Fa and her companions—Arya, Tisk, Salsa, Rex, and Kayla—finally boarded the ship that carried both hope and the unknown: the "Sigh of the Sea God." This vessel, which appeared ordinary on the surface, hid profound secrets. Its wooden hull was etched with barely perceptible sea folk runes that faintly shimmered with a pale blue magical aura as the waves gently rocked it. Under the guidance of Captain Harris, they were about to set sail for the legendary island where trade with the sea folk took place—the mysterious "Abyssal Island." The name itself held unfathomable mysteries, as if foretelling a journey filled with challenges and discoveries.
Setting Sail and the Captain's Memories
As the group stepped onto the deck, the salty sea breeze rushed toward them. Captain Harris stood tall at the bow, methodically directing the crew to hoist the sails and adjust the ropes. His figure was upright, his weathered face marked by years of battling the ocean, but what caught the eye most was the flute-shaped pendant around his neck, intricately crafted from coral and mithril. The patterns on the pendant were intricate and complex, with a deep blue gem embedded in the center, now emitting a warm and mysterious glow as the ship swayed.
Unable to contain her curiosity, Fa approached slowly and asked, "Captain Harris, where will this ship take us?"
Harris turned at the sound, his gaze crossing the sparkling sea toward the distant horizon where water met sky. His coat flapped in the sea wind, and the pendant refracted specks of starlight in the sun. "Our destination is an island deep in the Shadowy Seas, called 'Abyssal Island.'" His voice was steady, with a hint of unspoken nostalgia. "It's the sea folk's only trade window with the outside world—mysterious and secluded. As for the Shadowy Seas themselves... according to the sea folk, that mist-shrouded area is dotted with hundreds of islands, each hiding secrets unknown to outsiders, and I've never set foot there myself."
Fa nodded gently, her unusual starry eyes flickering with longing and anticipation for the unknown. Arya stood quietly beside her, the Storm Bow securely slung over her shoulder, its embedded five-element crystals sensing the dense water elemental aura and flowing with faint light. She said softly, her tone gentle yet firm: "I hope we can find important clues about the Star Shards there."
The "Sigh of the Sea God" slowly departed from Abyssal Crystal Port, the hustle and bustle of the docks gradually left behind, eventually becoming a blurry silhouette on the horizon. All that remained in their ears was the rhythmic crashing of waves against the hull and the occasional cry of seagulls slicing through the sky. Tisk stood on one side of the deck, cradling his newly upgraded war hammer named "Burning Vine," his thick beard fluttering in the wind: "This ship looks unremarkable, but as long as it gets us there safely, it's a good ship!" His hammer, fused with precious star-fallen iron crystals, had a head where ice-blue and crimson lights alternated, faintly emitting powerful energy waves.
Rex stood steadily at the stern, dozens of nano-drones orbiting him like loyal guards. His mechanical prosthetic eye continuously scanned the surrounding waters, calmly analyzing data: "Based on available information, this ship's structural integrity can withstand mid-level storms. However, the Shadowy Seas are full of unknowns; we must maintain the highest alert level against potential threats." His mechanical arm emitted a subtle hum, ready to activate at any moment.
Kayla leaned against the railing, Thunder Claw gripped tightly in her hand, a fleeting trace of worry in her eyes: "Father's whereabouts... perhaps they're in these seas." She murmured to herself, her keen beast ears twitching slightly, capturing every unusual sound carried by the wind.
Salsa's mechanical cat body curled up in the corner, her amber eyes flickering with light. Her soul form hadn't manifested yet, but through the mechanical cat, she said in a low voice: "The Shadowy Seas are a treasure trove of intelligence. I'll infiltrate the mist islands at night to scout the sea folk's movements."
Harris listened to the team members' conversations, a faint smile appearing on his face. He stepped forward, his tone carrying a touch of sentiment: "It seems you're both eager and cautious about these seas. In that case, as your captain this time, I might as well share some of my past; perhaps it will give you a deeper understanding of what we're about to face."
Harris's Past
Upon hearing this, the group gathered around, some sitting, some standing on the deck. Harris leaned against the sturdy main mast, his gaze distant as he slowly began his tale.
"That was eleven years ago. Back then, I was just a captain running ordinary trade routes, piloting a much smaller cargo ship back and forth along the edges of the Shadowy Seas, transporting everyday goods. It was a seemingly routine voyage until we encountered an unpredicted, extremely violent storm. The storm came so quickly and furiously—massive waves crashed down like mountains, and the wooden hull was as fragile as a toy before nature's wrath. In moments, my ship was torn apart, and most of the crew... swallowed by the merciless waves."
