Chương 85

The Red Sea coast was absolutely brutal. The wind howled off the dark, churning water, carrying a sharp, freezing spray of salt that stung the skin. Jagged black rocks lined the shore, entirely battered by the violently crashing waves. Rudra pulled his black trench coat tighter, leaning on the jagged bone shaft of his Staff of the Fire Lord. Beside him, Winfred stood perfectly upright. The old tactician didn't seem bothered by the cold, his sharp eyes scanning the treacherous tide.

Kratos, the dog-sized divine beast, was not a fan. The half-gold, half-black cub sneezed as a splash of freezing saltwater hit his nose. He let out a cranky bark and hid behind Rudra's legs.

"You said your people lived down there?" Rudra asked, looking over the cliff.

"It looks like a giant washing machine." Princess Nerissa stepped forward. The closer she got to the ocean, the more her natural Siren features began to glow. The faint, shimmering blue scales on her neck and arms caught the pale sunlight.

"The rough surface keeps the humans away," Nerissa explained, a proud smile finally breaking across her face.

"The true currents are hidden beneath." She walked right to the edge of the jagged rocks. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath of the salty air, and sang. It wasn't a loud song. It was a haunting, perfectly pitched melody that cut right through the howling wind. The ocean instantly reacted. The violently crashing waves suddenly stopped. The deep red water began to swirl and part, revealing a massive, glowing red whirlpool that stretched all the way down to the ocean floor.

It formed a smooth, watery tunnel directly into the depths.

"Follow me," Nerissa said, diving flawlessly into the swirling current.

"Guess we don't need a boat," Rudra grinned. He didn't hesitate. He hopped off the rock and jumped right into the whirlpool. The moment the red water completely swallowed him, he didn't hold his breath. Thanks to Asterion's Blessing (Minor), the crushing pressure of the deep sea didn't even register. He breathed the water in as easily as fresh air. He felt totally weightless, the water resistance completely neutralized around his body. Instantly, a warm, massive surge of energy flooded his muscles.

[You have entered an aquatic environment!] [The effect of the title 'Seeker of the Drowned Truths' has been activated.] [All base stats are increased by 10%!] Rudra clenched his fists, feeling the immense power boost wash over him. Fighting underwater wasn't a handicap for him anymore; it was an absolute advantage. Winfred followed right behind him. The Red Sage casually waved his hand, casting a shimmering bubble of air around his own head and a second, larger bubble around a very confused, paddling Kratos.

They sank rapidly through the red water. The deeper they went, the brighter it got. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. Massive, glowing coral reefs illuminated the ocean floor. Built directly into the colorful reefs were hundreds of beautiful, pearlescent structures. Sirens with shimmering tails swam gracefully between the buildings, carrying woven baskets of fish and rare sea-herbs.

A massive, golden system prompt suddenly exploded in front of Rudra's face. [You are the first discoverer of the Siren Kingdom!] [It is a place passed down in legends. If you create and sell a map of this place, you can earn great reputation and gold.] [If you sell the map first to the 3rd Prince of the Saharan Empire, a quest will be generated.] Rudra stared at the glowing blue text.

"Sell out the people I just saved to the Empire that poisoned my friends?" Rudra muttered, shaking his head.

"Yeah, no thanks." He literally swiped the quest window away like it was junk mail. He didn't care about Imperial gold or reputation. He wanted ingredients. Nerissa swam down to the ocean floor. As soon as her feet touched the white sand, the guards stationed around the city recognized her. A massive commotion erupted. Horns blew, and dozens of heavily armed Siren warriors rushed forward, dropping to their knees in pure relief.

A few minutes later, Rudra and Winfred were standing inside the grand royal palace, which was carved entirely out of a single, massive piece of white coral. The Siren King sat on a pearl throne. He was a massive, imposing merman with deep blue scales and a heavy golden crown. He pulled Nerissa into a tight hug, his strict, royal demeanor completely breaking as he wept for his safe daughter. After a long, emotional reunion, the King finally turned his attention to the two humans standing in his throne room.

"Princess Nerissa has told me everything," the King said, his voice deep and echoing. He looked at Rudra's black coat and heavy bone staff.

"You rescued her from the Empress's hunting dogs. You guarded her for months. I expected humans to demand a ransom, but you ask for nothing. How can the Siren Kingdom repay you, Duke Rudra?"

"I don't need a reward, Your Majesty," Rudra said practically. He leaned on his staff.

"But I do want a partnership." The King raised an eyebrow.

"A partnership?"

"I just took over the Stormbreak Region on the surface," Rudra explained, skipping the noble etiquette entirely.

"My people need resources. You guys have a massive ocean full of high-tier seafood, rare salt, and herbs. Let's form a direct trade alliance. We supply you with surface goods and forged steel, and you trade us oceanic ingredients." Winfred stepped forward, taking over the tactical side.

"Furthermore, Stormbreak is heavily fortified. If the Saharan Empire ever attempts to invade your waters again, our cannons and knights will provide you with a permanent, unbreakable shield from the land." The Siren King looked at the old tactician, then at the pragmatic Duke. A trade route that completely bypassed the greedy Imperial merchants and offered military protection was an absolute dream for his isolated people.

"That is a very generous and logical proposal," the King nodded slowly.

"There is one more thing," Rudra added, pulling out the Miniature Statue of Asterion from his inventory.

"I need your scouts to keep an eye out for old, ruined temples that look like this. If they find any, just point me in the right direction." The King recognized the statue of the Ocean God instantly. He smiled.

"A fair exchange. I accept your alliance, Duke Rudra. However... we cannot begin trading right now." Rudra frowned.

"Why not?" The King's expression darkened. He pointed a scaled finger toward the deep, dark trench just outside the city borders.

"For the past month, we have been completely trapped inside these reefs," the King sighed heavily.

"A massive beast migrated from the abyssal zone. A Kraken. It is a monster of terrifying power. It has crushed our hunting parties and blockaded our trade routes. We cannot safely leave the city while it terrorizes our waters." Rudra didn't look worried. His red eyes actually lit up. A Named Boss Kraken meant an absurd amount of experience points. It meant his dormant Rune of Analysis might finally trigger. And more importantly, it meant the most premium, high-tier calamari he had ever seen in his life.

"A giant squid blocking the grocery store?" Rudra grinned wildly beneath his hood, gripping the jagged bone shaft of the Staff of the Fire Lord with both hands.

"Don't worry, Your Majesty. Winfred and I will take care of it."