The Grace of the Gods sailed alone toward the waiting sea monster, her hull cutting through waters that had grown eerily calm after the supernatural storm's passing.
Oong~
The sea monster cried out in apparent surprise, scarcely able to believe that the small vessel it had been watching was actually approaching rather than fleeing like any sensible craft should.
It extended one tentacle tentatively toward the ship, moving with obvious care.
Ooooooo — — — — — — — — — — — — —
The intense, ear-piercing whistle that erupted from the royal fleet startled the creature into immediate stillness, halting any further contact.
Joffrey stood at his flagship's bow, every line of his form radiating calm authority.
"Lower yourself," he commanded through the communication network.
The sea monster received this message from the small figure before it with perfect clarity.
Naturally, it understood the meaning completely.
And now it also comprehended that the little man knew that it knew the meaning of his words—a complex game of awareness playing out between mortal and leviathan.
Oong~
With what seemed like genuine timidity, the creature cried softly and slowly submerged most of its massive bulk beneath the surface, revealing only a pair of enormous eyes that remained level with the approaching vessel.
Even this modest movement sent ripples across the sea's surface, causing the ship to sway continuously with each subtle shift of the monster's position.
Joffrey waited with practiced patience.
Theon Greyjoy, standing respectfully behind his king, could not suppress the tremors that ran through his entire frame. He clenched his fists tightly, struggling to maintain even a semblance of calm composure.
Sea monster!
Though the Greyjoy family crest bore a kraken's image, Theon had never seriously contemplated the reality of encountering an actual sea monster—least of all as an enemy!
He stared ahead with growing dread.
The king's back remained motionless as carved stone, yet those huge eyes in the distance rolled about constantly. Were they attempting to display friendliness, or calculating which human would provide the most satisfying first bite?
Theon found maintaining calm increasingly impossible.
Should something truly unexpected occur, the king aboard this vessel was merely an "artificial body"—a sophisticated clone that could be replaced if damaged.
But what of me?!
There existed only one Theon Greyjoy in all the world!
The Iron Islands' governor had not yet assumed his rightful position!
The grown man Theon Greyjoy had not yet set foot upon his ancestral homeland!
Theon desperately wished to avoid appearing weak or cowardly before his sovereign.
Yet he could not help but notice that many non-essential personnel aboard the Grace of the Gods had already untied the lifeboats and withdrawn to safer distance—including that simpering Desmera Redwyne.
Why am I considered "essential personnel" for this madness?
For the first time since accepting his position, Theon regretted taking the role of royal squire.
Usually the position carried no particular danger, but who could have predicted that the king would choose to sail directly into a monster's jaws!
If there is a next time, I must first confirm whether His Grace intends to use his true body!
The resolution formed clearly in Theon's mind.
For the present moment, however, he could only stare nervously at the bizarre scene unfolding before them while offering silent prayers that king and sea monster might somehow achieve pleasant conversation...
Joffrey found himself quite satisfied with current developments.
The sea monster's reactions proved notably restrained, revealing no obvious hostility or malicious intent whatsoever.
It appeared that the previous barbaric, bloodthirsty behavior had indeed been merely the result of Crow's Eye's crude control rather than the creature's natural disposition.
Joffrey studied it with calculating eyes.
If it possessed a somewhat more appealing appearance, the beast might truly resemble some god's favored pet or ancient divine guardian.
"Can you alter your coloration?" he inquired with genuine curiosity.
"Try matching the hues of the vessel beneath my feet. Your current appearance lacks... distinction."
The sea monster examined the ship with obvious interest.
Oong~
Its surface immediately transformed into a living palette of shifting colors—sometimes gorgeous and complex beyond description, sometimes transparent as crystal, creating such a dizzying display that observers required considerable time to recover their equilibrium.
Oong~~!
The creature called out with obvious delight, gently swaying its massive form while displaying its remarkable abilities for the small human's approval.
Joffrey nodded with satisfaction.
The sea monster had settled upon a magnificent gold and silver coloration that gleamed like precious metals beneath the supernatural light.
After the original bone and flesh tones faded completely, it did indeed appear far more otherworldly and sacred—truly unlike anything born of the mortal realm.
Such a unique species should rightfully serve as my aquatic companion.
The thought emerged unbidden, increasing Joffrey's growing desire to claim this prize.
"What name do you bear?" he asked next.
The sea monster shook its massive head, this time displaying genuine incomprehension.
