Abyssal Hunters are forever on the path of the hunt.
For Aegir, Abyssal Hunters will slay any opponent who dares to stand against Aegir, be it twisted Seaborn or other monstrous entities. All will become the prey of the Abyssal Hunters!
Even if the Abyssal Hunters have been destroyed, it is clear that they are only a part of the vast underwater civilization of Aegir.
Are they Aegir's regular forces controlling the seas, or special countermeasures designed to fight the Seaborn, or perhaps... pure experimental subjects and expendables?
Skadi doesn't know. She is just an ordinary Abyssal Hunter. She has never even thought about such questions.
Aegir still exists, having merely cut off contact with the three Abyssal Hunters, and the Abyssal Hunters will continue to serve the Aegir people, eliminating Aegir's enemies.
"Eh, are you leaving? I'm so reluctant... Second Captain, Goki is such a good person, should we take him with us? He's super amazing, you know, and he has all sorts of technologies that even Aegir people don't have. Not even Seaborn recover as fast as he does."
Yawning widely again, Specter's spirit grew increasingly listless, but she still pinched her thigh, her sharp white teeth aligning as she flashed a brilliant smile at Gladiia.
"And Second Captain, if you can't even tell he's an Aegir person, then Goki and an Abyssal Hunter aren't that different. How about... we take him back to Aegir? My home is quite big, he can just move in!"
In reality, Specter didn't know Goki well. Aside from knowing that he saved her, she hadn't shared the same experiences of living with Goki as Skadi had, so she naturally didn't know what kind of person he truly was. She only knew from their brief contact today that Goki had a good personality.
However, Specter still wanted to be with Goki, even if it was just to stay by his side, Specter would feel very happy.
How to describe this feeling—admiration? respect? gratitude? dependence? Specter felt it was none of these.
But there was one word that Specter felt was most fitting.
Love.
Not the friendly love between friends, the camaraderie between comrades, nor the care between family, or the romance between lovers.
But... it was love! The purest love!
Now, Specter's body craved proximity to Goki. Just being near him made Specter very happy.
"What nonsense are you talking, Specter? Did the Abyssal Church mess with your head? Do you think he can withstand the water pressure hundreds of meters down? Aegir will not allow land-dwellers to enter, and in a thousand years, very few have been an exception."
Frowning, Gladiia understood the personality of this crazy hunter under her command, so she naturally didn't mind her mad ramblings. Instead, seeing Specter's somewhat sleepy expression, she asked with concern.
"Your state is very abnormal. You said you were captured by the Abyssal Church, what did they do to you? You seem to have gotten weaker."
The original Specter was much stronger than her current listless state.
As someone who knew the full scope of the incident, Goki immediately explained to Gladiia.
"Liquid Originium. The Abyssal Church injected Specter with liquid Originium. This substance is enough to kill tens of thousands of people on land, and it also suppresses Specter's abilities as an Abyssal Hunter. She has to divert some of her physical strength to resist the corrosion of the liquid Originium."
"Now, Specter's mind and body are in a dual state of weakness. The Abyssal Church then brainwashed her into a nun who believes in the ocean and the Seaborn—though not very successfully."
Goki looked at Specter, his eyes filled with worry.
Perhaps due to the effects of Goki's Blood, Specter had been remarkably clear-headed for the past half-day, but she was gradually approaching a state of unconsciousness, her spirit growing increasingly listless.
When she finally fell asleep, she would transform back into that crazy and wild, yet saintly gentle nun-shark—the one on Rhodes Island.
Undoubtedly, Goki still preferred this real-personality shark-shark. Although she was a bit crazy, she was also cute enough.
Helplessly, a Hunter's blood production capacity is also limited. The Blood just injected into her body didn't have such a sobering effect, and Goki couldn't produce blood indefinitely.
However... could his Blood, mixed with the residual power of various Great Ones, truly make people clear-headed, rather than plunge them into a kind of madness that merely appeared clear-headed?
Goki didn't know. Even though he had acquired the knowledge of a Great One, he was not omniscient or omnipotent, and couldn't even fully understand himself.
Perhaps in the upcoming adventures, he would have a chance to explore this secret, but clearly not now.
"Originium, I know... Kal'tsit, is what he says true?"
Nodding, Gladiia looked questioningly at the Feline woman beside her—this woman was much, much older than her. The exception of a thousand years referred to her.
"Yes, Executive Gladiia, Mr. Goki's words are true. So my suggestion is to take her to Columbia. The phenomenon of an Abyssal Hunter mixed with Originium has never occurred—Specter's condition will not worsen, but it won't improve either. If you want to cure her, comprehensive research is needed. I will go there later; you can find me."
Kal'tsit nodded, continuing to extend an invitation to Gladiia. She really wanted to study Specter—and most of all, Goki.
Of course, this was based on the premise of consent and humanity.
"I trust your skills, Kal'tsit, but not those of land-dwellers—we will continue to eradicate the remnants of the Abyssal Church on Terra and search for a way to return to Aegir. Before that, I will take care of her. Specter, rejoin the team."
Saying this, Gladiia drew her long spear and issued a command to Specter.
