After the Trial
As the golden light gradually faded after the trial, Fa and her five teammates—Arya, TISK, Salsa, Rex, and Kayla—stepped out from the portal, their feet landing on the familiar beach of Shadow Island. The sea breeze gently blew, carrying a salty tang, and the distant purple-green mist still enveloped the island, as if whispering about the just-concluded challenge. Though exhausted, everyone's eyes sparkled with the joy of victory, and the bond between them had been forged even stronger through this life-and-death test.
Yuyuer had been waiting on the beach. His ornate coral armor splashed water as his tail slapped the ground, the gems on his crown sparkling with rainbow hues under the sunlight, and the staff engraved with ancient runes in his hand trembled slightly. His tail slapped the ground excitedly, stirring up a spray of water. Seeing Fa and her group return safely, he immediately swam forward, his eyes full of anticipation and curiosity.
"You're finally back! How was the trial? Tell me quickly!" Yuyuer's voice was clear and eager, like a child impatient to hear a story, eager to know every detail.
Fa smiled faintly, sheathing her short blade, and said gently, "We passed three trials, each one thrilling and intense. Especially the second and third ones, which showed us what true challenges are." She turned to her teammates, gesturing for them to share their experiences together.
Arya gently stroked her Storm Bow and spoke, "The second trial tested our courage. We were transported to an illusion where we faced four powerful enemies—the Blood Elf Xister, the Soul Entity Cthulhu, the Orc General Grom, and the Dwarf Dark Axe Rock. Each of us fought alone, confronting our own fears." Her voice was soft but carried a slight tremor, recalling the difficulty of that battle.
"That Blood Elf's blood magic was downright eerie!" TISK heavily patted his warhammer "Burning Vine," which could unleash ice-fire blasts and immediately emitted a dull resonance. "Her blood hands almost corroded my hammer into scrap! And that dwarf Rock, strong as a bull—I clashed with him over a dozen rounds before winning." He grinned widely, with some sand still in his beard, but his eyes burned with a warrior's pride.
Salsa's soul form floated beside her mechanical cat body, her amber eyes flickering with light. "Cthulhu's undead legion was the real tough one to handle. His poisonous mist suppressed my shadow wolves so much they couldn't perform at all, almost unable to maintain my soul form." At this, she sighed softly, her transparent palm passing through the body to touch her chest, as if still feeling the oppression from then.
Rex calmly added, "The enemies' coordination was highly targeted. My nano-drones and mechanical swarm caused some damage, but ultimately it was neutralized by their defenses." His mechanical eye scanned Yuyuer, data streams flashing on his goggles.
"I only faced two enemies, but my Thunder Claws' frost and lightning were enough to give them a hard time!" Kayla shook her fluffy beast ears, Thunder Claws sparking blue flames in the sunlight. "Grom's body was frozen by me, and Rock's axe was electrified until it smoked—they could only flee in the end." She spoke lightly, but secretly glanced at her teammates, her eyes hiding admiration.
Fa continued, "The third trial tested our team synergy. We were transported to an underwater cave to fight a deep-sea behemoth. That thing had dozens of tentacles and could manipulate seawater to create whirlpools. Arya used wind magic to stabilize the currents, TISK reinforced our weapons, Salsa distracted the beast, Rex used mechanical bugs and drones to interfere with its movements, Kayla handled close-range attacks, and I found opportunities to sever its tentacles." She closed her eyes, as if seeing again the massive waves when the behemoth fell. "Honestly, without any one of us, we couldn't have won."
Yuyuer listened with shining eyes, his tail slapping faster. "Wow! Fighting Blood Elves, undead, orcs, and dwarves, and a deep-sea behemoth? More exciting than the adventure stories I've read in books! I want to challenge the trial too!" He excitedly waved his staff, causing the surrounding seawater to surge, forming several small whirlpools, as if eager to test his skills.
Fa quickly stepped forward, gently but firmly saying, "Yuyuer, the trial is exciting, but the danger far exceeds your imagination. We nearly got wiped out—you'd better not risk it."
