Chapter Forty-Two – The Invasion
A year had passed since the death of Princess Izza.
The Human Kingdom had changed — the palace was quieter, colder. Even the wind that brushed through the royal gardens carried a faint sorrow.
Atta, now sixteen, was still away, training under Luke Blackwood.
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In the royal gardens, Princess Fiza stood beside her father, King Rauf, their eyes fixed on the still waters of the same lake where Princess Izza's coffin had been set aflame one year ago.
Fiza looked up at the pale blue sky and exhaled deeply.
"So, we finally did it," she said. "We found the Fishman Kingdom — the ones who killed Izza. Father, now we can take revenge."
King Rauf sat at the marble table, his gaze heavy, his reflection wavering on the lake's surface.
"It's a shame it took us an entire year," he said calmly. "Who would've thought their kingdom would be hidden deep within the ocean… and completely devoid of mana? No wonder it escaped our detection."
Fiza's eyes darkened. "I'm worried about Atta. It was already hard enough stopping him from leaving to find them himself."
King Rauf sighed, his tone low. "Yes. It's been a year since he left to train with Luke Blackwood. That boy carries more rage than he shows."
Fiza turned away and began walking toward the palace. "Then I'll start preparations, Father. It's time we united our army for battle."
King Rauf watched her retreating figure for a long moment, then turned his gaze back to the silent lake. The water rippled faintly — as if whispering the name Izza back to him.
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The scene shifted.
In a quiet forest within the Human Kingdom, a young girl — no older than seven — was walking along a narrow path, holding a small basket of herbs. She hummed softly to herself, the sound of birds and wind her only company.
Suddenly, a low growl echoed from the bushes.
She froze, her breath caught in her throat. Slowly, she turned toward the sound — and her face turned pale.
From between the trees emerged a creature walking on two legs. Its skin was slick and blue, its eyes pitch black like the depths of the sea. Fins lined its neck, and rows of sharp, shark-like teeth flashed in the dim light.
A Fishman.
The girl's hands trembled. She dropped her basket and ran, heart pounding, branches slapping against her face as she sprinted toward the distant lights of her village.
But when she dared to glance back — the creature was gone.
She slowed, panting, her chest tight with fear. And then—
She bumped into something solid and fell backward.
Her eyes widened. The Fishman stood before her, towering, its mouth twisting into a cruel, toothy grin.
Tears welled in her eyes. "P-please… don't hurt me…" she whispered, voice trembling.
The Fishman leaned closer, its shadow falling over her — but then, a hand rested gently on the girl's head.
A calm voice spoke behind her.
"So… you're a Fishman."
The creature turned sharply, and the girl looked up — seeing a tall man in white robes standing behind her, silver hair glinting in the faint sunlight.
Her eyes widened in awe. "G–Guardian…" she whispered.
Luke Blackwood smiled softly at her without looking away from the creature.
"Don't worry, kiddo," he said, his tone calm but firm. "I'll protect you. As humanity's Guardian — every human life is my responsibility."
The Fishman hissed, its claws twitching as the air around Luke began to shimmer faintly with mana.
"This is your prey My Prince" Luke said softly and in split of second The Fishman's one Arm is Ripped off And behind him is standing Atta His Red hair now shoulder length tied back Cleanly his height Increased
Atta hold The Ripped arm in his hand like inspecting it his Red Eyes look more deeper now As Atta throw the arm to the side "You dare to enter my kingdom, You inferior creature" Atta said While glaring at Fishman
Fishmans has invaded human kingdom The War has Started
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To be continued...