraordinarily strong and could not be easily broken through. Leo felt a wave of weakness, the sealing energy within him rapidly depleting. The black aura returned to the five-pointed star mark, his breath becoming more erratic, his body growing weaker. "This is bad. This light wall..." Leo muttered softly, realizing that he no longer had the strength to continue fighting. The light wall wasn¡¯t just in front of them. The entire street, even the sky above, was encased in the light wall, forming a three-dimensional cage, trapping the three of them inside. The magician''s figure appeared in the distance, standing outside the light wall, his gaze cold. "It seems you really are planning to fight us to the end." "Whether you escape or not depends on your choices," the magician continued, a hint of smugness in his voice. Luna and Dan immediately stood behind Leo, protecting him as they prepared for the battle that was sure to come. However, Leo¡¯s strength was nearly exhausted. He felt his legs weakening, and the light wall before him seemed to blur. He took a deep breath and silently turned his gaze toward Luna and Dan, a silent resolution forming in his heart¡ªno matter how difficult it became, they couldn¡¯t give up now. Chapter 22 : Return Leo, Luna, and Dan were trapped inside the solid magical force field. The surrounding radiance seemed to bind their every move. Leo felt a heaviness in his chest, and although the Void Ring within him provided elemental energy, he was still unable to break through the seemingly indestructible barrier. The light surrounding them emanated a warm aura, but to the three of them, it felt like a suffocating iron net, restricting every breath they took. Leo''s expression began to darken, as if he was contemplating something of great importance. He knew that if they didn''t find a way to escape soon, their fate would be sealed¡ªcompletely controlled by the young lord and his mage. There was no more time to waste. Leo decided to use the sealing power inside him. The black energy from the powerful pentagram seal was their only hope. "I can try..." Leo murmured, a flash of determination crossing his eyes. Luna and Dan both looked at him with worried expressions. Although they had faith in Leo''s strength, the pentagram seal''s power was far too potent. If it overloaded, not only would they fail to break the magical shield, but Leo might be put in even greater danger. "Leo, don''t take the risk!" Luna quickly urged. "Yes, if that power goes out of control, we might not even have a chance to escape," Dan added, his voice full of warning. However, Leo ignored their pleas. His gaze remained resolute, as if he had already made his decision. He gently placed his hand on the pentagram seal on his collarbone, closed his eyes, and began to focus, channeling the black energy from the seal. As Leo moved, the pentagram seal began to glow faintly. The black energy, originating from the void, slowly poured out, gradually enveloping his body. It felt as if an uncontrollable force was surging inside him, and the air around them seemed to grow heavier. Sweat beaded on Leo''s forehead, and a brief flash of pain crossed his eyes, but he endured it, redirecting the almost out-of-control power into the broken sword in his hand. "Hurry! Seal it!" Leo shouted lowly, and with a swift slash, he thrust the sword at the center of the magical force field. However, as the broken sword made contact with the shield, a violent backlash sent Leo stumbling backward. He coughed up blood, his face instantly paling. The energy from the pentagram seal reversed, and the power that was supposed to be sealed now wreaked havoc inside Leo''s body, almost beyond his control. "Leo!" Luna and Dan reached out almost simultaneously to support him, but Leo was already so weak that he could hardly stand, trembling violently. "I... I''m fine..." Leo gritted his teeth against the excruciating pain, forcing himself to hold onto the broken sword and slowly straighten his body. The magical force field flickered with black light but showed no signs of breaking. Clearly, Leo''s attack had not worked, and he had paid a heavy price for it. Luna and Dan''s efforts were in vain, too. The shield remained unbreakable, trapping them with no way out. Just as they were on the verge of despair, Dan finally decided to take extreme measures. His eyes flashed, and he murmured, "I have no choice but to use the last resort." With that, he hesitated no more. He raised his hands high and began to chant a low, powerful incantation. His voice was clear and strong. As the chant ended, Dan''s body underwent a transformation. His limbs elongated, and his form became sleek and agile, eventually fully changing into a merfolk shape. His back shimmered with faint scales that glowed with a blue hue, and his tail gently swayed on the ground. In that instant, Dan became like a creature of the sea, infused with tremendous strength. He opened his mouth again and began to sing a long, melodic tune¡ªa song of the merfolk, an ancient melody capable of disorienting enemies and altering the very essence of things with its magical sound waves. The shell spirit on his shoulder flew into the air, harmonizing with Dan¡¯s song, creating an even stronger sonic attack. The strange rhythm of the song echoed around the force field, seemingly corroding the power of the magical shield. Upon hearing the song of the merfolk, the young lord¡¯s eyes immediately lit up. His gaze locked onto Dan, and a smile of excitement spread across his face. "So, you are a merfolk. I didn''t expect the merfolk to dare enter Broken Wind City. You''re incredibly bold. It seems your power must be quite formidable." He said this with a smirk, then waved his hand lightly, giving the order, "Capture him! Take him alive to the altar!" This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it The mage and the guards were ready, their eyes fixed on Dan, prepared to rush forward and seize him. But just as they were about to act, the force field trembled violently, and with a loud crack, the barrier was finally broken. The magical wall shattered completely, and the three of them were immediately freed. "Go!" Dan didn''t hesitate. He grabbed Leo''s arm and immediately began to pull him toward the exit. Luna quickly followed, and the three of them sprinted toward the city outskirts, moving with incredible speed. The young lord stood where he was, watching their fleeing figures, his face filled with rage and frustration. He ordered the mage and the guards to give chase, but the mage hesitated before speaking, "Young lord, we can¡¯t chase them anymore. We''ve lost their trail." The young lord paused for a moment, then suddenly a blinding golden light pierced the night sky, enveloping the entire street. The three of them vanished without a trace, and neither the mage nor the guards could track their whereabouts. "Damn it, they''ve been relocated again!" the mage cursed under his breath. The guards stopped and looked around, but saw nothing. The young lord appeared confused, and after a moment, a trace of incomprehension flashed in his eyes. "How is that possible? That golden light... it seemed like..." At that moment, after the golden light faded, the three of them were transported to an entirely unfamiliar place. The surroundings were dark, the air thick with the scent of dampness and earth. As soon as they landed, they heard a familiar voice. "You''ve come." The figure of the robed beggar appeared before them once again, his face still wearing that mysterious smile. Under the guidance of the robed beggar, the three of them gradually regained consciousness. Leo still felt a sharp, intense pain sweeping through his body, as though every inch of his skin were pierced by countless sharp needles. The sealing power within him surged like a violent flame, continuously corroding his fragile body. Every time he tried to inhale, he felt an excruciating pressure on his chest, as if some unstoppable force was tearing at his internal organs. "Leo!" Luna''s voice was full of anxiety as she tightly grasped Leo''s arm, her eyes filled with helplessness. "Ro¡ªrobed beggar, please, save him!" The robed beggar remained calm, standing silently by their side, seemingly in no hurry to act. He didn''t respond immediately, just observing Leo''s condition quietly. A deep, complex look flashed in his eyes, and then he stepped forward, crouching to check Leo''s body. After a moment, the robed beggar began to cast a spell. A soft, blue light emanated from his hand, gradually enveloping Leo''s body. The light was warm and gentle, seeming to penetrate Leo''s skin and seep directly into his blood, gradually calming the turbulent sealing power within him. Leo immediately felt the pain in his body lessen slightly, as though the intense burning sensation had been temporarily suppressed. He gasped quietly, struggling to open his eyes, yet still filled with pain and confusion. "Thank you..." His voice was weak, as though even speaking had become a luxury. The robed beggar shook his head, his expression serious. "You should know, Leo, the power sealed inside you is far too strong, even beyond your ability to withstand. You forcibly used that power, and now your body has suffered irreversible damage. I can only help suppress it for a while, but you know the ultimate consequence." "What should we do?" Luna asked urgently, her voice thick with worry. "Can Leo recover?" The robed beggar paused for a moment, then spoke, "If you want to restore him to his original state, your only hope is... the fruit of the Tidal Sacred Tree." Dan was stunned upon hearing this, then shook his head. "But the Tidal Sacred Tree has long since borne no fruit. According to the tribe''s legends, the tree withered away decades ago, and there are no fruits left to harvest." "The fruit of the Tidal Sacred Tree only appears when the tree senses extreme danger or needs to regenerate," the robed beggar''s tone carried a hint of gravity. "But now, you must understand, your actions have been exposed. Staying in Windstorm City will only bring greater danger. The young lord has already begun tracking you. You must leave quickly." Luna looked at him, dazed. "What should we do then?" "I will help you temporarily seal this power, but you cannot stay in Windstorm City any longer." The robed beggar took out several tightly sealed bottles from his robes and handed them to the three of them. "These are transformation potions of the merfolk. Drink them, and you will temporarily become real merfolk, able to blend into the sea and avoid being tracked." "Your identities have already been exposed. The young lord will intensify his pursuit. And if you stay in Windstorm City by force, not only will you be unable to recover, but you may even be fully controlled. So, this is your best choice." The robed beggar''s tone was resolute. "Go now, under the cover of night, and leave as soon as possible." Leo nodded with difficulty, still weak, but he understood that what the robed beggar said was the truth. He took the bottle of potion and handed it to Luna. Luna hesitated for a moment but then took the potion, and the two of them drank it together. In an instant, their bodies underwent violent transformations, their skin covered in blue scales, their bodies growing longer and more powerful. Leo''s pain subsided slightly, but he still felt weak, unable to return to his original state. Luna looked at Leo after the transformation, her gaze filled with worry, but she said nothing. She only spoke softly, "Let''s go. We have to leave quickly." The three of them reached the bottom of the Windstorm Sea, but Dan was stopped by the guards. Dan reached up and removed his veil. The moment the veil was taken off, the merfolk guards around them froze, all stopping their movements and whispering among themselves. "How is he back?" one of the guards murmured. "How is it him? Wasn''t he already..." another guard''s voice carried shock. Dan calmly placed the veil into his robe and looked at the guards with a steady, calm gaze. He didn''t speak, just walked forward, moving towards the guards. "You should know, I am a traitor of the merfolk," Dan''s voice was unwavering. "Inform your leader, tell him to come see me." The merfolk guards exchanged uncertain glances, unsure how to react. Finally, a lead guard gritted his teeth and said, "You... How dare you come back!" Dan didn''t respond, only turned his gaze towards the distant sea, waiting for the leader''s response. Not long after, news quickly reached the merfolk leader. The leader''s expression was filled with shock, anger, and helplessness. He immediately ordered a few elite guards to prepare for Dan''s reception and decided to meet him personally. "How dare he come back?" The leader''s voice was as cold as frozen seawater. "We have exiled him from the tribe, and yet he dares to return. Truly audacious." However, despite his anger, the leader still decided to meet Dan personally. His voice carried a note of finality. "Let him in!" The guards reluctantly stepped aside, clearing the way. Dan calmly walked forward, showing no signs of panic or regret, just taking steady steps toward the leader''s palace. In the quiet atmosphere, Leo and Luna followed Dan as they ventured deeper into the sea. The three of them didn''t speak much, knowing that many unknown difficulties and challenges lay ahead. For now, all they could do was silently prepare for the battles to come. Meanwhile, in Windstorm City, the young lord and the mages were still intensively tracking the three of them, secretly planning their next move... Chapter 23 : Just Leave The grand hall of the merfolk palace was deep and cold, illuminated by the eerie blue glow of coral lamps that cast shifting reflections on the shell-tiled floor. Dan walked at the front, his expression calm, even carrying a hint of nonchalance. Luna and Leo followed closely behind him, their movements deliberately slow, but in their hearts, they had already prepared for the worst. At the center of the palace, upon a raised throne, sat a regal merfolk woman. She wore a deep blue robe, and her long silver hair drifted gently with the currents. A crystalline ornament on her forehead shimmered with a soft glow. Though her face showed no overt anger, her sharp gaze carried an undeniable authority. Dan stopped several meters away from the throne and bowed slightly. ¡°Greetings, Chieftain.