Arya nodded in agreement, "Yeah, those four enemies are cunning and powerful; it's no joke. Besides, you have princely duties and can't take risks lightly." Her voice carried concern, with a hint of gentleness in her eyes.
Upon hearing this, Yuyuer's tail slowly drooped, and he said somewhat reluctantly, "I know it's dangerous... But staying in the deep sea all day, just fantasizing about the outside world from maps, is too boring." He suddenly looked up, his eyes flashing with determination. "Where are you going next?"
Fa smiled and said, "We plan to return to the Vortex Sanctuary to inform your mother of the trial results. Yuyuer, can you take us to see your mother?"
Yuyuer nodded, his eyes regaining their sparkle. "Of course! Let's go—I'll use magic bubbles to take you back!" He waved his staff, and three layers of transparent oxygen bubbles enveloped everyone again, emitting a faint blue light, ready to set off back to the deep sea.
The Adventure Decision
The group dove into the deep sea, heading toward the Vortex Sanctuary. The magic bubbles moved slowly through the water, and the scenery along the way was still breathtaking—vibrant coral reefs blooming like giant gem flowers on the seabed, glowing jellyfish trailing long tentacles as they swam by, schools of fish flashing silver as they passed the bubbles, and in the distance, even small underwater villages built from shells and coral. Yuyuer swam at the front, occasionally pointing out various sights: "Look at that pink coral—it's called 'Sea Bell Coral'; it makes sounds when currents pass through. And those jellyfish over there—their tentacles carry electricity, but they won't attack us because they like the phosphorescent shrimp I feed them."
After traveling for some time, Yuyuer suddenly stopped, turning to look at Fa and her group, his eyes shining with firm resolve. "I've decided!" he said solemnly. "I want to go adventuring with you! The outside world is so wonderful—I don't want to spend my life in the deep sea as a prince who only looks at maps!"
His words stunned everyone inside the bubbles. Fa's eyes widened in surprise. "Yuyuer, are you serious?"
Arya furrowed her brows, asking gently but worriedly, "But... will your mother agree? You're the eldest son of the sea clan, destined to inherit the throne."
TISK laughed heartily, patting Yuyuer's shoulder. "Kid, you've got spirit! But your mother's approval won't be easy—she's a tough one."
Rex calmly analyzed, "Based on my observations, the queen has a strong protective instinct toward you. She may not easily agree to let you leave the Vortex Sanctuary."
Kayla's beast ears twitched slightly, grinning as she said, "If you really join us, you'll need to train your combat skills more. The outside isn't as safe as the deep sea."
Yuyuer puffed out his chest, full of confidence. "Don't worry! I'll find a way to convince Mother. She's strict, but she knows I want to explore the outside world. As long as I prove I can protect myself, she'll agree!" He waved his staff, forming a small whirlpool in the water around him, as if demonstrating his determination.
Fa looked at Yuyuer's resolute gaze, a surge of emotion rising in her heart. She said softly, "If you're truly determined, we welcome you. But this must have your mother's approval—we don't want any misunderstandings between you and her."
Yuyuer nodded, smiling brilliantly. "Don't worry, I have my ways! Let's keep going!" He waved his staff, accelerating the bubbles, and the group exchanged glances—though surprised, they also secretly anticipated what changes this fishman prince might bring.
Deep-Sea Piranha Swarm and Yuyuer's Astonishing Strength
The bubbles shuttled through the deep sea for several hours, with everyone immersed in Yuyuer's enthusiasm and the wonders of the deep sea, when suddenly a rapid current disturbance shattered the tranquility. A silver light flashed in Fa's right star eye, and she immediately alerted, "Danger approaching!"
Before her words finished, the water ahead suddenly turned murky, and countless black shadows surged from the darkness—it was a swarm of deep-sea piranhas! These piranhas weren't large, but their numbers were astonishing, densely packed into a black cloud, their sharp teeth gleaming in the dim light, exuding a ferocious aura. They moved incredibly fast, charging toward them, attempting to tear through the fragile magic barrier with their fangs.