His voice lowered, laced with painful recollection. "I clung to a broken plank, drifting in the bone-chilling seawater for who knows how long, my consciousness fading, my strength nearly exhausted. Just as I thought I would be buried at sea, a miracle happened. A group of figures emerged like phantoms from the deep ocean depths. They had humanoid forms, but their skin shimmered with a deep-sea blue glow—they were the legendary sea folk."
"They cast some strange magic, a light like gentle water currents that miraculously calmed the raging ocean. The winds and waves gradually subsided. They rescued me as I lay on the brink of death. Leading them was a female sea folk," Harris described, his eyes filled with respect. "Her eyes were a color I'd never seen, like the deepest abyss, as if they could peer straight into one's soul. They used an ancient magic on me called 'Heart Tide Technique.' It felt peculiar, like a warm sea current gently brushing the mind, probing the deepest truths of the heart. They discovered I was indeed just an ordinary merchant caught in a shipwreck, with no malice."
"The female leader asked if I was willing to become a intermediary between the sea folk and the land races, handling trades they couldn't directly involve themselves in. I didn't hesitate and agreed. From then on, this pendant became my token, and the bond connecting me to the sea folk." He gently stroked the flute-shaped pendant around his neck.
Fa listened raptly and pressed: "Why did the sea folk choose you? Just because you had no malice?"
Harris smiled, a candid and sincere grin: "They said my heart was as open as the vast ocean, without too many twists and turns. The sea folk are mysterious and wary of outsiders, but they place immense value on sincerity and trust. That's why I'm willing to take you to Abyssal Island—you inadvertently helped me during the chaos at Abyssal Crystal Port, and I choose to believe in your character."
Tisk curiously interjected: "The sea folk... what kind of race are they exactly? Do they live underwater?"
"They are the guardians of the ocean," Harris's tone was full of respect. "They have lived in the deep seas for generations, possessing powerful water-based magical talents, able to communicate with various marine creatures, even commanding certain gentle sea beasts. They are extremely vigilant toward outsiders, viewing the secrets of the deep sea as their lifeblood. But once you earn their trust, they become the most loyal and reliable allies in the world."
Arya asked softly: "It sounds like the sea folk have a long and unique culture. So, about the Star Shards... do they really possess this treasure?"
Harris was silent for a moment, then shook his head: "I have no way of knowing. The sea folk's secrets are as immeasurable as the deep seas they inhabit. I'm just a trade intermediary, never allowed to touch their core affairs. Whether the Star Shards you seek are in the sea folk's hands, perhaps only their royal family knows the answer."
Fa gazed at the increasingly approaching, seemingly endless deep blue sea in the distance, a strong premonition surging in her heart. She said in a low but firm voice: "No matter what the answer is, we must go and find it."
Initial Crisis: Pirates and the Abyssal Beast
The voyage entered its third day. The air over the sea grew increasingly humid and heavy, as if water could be wrung from it. The sky's color deepened, and on the distant horizon appeared a thick, impenetrable black mist, like a massive curtain stretching across the world. Harris pointed at the unsettling wall of fog and said gravely to the group: "Look, that's the boundary of the Shadowy Seas. Prepare yourselves—from now on, every step may hide danger."
His words had barely fallen when a panicked shout came from the lookout atop the mast: "Pirate ships! Starboard side! Three of them!"
Fa and her companions immediately turned alertly to the right side. There, three black sailing ships bearing gruesome skull flags emerged like ghosts from the mist's edge, speeding toward them. Their hulls were long and dilapidated, decks crowded with fierce-faced pirates wielding energy scimitars and magic rifles, clearly intent on robbing this seemingly ordinary merchant ship.
"Perfect timing! Just right for my 'Burning Vine' to taste first blood!" Tisk roared, gripping his war hammer tightly, his fighting spirit soaring. Kayla instantly entered combat mode, her body crouching low, crackling arcs of electricity dancing on her Thunder Claw, a agile leopard form poised to strike. Rex's mechanical arm quickly transformed, extending a dangerously glowing ion cannon muzzle, while the nano-drones around him shifted into attack formation.
However, facing the aggressive pirates, Harris remained unusually calm. He didn't order preparations for battle but instead removed the flute-shaped pendant again, placing it steadily to his lips. The next moment, a long, low tone echoed, as if from the ancient ocean depths, piercing the roar of the waves and spreading outward.
A miracle occurred. The blue gem on the pendant suddenly lit up, and at the same time, the nearby sea surface began to churn violently, bubbling with countless massive bubbles. Then, an enormous shadow slowly rose from beneath the water, its size beyond imagination, comparable to a small island. Its rough skin was covered in thick coral and seaweed, as if it had endured countless ages. Its pair of giant eyes were like two profound lanterns, flickering with wise and ancient light, the pressure it emitted making everyone present feel an involuntary palpitation—it was the sea folk's guardian beast, "Abyss Roar."