¡± The chieftain''s gaze fell upon Dan, carrying a restrained coldness and underlying fury. ¡°I cast you out of Drifting Wind Sea long ago. Why have you returned? You know that those who are exiled and dare to return face only one punishment¡ªdeath.¡± Dan smirked faintly at her words, his tone relaxed yet tinged with resignation. ¡°Grandmother, even after all these years, your words are still as sharp as ever.¡± The chieftain¡¯s expression faltered for the briefest moment, a flicker of complex emotion crossing her eyes, but she quickly masked it and spoke with the same cold hardness. ¡°Dan, if it weren¡¯t for you and your so-called teammates, the world would not have fallen into this state! The merfolk would not have suffered as they have! You are to blame! It was you who unleashed the corruption upon the world!¡± The atmosphere in the hall instantly grew tense. The merfolk guards instinctively tightened their grips on their weapons, their gazes fixed warily on Dan. Dan didn¡¯t flinch. The amusement in his expression vanished, replaced by firm resolve. ¡°No! We are not to blame¡ªthe world is! Back then, when my team and I set out to challenge the Ten Gates, everyone cheered for us. Everyone supported us. But when we failed, the same people turned their backs on us, cast us out, made us scapegoats! Because you couldn¡¯t allow failure, could you? You needed someone to take the blame to protect your own interests!¡± His words echoed through the hall, making even the guards hesitate, unsure of how to respond. The chieftain remained composed, yet a flicker of something unreadable passed through her eyes. She slowly closed them, as if unwilling to continue the conversation. When she reopened them, her cold demeanor had returned. ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± she said icily. Her gaze shifted away from Dan as she gave a quiet order to the guards. ¡°Take him away. Lock him in the prison.¡± Several guards stepped forward and seized Dan by the arms. He didn¡¯t resist, only staring deeply at the chieftain before murmuring, ¡°I didn¡¯t come back to beg for forgiveness. I came back for the truth.¡± The chieftain didn¡¯t reply, turning her face slightly away. Luna and Leo, standing off to the side, watched as Dan was led away. Though anger burned within them, they knew that arguing now would be pointless. The chieftain finally turned her attention to them. Unlike with Dan, there was no hostility in her gaze¡ªonly distant indifference. ¡°You are Dan¡¯s friends. I will not harm you,¡± she said calmly. ¡°But you should leave. Do not return.¡± Leo and Luna exchanged glances. They were reluctant to leave, but they knew they had no choice. Fighting now would only be reckless. They needed a better plan to save Dan. The two of them slowly swam out of the merfolk city. Only when the palace lights faded behind them did Luna finally speak. ¡°The chieftain must not know what Dan¡¯s teammates looked like. Otherwise, she would¡¯ve recognized you.¡± Leo frowned slightly. ¡°Yeah¡­ It seems they don¡¯t know my identity. But that might actually be a good thing. At least we can still move freely.¡± Luna nodded, determination flashing in her eyes. ¡°We have to save Dan. No matter what, we can¡¯t leave him there.¡± As night fell, the deep sea grew dark and silent. The number of patrolling merfolk guards had lessened, their silhouettes barely visible in the distance. Under the cover of darkness, Leo and Luna sneaked back toward the outskirts of the merfolk city, searching for a way into the prison. Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. The prison was located in an underwater cavern behind the palace, secured by thick coral walls and a powerful magic barrier. Two guards patrolled the entrance at regular intervals. Luna observed them closely before whispering, ¡°They switch directions every thirty seconds. We need to move when their line of sight shifts.¡± Leo nodded, holding his breath. The moment the guards turned away, he swiftly guided Luna through a narrow gap between the rocks, slipping into the prison cavern. Inside, rows of coral pillars formed a tightly enclosed area. At the center, Dan sat on the floor, leaning against the wall with his eyes closed, seemingly indifferent to his predicament. Luna tapped lightly on the coral bars. ¡°Dan, we¡¯re here.¡± Dan opened his eyes, blinking in surprise before smirking. ¡°I thought you¡¯d at least wait until morning.¡± ¡°Less talking, more escaping,¡± Leo muttered, running his fingers over the magical seals on the cage. Luna pulled out a small enchanted dagger and traced the spell markings on the barrier, searching for weak points. Just as she was about to break the seal, the guards outside seemed to notice something amiss and began heading their way. "Hurry up!" Leo urged in a low voice. Luna took a deep breath, focused her mind, and suddenly stabbed into the core of the magic array. A flash of blue light flickered, and the magic barrier shattered instantly. Without hesitation, Dan swam out of the cage. The three had just left the prison area, heading away from the merfolk city, when a familiar figure appeared before them. The merfolk matriarch floated quietly in the water, her silver-white hair drifting with the currents. Her deep gaze fell upon Dan, carrying a trace of sorrow that was almost imperceptible. She did not summon the guards, nor did she show any anger. She merely watched them in silence, as if she had long anticipated their actions. "Dan..." The matriarch''s voice carried a hint of exhaustion. "If you leave, don''t come back." Dan''s body tensed slightly, and the smile on his lips faded. He looked at the matriarch, his eyes filled with complicated emotions. After a moment, he took a deep breath and said solemnly, "Grandmother... Before I leave, I have a request." The matriarch was silent for a while before speaking. "What request?" Dan''s gaze flickered slightly, his tone carrying a hint of pleading. "Can you give me a fruit from the Tideheart Tree?" At these words, the matriarch''s expression grew even heavier, the sorrow on her face deepening. She gently shook her head, her voice low and slow. "The Tideheart Tree... can no longer bear fruit." Dan was momentarily stunned, while Leo and Luna both frowned slightly. "Why?" Luna couldn''t help but ask. "Did something happen to the Tideheart Tree?" The matriarch looked at them, her expression distant, as if lost in memories from long ago. Her gaze became deep and faraway as she slowly began to speak. "The fruit of the Tideheart Tree was once the most precious treasure of our merfolk race. Not only could it heal young merfolk suffering from ¡®scale withering disease,¡¯ but it also sustained the health and prosperity of our people. But do you know? The tree''s roots were also an invaluable resource to humans..." She paused, her voice tinged with sorrow. "A century ago, humans accidentally discovered that the sap secreted by the Tideheart Tree¡¯s roots could be used as the core material for forging anti-magic weapons. They called it ¡®Tide Silver.¡¯ From then on, the merfolk and humans became closely intertwined. In exchange for weapons and food from the land, we provided them with a limited amount of the tree¡¯s sap. For a time, there was peace between us." "But then¡­ decades ago, a once-in-a-century monster tide swept across the continent." The matriarch¡¯s voice grew lower, and her gaze darkened. "Cities on land were devastated by the tide of beasts. The lord of Windbreak City came to us, pleading for more of the Tideheart Tree¡¯s sap to forge stronger weapons to defend against the monsters." "But the merfolk refused to overharvest the tree¡¯s roots." The matriarch closed her eyes, her tone carrying deep fatigue. "That tree is the foundation of our survival. We could not give it away. And so, we rejected the city lord¡¯s request." "But..." The matriarch opened her eyes again, her gaze sharp and cold. "The city lord of Windbreak City was unwilling to accept our refusal. He bribed a merfolk to secretly install a magic array at the base of the Tideheart Tree. Once activated, the humans could continuously siphon the tree¡¯s sap through it." Dan¡¯s fists slowly clenched, and Luna''s eyes were filled with disbelief. "And then?" Leo asked in a low voice. A bitter smile appeared on the matriarch¡¯s lips. "They took too much. Part of the Tideheart Tree¡¯s roots withered, unable to support new life. Since then, the tree has never borne fruit again." She paused, her tone becoming even heavier. "The newborns suffering from scale withering disease could no longer be cured with the fruit¡­ We could only seal them in crystal coffins, letting them sleep, waiting for the day the Tideheart Tree would recover." Dan gritted his teeth, his eyes burning with fury and pain. "For humans, this was a disaster as well." The matriarch continued, "With the Tideheart Tree¡¯s decay, weapons forged from Tide Silver began to weaken, no longer as strong and resilient as before. Though they could still forge them, they would never regain their former power." "Later, the merfolk discovered humanity¡¯s betrayal, and our rage could not be soothed. Even when the lord of Windbreak City personally came to apologize, it could not mend our broken trust." The matriarch¡¯s gaze turned ice-cold. "From then on, the merfolk decided to sever ties with humans completely. We no longer welcomed them, no longer traded with them. Instead, we began using our songs to create whirlpools, attacking human fishing boats..." "Those who fell into the sea were sacrificed to the Tideheart Tree¡¯s roots, in the hope that it would be revitalized. In response, humans began brutally hunting merfolk during their fishing expeditions, stripping their scales, stealing their lives..." Her voice grew softer and softer until it finally faded into a barely audible sigh. "It was the filth within the human heart that led to the downfall of the merfolk." As her words settled, the water around them grew eerily silent, as if everything had sunk into the depths of an old, sorrowful memory. Dan remained silent for a long time, his expression filled with pain. Leo and Luna, too, had no words to say. They could not refute her, for every word she had spoken was a harsh truth. "So..." The matriarch slowly turned away from them, her tone still heavy. "The fruit of the Tideheart Tree can never grow again. I cannot grant your request." Dan''s gaze trembled slightly. His lips moved, but in the end, he said nothing more. Leo was silent for a moment before he finally spoke. "What if... the Tideheart Tree could be restored?" The matriarch''s figure froze slightly, but she did not turn back. "If it could truly be restored..." Her voice drifted with the water, "Then¡­ those sleeping children might awaken once more." With that, she slowly swam into the darkness of the deep