"Oh no!" Arya drew her Storm Bow but immediately stopped. "We can't attack! The bubbles might not withstand magical strikes—if they burst, we're all done!"
TISK gripped his warhammer tightly, frowning. "If we were on land, I'd smash a path with one swing, but in water..." His hammer emitted an icy blue glow, yet he dared not act rashly.
Rex's mechanical eye scanned quickly, saying gravely, "The piranha swarm will reach us in thirty seconds and destroy the bubbles. We must find a way to escape."
Kayla roared, her Thunder Claws flickering with electricity, but she could only hold back her fighting spirit. "Damn, so many piranhas—we have nowhere to strike!"
Just as everyone was at a loss, Yuyuer stepped forward, a calm light flashing in his eyes, his expression unlike the usual lively boy. "Leave it to me." His voice was steady and confident, as if he was accustomed to handling such crises.
Yuyuer raised his staff, thrusting his right hand forward while chanting an ancient incantation under his breath. The seawater around him churned violently, instantly forming a massive whirlpool. This whirlpool was dozens of meters wide, emitting powerful suction that drew the entire piranha swarm into it. The fish struggled in the vortex but were powerless to resist, soon twisted into fragments and dispersed as a cloud of blood mist in the water.
As the whirlpool subsided, the water cleared, and the crisis was resolved in an instant. Everyone inside the bubbles stared in shock, looking at Yuyuer with awe.
Fa said in surprise, "Yuyuer, your magic... it's so powerful!"
Arya softly praised, "This control over water magic is truly exquisite."
TISK clapped and laughed, "Good kid! I thought you were just a prince with a silver tongue—didn't expect you to be this formidable!"
Rex nodded, data streams flashing on his goggles. "The whirlpool's energy output exceeded estimates, with destructive power at least ten times that of mid-level water magic."
Kayla grinned, her beast ears perking up. "Looks like we were overthinking. With this strength, joining us is no problem at all!"
Yuyuer scratched his head, a bit embarrassed. "Actually, this is nothing. My master is even stronger—his water magic can split several kilometers of ocean in half! This little trick is what he taught me."
Everyone was even more astonished upon hearing this, and TISK couldn't help asking, "Who's your master? Such a powerful figure—how come I've never heard of him?"
Yuyuer smiled, a hint of reverence in his eyes. "He's a hermit of the sea clan, living in a secret realm in the deep sea. My siblings and I learned water magic from him since childhood. He says I'm the smartest, but I still have a lot of room for improvement."
Fa looked at Yuyuer, her evaluation of this fishman prince rising another notch. She said softly, "Yuyuer, your strength truly impresses us. If you can convince the queen, you'll be an indispensable member of our team."
Yuyuer nodded, his eyes burning with even stronger determination. "I'll definitely convince Mother! Let's go—we're almost at the Vortex Sanctuary!"
The Choice and Farewell at Vortex Sanctuary
The bubbles passed through layers of deep-sea currents and finally arrived at the Vortex Sanctuary. The "Tidal Gate" at the entrance slowly opened under Yuyuer's magical fluctuations, and the group entered the palace corridor, proceeding along the glowing blue stone bricks. In the grand hall, Queen Fish Lena sat regally on a throne carved from coral and crystal, her scepter radiating starlight, her majestic gaze sweeping over Fa and her group.
Yuyuer stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Mother, we're back. Fa and the others successfully passed the trial." He handed over the trial badge and turned to Fa. "This is their proof."
Queen Fishlena nodded, her gaze landing on Fa and her group. "You've done well. The trials of Shadow Island test not only strength but also character." She paused, turning to Yuyuer. "But I'd rather hear what you have to say."
Yuyuer took a deep breath, straightening his chest. "Mother, I have a request. I want to leave the Vortex Sanctuary with Fa and the others to adventure in the outside world! I know I'm the eldest son and will bear the sea clan's responsibilities in the future, but I don't want to be trapped in the deep sea forever. I want to see the land's castles, forests, and those wondrous things they talk about. I believe such experiences will make me a better ruler!"
