Nightfall on Abyss Island and Intelligence Gathering
As night falls, Abyss Island is enveloped in a veil of ethereal blue light. Fa and her companions are arranged in a house built from coral and shells. The interior is simple yet warm, with the gentle whispers of ocean waves coming from outside the window. Everyone gathers around a shell round table, discussing the next plan.
Salsa's soul form slowly drifts out from the mechanical cat shell, her voice soft yet firm: "Now I need to infiltrate the village and gather more intelligence. Although the sea people's attitude has softened somewhat, they still harbor suspicions toward us." After speaking, she transforms into a wisp of shadow, silently passing through the wall and merging into the night.
The others in the room walk to the window, admiring the wondrous night scenery of Abyss Island. Countless colorful fluorescents float on the ocean—blue, green, red, yellow, purple, and more—like a brilliant painting flowing on the water surface. These lights are natural illuminations condensed by the sea people's magic, not only brightening the sea but also concealing some mysterious power.
TISK leans against the window, stroking his newly upgraded warhammer "Burning Vine," excitedly saying: "This fluorescence on the sea is truly beautiful, like gems scattered on the water. I bet there are plenty of good materials hidden here!"
Arya chuckles lightly, pointing to the flickering light spots in the distance: "This is the sea people's magic; they use fluorescence to guide lost ships while protecting their territory. This technique is truly exquisite." She gently strokes the Storm Bow on her back, a hint of gentleness flashing in her eyes.
Rex stands aside, his mechanical eye scanning the sea surface, calmly analyzing: "The energy fluctuations of these lights are stable; they might be a manifestation of some defense mechanism. We need to be careful; this fluorescence may not just be decoration."
Kayla gazes at the fluorescence, whispering: "Perhaps Father has seen such a sight before..." Her Thunder Claws emit faint electric light, revealing her inner excitement.
Fa stands beside her teammates, staring at the endless ocean, a flash of determination in her star eyes. She softly says: "No matter what secrets the Vortex Tide Sanctuary holds, we must find the Star Shards. This is not only our goal but also the key to uncovering the 'Endlife' organization's conspiracy."
A gentle sea breeze blows through the window, bringing a touch of coolness. Everyone quietly enjoys this rare moment of tranquility, gathering strength for the upcoming adventure.
Meanwhile, Salsa's soul form infiltrates the village, turning into a light mist, drifting along the paths. She observes sea people warriors patrolling around the village, holding tridents with sharp gazes. Salsa sneaks into a seemingly important building and finds several sea people soldiers whispering in discussion. They say: "What purpose do these outsiders have in seeking our sea people's supreme treasure? Why not just kill them? Another soldier says no, wait until the island lord returns tomorrow to decide." Their words are vague, seeming quite wary of the outsiders' arrival. Salsa silently notes this information and returns to the coral house to report to her teammates.
The Appearance of the Fishman Prince
The next morning, sunlight pierces through the thin mist, sprinkling over Abyss Island. The guide leads a group of fishman warriors back to the coral house, followed by a young fishman prince—Yuyuer. Yuyuer wears ornate coral armor, a crown embedded with gems on his head, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. His skin glows with a faint blue light, and subtle water flows ripple between his hands, revealing his mastery of water magic.
Fa and Captain Haris step forward to greet them. Yuyuer's gaze is immediately drawn to Fa; he looks her up and down, his eyes full of wonder: "You are the human with star eyes? How rare; I've never seen such special eyes!" His tone is filled with innocent curiosity, without any concealment of his excitement.
Upon hearing this, Arya clenches her fist, a flash of displeasure on her face, muttering under her breath: "Is this guy looking for a fight?" Fa gently pats her hand, signaling her to calm down, a hint of amusement in her eyes.
Yuyuer doesn't notice Arya's dissatisfaction and continues excitedly: "I heard from the island lord that you want to go to the Vortex Tide Sanctuary to find the Star Shards. As a sea person, I can lead you there! But before that, I have a few questions to ask." He tilts his head, his eyes sparkling with a thirst for knowledge.
Fa nods, gently saying: "Please ask."
Yuyuer eagerly asks: "Is the outside world fun? Are there any magical places? I've heard that on land there are all sorts of strangely shaped buildings and trees that can heal wounds. Is that true?"