sea, disappearing from their sight. Chapter 24 : The Resonance of the Tideheart Tree Dan¡¯s eyes sharpened, and his deep-blue fish tail swayed gently in the current. He fixed his gaze on the merfolk matriarch, his eyes filled with long-suppressed anger. "Grandmother," his voice was low but firm, carrying a hint of accusation, "You¡¯ve always believed that only the hearts of humans are tainted, but what about the merfolk? Is the heart of the merfolk truly pure and untainted?" The matriarch flinched slightly, her face darkening, but she did not immediately respond. "For generations, the merfolk have revered strong physiques, viewing strength as a symbol of honor, but because I was weak, you deemed me a disgrace to our kind." Dan¡¯s fist slowly clenched, his voice trembling slightly, "You exiled me from the Windbreak Sea, leaving me to wander alone, at the mercy of life and death in the outside world." The matriarch¡¯s lips moved slightly, but she ultimately said nothing. Dan did not stop; he continued, "Later, I desperately tried to prove myself, to show you that even though I was frail, I could still be a worthy member of the merfolk. But when I returned in failure, you not only denied me a chance but also took away my ability to sing the Song of the Merfolk." His fingers gently traced his throat, where once lay the source of his pride, now his greatest pain. "The Song of the Merfolk was our gift, and you cruelly severed my vocal cords, preventing me from ever singing again! Have you ever thought about what that meant to me?" Dan¡¯s eyes burned with accusation and sorrow, his body trembling as his voice betrayed his uncontainable rage. "You cast me out of the Windbreak Sea, stripped me of my rights as a merfolk, and yet still you claim that the merfolk are pure? Do you really believe that we, the merfolk, have never been tainted?" The entire sea fell silent, the currents seemingly stilled. The matriarch¡¯s gaze wavered slightly, her lips pressed into a thin line, and for the first time, an expression of uncertainty appeared on her face. She looked at Dan, a complex emotion rising in her eyes, but she did not speak immediately. At that moment¡ª "Boom¡ª!" A deafening explosion suddenly echoed from above, the waters below shaking violently as the entire sea seemed to stir. Leo and Luna immediately looked up, seeing flames flickering above the water, the shockwave of the explosion creating enormous bubbles in the water. "What¡¯s going on?" Leo frowned, quickly scanning the area. "Above..." Luna¡¯s face changed slightly, her eyes narrowing as she squinted through the waves, catching a blurry image. "It¡¯s the human army!" Dan¡¯s pupils constricted slightly, a flash of surprise crossing his face. "Has the conflict between the merfolk and humans... begun again?" The matriarch¡¯s expression instantly grew serious. She spun around sharply and spoke in a deep, commanding voice, "Wake all the merfolk, prepare for battle!" Soon, the sleeping merfolk were awakened, emerging from the coral palaces and caves, gathering above the waters and looking toward the surface. At the matriarch¡¯s command, figures quickly emerged from the water, and above the sea, hundreds of merfolk assembled, forming swirling formations. On the distant shore, the human army stood ready. Under the night sky, the guards and mages of Windbreak City stood on the coastline, clad in black battle armor, holding spears and bows. The light of torches reflected off their armor, giving them a cold, murderous air. At the front of the group stood a young man¡ªthe young lord of Windbreak City. Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. The matriarch slowly emerged from the water, her cold gaze sweeping over the human army. Her voice was low and chilling, "Where is your city lord?" Upon hearing this, the young lord smirked, a hint of mockery in his smile. His tone was dismissive, "I know my father feels guilty about the merfolk; he has always advocated for reconciliation with you... but I¡¯m different. I won¡¯t be bound by his naive ideals." He paused for a moment, his smile growing even colder. "So, I locked him in his room. Today, it¡¯s me who will lead the campaign against the merfolk." The matriarch¡¯s gaze immediately turned icy, and the waters around them seemed to freeze in that moment. "Lead the campaign against the merfolk?" The matriarch scoffed, her eyes sharp as knives. "You certainly have quite the bravado." Her voice echoed in the night, carrying a cold and authoritative edge. "Today, the grievances between the merfolk and humans must be settled once and for all." Under the Night Sky, the Battle Erupts Suddenly The merfolk stirred massive waves in the sea, their sharp coral tridents slicing through the water, striking toward the human army on the shore like a violent storm. The archers of Windbreak City retaliated fiercely, firing flaming arrows that streaked across the night sky, burning as they fell into the sea, creating scalding water vapor in their wake. In the center of the battlefield, the sounds of clashing, roars, and screams intertwined as blood rapidly spread through the water, staining the entire Windbreak Sea red. Merfolk, torn apart by sharp weapons, writhed in agony, while human soldiers, their flesh and blood lost, fell on the shore, their bodies rising and falling with the tides, becoming cold sacrifices on the battlefield. The merfolk matriarch stood on the water¡¯s surface, her cold eyes fixed on the young lord of Windbreak City. She held a trident formed from the very currents of the sea, its power radiating as she glared at him. The young lord stood on the shore, wielding a longsword that shimmered with blue light¡ªits blade forged from tidal silver. "You lowly monsters!" The young lord suddenly swung his sword, releasing a sharp blade of energy that sliced through the air and aimed at the sea¡¯s surface. The matriarch snorted coldly, swinging her trident in response. A powerful surge of water shot up, blocking the sword¡¯s energy, then she swung again, creating a massive whirlpool on the water¡¯s surface that began pulling the human army into its depths. However, more human warriors charged forward, crossing makeshift bridges and clashing with the merfolk in fierce combat. The battle grew more intense, with blood and flesh flying through the air as the sea seemed to consume both sides¡¯ lives. Outside the Battlefield "If this continues, both the merfolk and humans will suffer catastrophic losses!" Leo clenched his fists, looking anxiously toward the battlefield. Luna¡¯s face was pale; she had never witnessed such a bloody scene, her heart racing as if it might burst from her chest. Leo took a deep breath and quickly made a decision. "Luna, go to the city lord''s residence and rescue him! Only he can stop this war!" "Understood!" Luna gritted her teeth, no longer hesitating. She quickly turned and swam toward Windbreak City. Dan¡¯s gaze remained on the battlefield, his face reflecting a moment of struggle. "Leo... can we really stop them?" "Let¡¯s try," Leo replied without hesitation, charging toward the battlefield, with Dan close behind. In the Heart of the Battlefield In the depths of the Windbreak Sea, the scent of blood spread through the water, which seemed to be stained red. The matriarch suddenly swung her trident, and the currents of the sea transformed into countless sharp water blades, striking toward the young lord. He smirked coldly, swinging his tidal silver sword, cutting through the water blades. His figure flashed, and he charged toward the matriarch. The matriarch¡¯s eyes narrowed as she quickly retreated, her trident carving a graceful arc through the air before lunging at the young lord. The young lord was prepared. He flipped his body, narrowly avoiding the strike. Seizing the opportunity, he swung his tidal silver sword with all his might, aiming at the matriarch. Clang¡ª! The trident and tidal silver sword collided violently, creating a shockwave that sent water spraying several meters into the air. The matriarch frowned. "Kid¡­ how do you possess the strength of the merfolk?" The young lord sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "Of course, I took it." His gaze was filled with cold indifference. "Those foolish merfolk, they are no loss." The matriarch¡¯s eyes grew icy, rage igniting in her pupils. "You beast..." The two clashed again, the waves crashing violently, and murderous intent filled the air. However, after a series of fierce battles, the matriarch¡¯s strength began to wane, while the young lord¡¯s tidal silver sword grew sharper with each swing, each strike carrying a deadly threat. Finally¡ª Thud! The young lord seized an opening, driving the tidal silver sword deep into the matriarch¡¯s chest. The matriarch¡¯s body trembled violently, blood spilling down the sword¡¯s blade, and the water turned red. "Grandmother¡ª!!" Dan¡¯s eyes widened, and he cried out in a heart-wrenching scream, filled with despair and fury. The matriarch slowly fell, and Dan quickly swam to her, cradling her in his arms, tears streaming down his face. The matriarch¡¯s hand trembled as she lifted it, gently touching Dan¡¯s cheek. Her voice was weak and sorrowful. "Dan¡­ I¡¯m sorry¡­ I should never have driven you away when you were at your weakest..." Her eyes carried regret, and her throat caught. "I should never have¡­ severed your¡­ Song of the Merfolk..." A bitter smile tugged at her lips. "You were right¡­ the hearts of the merfolk and humans¡­ are both¡­ filled with corruption¡­" With her final words, her hand slowly fell, and her gaze lost all light. "Grandmother...?" Dan¡¯s voice trembled, tears falling uncontrollably as he held her tightly, crying inconsolably. At that moment, the Tideheart Tree suddenly emitted a blinding light, and a mysterious, ancient energy slowly began to flow from the tree¡¯s core. Dan¡¯s body seemed to sense something, his bloodline stirring as the shell spirit radiated a brilliant glow. A clear and melodious voice echoed through the sea¡ª It was the Song of the Merfolk. The haunting melody resonated throughout the entire sea, piercing through the night, the bloodshed, and the hearts of everyone who heard it. Both merfolk and human fighters on the battlefield froze, staring in awe at Dan as he sang. The light from the Tideheart Tree grew even brighter, as if responding to Dan¡¯s song... Chapter 25 : The Merfolk Monster On the battlefield, blood and rage filled every corner. The song of the shell spirits resonated through the waves, like a powerful shockwave sweeping across the entire battlefield. The sound was clear and melodic, yet it carried an indescribable force. Its melody was like a deep-sea lullaby, penetrating all obstacles and deeply touching every soul. The merfolk warriors were enveloped by the power of this melody. Their eyes grew dazed, and their bodies lost all rational control. The anger within them was diminished by the song, replaced by an uncontrollable impulse. The long-suppressed bloodlust erupted, and the merfolk warriors charged toward the human army, accompanied by the sounds of shredding screams and blood. In that moment, the tides of the battle reversed. On the human side, however, the situation was quite the opposite. The once tense and wary soldiers, guided by the song, fell into a deep confusion. Their rationality began to blur, and the hatred in their hearts was entirely eclipsed. They began attacking the merfolk, and former enemies instantly became objects of hatred. The human army surged toward the merfolk warriors, and blood and water intertwined, as thousands of lives were caught in the vortex of fate in that instant. Dan¡¯s eyes were bloodshot. Holding twin daggers, an uncontrollable fury radiated from him. He watched as the situation on the battlefield changed, quickly swimming toward the young lord. The young lord, amidst the chaos, appeared even angrier. His sword glowed with flashes of light, swinging toward Dan as he charged. "You lowly merfolk!" the young lord shouted, his sword aimed directly at Dan¡¯s chest. Dan met the attack with his daggers, the sound of clashing blades echoing across the surface of the sea. Every strike was filled with power, fueled by immense anger and hatred. Their battle grew more intense, with blades flashing and no moment of respite. Meanwhile, Leo stood at the edge of the battlefield, witnessing everything unfold, but feeling helpless. His eyes were locked onto the endless conflict, his heart filled with confusion and powerlessness. The broken sword in his hand seemed to have lost all meaning. The once firm resolve and courage he had now seemed to be swallowed by a