Myne was confused. Where had Levi suddenly vanished, he had no idea. He was about to ask Fenrir when he felt a strange sensation. It was as if he had passed through a transparent bubble of air, soft and slightly watery, like putting his face underwater. When he blinked and opened his eyes again, a completely different world stretched before him.
An underwater world, encased in a bubble-like barrier that isolated it from the outside. A large, sphere-shaped white ball hung directly in the centre of the barrier's peak, providing the entire place with warm, sun-like light. However, what truly shocked Myne was the sight of colossal octopus tentacles, resembling the roots of a tree, surrounding the entire ball as if holding it captive.
These roots erged from the darkness above and disappeared into the depths below. Due to the previous darkness, Myne hadn't noticed them, but now, under the light of the mysterious ball, he could finally see everything and understand what Fenrir ant Levi's jellyfish form got stuck, and why she had made such a commotion to get out from it.
But the details were insignificant compared to the entire city at the bottom of the barrier. Here, nestled amidst coral castles and bioluminescent kelp forests, thrived a multitude of aquatic races, each as unique and intelligent as the next. thousands, even hundred-thousands, of aquatic people bustled about, performing their daily tasks.
They weren't dissimilar to hus if you could ignore their fish-like features – crab claws, large, ant-like antennae, fish tails, razor-sharp teeth, and fish scales all over their body. Many weren't even humanoid; they possessed various fish-like faces, colourful skin of all hues, small, creepy eyes, and bald heads.
Buildings were designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environnt. Strict laws were in place to protect the coral reefs and marine life. The residents seed to have a penchant for creating bizarrely shaped houses, most resembling seashells or mushroom heads, adorned with vibrant green and yellow seaweed.
Despite their differences, the races of this underwater city coexisted in harmony. They relied on each other's skills to prosper, fostering a spirit of cooperation. Trade flourished in the city's central bazaar, a dazzling display of coral jewellery, luminous seaweed cloth, intricate pearl carvings, etc.
The entire city was cleverly designed to manage water flow, ensuring breathable air bubbles for races that required it. Tunnels and channels weaved through the city, powered by currents and bioluminescent algae that produced oxygen. The city sprawled across miles of the seabed, with buildings ranging from modest coral dwellings to grand, multi-storied kelp castles.
So structures were built on stilts above the seabed, while others rested on the artificial ground created by the bubble barrier.
For short distances, residents navigated the city on foot or by swimming. For longer journeys, they used giant clamshells as underwater carriages, pulled by trained manta rays.
Compared to Myne, who had witnessed many wonders in the last few months and had developed a certain immunity to such marvels sight, the people living in the city clearly didn't share his jaded perspective.
Upon seeing Myne, or more specifically Fenrir and Levi swimming above their head, they all fell to the ground, kowtowing as if they were in the presence of a god, bestowing upon them the highest form of respect.
In stark contrast to the ungrateful hus who only felt fear upon encountering a divine beast, worrying they might be stripped of everything from them, these simple people of the underwater city were more honest and deserving of divine protection.
At least they wholeheartedly welcod a divine beast instead of feigning gratitude on the surface while plotting a hundred ways to get rid of them to prevent them from stealing their pitiful power.
"Myne, how do you like my little city, Abysshold?" Levi asked with a chuckle, clearly enjoying the look of shock on his face. "By the way, did I ever ntion that I'm the queen of this magnificent city? Hehehe, surprise, right? Unlike your
hu rulers who never miss an opportunity to flaunt their power, I'm a very humble and down-to-earth queen. I'll never understand their ntality. Maybe I am a failure as a ruler. What do you think, Myne?"
"It truly was a marvellous city. If you ask , there couldn't be a better queen than you. I can see all your people deeply love you, unlike ours who show respect on the surface but wouldn't hesitate to backstab if they get the chance.
We hus are a very… lovable race, we have too much love between each other," Myne said with a smile, devoid of any sha for insulting his own kind, instead he felt he should say a few more words.
"Hehe, that's why I like you, you're very honest," Levi giggled and rubbed Myne's hair dotingly. "By the way, let introduce so people so that in the future if you co here by yourself and couldn't find , you won't have to run around like a headless fly.