Fa and her group were stunned by this sudden colossal beast, instinctively gripping their weapons, thinking they were about to face another fierce battle. Harris quickly waved his hand to signal them to relax: "Don't tense up! This is our friend, the sea folk's guardian 'Abyss Roar.' It's here to guide us and drive away trouble."
The once aggressive pirate ships descended into chaos upon seeing Abyss Roar's mountain-like massive body. Terrified screams and frantic commands intertwined. They tried to turn and flee, but Abyss Roar merely lazily flicked its enormous tail, like a mountain range. In an instant, a wall-like giant wave surged up, precisely crashing into one of the pirate ships, flipping it over immediately. The pirates fell into the water like dumplings, struggling in the waves. The other two ships, seeing this, were scared out of their wits, hoisting their sails to the maximum and fleeing at full speed without looking back, soon vanishing into the thick mist.
Arya let out a breath of relief, reslinging her slightly drawn Storm Bow, and exclaimed: "This... is this the power of the sea folk? It's utterly shocking."
Harris watched Abyss Roar's massive spine submerge back into the water, a proud smile on his face: "Abyss Roar is not just a symbol of power; it represents the sea folk's will and control over the ocean. With it leading the way, we can navigate the complex routes and mists of the Shadowy Seas and find the correct direction."
Indeed, under Abyss Roar's intermittent guidance, the "Sigh of the Sea God" sailed steadily through the thick fog, avoiding several hidden reefs and turbulent undercurrents. Hours later, the outline of an island shrouded in hazy mist finally appeared before them. The island was lush with vegetation, vaguely revealing peculiar structures decorated with massive coral reefs and shiny shells—Abyssal Island had arrived.
Initial Encounter on Sea Mist Island
The ship slowly docked at the rudimentary pier. As Abyss Roar's enormous figure fully submerged into the deep sea, leaving only expanding ripples, Fa and her group stepped onto the soft sandy beach of Abyssal Island with a mix of apprehension and anticipation. Before their feet could fully settle, a low, warning-filled shout echoed from the mist.
"Outsiders, state your identities and intentions!"
With the voice, dozens of sea folk warriors swiftly emerged from the thick fog, surrounding them. These warriors had skin in varying shades of blue glow, their muscles sleek and powerful, gripping tridents or spears embedded with crystals, their eyes filled with vigilance and scrutiny. Leading them was an exceptionally tall male sea folk, his ink-green hair cascading like seaweed, holding a staff carved with complex water flow runes, its head embedded with a blue gem emitting waves of magic—clearly the island's lord.
Harris immediately stepped forward, raising the flute-shaped pendant high, and declared loudly: "I am Harris, your old friend. These are my companions; they come with no malice, only seeking some important answers."
The island lord's sharp gaze swept over Fa and her group, finally resting on the pendant in Harris's hand. His hostility eased slightly, but he remained full of authority. He lowered his staff slightly and said gravely: "Harris, bringing outsiders here requires sufficient reason. This place does not welcome unwarranted prying. You all, follow me."
The team followed the island lord through this peculiar village. The paths were lined with houses built from living coral, massive shells, and polished reefs, roofs covered in algae that emitted a ghostly blue light, enveloping the entire village in a hazy and mysterious halo. Many sea folk islanders cast curious yet wary glances from their homes or corners; their appearances were similar to humans, but with gill-like structures behind their ears and faint webbing between their fingers.
The island lord led them to a relatively spacious coral house in the village center. The interior was simply furnished, walls hung with various marine creature bone specimens and colorful giant shells, the air filled with a faint ocean scent. The island lord went straight to the main seat and sat down, his piercing gaze locking onto Fa: "Speak, human brought by Harris. What brings you across vast distances to Abyssal Island?"
Fa took a deep breath, stepped forward, and met the village chief's gaze sincerely, getting straight to the point: "Respected island lord, we come in search of the 'Star Shards.' We've heard that the sea folk hold one of the pieces, and we sincerely hope for your guidance."
The words "Star Shards" caused the island lord's expression to change dramatically. He abruptly stood from his seat, slamming his staff heavily on the ground with a muffled thud. A strong water flow wave spread from him, revealing his inner shock and anger: "How do you know about the Star Shards?! That is our sea folk's highest sacred relic, guarded for generations, concerning the balance and fate of the ocean! Outsiders have no right to know, let alone covet it!"
His eyes instantly filled with menace, waving to signal the warriors outside to enter the room. The atmosphere grew tense, as if they were about to detain Fa and her group entirely.