deep, consuming sense of uncertainty. At that moment, an unfamiliar and powerful force rose from the depths of the sea, and Leo suddenly felt an invisible pull dragging him into the water. He looked down sharply, and the water before him immediately became blurry. The sea engulfed his body, pulling him swiftly downward. Leo struggled desperately, but no matter how he fought, that force held him firmly. Just as he was about to lose consciousness, a warm light suddenly illuminated the surroundings. It was the glow of the Tideheart Tree. Leo widened his eyes in shock. His body was enveloped by a mysterious force as he descended rapidly into the depths. The surrounding water pressure seemed to vanish, replaced by a sense of ethereal lightness. Before him, the branches of the Tideheart Tree transformed into the shape of a mermaid. Her crystalline scales flickered with a faint glow in the water, as if she were a deity born from the deep sea. Her deep eyes gazed at Leo, the corners of her mouth curving upward in a gentle smile. "Leo, it''s a pleasure to meet you." Leo froze for a moment, confused. "You... know me?" The mermaid¡¯s gaze softened, and she nodded slowly. "We¡¯ve never met, but I¡¯ve seen you in Dan¡¯s memories." Leo still couldn¡¯t understand, his heart pounding as if some premonition told him that what she said next would decide everything. The mermaid spoke softly, "Leo, I have a request to make." "Go ahead," Leo replied, still puzzled, but some unspoken emotion began to stir within him. The mermaid continued slowly, "I hope you can stop this conflict. The bloodshed between humans and merfolk has gone on long enough." Leo furrowed his brow, his gaze shifting toward the distant battlefield. A heavy thought weighed on his mind. "How can I do that?" If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. The mermaid smiled faintly. "I will lend you my power." As her words ended, the branches of the Tideheart Tree began to move. They coiled around Leo¡¯s broken sword like tendrils. In an instant, the surface of the broken sword glowed with the patterns of waves, and those patterns gently rippled with the movement of the tides, as if merging with the ocean itself. "This is..." Leo murmured to himself, feeling a new power surge within him, resonating with the very force of the sea. "Go," the mermaid¡¯s voice was soft yet firm. "Only you can change this." Leo steadied himself, took a deep breath, and turned his gaze upward once more. He leaped out of the water, propelled by the power of the waves, and soared back into the heart of the battlefield. In that moment, Leo raised his broken sword. The entire battlefield seemed to pause for a moment. All eyes turned to him. His eyes shone with a resolute light, and his voice carried an overwhelming sense of determination. "Stop!" His voice boomed like thunder over the surface of the sea, shaking the hearts of all who heard it. "There is no end to this war between humans and merfolk! If this continues, we will all perish!" His voice grew louder, carrying an undeniable force. "Both humans and merfolk have blood on their hands. Every swing of the sword, every killing blow, is a desecration of life. We must stop this, stop this endless hatred!" His words echoed across the battlefield. Though the air still reeked of blood, as he swung his broken sword, a mysterious power seemed to suppress the violence in the air. He called out again, "If you continue to kill, you will drag the entire world down with you. We should not let more innocent lives be sacrificed in this sea!" Leo''s words were like a sharp blade, piercing into the hearts of everyone on the battlefield. Even the most enraged warriors could not ignore the power behind his words. After a brief moment of silence, the fighting around them came to a halt, and a tense atmosphere filled the air. Even the young lord was momentarily stunned. His gaze involuntarily shifted toward Leo, as if contemplating the meaning of his words. At that moment, a sharp flash of cold light cut through the air. Dan suddenly leaped from behind the young lord, his twin blades crossing as he ruthlessly stabbed toward the young lord''s chest. Although the young lord reacted quickly, he clearly hadn''t anticipated Dan''s sudden attack. The gleaming, cold blade pierced straight through the young lord¡¯s chest, and blood spurted out. "Die! Pay for my grandmother''s life!" Dan''s voice was full of hatred, with an uncontrollable rage in his tone. The young lord coughed violently, raising a hand to grip the sword''s blade tightly. Despite the blood pouring from his chest, he showed no fear, instead sneering slightly: "Pay for my life? My life is worth much more than yours!" Before he finished speaking, his body suddenly trembled. The young lord''s internal power exploded! A powerful wave of energy erupted from his body, causing the air pressure to skyrocket. Dan was sent flying by the force, crashing into the rock wall of the coast, instantly losing consciousness. This shockwave not only threw Dan back, but also knocked all the human and merman warriors on the battlefield to the ground. Even far-off Broken Wind City felt the intense tremor. Many people were awakened from their sleep, confused and unsure of what was happening outside. The young lord¡¯s body began to undergo a terrifying transformation. As his energy continued to surge, his body rapidly expanded, his muscles twisting violently, growing larger and larger, until he eventually transformed into a ten-meter-tall merman monster! His eyes turned completely blood-red, filled with madness and rage. He let out a terrifying roar, a deafening sound that seemed to tear the entire sea apart. The human and merman warriors standing still were all frozen in place. They had never witnessed such a horrifying sight. Almost everyone was stunned by the overwhelming power, unable to move. This monster was no longer the young lord; he had become a creature completely controlled by power, having lost all reason and humanity. He growled lowly, filled with endless bloodlust, and charged directly into the battlefield between the human and merman forces. With each step, the sea was lifted by a massive force, creating towering waves. Every tremor knocked the surrounding warriors off balance. The monster began attacking indiscriminately, whether human or merman, everyone became his target. "Run!" someone screamed in terror, but against such a beast, all attempts to flee seemed hopeless. The human warriors scattered in all directions, trying to evade the monster¡¯s attacks, and the merman warriors also began to retreat. However, the monster showed no sign of stopping. It seemed to have completely lost its mind, frantically scanning its surroundings with its blood-red eyes, attacking and destroying everything in sight. The residents of Broken Wind City finally poured out into the streets. Seeing this scene, they were terrified, their faces turning pale as they scrambled back into the city, hoping to escape the monster¡¯s wrath. The monster, clearly drawn to the densely packed crowd, suddenly turned around and charged toward them. "Back! Get into the city!" someone screamed, leading the crowd in a panic toward the city gates, but their escape was no match for the monster''s pursuit. It closed in with every step, a raging beast freed from its chains. Finally, the monster entered Broken Wind City, ruthlessly starting its rampage. The buildings in the city were kicked aside with a single swipe, the streets collapsed under its massive form, and the city walls cracked under its attack. The guards attempted to resist, but their swords and arrows were nearly useless against the monster. Its body seemed covered in thick armor, and all their attacks had no effect on it. The mages tried casting spells, but the monster¡¯s enormous body and the explosive energy it emitted completely neutralized their magic. The magic¡¯s light seemed insignificant before the creature. At this moment, Luna and the city lord appeared. She stood closely behind the city lord, her eyes fixed on the monster. Her heart shook with shock as she followed the creature¡¯s movements. Suddenly, she realized¡ªthe massive monster was none other than the young lord she had seen on the battlefield earlier. "That... that¡¯s the young lord!" Luna¡¯s voice trembled, unable to believe her eyes. The city lord was equally stunned. He had never expected the young lord to transform into such a creature. His heart was filled with a tangle of emotions. The monster seemed to recognize the city lord as well. Its eyes suddenly glowed brighter, and its blood-red pupils locked onto the city lord. The creature¡¯s body trembled violently, and it let out a low growl: "You can¡¯t see me! You will never see me..." The monster¡¯s eerie words sent chills down everyone¡¯s spine. It was as if those words were an explosion of some suppressed emotion deep within it. Its gaze was filled with endless pain and rage, as if it wanted to destroy the entire world. Then, with a wild lunge, the monster charged toward the city lord, as though intending to destroy everyone who had ever harmed it. "Quick! Get away!" Luna shouted, pulling the city lord to safety, narrowly avoiding the monster¡¯s attack. The monster continued to let out frantic roars, repeating those same words: "You can¡¯t see me! You will never see me..." With each insane repetition, it became even more violent, entirely devoid of reason, driven only by destruction and rage. Chapter 26 : A Choice Amid the Storm Dan floated dazedly on the ocean¡¯s surface, his ears filled with the distant roars and the crackling of flames from Windbreak City. His eyes remained fixed on the inferno consuming the city, his lips trembling as he murmured, ¡°How¡­ how did it come to this? I just wanted to end this fight¡­¡± His fists clenched tightly, nails digging deep into his palms, drawing blood. But the pain couldn¡¯t calm his heart. He had thought he could exact revenge in his own way, that spilling the young lord¡¯s blood would bring an end to everything. Yet now, before his very eyes, it wasn¡¯t the oppressors suffering¡ªit was the innocent. ¡°Dan, this isn¡¯t your fault.¡± A familiar voice came from beside him, accompanied by a gentle pat on his shoulder. Dan looked up abruptly to see Leo standing next to him, his gaze unwavering. ¡°But¡­¡± Dan wanted to say more, but Leo had already turned away. He cast Dan a deep look before striding toward the burning city without hesitation. Dan stood frozen, watching Leo¡¯s figure fade into the distance, his heart a battlefield of contradictions. He had always believed that revenge was his mission, that only blood could bring justice. But as he watched Windbreak City consumed by fire, as the cries of the innocent filled the night, a phrase he once uttered echoed in his mind¡ª ¡°These ordinary people should never be mere pawns of war.¡± Determination settled in his gaze. Dan took a deep breath, then turned sharply to face the merfolk still hovering over the water. His voice cut through the night, firm and resolute: ¡°My people! The ordinary citizens of that city suffer as we do! They are not our enemies¡ªthey are victims, just like us! They should not be the sacrifices of war! If we let them die, then how are we any different from the true executioners?