Also, since many of my people have seen you with and Sis Fenrir, you won't face too much trouble in the future, just co here occasionally so they won't forget you. Don't worry about discrimination; you're the first hu to co here. They'll likely just think you're a different kind of fish I picked up from the outside world, and they won't make things difficult for you."
As they swam towards the magnificent castle in the centre of the city, Levi and Myne had completely forgotten about Fenrir, as if she didn't exist at all and chatted happily.
"The race with elongated bodies, eight powerful tentacles, and srizing bioluminescent markings are called Sirinians. They're the architects of Abysshold," Levi explained with a smile. "Masters of underwater construction, they build structures from coral, seashells, and bioluminescent algae. Their hos resemble intricate nautilus shells.
They're calm and thodical thinkers, known for their technological prowess. However, their personalities can be a bit greedy, and you'll have to pay a hefty price before they're willing to build anything for you."
"The ones with graceful looks, resembling rmaids but slightly uglier with more fish-like characteristics, are the rfolk, also known as the Fish People, and have the highest population in the city. rfolk has shimring scales that change colour with their emotions. They glide through the city in schools, their voices like the chiming of bells underwater."
"rfolk are renowned for their love of art, music, and storytelling. Their hos are vibrant coral reefs, decorated with seashells and shimring pearls. Their biggest problem is that because they have upper bodies similar to your hus, they're quite arrogant and consider themselves superior to others. They also have a tendency to stir up trouble.
So, if you ever encounter a grumpy rfolk, it's best to run away before they start their nonsense, and make trouble."
"The Karkinoi, or Crab-people, are easy to recognize. They're sturdy, strong, and possess a kind nature. Karkinoi has thick carapaces and powerful claws. These industrious creatures maintain the city's infrastructure; their labour is essential for keeping the currents flowing and the structures secure.
Their hos are carved into the seabed, resembling fortified caves with gardens of bioluminescent algae. They like to enjoy a wide variety of food. If you want to befriend anyone in the city, then I suggest bringing your race's most delicious dishes and going to them. It won't take long for you to beco one of their most honoured guests."
"Hippocampi, the Seahorse-people, are also not easy to deal with. They have the smallest population but consider themselves ethereal and wise. Hippocampi are known for their deep connection to the ocean currents and the secrets they hold, a sort of special bloodline talent, you could say.
Their slender bodies and flowing manes resemble seahorses, and their hos are nestled in bioluminescent kelp forests, where they commune with the spirits of the deep. Because of their so-called superior wisdom, they tend to stay away from other races, and you rarely see them roaming the city.
They prefer their own area, studying various creepy and weird things they call exploring the ocean's secrets. They are simply madn; you better stay away from them."
"Those five are the most powerful and respected races in Abysshold City, but there are many others here as well. You can look for them slowly yourself when you have ti, this would be more fun. Based on your nature as I've observed so far, I'm fully confident you'll definitely enjoy it here..."
"Levi, I didn't want to disturb you and your idiot guest, but I'm really not in the mood to waste any more ti. After I finish my business, I'll hand Myne over to you, and you two can play as much as you want... without . Now, you better move your tail and take to the endpoint instead of your castle. Otherwise, I wouldn't mind eting with Grandpa Oce for you."
Fenrir's threat clearly carried a lot of weight. After she finished speaking, Levi, who was pouting hard while holding back her dissatisfaction, snorted unhappily and quickly swung over the castle instead of entering through the ten-ter-tall, magnificent stone door with its indescribable carvings.
Fenrir, long accustod to Levi's childish personality, didn't pay her any mind. She followed Levi until they reached the back of the castle, where a dense kelp forest stretched before them. Visibility was very limited and Myne could barely see to ten ters, however again it wasn't a problem for Fenrir, and without hesitation, plunged into the forest depths.
For the next twenty minutes, Myne did nothing but defend his poor body, especially his face, from the onslaught of kelp weeds, strange small aquatic creatures, and countless unknown things. He had no idea what most of them were, but one thing about them he hated the most was that many of them were very creepy.
Finally, after another 5 minutes, they reached the centre of the forest, where a small clearing opened up. In its centre was a deep, bottomless hole in the ground, at least three ters in diater.
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