The hall fell silent, a few sea clan ministers whispering among themselves, everyone holding their breath awaiting the queen's response. Fishlena's gaze darkened, her fingertips gently stroking the crystal on her scepter. After a moment of silence, she said, "Yuyuer, you are the hope of the sea clan. Your departure worries me. The outside world is full of dangers—you've rarely left the deep sea. How can you ensure your safety?"
Yuyuer stepped forward, saying earnestly, "Mother, I know you're worried about me. But while guarding them outside the trial, I've already proven my abilities. On the way back just now, I used whirlpool magic to eliminate a swarm of deep-sea piranhas! Fa and the others believe I can handle it. I won't act recklessly—I'll learn from them, protect myself, and uphold the sea clan's honor!"
Seeing this, Fa stepped forward and said gently, "Respected Queen, we've witnessed Yuyuer's strength. His water magic saved all of us. If he joins us, we'll protect him like family and ensure he comes to no harm."
Arya softly echoed, "Yes, Your Majesty. Our team needs his wisdom and power, and he needs our experience. It's a win-win choice."
Fishlena listened to everyone's words, her gaze shifting between Yuyuer and Fa's group. She sighed, her tone softening. "Yuyuer, your heart is as vast as the sea. I can't bind you to the deep sea forever... but I have conditions."
A flash of joy crossed Yuyuer's eyes, and he hurriedly asked, "What conditions? I'll definitely fulfill them!"
Fishlena said gravely, "First, every few days, you must use the communication crystal to report your safety to me, letting me know where you are and how you're doing." The queen raised one finger. "Second, you must never reveal the location or secrets of the Vortex Sanctuary. This is the bottom line for protecting our sea race." Yuyuer nodded repeatedly, and she continued, "Third, no matter where you go, you must return in three years to inherit the throne, because..." Her voice trembled slightly, "because Mother wants to see you inherit the throne with her own eyes."
Yuyuer's eyes reddened, and he swam to the throne, gently hugging Fishlena. "Mother, thank you for agreeing. I'll remember your words and return in three years, with many skills learned to make you proud!"
The queen stroked his head, waving her scepter lightly, a blue light flying toward Yuyuer and merging into his coral armor. "This is the 'Sea Guardian Incantation'—in times of crisis, it can summon water elements for protection. Remember, the outside world is wonderful but full of perils—be extremely careful."
The queen turned to Fa and her group. "Are you willing to take responsibility for his safety?"
Fa said solemnly, "We are. He's our companion—we'll do our utmost."
Fishlena nodded, a hint of relief in her eyes. She looked at Yuyuer and said gently, "Before you leave, take them to see your master—he has the star fragments you need. And... bid a proper farewell to your master. He's taught you for so many years; he should know your decision."
Yuyuer bowed respectfully. "Yes, Mother. I'll go see Master, then set off with everyone!"
A New Beginning
The atmosphere in the grand hall gradually relaxed, and everyone gathered around Yuyuer, beginning to discuss future adventure plans. Fa looked at Yuyuer, a warm current surging in her heart—this fishman prince not only brought powerful strength but also a pure enthusiasm and dream.
Yuyuer turned to TISK, joking, "TISK, after we return, you have to teach me how to swing a warhammer! You looked so cool fighting in the trial!"
TISK laughed heartily. "Good kid, once you learn the hammer, I'll teach you how to drink!"
Arya chuckled softly. "Then I'll teach you archery—your magic and my Storm Bow might combine into new moves."
Rex said calmly, "I can help optimize your staff's energy output to improve magical efficiency."
Kayla patted Yuyuer's shoulder. "With me around, anyone who bullies you gets zapped by my Thunder Claws!"
Salsa's soul form floated over, saying softly, "I haven't explored enough of the deep sea's secrets—don't forget to bring me back to see them."
Fa smiled as she watched all this, saying softly, "Yuyuer, welcome to our adventure."
Yuyuer smiled brilliantly, his tail slapping the ground, his eyes sparkling with visions of the future. The starry crystal of the Vortex Sanctuary reflected everyone's figures, as if foretelling the unfolding of a new legend.