¡± A heavy silence fell over the merfolk. They exchanged uncertain glances, their eyes filled with hesitation and inner conflict. For decades, they had been accustomed to opposing humans, to harboring hatred. But now¡­ could they truly bring themselves to save those who once stood against them? Seeing their silence, Dan felt a pang of disappointment. Saying no more, he turned and swam toward the burning city. But before he reached the shore, a surge of water behind him made him pause. He turned abruptly¡ªonly to see that all the merfolk warriors were following him! One by one, they propelled themselves forward, their eyes no longer hesitant but filled with unwavering resolve. Dan¡¯s lips quivered slightly, his chest swelling with a feeling he had never experienced before. This time, he wasn¡¯t alone. He raised his hands, closed his eyes, and began chanting an ancient incantation. At his words, storm clouds churned in the sky, thunder rumbled through the night, and a fine rain began to descend upon the sea. Raindrops merged with the waves, gathering into currents of energy that propelled the merfolk forward at incredible speed. They became streaks of blue light, riding the storm, surging toward Windbreak City. --- Windbreak City You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. The city had fallen into chaos. Collapsed buildings blocked the streets, firelight painted the night sky red, and the air was filled with screams and cries. People ran frantically between the ruins, searching for shelter¡ªonly to find there was nowhere to hide. In a narrow alleyway, a young mother knelt on the ground, clutching her small son tightly. The boy, Kai, had his leg crushed under a fallen stone, blood seeping through his pant leg. His face was pale, lips trembling. The mother desperately tried to free him, but the stone was too heavy. She looked up in horror¡ªbefore her, a building wall trembled, on the verge of collapse. If it fell, it would bury them both beneath its weight. Her eyes filled with despair. She trembled as she held her child close, whispering, ¡°Kai, don¡¯t be afraid¡­ Mommy¡¯s here¡­¡± Boom¡ª The wall finally lost its support and came crashing down! At that instant, a shadow flashed through the storm like a raging wind! Dan shot forward with the rain, his figure a blur of blue in the downpour. In one swift motion, he scooped up the mother and child, leaping away just as the wall thundered to the ground behind them, sending a cloud of dust into the air. The mother gasped in shock. When she opened her eyes, she found herself and her son safely on another street. Still trembling, she looked up at the one who had saved them¡ªa man with the upper body of a human but a long, gleaming blue tail instead of legs. Under the falling rain, his tail shimmered with an otherworldly glow. ¡°Kai! Kai, are you okay?¡± She quickly turned to her son. Kai was pale but still breathing. He opened his eyes, looking up at Dan. Dan let out a relieved breath, then smiled slightly. ¡°It¡¯s okay now. You¡¯re safe.¡± The rain poured relentlessly over the scorched bricks and tiles of the ruins, extinguishing some of the flames as it fell. The air was thick with the scent of wet ash and smoke. Kai was still tightly held in his mother¡¯s arms, his wide eyes filled with terror as he gazed at the figure before him¡ªa man with the upper body of a human, but with a blue fish tail instead of legs. ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re a merfolk?!¡± The mother stumbled back in fear, her voice trembling with confusion and disbelief. She had heard countless rumors about the merfolk¡ªvengeful creatures, monsters that devoured humans. And now, here was one standing before her, even having just saved them. Dan looked at her without offering any explanation, only giving a slow nod. His gaze was firm and calm, devoid of hesitation. The next moment, he turned away and dove back into the rescue effort, not pausing for further words. The rain continued to fall in torrents, and one by one, merfolk leapt ashore. Their figures darted through the downpour, some extinguishing flames, others lifting victims buried beneath the rubble. Kai watched everything in awe, suddenly raising his arms and shouting in excitement, ¡°The merfolk are here to help us! The merfolk are here to help us!¡± His voice cut through the panic-stricken crowd, and people looked up to see those who had once been their enemies now risking their lives to save them. Fear began to give way to surprise, and that surprise slowly morphed into an indescribable, complex mix of emotions. Meanwhile, on the other side of the battlefield, the monstrous roars echoed through the ruins. The enormous creature rampaged through the destruction, smashing everything in its path. Leo, Luna, and the city lord stood side by side, their weapons stained with blood. Facing this monster, which had once been human, none of the three hesitated. They took turns attacking, trying to push it toward the edge of the ruins. At that moment, Dan joined the fray. He swung his arm, manipulating the storm to form blades of water that sliced toward the creature''s armored hide. The monster¡¯s scales clanged as the water blades hit, but they quickly healed, as if its body had transcended normal biological limits, transforming into a creature capable of self-repair. Leo glanced at Dan, and Dan met his gaze. They nodded at each other with quiet understanding. No words were needed, only the rhythm of battle. The city lord gripped his sword, his eyes filled with a mix of emotions. He stared at the savage creature, then suddenly spoke, his voice laden with pain and confusion, ¡°Why¡­ why did my child turn into this?!¡± Luna, breathing heavily as she wielded a mechanical claw, answered, ¡°Did you not know he was absorbing the power of the merfolk? There¡¯s a massive altar in the basement of his residence¡­¡± ¡°An altar?¡± The city lord¡¯s eyes flickered, his face pale as though unwilling to accept the truth. ¡°Yes.¡± Leo added coldly, ¡°He activated the merfolk blood within him, and it backfired, turning him into this. He¡¯s lost all reason now.¡± The city lord¡¯s fingers trembled. In his mind, he saw the young boy who once stood by his side, striving to earn his approval. But how had it come to this? ¡°It¡¯s impossible¡­ It can¡¯t be him¡­¡± The city lord murmured, his eyes vacant. The monster continued its rampage, its massive body tearing through buildings like an uncontrollable beast. But¡­ could this truly be his child? Suddenly, the city lord¡¯s gaze hardened. He took a step forward and shouted at the creature, ¡°Hua! Wake up! I¡¯m your father¡ªwake up!¡± The monster froze in its tracks. For a brief moment, its eyes flickered, as if contemplating something. Rain slid down its scales, the flames illuminating its pupils, casting the ruined city in its reflection, showing the anguished face of the man. But the next second, its gaze turned wild again. It threw its head back and roared, a sound filled with both anger and sorrow. ¡°Father?¡± Its voice was low and hoarse, tinged with a distorted echo. ¡°No¡­ Father will never see me¡­ I must try¡­ I must make Father see me¡­¡± Its emotions boiled over. Its sharp claws sliced through the night air, and the massive form lunged toward the city lord! The city lord¡¯s pupils constricted, and he gripped his sword tightly. Behind him, Leo, Luna, and Dan had already surged forward to meet the attack¡ª In the downpour, the fateful clash was about to unfold. Chapter 27 : A Desperate Decision The torrential rain poured down as the ruined city of Windrend lay in devastation. Fires flickered and smoldered under the relentless downpour, turning into thick, rising steam. Amidst the rubble, the cries of the wounded, the roars of soldiers, and the guttural growls of merfolk intertwined in a chaotic symphony, while the massive beast continued its rampage, tearing the city apart. It was once the son of the city lord. But now, it was nothing more than a monster consumed by a curse and madness. Boom! With a swipe of its colossal claws, a half-collapsed clock tower crumbled completely, sending bricks and debris crashing down, shrouding the streets in a cloud of dust. Leo, Luna, and Dan stood in a tense formation around the monster, exchanging glances filled with complex emotions. None of them wished to deal a fatal blow. However, the destruction had gone too far¡ªthere was no time left to hesitate. ¡°Huah, stop!¡± The city lord¡¯s voice echoed through the rain. He stood atop the ruins, rainwater streaming down his tattered cloak, his eyes brimming with anguish. ¡°I am your father! Wake up!¡± But the monster did not respond. It only roared, thrashed, and continued its rampage. Its body had completely mutated¡ªdeep blue-black scales covered its once human form, its previously slender merfolk tail now thick and coiled like a serpent, its fin-like appendages sharp as blades, slicing through the stone streets and leaving deep gashes in their wake. Its eyes were devoid of reason¡ªonly an endless fury and unbearable torment remained. Leo tightened his grip on his sword, looking at the city lord with a solemn expression. ¡°My lord, we can¡¯t delay any longer¡­¡± The city lord¡¯s fists trembled slightly. But in the end, he closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and slowly nodded. ¡°Hold him off for me.¡± His voice carried a resolute sorrow. ¡°I need time to prepare.¡± Leo was the first to nod. ¡°Understood.¡± ¡°Leave it to us.¡± Luna adjusted her mechanical arm, the sound of gears clicking into place crisp and sharp against the backdrop of rain. Dan didn¡¯t speak. He merely gave the city lord a long look before raising a hand¡ªwater from the rain coalescing into razor-sharp blades, hovering around him, ready to strike. ¡ª¡ª The battle erupted once more. The monster¡¯s roar tore through the night as its massive tail swept across the battlefield, toppling structures and sending debris flying. But Leo had already leaped away, dodging the attack. His sword gleamed with a faint light as he swung it down at the beast¡¯s shoulder. Sparks flew¡ªthough the blade failed to pierce its scales, it succeeded in drawing the creature¡¯s attention. Luna moved swiftly, maneuvering to the other side, her mechanical arm launching concentrated energy blasts at the beast¡¯s joints, forcing it into a defensive stance. Dan¡¯s strikes were the sharpest of all¡ªhis water blades sliced through the monster¡¯s scales with precision, each strike stripping away pieces of its armor. Yet, its regenerative abilities were terrifying. Within moments, the wounds closed, as if they had never been inflicted. Meanwhile, human soldiers and merfolk warriors had joined the fray, weapons clashing as they fought against the rampaging beast. Time passed second by second. Ten whole minutes later, the city lord finally completed his preparations. ¡ª¡ª Above the battlefield, an enormous magic circle unfurled, glowing a deep crimson that bathed the ruined city in eerie light. Flames gathered in the air, their scorching heat distorting the falling rain. The city lord¡¯s gaze was filled with sorrow and guilt as he spoke his final words, his voice heavy with grief. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, my child¡­ but I must protect my people.¡± As his words fell, the magic circle ignited¡ªcountless fireballs rained down like divine retribution, crashing onto the monster¡¯s body. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Boom! Boom! Boom! Explosions of flame engulfed the creature, scorching its scales and searing its flesh. Its agonized roars shook the heavens as it staggered under the onslaught, its massive form finally collapsing under the relentless blaze. It lay amidst the ruins, blood seeping between its charred scales. Rainwater washed over its blackened wounds, yet even in this state, it did not regain its sanity. It continued to writhe and howl in agony. The city lord collapsed to the ground, his face pale¡ªhis magic completely depleted. ¡ª¡ª But just when everyone thought the battle was over, something changed. From the monster¡¯s broken body, wisps of black mist began to rise, swirling in the air before slowly coalescing into a humanoid silhouette. A deep, mocking voice echoed through the ruins. ¡°Leo, it¡¯s been a long time.¡± Rain poured down over the shattered city. Thunder cracked through the sky. Leo froze, his gaze locking onto the swirling black mist. That voice¡­ who was it? Since losing his memory, he had no recollection of this voice. Yet, an inexplicable sense of unease crept into his heart. Dan, however, reacted instantly¡ªhis expression twisted in shock before his hands clenched into fists, his voice filled with fury. ¡°Orion! How are you here?! So this was all your doing?!¡± The figure in the black mist chuckled softly, his tone laced with amusement. ¡°So you still remember me, Dan.¡± Dan¡¯s eyes turned ice-cold, his voice seething with hatred. ¡°It¡¯s been decades, but your voice¡­ I¡¯d never forget it.¡± Orion laughed, seemingly satisfied with Dan¡¯s reaction. ¡°Then allow me to give you a special gift.¡± As soon as he spoke, the black mist surged¡ªtendrils of darkness lashed out like venomous snakes, coiling around the monster¡¯s broken body. At the same time, a terrifying energy erupted from beneath the earth¡ª Boom! The ground of Windrend cracked apart, and a pool of deep crimson blood burst forth, its boiling liquid surging toward the fallen creature. The monster convulsed violently. Its wounds healed at an unnatural speed, its blood-red eyes darkening further with an even more savage madness. Its scales shifted from blue-black to a deep, ominous crimson. The air around it trembled with its overwhelming, monstrous presence. ¡°Hahahahaha!¡± Orion¡¯s laughter echoed through the stormy night. ¡°I hope you all enjoy the show.