Seeing this, Tisk, Kayla, and the others instinctively assumed defensive stances, gripping their weapons again. Fa hurriedly raised her hand to stop her companions' impulsive actions: "Everyone, stay calm! Lower your weapons!" Her voice was clear and firm. Though reluctant, Tisk lowered the head of his war hammer to the ground; the electric glow on Kayla's Thunder Claw gradually subsided.
Fa stepped forward again, slowly closing her left eye while fully revealing her right eye—the "Star Eye" containing the power of the stars. No blinding light, just a gentle and profound silver glow flowing from her right eye, as if containing the mysteries of the universe—pure and powerful, carrying a calming yet awe-inspiring aura that one couldn't help but revere.
The island lord, upon seeing this unique eye, froze in place, his angry expression replaced by extreme surprise. He stared intently at Fa's Star Eye, his tone becoming incredibly complex, even laced with incredulous reverence: "This... this is... the legendary Star Eye? You... you are the 'Daughter of the Star Eye' from the prophecy?"
His attitude underwent a 180-degree turn. He slowly lowered his staff, even bowing slightly in apology: "Please forgive my earlier rudeness and impulsiveness. The matter of the Star Shards is of great importance, far beyond what I, the lord of this border island, can decide. If you truly wish to seek the truth of the shards, you must go to our sea folk's core holy ground—the 'Vortex Tide Sanctuary' in the deep sea—and personally seek guidance from the royal family. Only with their approval might you touch the secrets of the sacred relic."
Seeing the other's softened attitude, Fa retracted the power of her Star Eye and nodded sincerely: "Thank you for your understanding, island lord. We are willing to follow the sea folk's rules and proceed to the Vortex Tide Sanctuary."
The island lord turned to Harris: "I will arrange temporary accommodations for you and prepare the necessary arrangements and guides for heading to the Vortex Tide Sanctuary as soon as possible. Rest here for now; I need to handle some matters." With that, he left the room hastily with a few warriors.
Rest and Outlook
As night fell, Abyssal Island was adorned like a dream by various glowing algae and corals, the ghostly blue light replacing moonlight and enveloping this mysterious land. Fa and her group were placed in a relatively independent coral house; though simply furnished, it was dry and warm. Outside the window, the ceaseless sound of waves sang like a lullaby.
The group sat together, discussing the next steps in low voices.
Tisk excitedly stroked his war hammer "Burning Vine," his eyes gleaming: "Vortex Tide Sanctuary! The name alone sounds extraordinary! Maybe there I can find more rare materials to make my precious hammer even stronger!"
Arya chuckled lightly and reminded: "Tisk, don't forget our primary goal is the Star Shards. But honestly, I'm very eager to witness the sea folk's ancient magical mysteries firsthand." She gently caressed the warm elemental crystals on her Storm Bow, her eyes revealing a thirst for knowledge.
Rex maintained his usual calm, conducting rational analysis: "Based on Harris's description and available intelligence, the Vortex Tide Sanctuary is likely a massive underwater city or palace. This means we'll face deep-sea environmental challenges, including intense water pressure, breathing issues, and potential aquatic ecological threats. We must prepare equipment and contingency plans in advance."
Kayla gazed at the faint arcs jumping on her Thunder Claw and said softly: "If the clues left by my father are truly related to the Star Shards, then this sea folk core holy ground, the 'Vortex Tide Sanctuary,' is likely the key to unraveling the mystery of his disappearance." Her tone mixed hope and worry.
Salsa's soul form now emerged from her mechanical cat body, appearing in a semi-transparent spiritual state, her voice echoing directly in everyone's minds: "Though the village chief's attitude has temporarily softened due to Fa's Star Eye, the sea folk's overall wariness toward us hasn't fully dissipated. Tonight, I'll explore the village and surroundings in soul form more deeply, hoping to gather more intelligence on the Vortex Tide Sanctuary, recent sea folk movements, and even the Star Shards."
Fa listened quietly to her companions' discussions, her gaze sweeping over each resolute face. Finally, she said gravely: "No matter what awaits us in the Vortex Tide Sanctuary—tests, dangers, or the final answers—we must remain united and trust each other as always. The Star Shards are not just our pursuit but the key to unveiling the vast conspiracy of the 'Doomsday Rebirth' organization, which may affect the balance of the entire world. The responsibility we shoulder is far greater than we imagine."
She stood up and walked to the window, gazing at the boundless dark ocean outside, dotted with ghostly blue lights. The sea breeze blew through her hair with a refreshing chill. In Fa's right eye, the star-like light flickered faintly again, filled with unshakeable determination. In a voice only she could hear, she said softly yet firmly:
"Vortex Tide Sanctuary... we're coming."