Fa smiles and answers: "The outside world is vast, with various races and cultures. We come from different places and have experienced many adventures, indeed seeing many magical things. Like cities covered in gold, with seven massive statues in a castle—that's the masterpiece of dwarf craftsmen; and ancient trees that can heal wounds, which are sacred relics of the elf clan."
Yuyuer listens entranced, his eyes sparkling with excitement: "That's amazing! I really hope one day I can go out and see it." His friendliness and curiosity amuse Fa and her group, and what surprises them even more is that this fishman prince can quickly use water magic to conjure the shapes from their descriptions.
TISK can't help but interject: "This kid is pretty smart, better than some dwarf apprentices I've seen!"
Rex nods, calmly saying: "His thinking is agile, with strong observation and creativity. Perhaps he will become a powerful ally for us."
The island lord reminds from the side: "Prince, now is not the time for chatting. We should head to the Vortex Tide Sanctuary as soon as possible."
Yuyuer nods, regaining some seriousness: "Yes, you're right. Please follow me; I'll help you prepare for the deep sea journey."
Preparation for Diving into the Deep Sea
Yuyuer leads Fa and her group to the seaside, standing on the beach. He waves his staff carved with runes, chanting ancient incantations. The seawater surges around him, forming three layers of transparent oxygen bubbles that envelop Fa and her companions. These oxygen bubbles not only provide breathing but also resist the deep sea's pressure and cold, emitting a faint blue light.
"This is the sea people's unique magic," Yuyuer explains. "With these oxygen bubbles, you can move freely in the deep sea without being affected by water pressure."
Fa and her group are amazed. Arya whispers: "This magic is truly exquisite; even the elf clan's wind magic can't achieve such finesse."
Kayla tries moving her arms, feeling the protection of the oxygen bubble, nodding: "Indeed very practical, suitable for long-term diving."
Yuyuer turns to Haris, sincerely saying: "Haris, thank you for bringing the deep sea beast core and the tear of the wing people. These treasures are crucial to the sea people. You can rest on the island for a few days before leaving; I'll take responsibility for these people's safety."
Haris nods, his gaze filled with trust: "Thank you for your trust. Good luck to you." With that, he leads his crew back to the "Sea God's Sigh," preparing to stay on the island for a few days before departing.
The Beginning of the Deep Sea Journey
Fa and her group dive into the deep sea with Yuyuer, heading toward the Vortex Tide Sanctuary. As they gradually descend, the light dims, and the creatures in the seawater become increasingly bizarre. They pass through colorful coral reefs, seeing schools of fish shimmering with light and massive sea beasts. The oxygen bubbles emit soft light in the deep sea, illuminating their path.
When diving to about eight thousand meters deep, Yuyuer still maintains his curious attitude. He swims at the front of the group, occasionally turning back to ask: "What is the most magical thing you've seen in the outside world?"
TISK excitedly says: "I've ridden a super-fast maglev car! It was built by dwarf and beast craftsmen together, floating above the ground at incredible speeds."
Arya smiles and says: "In my hometown, there's a thousand-year-old ancient tree that can predict the future, heal wounds, and even converse with the wind."
Rex calmly says: "I live in ancient ruins researching lost technology that can create powerful mechanical warriors and energy blades that can cut through anything."
Kayla whispers: "In the beastman tribe, I've seen a grand festival where beastmen sing and dance, eat delicious food, and celebrate the harvest."
Salsa's soul form softly says: "I've seen countless spirits of the undead, able to converse with them and hear their stories from the past; some can even predict death."
Fa looks at Yuyuer, gently saying: "And for me, the most magical thing is my companions. We've experienced countless adventures together, supporting each other and growing as one."
Yuyuer listens entranced, his eyes sparkling with envy: "Your experiences are truly wonderful! I really hope one day I can explore the unknown world like you." He waves his staff, making the oxygen bubbles more stable, and leads the group onward.
During the dive, Fa and her group feel the oppression and mystery of the deep sea. They see massive glowing jellyfish floating beside them, tentacles emitting dazzling fluorescence; and deep sea giant whales slowly swimming by, emitting low, resonant calls that are awe-inspiring. These sights fill them with wonder and tension, intensifying their anticipation for the Vortex Tide Sanctuary.