¡± Leo, Luna, and Dan watched in horror as the transformation unfolded¡ªan unshakable sense of dread settling in their hearts. The streets of Windbreak City were in ruins. Rainwater trickled down the crumbling walls, mixing with the bloodstained puddles that filled the air with a metallic scent. The deep, guttural roars of the monstrous young lord echoed through the city, sending shivers down the spine. The energy of the blood pool had completely fused with the creature¡¯s body. Black bloodlines intertwined across its form like veins, and a layer of crimson armor sprouted from its flesh, making it look like a beast from the depths of hell. Its eyes were fully dyed in blood-red, tears slipping down like drops of blood, reflecting both agony and uncontrollable rage. The monster threw back its head and let out a furious roar. The sheer force of the soundwave caused the surrounding buildings to tremble violently, bricks and debris collapsing from above. It felt as if the entire Windbreak City was shuddering under its wrath. Even more terrifying was the fact that its body had started adapting to the storm¡ªit was no longer hindered by the rain. Instead, the downpour seemed to enhance its power. "Damn it..." Dan clenched his fists, his expression darkening as he sensed the monster''s rapidly escalating energy. Before he could finish his sentence, the monster suddenly leaped forward, moving through the rain like a fish in water. Its figure blurred as it soared, gliding and diving through the air with an agility that left everyone stunned. The next moment, it spread its arms wide, gathering a crimson vortex in its palms. The swirling rain compressed within, condensing into a long, deep-red spear. With a low growl, the monster hurled the spear straight at the city lord! "City Lord!" Luna gasped, raising her hands to cast a spell, but before she could finish, the spear had already pierced through the air at a terrifying speed¡ªtoo fast to dodge! At the last possible moment, a golden barrier suddenly materialized before the city lord. The spear collided with it with an ear-splitting crash before shattering under the force of the golden light, breaking into countless blood-red droplets that rained onto the ground. Leo, Luna, and Dan turned their heads toward the source of the magic. Standing atop the ruins was a tattered-robed beggar, his aged eyes carrying an indescribable authority. He raised his hand slightly, golden energy rippling in his palm¡ªthe magic that had deflected the attack. ¡°It¡¯s you¡­¡± The city lord¡¯s expression shifted as he looked at the beggar, seemingly recognizing him. The beggar gave no response. His gaze remained locked on the monster as he once again gathered magic in his hands. Radiant blades of light formed at his fingertips, and with a swift motion, he sent them shooting toward the beast like a storm of daggers. But to everyone¡¯s shock, the moment the light blades touched the creature, they simply vanished¡ªdissipating into nothing, as if striking empty air. Not a single scratch was left behind. A flicker of confusion crossed the beggar¡¯s eyes. Without hesitation, he unleashed another wave of attacks¡ªflames, lightning, wind blades¡ªeach spell hitting the monster, yet all dissolved upon impact. ¡°How is this possible?¡± The beggar frowned, his expression growing heavier. ¡°My magic¡­ has no effect at all?¡± Dan and the others were equally stunned. They quickly launched their own attacks¡ªLeo swung his sword, Luna cast elemental magic, and Dan manipulated seawater into razor-sharp blades. But no matter how they struck, the creature remained unscathed. On the contrary, the relentless assaults only seemed to enrage it further. With a sudden, violent sweep of its arm, the monster released a crimson shockwave, instantly neutralizing every attack and forcing Luna and the others back. ¡°Damn it¡­¡± Dan gritted his teeth, his frustration boiling over. ¡°Just what the hell has this thing become?!¡± At that moment, as if by pure accident, Leo¡¯s broken sword slashed across the creature¡¯s arm¡ªand this time, it left a deep, bleeding wound! The monster let out a pained howl, dark blood spilling from the gash, proof that it had been genuinely harmed. ¡°Huh?¡± Leo froze for a second. Then, out of nowhere, a familiar, solemn voice echoed in his mind¡ª "Leo, the monster has absorbed too much of our merfolk power and has undergone irreversible mutation. Ordinary magic will no longer harm it. Now, only the power of the Tidal Sacred Tree can affect it." "The Tidal Sacred Tree?" Leo''s heart pounded. He looked down at his broken sword, finally noticing the faint silver wave patterns along the blade, glowing softly as if responding to the sacred tree¡¯s presence. Realization dawned on him. Taking a deep breath, he turned to Luna and shouted, ¡°Luna, cast a flight spell on me! I need to get up there and take it down!¡± Luna hesitated for only a moment before nodding. A blue magic circle formed beneath Leo¡¯s feet, and in the next instant, he was airborne, soaring toward the monster hovering above. Sensing the threat, the monster lashed out, swiping its bloodstained claws at Leo. But Leo twisted midair, nimbly dodging the attack. Gripping his sword tightly, his gaze sharpened with unwavering resolve. As the power of the Tidal Sacred Tree surged through him, his broken blade traced a brilliant azure arc through the air¡ªaimed straight at the monster¡¯s heart! From a distance, the beggar watched the scene unfold, a flash of shock flickering in his eyes. His gaze fixed on the sword in Leo¡¯s hands, as if recognizing something familiar. Then, with a deep sigh, he slowly reached for the edges of his tattered robe. As the robe slipped away, a strong, battle-hardened middle-aged man was revealed beneath. Though streaked with gray, his hair and beard only added to his imposing presence. But what shocked everyone the most was the transformation taking place before their eyes¡ª His legs gradually turned translucent before shifting into a shimmering silver-blue fishtail. Scales rippled across his skin, and his entire aura changed in an instant. ¡°This¡­¡± Dan¡¯s eyes widened in pure disbelief. A distant memory resurfaced in his mind. He stared at the man¡¯s face and, after a long moment, murmured in shock, ¡°Grandfather¡­?¡± The beggar said nothing, his expression solemn as he gazed at the monstrous figure before him. Then, in a voice deep and firm, he declared, ¡°It¡¯s time to end this.¡± Chapter 28 : Between Life and Death Above the city of Broken Wind, dark clouds churned and lightning flashed. The massive monster seemed like a demon crawling out of the depths of hell, wreaking havoc across the entire city. Its blood-red eyes flashed with a frenzied light, attacking everything in its path. Each violent strike sent shockwaves through the city, causing the entire city to tremble on the brink of collapse. "Only that boy can harm the monster now. We need to work together to stop its movements!" The voice of the robed beggar echoed in the air, clear and powerful. All eyes were on him, his words acting as a clear command, urging everyone into action. He quickly followed up, casting a powerful binding magic. As his magic flowed, many fine threads made of rainwater emerged behind him, rapidly entangling the monster''s massive body. The monster howled, attempting to break free from the restraints. The frenzied power it unleashed tore the water threads apart. But at that moment, Luna, Dan, and the Lord also unleashed their magic. Luna''s elemental magic summoned a strong wind, attempting to drag the monster''s body; Dan directed a tidal wave of seawater toward the monster to suppress its movements; the Lord, not to be outdone, used divine magic to cast golden binding runes, attempting to restrict the monster¡¯s actions. Despite their efforts, the monster¡¯s power was too overwhelming. These binding spells only slightly slowed it down and had little effect. Its body erupted with tremendous force, rendering their magic nearly useless as it broke free from the restraints, continuing its rampage. Leo gripped his broken sword tightly and swiftly navigated the air, fiercely engaging with the monster. With every clash, he could feel the monster''s overwhelming power and uncontrollable brutality, like a massive torrent. Each strike he made could only push the monster back slightly, never inflicting any significant damage. At that moment, the monster suddenly turned and, like a flash of lightning, charged at Leo in the air. It raised its enormous claws and slammed them down with a terrifying force. "Leo, be careful!" Luna¡¯s urgent voice rang out. But it was too late. The monster¡¯s massive claws descended like a landslide, striking Leo with immense force. Leo felt a crushing power overwhelm him, as if he had been thrown into a raging sea, plummeting toward the ground. The air became heavy with pressure, and Leo coughed up blood, feeling his internal organs shudder. The broken sword slipped from his hand, falling into the distant ruins. The monster, seeing this, grinned wickedly, and without hesitation, it charged toward Leo again. Its claws, sharp as knives, pointed directly at Leo¡¯s chest, as if signaling the end of his life. However, to everyone¡¯s surprise, Luna suddenly rushed forward. "No!" Leo almost screamed in despair, his eyes filled with unbearable pain and helplessness. Just as the monster''s claws were about to pierce Leo¡¯s body, Luna unhesitatingly positioned herself in front of him. Her body was immediately impaled by the monster¡¯s claws, blood and mechanical parts scattered around like meteorites hitting the ground. "Luna¡ª!" Leo''s heart nearly stopped beating. His gaze lost focus, leaving only deep sorrow and helplessness for Luna. Luna coughed up blood, the intense pain draining the color from her face. Her hands gripped the monster¡¯s arm tightly, using her final strength to cast a binding spell. "Bind!" With her whispered incantation, the sound of a massive bell echoed through the sky. In the distance, the Mechanical Royal Court seemed to sense the summons, quickly appearing in the air. Its metallic wings fluttered slightly, and the mechanical sounds reverberated through the sky. At Luna¡¯s call, the Mechanical Royal Court shifted its form, releasing a laser from its core that struck the monster''s arm. The monster¡¯s arm immediately turned into transparent crystal, revealing fine cracks. It struggled violently, as if experiencing intense pain. Yet, it did not stop attacking. Instead, it furiously swung its arm. During the monster''s flailing, Luna''s body was violently thrown away, spinning through the air like a broken doll, crashing hard into the ground. The Mechanical Royal Court also dissipated, transforming into golden specks of light. If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Leo witnessed everything, tears filling his eyes, his mind almost devoid of any rational thought. He screamed in despair, "No¡ªLuna! Luna!" But even so, Luna''s body remained on the ground, blood and golden liquid mingling, mechanical parts scattered around. Leo wanted to rush over, but a crushing sense of helplessness held him back. His legs felt like they were filled with lead, unable to move. The monster, seeing this, rapidly healed its crystal-arm, new flesh growing like a tidal wave, becoming stronger than before. It charged at Leo again, its claws like lightning, aiming for him. In that critical moment, Dan swiftly lifted Leo from the ground and flew into the air. The monster¡¯s claws followed closely behind, almost grazing Dan, creating a violent air current. "Get moving!" Dan growled in a low voice, his tone filled with unshakable determination. As he evaded the monster¡¯s pursuit, he quickly placed Leo in a relatively safe spot. The monster was relentless, angrily lunging forward. Dan, now wielding his twin blades, was ready to fight. Leo sat on the ground, staring blankly at the unfolding scene. Everything around him seemed to blur, and Luna¡¯s sacrifice shattered his soul. His eyes became hollow, as though he had lost any meaning for survival. Yet, the battle raged on. The battle raged on, the monster rampaging through everything around it as if it had lost all sanity. Each time it swung its blood-red claws, the air seemed to tear apart, and the shockwaves disrupted everyone¡¯s movements. Dan¡¯s body was battered and bruised; his dual daggers could no longer handle the monster''s relentless assault. His body was covered in wounds, blood staining his clothes, and it felt as though all his strength had been drained. Seeing this, the beggar quickly swam over to Dan''s side, his expression serious. A powerful magical aura emanated from his entire body as he prepared to fight alongside Dan. Though the