Some sea people were born with less than others. Those with weaker mana possessed fish traits such as tails, webbed fingers, scales on other parts of their bodies, and, for a few, razor-sharp teeth.
But a few, those born higher, had arms and feet and possessed greater mana control. They could swim faster as the ocean favoured them, allowing them to manipulate the water to their advantage.
Most of them could tame monsters. By bonding themselves to these sea creatures, they had powerful guardians which were much stronger than them and were a sign of status.
Ariel's gaze softened as she watched Ella swim around the school of fish, trying to see if she could tame at least one by offering them food.
Unfortunately, to the fish, she was a nuisance.
"Ella. Come on." Ariel approached her sister, drew her into her embrace, and lightly pinched her cheeks.
"What are you doing this far away from town?" Ariel, who looked like she was almost seventeen, asked with a feigned frown.