"Alright, what a shame. Yes, Second Captain."
Specter shrugged, agreeing to the Second Captain's words with some disappointment.
"But... take this. I don't have many good things on me."
However, before walking towards Gladiia, Specter suddenly stopped and slowly took off the rhomboid brass-colored necklace she always wore around her neck.
"It's not worth much, but it's a keepsake—bend down."
"Oh, oh."
Goki obediently bent down, while Specter stood on tiptoe and wrapped the necklace around Goki's neck.
All good things must come to an end. Although Specter's departure would make Goki very regretful, seeing her casual demeanor, Goki had nothing to dissuade her with.
Then... "Chu~"
Specter pursed her lips and lightly kissed Goki's cheek.
"You saved my life, so the me outside of being an Abyssal Hunter is yours, little brother Goki—live well, I'll come back for you, bye."
Although they were separating, Specter felt that Goki's Blood was with her, so she wasn't too sad.
"Did you know, there are actually two sharks... *huff*—"
Then, Specter yawned again, returned to Gladiia's side, closed her eyes, and almost completely fell into a deep sleep.
Goki's old face immediately flushed red, and though Skadi's expression was indifferent, she clenched her small hands, making a cracking sound, her chest beneath the red dress rising and falling like the tide.
"Your preferences are truly... peculiar—Skadi, what are you still hesitating for? Do you also want to embrace and kiss Mr. Goki goodbye?"
Although he emanated the Blood of an Abyssal Hunter, undoubtedly, Goki was still a land-dweller. For the proud Gladiia, Specter's act of kissing a half-Abyssal Hunter, if one were to use a metaphor... was it a furry fan?
"No, no, of course not, Gladiia, I just..."
Skadi turned her head and saw only Goki's face, which had accompanied her for over a week.
Many days ago, she still considered herself the only Abyssal Hunter, preparing to walk the path of self-exile and self-destruction in sorrow and despair.
But it was Goki who had always been by her side, helping and encouraging her, allowing her to find the motivation to keep going.
This Yharnam Hunter had also experienced unimaginable despair, but even amidst such despair, he remained full of passion for life and the world. His optimism shone like a lighthouse in the dark night.
Skadi had once thought that as long as she ensured Goki's good health, she would leave him and embark on a relentless path against the Seaborn alone.
But later, Skadi's thinking changed. She and Goki became friends. She had never had friends before.
And now, when Skadi discovered that other Abyssal Hunters existed, and they were summoning her to return to her duty and fight for Aegir, she suddenly hesitated.
Instead of returning to the deep sea and engaging in endless slaughter with the Seaborn, Skadi somewhat wanted to give herself... a vacation.
To see this interesting land, to meet cheerful children like Anita... Of course, most importantly, to be with Goki.
"Alright, don't waste time, Hunter. I have a spare uniform here. Change out of that ridiculous and revealing red dress and leave here as soon as possible."
Seemingly sensing Skadi's hesitation, Gladiia urged her again.
"Yes... Goki, then goodbye. See you if there's a chance. Sorry, I don't have anything to give you. I will always remember you as a friend."
Patting her chest, Skadi somewhat regretted not wearing a necklace or other accessories. She wanted to imitate Specter and kiss him, but ultimately didn't—she didn't know the meaning of a kiss, but intimacy with Goki couldn't be wrong.
Finally, Skadi just gave Goki a deep look, lightly squeezed his hand, her red eyes full of reluctance and regret.
If only she could be a little braver, if only someone would encourage her a little... But as Skadi turned around, a slight tug suddenly came from her arm.
That force was very, very small, so small that it was even less than the strength of one of Skadi's fingers, but for the current Skadi, this force was greater than the power of a giant Seaborn.
"Hmm—Goki?"
She turned her head with some anticipation and saw Goki's smiling face.
"What if I said I wished you would stay, Skadi?"
If Goki couldn't even sense a girl's little thoughts, then he would have lived in vain.
"Goki... Mm!"
In an instant, joy filled Skadi's heart. She first froze, then nodded sharply, turning back to look at Gladiia.
"Second Captain—I'm going with him."
Although her voice was still as calm as before, Skadi's tone was exceptionally resolute.
"What—I should be suspicious. Have you also been brainwashed by the Abyssal Church, Skadi? Are you planning to abandon your responsibility as an Abyssal Hunter and live with a land dweller? Are you going to betray your past sacrifices?"
Gladiia's expression was full of disbelief, confusion, and surprise as she looked at Skadi, even tightening her grip on her spear.
A furry fan and actually being led astray by a furry, even to the point of not wanting to work—these are not on the same Rank of severity!
And this time, Skadi answered with righteous indignation.
"I have no intention of abandoning my duties as an Abyssal Hunter, Administrator Gladiia—I. Want. A. Vacation."
Skadi spoke her demand word by word, her voice louder than ever before.
"My purpose in joining the Abyssal Hunters was to protect my family and friends, but my family died, no bodies found whether alive or dead. Only one purpose remains for me, which is to take revenge on the Seaborn."
Skadi recounted her past experiences with a calm expression, but Goki could tell she seemed to be complaining about something.