beggar¡¯s physical strength had waned, his deep mastery of magic allowed him to still unleash potent spells, helping Dan fend off the monster¡¯s attacks. However, despite their combined efforts, the monster''s power still overwhelmed them. Each attack from the creature was even more ferocious than the last, its massive size and brutal power suffocating any fighter caught in its path. Leo stood at a distance, watching this scene unfold, his heart filled with helplessness. Though he had witnessed Luna¡¯s sacrifice, he still couldn¡¯t summon the strength to retaliate. The broken sword fell to the ground, and Leo stood frozen, his mind in turmoil. He wanted to rise again but found no motivation. Suddenly, a low, mournful howl broke through his silence. He snapped his head up and saw the monster¡¯s claws tear through Dan¡¯s back, blood spraying out instantly. Dan''s body trembled violently, stumbling back a few steps but still managing to maintain his balance. "Dan!" Leo cried out, his heart tightening, panic flashing in his eyes. Seeing Dan wounded, the monster grew even more frenzied, turning and lunging at Dan''s back. Its claws, sharp as blades, were filled with killing intent as they stabbed toward Dan¡¯s chest. Just as Dan¡¯s life seemed to be slipping away, the monster¡¯s attack suddenly stopped. Leo reacted almost instinctively, rushing forward with all his might. He grabbed the fallen broken sword and gripped it tightly, using the last of his strength to block the monster¡¯s fatal strike. The sword clashed against the monster¡¯s claws, producing a deafening screech of metal. The force of the impact reverberated through Leo¡¯s arm, almost making him feel as if his bones had shattered. Leo gritted his teeth, his eyes blazing with rage and determination. He did not retreat; instead, he held the broken sword firmly against the monster¡¯s claws, desperately guarding Dan¡¯s life. At that moment, a silver light suddenly illuminated the surface of the sea, lighting up the entire sky. Countless souls of merfolk and humans surged from the depths of the Tidal Sacred Tree, rising from the water and floating toward Broken Wind City. It was like an invisible torrent, rapidly gathering behind Leo. The faces of these souls were serene and relieved, their figures drifting through the air, carrying a divine aura. They seemed to be there for Leo, giving him their final strength. Leo¡¯s heart trembled with shock. He stood motionless, stunned by the sight. The gathering of souls felt like a mysterious calling, a force that filled him with unprecedented power. Just then, the voice of the Tidal Sacred Tree echoed in his ears: ¡°I lend you all my strength, Leo. End this.¡± A glimmer of understanding flashed in Leo¡¯s eyes. He looked down at the broken sword in his hand, noticing the silver wave patterns on its blade became clearer. Suddenly, he felt the Five-Pointed Star brand on his collarbone stir, releasing a surge of black energy. This energy flowed out from the brand, quickly attaching itself to the sword. The silver patterns of the sword intertwined with the black energy, creating a unique balance. Leo gripped the sword tightly and looked up at the monster in the air. In that moment, he seemed to feel the gaze and expectations of countless souls. His eyes became unwavering. ¡°This is the path I must take,¡± Leo whispered. He raised the broken sword, sensing the source of all his inner power. A massive image of the broken sword materialized in the air, and as Leo moved, the sword image swung down with great force. At that instant, all the souls seemed to transform into beams of light, rushing toward the monster¡¯s body, taking away the filth and evil that had plagued it. The monster¡¯s body was split in half by the sword image, blood and energy splattering in all directions. The air was filled with the nauseating stench of blood. The monster¡¯s screams echoed through the sky before gradually fading, finally becoming a pool of lifeless blood that slowly fell to the ground. The figure of the young city lord Hua gradually emerged. His body became translucent, his features clear, but he was no longer the mad and fiery monster; he had returned to his true form. The city lord rushed through the air toward Hua and held his weakened son in his arms. Hua weakly opened his eyes and managed a faint smile. ¡°Dad¡­¡± The city lord¡¯s eyes were filled with pain and regret as he clutched his son tightly. Tears had already spilled from his eyes. ¡°Hua¡­ how did you end up like this? Why did it come to this?¡± The young city lord smiled weakly, his eyes filled with a sense of relief. ¡°Dad, you never cared about me¡­ you only cared about your people. No matter what I did, whether I tried to do better or fell into corruption, I just wanted you to see me, to give me some attention. Though I took the wrong path, I don¡¯t regret it, Dad.¡± With that, the young city lord¡¯s body began to fade, turning into dust that blew away with the wind. The souls of humans and merfolk suspended in the air bid their families a final farewell before following the wind as well. The city lord fell to his knees, holding the name of his son, who had already disappeared. He murmured painfully, ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± His voice was filled with regret and self-blame, as if he had lost the most important thing in his life. At this moment, the sky gradually returned to calm, and the suffocating darkness above Broken Wind City dissipated. People gathered from all directions, silently watching it all as though they had yet to wake from this nightmare. Chapter 29 : Dissipation The battle was over. The streets of Windbreak City lay in ruins. Buildings were destroyed, the ground was stained with blood, and the air still carried the lingering heat of combat. The smoke of war had yet to fully dissipate, and the conflict between humans and merfolk had finally come to an end. Yet, the cost of this battle was unbearably heavy. Luna¡¯s body lay still on the ground, her chest shattered, devoid of life. Her silver hair was stained with blood, yet her face remained peaceful, as if merely asleep. Leo knelt beside her, his hands trembling as he touched her forehead. A hoarse sound escaped his throat, but no coherent words could form. The fury and frenzy of battle had faded, leaving only a deep, hollow sense of powerlessness. The merfolk warriors retreated into the depths of the Windbreak Sea. They no longer attacked, nor did they roar in defiance¡ªfor the Tidal Sacred Tree had withered, their chieftain had fallen, and past hatreds seemed to vanish with the wind. In silence, they swam away. Standing amidst the ruins of Windbreak City was the robed beggar¡ªDan¡¯s grandfather. His gaze was complex as he took in the aftermath of the battle. As the former lover of the old chieftain, he had once left the merfolk behind, choosing exile in Windbreak City because he could not accept the previous chieftain¡¯s stubbornness. Now, with the chieftain¡¯s passing, a new burden had fallen upon his shoulders. He let out a deep sigh, a flicker of remembrance and resignation in his eyes. ¡°From today onward, I shall assume the role of the merfolk chieftain,¡± he declared, his voice steady, carrying an undeniable authority. The merfolk lowered their heads in silent acknowledgment. No one objected. The battle had drained them, and at this moment, all they needed was someone to lead them forward. As night fell, countless glowing lights surfaced on the sea¡ªpart of the merfolk¡¯s ritual to honor their fallen kin. Silvery radiance drifted through the water, reflecting their sorrow and remembrance. Dan stood at the shore, watching in silence, his eyes filled with complex emotions. At last, he understood that the answers he had long sought had always been there¡ªhe had simply failed to see them before. The lord of Windbreak City stood atop the crumbling remains of his city, gazing into the distance. He had lost his own child, a pain no one could truly comprehend, yet he still had a duty to fulfill. He began organizing the survivors, directing them to rebuild their shattered home. But before that, he made his way alone to the depths of the Windbreak Sea¡ªto offer an apology to the merfolk. The robed beggar regarded his former adversary in silence for a long moment before finally speaking. ¡°Let the grudges of the past end here.¡± The city lord remained silent for a moment before slowly nodding. With the withering of the Tidal Sacred Tree, all past grievances seemed meaningless. The merfolk had finally chosen forgiveness¡ªperhaps because they knew that continued hatred would only plunge both sides into deeper suffering. Leo gently lifted Luna¡¯s body. His movements were careful, as if afraid to disturb her slumber. Carrying her, he walked slowly into the depths of the Windbreak Sea, until he reached the withered remains of the Tidal Sacred Tree. At that moment, the wave-like patterns on his broken sword suddenly gleamed with silver light. A familiar voice resonated throughout the seabed¡ª Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. ¡°My dear children, my time has come to an end. The future of the merfolk is now in your hands.¡± The withered branches of the Tidal Sacred Tree began dissolving into silver particles of magic. One by one, the merfolk infants, once sealed in their icy coffins, awoke. The scales that had suffered from the wasting disease were now fully healed, their once-pale colors returning to vibrant life. ¡°From now on, no merfolk child will suffer from the scale withering disease. Embrace your lives¡­ Farewell, everyone.¡± As the final words faded, the Tidal Sacred Tree completely vanished, scattering as silver light across the seabed. Leo stood in silence, watching everything unfold before him. Then, the tree¡¯s voice whispered once more in his mind¡ª ¡°Thank you, Leo. I know you need my fruit¡­ Farewell, Leo.¡± A streak of silver light gathered before him, condensing into a single fruit from the Tidal Sacred Tree. Without hesitation, he reached out, took the fruit, and placed it in his mouth. The moment it touched his tongue, it dissolved instantly, and a surge of warmth spread through his entire body. Every wound left by past seals, every shackle that had bound him, vanished in that instant. He felt lighter than ever, as if the weight he had carried for so long had finally been lifted. Leo lowered his gaze to Luna, his hand gently brushing across her face. His eyes held nothing but deep, aching reluctance to part. Dan stood on a rock outcrop in the sea, gazing at the gradually calming Windbreak Sea in the distance. He took a deep breath, then turned to look at Leo, who was packing his belongings. ¡°What are your plans next?¡± Dan asked. Leo gently touched the bundle on his back, inside which were Luna¡¯s broken body and pieces. His gaze was steady, his voice low yet filled with determination: ¡°The city lord told me that on the other side of the Windbreak Sea, in the western mountains, there lives a group of dwarves. Their forging skills are unmatched. Perhaps they can repair Luna.¡± Dan nodded without hesitation: ¡°Then I¡¯ll go with you.¡± Leo glanced at Dan, surprised. ¡°Are you sure? Windbreak City is at peace again. You can stay here or return to the merfolk.¡± Dan chuckled softly, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. ¡°Since we were once teammates, I am still your teammate. Besides, I have things I want to figure out too.¡± Just then, Dan¡¯s grandfather, the robed beggar¡ªand now the newly appointed chieftain of the merfolk¡ªslowly swam over. ¡°Your journey won¡¯t be easy,¡± the beggar said, his voice deep, though his eyes held warmth. He waved his hand, and two large dolphins with smooth, mirror-like backs swam up to Leo and Dan. ¡°Ride on them, and you¡¯ll be able to cross the Windbreak Sea faster,¡± the beggar explained. Dan patted one of the dolphins on the head, and it let out a contented hum. The beggar continued, ¡°On the other side of the Windbreak Sea, there¡¯s another group of merfolk. Their customs are different from ours, but they do not hold hostility toward outsiders. When you reach there, you can rest and resupply.¡± Dan looked at his grandfather, silent for a moment, then softly asked, ¡°What if, someday¡­ I want to return?¡± The beggar patted Dan¡¯s shoulder, smiling warmly. ¡°The Windbreak Sea has always been your home. You¡¯re always welcome to return.¡± A flicker of emotion passed through Dan¡¯s eyes. He took a deep breath and turned to Leo. ¡°Let¡¯s go. We still have a long way to go.