Arrival at the Vortex Tide Sanctuary
After several hours of diving, Fa and her group finally reach the entrance to the Vortex Tide Sanctuary. From afar, a majestic underwater architectural complex emerges in the deep sea's dim light, like a solidified fortress. The entrance is not a simple coral palace but a dynamic structure woven from biological crystal prisms and living coral networks—crystalline prisms with flowing ethereal blue light veins like blood vessels pulsing, and coral clusters embedded with glowing shell-like devices that occasionally emit fine bubbles, forming layered fluid light membranes in the water.
"That's the 'Tidal Gate,'" Yuyuer explains while swimming, waving his staff toward the circular device at the door. "The outer layer is a magical shield, the inner layer is the sea people's developed sonic recognition fluctuation barrier. Only royal members or permitted sea people can enter." With that, he lightly taps his scepter, emitting a series of rhythmic sounds like music. The light membrane at the door ripples open in response, revealing an inner archway woven from fluorescent seaweed fibers. Guards on both sides wear streamlined mercury armor, holding light spears with blooming cold light at the tips, the armor surfaces rippling with protective force fields.
The moment they pass through the archway, Fa feels a subtle energy wave sweep over her body, like some kind of security scan. Yuyuer notices her unease and smiles: "It's the 'Purifying Light Scan,' which can detect hostile magic residues. Don't worry; your oxygen bubbles have my magic fluctuations and won't be misjudged."
The group follows Yuyuer into the palace corridor, the sight before them astonishing everyone—the walls are no longer simple murals but floating light shadow walls, with scenes from sea people history flowing in holographic projections: the energy tides stirred by the sea god's descent surging in the void, sea people warriors riding mechanized deep sea giant beast warships battling sea monsters, and the most shocking is the projection of the virtual Star Shards, that diamond-shaped crystal suspended in light dust, with quantum-like light patterns flowing on its surface.
"These are 'Memory Floating Lights,' recorded historical fragments using magic and optical technology," Yuyuer proudly introduces. "Our sea people's 'Crystal Brain Library' stores thousands of years of images, but the elders say that this visible light shadow has more warmth."
The corridor floor is paved with glowing blue stone bricks, each embedded with tiny luminescent algae seeds that ripple with light halos when footsteps pass over them. TISK can't help but squat down and knock on a brick: "This stone glows? Is there some mechanism inside?"
"It's a symbiotic body of magic and biotechnology," Yuyuer explains. "These algae have been genetically modified to convert magic into light energy while purifying seawater. Thirty percent of our city's energy comes from this 'Light Algae Matrix.'"
Passing through the corridor, a grand hall suddenly opens up. The dome is pieced together from hundreds of transparent starlight crystals, each precisely corresponding to the star trajectories on the sea surface, filtering the deep sea's dim light into gentle silver-blue glow. At the center of the hall is a stepped platform, with the throne area at the end like a precise work of art—a coral throne embedded with breathing glowing blue crystals, the armrests coiled with mechanized whale sculptures, the whale mouths slightly open, emitting fine bubbles orbiting the throne.
The queen's scepter is no longer a simple magical artifact but a prismatic light scepter flowing with starlight, the diamond crystal at the tip strikingly similar to the legendary Star Shards, with faint energy flows cycling inside the crystal. The sea people standing on both sides of the hall are dressed ornately, their armor inlaid with magic crystals and mechanical components that complement each other: some have coral crowns embedded with miniature bubble generators, occasionally releasing scented bubbles; others have silver water flow control rings on their bracers, able to summon water blades with a light flick of the fingers. Even more eye-catching are the floating guard mechanisms around the hall—metal constructs resembling octopuses suspended in the air, with eight tentacles tipped with magic arrays and energy guns, red light points scanning the visitors like eyes.
"Those are 'Tidal Guardians,'" Rex's mechanical eye flickers. "Combat units fusing magic drive and mechanical defense, with quite powerful energy reactions detected."
Yuyuer nods: "They were designed by my second brother, forged from deep sea minerals with a core of magical biological batteries. But don't worry; they recognize my aura."
