Chapter 62 – The Gates of the Underwater Caves
Mamir, Runya, Ener, and Necor were swimming alongside a mermaid, heading toward the caves beneath the island. Thanks to the enchanted stones bound to their wrists like bracelets, they could breathe and speak underwater.
The mermaid's eyes widened in astonishment as she asked:
Mermaid: "How… how can you breathe and speak beneath the sea?"
Mamir lifted his wrist, showing the glowing stone.
Mamir: "Because of these stones. Runya awakened them with her magic. But tell me—how did these creatures invade your home? What were they like?"
The mermaid's face darkened, her voice trembling as she replied:
Mermaid: "They were all made of shadows… their bodies were like ours—half fish, half human. But they bore horns and dark wings. Their leader… he was a giant octopus. His tentacles were as vast as the sea itself. He called himself Krakven and said he was doing this for someone named Ostomas."
Her voice broke, and her eyes filled with tears.
Mermaid: "With every strike, he lashed out with his tentacles, wrapping them around my people, crushing them until they died. When I fled, one of his soldiers attacked me… but my brother killed it and gave me the chance to escape. My brother… Deivor… he is the strongest warrior of the sea people, a hero already etched into our history though he is only thirty years old. But now… I don't know what has become of him, or of the rest of my people."
Runya gently took her hands, gazing into her eyes with warmth and determination:
Runya: "My love… Mamir has already slain four monstrous beings as dreadful as Krakven. Believe me—he will defeat him too. And we will save your people."
Hope flickered in the mermaid's eyes. Her lips trembled as she whispered:
Mermaid: "Truly… you can do this?"
Mamir's gaze turned to steel, his voice unwavering:
Mamir: "I promise you. No matter the cost, we will succeed."
The mermaid drew a deep breath, a faint smile finally forming on her lips.
Mermaid: "My name… is Runfey."
Runya chuckled softly, replying:
Runya: "And mine is Runya. Even our names are alike."
From that moment on, she was no longer just "the mermaid," but Runfey.
They shared a brief laugh, a fleeting warmth in the cold waters. But peace was short-lived. Ahead of them, the gaping entrances of the caves loomed, shrouded in shadow. Dark mist seeped out, spreading through the depths.
Runfey pointed toward the ominous darkness and whispered:
Runfey: "Here we are… the entrance to my people's home."
Mamir unsheathed his sword, eyes fixed on the abyss ahead. He turned to Ener, his voice firm and resolute:
Mamir: "Let's begin."
Together, guided by Runfey, they swam into the darkness of the cave. The shadows swallowed them whole—
and the chapter ended.
---