¡± The two leapt onto the dolphins¡¯ backs, and with a sharp, clear cry, the dolphins surged forward, racing toward the vast expanse of the sea. ¡ª¡ª The sea stretched out endlessly, under a blue sky. The dolphins sped through the water, creating splashes that sparkled with silver in the sunlight. Leo sat on the dolphin¡¯s back, gazing into the distance, his mind gradually calming. He couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Dan, I have a question.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°Who exactly is Orion?¡± Dan paused, his smile fading slightly. Leo continued, ¡°Why does he know us? Why did he say those things? And¡­ why did he seal my memories?¡± Dan fell silent for a moment, seemingly organizing his words. Finally, he spoke slowly, ¡°Orion is the mastermind behind all of this. He didn¡¯t just know us¡ªhe¡­ was the greatest enemy you ever faced.¡± Leo furrowed his brow. ¡°What do you mean?¡± Dan sighed and looked out toward the distant horizon, his voice low. ¡°Decades ago, we set out to find the legendary ¡®Ten Doors¡¯ challenge. It was the most difficult trial in the world. They say only those who pass all the trials can gain the truth of the world.¡± ¡°And then?¡± Leo pressed. ¡°You were the only one to pass all the challenges,¡± Dan said quietly. ¡°But¡­ the ¡®Ten Doors¡¯ trial was actually Orion¡¯s trap.¡± Leo¡¯s eyes widened in shock. Dan continued, ¡°When you passed the final test, Orion appeared. He sealed your memories and your power¡­ and he released all the filth within human nature.¡± Leo¡¯s heart felt as though it had been struck by a hammer. He sat frozen on the dolphin¡¯s back, unable to speak. ¡°So¡­¡± he spoke slowly, his voice hoarse, ¡°I¡­ I¡¯ve been through all of that?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Dan said softly. The sea breeze ruffled, and the waves struck the surface with a low, rhythmic sound. Leo clenched his fist tightly, fragments of memories flickering in his mind, but he couldn¡¯t piece them together. He took a deep breath and whispered, ¡°Who am I¡­?¡± ¡ª¡ª Three days of travel at sea passed, with Dan recounting many past events to Leo. Yet, the memories remained fuzzy, like they were veiled in thick mist. On the evening of the third day, a small island finally appeared on the horizon. ¡°We¡¯ve arrived,¡± Dan said, pointing to the island hidden among the waves. The island was surrounded by sparkling coral reefs, and the sea glowed golden under the sunset. In the center of the island, a half-transparent blue city could be seen faintly. ¡°That¡¯s the territory of another group of merfolk,¡± Dan explained. Leo gazed at the approaching island and took a deep breath. The new journey had officially begun. Chapter 30 : The Dwarven Craftsman Leo and Dan finally arrived at the new merfolk city. Unlike the one Dan had lived in before, this city was bustling with life. Besides the merfolk, there were many merchants from other races trading within its walls. The market stalls were filled with exotic goods, from glowing seaweed to intricately carved coral artifacts, each item reflecting the city''s unique charm. They rested in the city for a day, using the time to gather information about the location of the dwarves in the western mountains. Through a few well-traveled merchants, they learned that the dwarves resided within a treacherous mountain range not far from there. With a normal pace, it would take only a day¡¯s journey to reach them. At dawn the next day, the two set off again, heading toward the towering mountains where the dwarves lived. The mountain was immense and steep, its cliffs nearly devoid of natural climbing paths. At its base, a massive stone gate was embedded into the rock, seamlessly blending with the mountain itself. Strangely, despite it being broad daylight, the gate remained firmly shut. Even more peculiar was the land before the gate¡ªbarren and lifeless, as if untouched for years, yet somehow bearing the subtle marks of frequent passage, creating a paradoxical scene. Leo stepped forward and knocked on the heavy stone door, the dull thud echoing through the mountains. However, no response came from within. Frowning, he knocked again several times, yet silence remained. Just as they were growing puzzled, a small window at the top of the door suddenly creaked open. A white-haired, bearded dwarf peered out, his sharp eyes scrutinizing them. "Who are you? What do you want?" The dwarf''s voice was deep and filled with wariness. Leo stepped forward confidently and answered, "We seek Cohen. We have an important request for his expertise." At the mention of "Cohen," the dwarf''s expression showed a flicker of hesitation. He studied Leo and Dan, seemingly weighing whether they could be trusted. After a moment, he gave a slight nod and disappeared from the window. A long wooden ladder was then slowly lowered from the opening. "Climb up," the dwarf called down. Exchanging a brief glance, Leo and Dan began ascending the ladder, making their way through the narrow entrance and into the fortress within the mountain. The first sight that greeted them inside was a vast yet eerily silent hall. The dim lighting barely illuminated the walls, which were coated with layers of dust from years past. The air was thick and heavy, carrying the unmistakable scent of a place that had long since lost its vibrancy. Their guide led them through the shadowed hall, stopping behind a massive stone throne. Pushing open a heavy stone door, he revealed a stark contrast to the gloom they had just passed. The new chamber was brightly lit by countless embedded mineral lamps, their soft glow illuminating the space with a warm radiance. Unlike the desolate hall, this area still housed many dwarves, though most were aged, their wary gazes fixed on Leo and Dan with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. They pressed onward until they arrived before a kitchen. Inside, a stout, white-bearded dwarf hummed a tune as he skillfully flipped the food sizzling in his pan. "Cohen, these two humans need your help," the guide announced. The dwarf called Cohen turned, revealing a face lined with the marks of age. Yet, despite the wrinkles, his deep-set eyes gleamed with a sharp intelligence. Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. "Oh? Humans?" Cohen''s voice carried a hint of surprise. He removed his apron, stepped forward, and gave them both a thorough once-over. "Haven¡¯t seen new faces in a long time. So, what brings you here?" Without hesitation, Leo carefully unwrapped Luna¡¯s mechanical body and placed her gently on the table. "Her name is Luna. She is my companion," Leo said, his voice steady yet filled with emotion. "She has suffered severe damage, and I seek your help in repairing her." Cohen¡¯s eyes flickered with interest as he examined the mechanical girl before him. His initial curiosity quickly turned into a serious, contemplative expression. Running his calloused hands over Luna¡¯s damaged exterior, he carefully assessed the extent of the damage. After a long pause, he finally looked up and spoke. "Interesting... Her construction is incredibly intricate, far beyond ordinary craftsmanship. I''ll need time to study her to determine if she can be repaired." Leo nodded, his eyes filled with hope. Cohen patted his shoulder and offered a knowing smile. "Don¡¯t worry, kid. I''m not just any craftsman. Since you''ve come to me, let¡¯s see what secrets this girl holds." Leo and Dan exchanged glances, a renewed sense of hope igniting in their hearts. Cohen carefully examined Luna¡¯s mechanical body, his fingers gliding over the intricate gears and magical circuits. His eyes held a trace of surprise and admiration. "This mechanical body is the work of the Mechanical Court," Cohen said slowly, his voice tinged with reverence for the ancient craftsmanship. "How did you come by it?" Leo was silent for a moment before explaining, "This body belongs to my teammate¡­ She ended up like this to save me." His voice carried a hint of guilt and frustration. Cohen furrowed his brows upon hearing this and then sighed. "I can repair her body, but..." He paused, his gaze deepening. "I need a special material." "What material?" Leo asked immediately. "The blood of the Elven King," Cohen said slowly. "Luna¡¯s mechanical heart is a pinnacle of fusion between magic and machinery. To fully restore it, it requires an immense amount of life energy, and the blood of the Elven King possesses precisely this extraordinary restorative power." Leo didn¡¯t hesitate for a second. "Alright, we¡¯ll go to the Elven homeland and find a way to obtain the Elven King¡¯s blood." However, beside him, Dan¡¯s expression became somewhat uneasy. His brows furrowed slightly, revealing a trace of discomfort. "What¡¯s wrong?" Leo noticed Dan¡¯s reaction and asked curiously. Dan coughed lightly, hesitating for a moment before muttering, "Uh¡­ I have a bit of a¡­ bad memory from the last time I visited the elves." "A bad memory?" Leo raised an eyebrow. Dan rubbed the back of his head, reluctant to recall too much. But in the end, he sighed. "Never mind. It wasn¡¯t exactly a pleasant experience. But don¡¯t worry, if it¡¯s for Luna, I¡¯ll go with you." Leo nodded, a hint of gratitude in his eyes. "But before you leave, I have a request," Cohen said, scratching his head with an embarrassed smile. "What request?" "We¡¯re running low on food¡­" Cohen shrugged. "Dwarves are great at mining and crafting, but hunting and farming? Not so much." Leo and Dan exchanged glances. It wasn¡¯t a difficult task, so they agreed without hesitation. "To make it easier for you to carry supplies, I have something for you." Cohen rummaged through an old chest for a while before pulling out two dark-gold magical crests and handing them to Leo and Dan. "These are magic storage crests. They can store a limited amount of physical items¡ªfood, tools, anything really," Cohen explained. Leo took one and examined it carefully. It was engraved with intricate runes that emitted a faint magical glow. "Thanks," he said, tucking it away. Just as they were about to set off, Cohen suddenly stopped them. "Hold on, night is about to fall," Cohen shook his head. "Traveling at night is too dangerous. You should rest here and leave in the morning." Leo considered it for a moment and agreed that Cohen had a point. As night fell, the castle was enveloped in silence. However, at midnight, a low growl and faint vibrations echoed outside Leo and Dan¡¯s room. The two of them immediately sat up, exchanging wary glances. "What was that?" Dan whispered. Leo didn¡¯t answer. He quickly threw on his coat and stepped out. In the hallway, Cohen was already standing there, as if he had been expecting it. "Don¡¯t worry. This happens all the time," Cohen reassured them when he saw their tense expressions. "All the time?" Leo frowned. "Come with me," Cohen gestured for them to follow, leading them through the corridors to an opening halfway up the mountain. The opening was vast, providing a clear view of the mountain base. Under the moonlight, countless dark figures roamed below. Various types of monsters were gathered at the foot of the mountain, prowling in the darkness, letting out low growls, as if they were waiting for something. "Why are there so many monsters here?" Dan¡¯s expression darkened. "They¡¯ve always been here," Cohen replied calmly, as though he had long grown used to the sight. "This was once one of the most prosperous dwarven cities. But decades ago, an unknown darkness began corrupting the land, and since then, these creatures have become more active." Leo gazed at the monstrous horde below, deep in thought. "But they won¡¯t get inside," Cohen continued. "The dwarven castle doors are forged from enchanted minerals¡ªregular monsters can¡¯t break through. But this mountain¡­ is no longer the home we once knew." "No wonder¡­ you only open the doors during the day," Dan murmured in realization. Cohen nodded. "Yes. Every morning, when the sun rises, we briefly open the gates to allow dwarves to leave and return. But once night falls, everything must be sealed shut. Otherwise, it would be disastrous." Leo stared at the horde below, a question forming in his mind. Why were these creatures gathering here? What was drawing them to this place? "Go back and rest. You have a long journey ahead of you tomorrow," Cohen patted Leo on the shoulder and turned back toward the castle. Leo and Dan exchanged glances before following him inside. Yet, the unease in Leo¡¯s heart did not fade. That night felt heavier than any night before. At dawn, as the first rays of sunlight spilled over the mountains, Leo and Dan stood ready, prepared to embark on their journey to the Elven homeland.