The Queen's Majesty and Technological Foundation
The sea people queen sits on the throne, and as her gaze sweeps over the group, Fa notices subtle light points flowing in the depths of her pupils, as if embedded with some optical scanning device. This sea people ruler's armor is distinctive, covered with a layer of flowing light scale membrane, each scale refracting different ocean scenes, both gorgeous and full of intimidation.
Yuyuer steps forward to salute: "Mother, these are the outsiders I mentioned. They come for the Star Shards."
The queen's gaze sweeps over Fa and her group, a flash of vigilance in her eyes: "I am the controller of the sea people: Yulenna. Outsiders, why do you seek the Star Shards?" Yulenna's voice transmits through an amplifying conch device, the sound waves forming visible blue ripples in the water layer. "That is our sea people's sacred relic; we cannot easily hand it over to outsiders."
Fa steps forward, sincerely saying: "Respected Queen Yulenna, we are pursuing an evil organization called 'Doomsday Rebirth.' They attempt to use the Star Shards to achieve their conspiracy. We hope to obtain the Star Shards to stop their plans and protect the world's peace."
Upon hearing this, Yulenna lightly strokes the crystal on her scepter with her fingertip, and suddenly a holographic map rises from the platform below the throne—deep sea terrain, energy veins, and even all biological activity tracks marked with different colored light lines. Yuyuer leans close to Fa's ear and whispers: "That's the 'Omni-Domain Viewer,' able to connect all monitoring points from the sea surface to the deep sea."
Yulenna ponders for a moment and says: "The Star Shards are not only magical treasures but also concern the world's peace and destruction. If handed to you, we must ensure they won't become tools of war. You must pass the trial of Shadow Isle—where the defense system fuses ancient magic and technology; only by proving your wisdom, courage, and team synergy can you gain our recognition."
Fa nods: "We are willing to accept the test." Yulenna nods: "Very well. I will have someone lead you to Shadow Isle then."
The Queen's Summon and Yuyuer's Enthusiasm
After a moment of silence, Yulenna sits on the throne carved from coral and crystal, gazing at the side door of the hall, her voice steady as the tide: "Summon the other princes and princesses." The guards salute by tapping their tridents on the ground and file out, their armor's shell decorations emitting crisp sounds with their movements.
Soon, besides the original Yuyuer, the other two sons and four daughters enter one by one. They are the second son Yuyue, third daughter Yuyao, fourth daughter Yuling, fifth daughter Yuqiao, sixth daughter Yumeng, and seventh son Yuhan. Each wears ornate coral armor, emanating faint water magic fluctuations, displaying the nobility and power of the sea people royal family.
Yulenna speaks, her voice low and full of majesty: "These outsiders hope to obtain the Star Shards; they must go to Shadow Isle to undergo the test. I need one of you to lead them there. Who is willing to take on this task?"
Before the words finish, Yuyuer immediately raises both hands, his eyes sparkling with excitement: "Mother, I am willing! I am willing to lead them!" He almost jumps forward, his eager appearance instantly lightening the atmosphere in the hall.
Yuyue smiles slightly and nods: "Let big brother go; he's always wanted to explore the outside, this is a good opportunity." Yuyao shrugs and echoes: "Big brother is the most suitable." Fourth daughter Yuling softly says: "I agree." Yuqiao, Yumeng, and Yuhan also nod in succession, expressing support for big brother Yuyuer.
Yulenna sighs and beckons Yuyuer closer. She strokes the diamond crystal on his armor, her tone softening: "You are the eldest son, destined to inherit the sea people throne and rule this deep sea..." She lightly taps Yuyuer's forehead with her fingertip. "But I know your heart always looks toward the sea surface."
Yuyuer puffs out his chest, his voice carrying a youth's excitement: "I will protect them well and learn to bear responsibility!" Saying this, he turns to Fa and her group, enthusiastically extending his hand: "Then let's now—"
"Yuyuer." The queen lightly coughs, the shell patterns on the throne rippling with light halos in response. "Depart tomorrow. Tonight, we shall treat them with courtesy first."
Fa smiles and bows: "Thank you for your tolerance, Your Majesty." Yuyuer sticks out his tongue, the gill covers on his ear tips slightly reddening—that's the sea people's expression of shyness.