It has no name?
Joffrey struck his forehead with sudden realization.
Of course—the creature cannot speak, nor transmit information directly. Even if it possessed a name, how could I possibly learn it?
Those other crucial questions obviously could not be answered through simple gestures either.
Joffrey studied the sea monster with renewed intensity.
Should I attach information runes to the creature?
Unlike previous subjects—whether human or beast—this sea monster's inherent power far exceeded any controllable range he had previously encountered.
Once runes were applied, should something truly unexpected occur, the resulting complications would prove exponentially more dangerous.
He found himself hesitating despite his growing curiosity.
Yet at this crucial moment, Joffrey recalled those vitally important questions that demanded answers.
If no method existed to obtain such knowledge, he could accept that limitation. But clear opportunities for investigation lay before him now.
Failing to pursue such leads actively would represent dangerous negligence—allowing threats to develop while burying potential hazards for future discovery.
Gods, magic, dragons, sea monsters...
There is only one acceptable path forward.
His resolve crystallized with absolute clarity.
The Grace of the Gods sailed closer still, approaching almost within touching distance of the sea monster's bulk.
"Would you like to learn communication with others?" he asked in coaxing tones. "Extend one tentacle—gently, slowly—and place it before me. I shall teach you this art."
Oong~~
The sea monster released a stream of bubbles while glancing nervously at the dangerous small vessels surrounding them.
Finally, it attempted to extend a tentacle with maximum care.
Witnessing this development, Theon could not prevent himself from retreating two hasty steps.
Joffrey observed in thoughtful silence.
A thick appendage emerged from beneath the waters, approaching gradually while revealing pale teeth—sharp, curved, and densely packed beneath the gold and silver skin.
The bone teeth could not change color like the surrounding flesh.
Gold, silver, and pale white created a combination both sacred and terrifying, magical yet deeply unsettling.
Such stark contrast reminded observers very clearly that this was no mere wonderful legend, but a hundred-foot sea monster fully capable of destroying ships and slaying giant whales.
The tentacle stretched before him, dripping with sticky, translucent fluid that carried the ocean's distinctive scent and saltiness.
Despite his profound disgust at the necessity, Joffrey extended one finger to press against the back of the appendage.
He gathered his magical power with careful precision.
Even while inhabiting this artificial body, his abundant and transformed spirit allowed full access to runic magic and the bestowal of new mirror images.
For safety's sake, he granted only "communication" abilities initially.
Yet even this limited gift brought the sea monster obvious joy—pleasure so intense that even humans could recognize its satisfaction despite their vastly different species.
Oong~~~~
The creature's call echoed both above and below the water's surface, somehow clearing human minds while inspiring spontaneous smiles. Sea life began gathering from all directions, forming harmonious groups that contributed beautiful displays within the supernatural light.
Joffrey observed both the sea monster's behavior and the newly implanted runic mirror image with scientific detachment.
The creature displayed no abnormal movements. The mirror image remained under his control. For the moment, everything appeared entirely normal.
Yet something nagged at his attention—the mirror image had not merged with any existing runes, nor could he detect traces of previous runic work upon the sea monster.
Could it be that this creature possesses no runes whatsoever? That its power derives from sources other than magic itself?
The possibility seemed almost impossible to credit.
Yet the evidence lay directly before him.
Either his assessment was accurate, or special circumstances beyond his current understanding were at work.
Such matters would require investigation, but more pressing business demanded attention.
"Do you possess a name?" he inquired, testing the communication link.
Despite using this ability for the first time, the sea monster's response flowed with surprising smoothness: "No. Others call me 'sea monster,' 'drowned beast,' or 'storm demon.'"
Joffrey's heart skipped a beat at the casual revelation.
The Grace of the Gods immediately reversed power and began retreating with gathering speed.
"Who commanded your obedience to Crow's Eye? Why did he dare assault the Shield Islands? What manner of prophecy guided his actions?"
The sea monster's answer chilled him to the bone: "You will learn soon enough, newbie."
Joffrey raised his head sharply. The sea monster's eyes had changed completely—the light of ancient wisdom now restrained to its very limits, as if the creature had transformed into a being of infinite age and experience.
The Grace of the Gods fled at maximum speed!
The sea monster launched itself skyward with explosive force.
Oong!
Its cry differed utterly from all previous vocalizations—containing infinite magical power that seemed to shake the very foundations of reality itself!!!