Dinner and the History of the Sea People
As night falls, a round coral dining table rises in the center of the Vortex Tide Sanctuary's hall, brightly lit. Sea people nobles and warriors gather together, with Fa and her group arranged at the guest seats. The long table is filled with ten exquisite sea people dishes, exuding the ocean's scent and magical fragrance:
1. Coral Rainbow Salad: Colorful coral leaves paired with deep sea fruits, vibrant in color, fresh and refreshing, with a subtle lingering magical nourishment.
2. Pearl Caviar: Deep sea pearl fish eggs that are crystal clear, melting in the mouth, containing faint water magic.
3. Seaweed Rolls: Fresh seaweed wrapping shrimp and shellfish, paired with secret sauce, tender and juicy.
4. Grilled Lobster Tail: Deep sea lobster tail grilled to golden over magical flames, crispy on the outside, tender inside, with an enticing aroma.
5. Crystal Shrimp Dumplings: Transparent dumpling skins wrapping fresh shrimp, steamed to crystal-like translucence, chewy in texture.
6. Sea God Soup: Brewed from deep sea fish bones and seaweed, rich in color, said to temporarily boost stamina.
7. Magic Conch: Shell grilled to slightly charred, containing magical energy; eating it enhances magic perception.
8. Coral Cake: Sweet treat made from coral powder, soft in texture, sweet but not cloying, faintly emitting the ocean's fresh scent.
9. Sea Star Biscuits: Crispy biscuits shaped like sea stars, with a faint salty taste when bitten, leaving a lingering aftertaste.
10. Deep Sea Jelly: Made from deep sea fruits, colorful, with a bouncy texture; it feels like ocean waves surging on the tongue upon entry.
Fa tastes these delicacies, secretly marveling at the sea people's culinary skills and magical fusion. She whispers to Arya: "These dishes are not only delicious but also contain magic, completely different from outside foods." Arya nods, gently biting into a piece of coral cake, a hint of gentleness flashing in her eyes: "Indeed, the sea people's culture is richer than we imagined."
Queen Yulenna, seated at the head, sees everyone eating contentedly and slowly begins to recount the sea people's history: "Hundreds of years ago, the sea people traded with various races on land. We purified seawater with magic, exchanging seafood and coral for land grains and technological products."
She strokes the shell patterns on the throne's armrest, her voice low: "Until some feared our magic was too powerful, arousing fear and jealousy from other races. Or perhaps certain forces deliberately provoked, spreading rumors that we were 'deep sea evil spirits,' escalating misunderstandings."
Yuyao softly interjects: "But we never initiated war."
"Yes," Yulenna nods. "So we retreated to the deep sea, building magical shields. For decades, we've only maintained contact with a few trusted traders we selected, like Haris." She looks at Fa, her gaze gentle: "Until your arrival."
Yuyuer suddenly puts down his spoon, his eyes shining: "Mother, Fa and the others say there are floating cars on land? And healing trees?"
"That's the elf clan's Tree of Wisdom," Fa smiles. "And the dwarves' steam castles, the beastmen's starlit festivals..."
"I really want to see it once," Yuyuer whispers, his fingers rubbing the diamond crystal on his armor. "When I become king, can I open the shield and let the sea people visit the land?"
Yulenna reaches out to gently stroke his hair: "When you learn to protect the people with the scepter, you can naturally decide the sea people's future." She turns to the group: "Rest well tonight; tomorrow Yuyuer will lead you to Shadow Isle in the name of the royal eldest son."
Yuyuer nods emphatically, yet his eyes still hold longing—that belongs to a youth's yearning for the vast world. And the diamond crystal on his armor flickers with the dual lights of hope and responsibility under the lamplight.
After dinner, Fa and her group return to their coral-built residence. Outside the translucent shell windows, deep sea fluorescent fish schools pass like flowing star dust, casting flickering light inside the room. Fa removes her salt-stained cloak, her fingertips tracing the natural coral patterns on the wall, her impression of the sea people greatly changed. She whispers: "The sea people are not as hostile to humans as the outside rumors say; they've just been misunderstood too deeply." TISK nods: "Yeah, this meal makes me want to be friends with them!"