"Not long ago, I experienced a decisive battle with the Seaborn. I personally killed the high-Rank Seaborn mother with the giant single eye. My squad members were almost all killed or injured. My mouth was filled with seawater stained with blood, and my last comrade, after being corrupted by the Seaborn, was personally executed by me and Goki—I completed my revenge. Who understands sacrifice more than I do?"
Skadi took a few steps back, stood beside Goki, and held his hand.
"And just now, we annihilated an Abyssal Church nest and dealt with a Seaborn colony—in the past, every hunt earned us a long vacation, let alone a battle like this. Are you going to strip me of my right to vacation and force me to work overtime? I'm tired, I need to rest, that's it!"
In fact, by the end of her last sentence, Skadi's voice had uncharacteristically risen, almost startling herself.
Gladiia was also a little shocked.
"Skadi, what foolishness are you speaking? Of course you can enjoy a vacation. My position as Second Captain does not give me the right to order you, but it is wartime, Skadi. I order you as Aegir's technical administrator—"
"Hey, hehe, no need to make things so tense, Ms. Gladiia."
This time, it was Goki's turn to stand in front of Skadi. He smiled at Gladiia, seemingly wanting to persuade her of something.
"Land dweller, you are not qualified to speak to me as an equal. You are merely Iberia's clumsy imitation of Aegir, a low-Rank hybrid."
Feeling Goki's offense, coupled with his apparent attempt to entice an Abyssal Hunter to abandon her post, Gladiia, who had initially been somewhat curious about him, now began to turn hostile.
"Yes, I am indeed a mixed Bloodline. The Bloodline flowing through my body is not a thousand, but at least a hundred. Yharnam Hunters are bound by Bloodline, cursed to eventually become beasts. Therefore, I empathize with those who share my predicament."
Smiling at Gladiia, Goki spoke words only she could understand.
"Mr. Goki, it seems you know a lot?"
For a moment, Gladiia's tone became fierce—which, ironically, was a sign of her taking someone seriously.
Abyssal Hunters have Seaborn Blood flowing within them. As some of the first Abyssal Hunters and creators of the Abyssal Hunter project, only a few people besides Gladiia still alive held this secret.
The idea that Abyssal Hunters are unrelated to the Seaborn was a lie told to deceive them, and a secret to protect them.
The reality was that if an Abyssal Hunter took even one step towards corruption, they would instantly transform into a Seaborn.
"I am merely a Hunter who studies Bloodline, Ms. Gladiia. I know all the secrets hidden in the Bloodline—I think it's best if not just Skadi and Specter, but also you, avoid contact with the Seaborn recently. Otherwise, irreversible disasters are likely to occur."
Goki looked sincerely at Gladiia and spoke slowly.
In the original story, these three Hunters killed the First Speaker, defeated the Abyssal Bishop Quintus, who had mutated into a twin sunflower, successfully kicked down the door, and angered the KP.
However, as a price, the Seaborn Blood within all three of them was awakened, and certain "mutations" began to occur irreversibly. Even someone as powerful as Gladiia developed Seaborn scales on her neck.
And if a cure isn't found—Red Skadi is Skadi's ultimate fate.
To avoid this situation, Goki had dealt with the First Speaker alone. And from his perception of the two Hunters' Bloodline, the Seaborn power within them was exceptionally calm.
Goki's goals for his upcoming journey were not only to regain his own power and cause trouble for those monstrous entities but also to achieve a very important objective—to find a cure for Skadi.
There was no other way; after all, she was his wife!
"...You don't need to worry about me, Mr. Goki."
After a few seconds of thought, Gladiia put her spear behind her back and nodded at Skadi.
"Your vacation is approved, Hunter Skadi. You are free to act during this time and rest well—but if you discover the Abyssal Church or Seaborn, you have an obligation to eliminate them. When necessary, we will come for you."
Taking one last look at Goki, this "Yharnam Hunter" whom she could barely recognize, Gladiia embraced Specter, who had by then completely fallen asleep.
"I will always be watching you, Goki. I hope you are worthy of Skadi's trust in you."
"Farewell—"
Boom—
Accompanied by a gust of wind, Gladiia and Specter vanished from before the remaining three, not slowly at all.
Coming and going in a hurry, this Second Captain was decisive and left no trace.
And watching the departing Second Captain, Skadi's crimson eyes widened, somewhat disbelieving that her vacation had been approved.
"It really worked. Although I didn't understand what you said, Goki, it seemed to be effective on the Second Captain. You're amazing."
Turning to look at Goki, Skadi found that Goki was also looking at her.
But then, Skadi suddenly noticed that her hand had been intertwined with Goki's since just now.
Goki's hand was large and warm.
"Ah, I'm sorry, I didn't squeeze you too hard, did I...?"
However, Skadi still carefully released her hand, afraid of crushing Goki's hand.
But the next second, her hand was gently taken by Goki again.
"It's fine, if it gets crushed, I'll just drink some Blood Vials—welcome to my journey, Skadi."
While deciding to prioritize upgrading his Vitality attribute in the future so he wouldn't be crushed when holding Skadi's hand, Goki smiled and extended his invitation to her.
"Mm."
Skadi nodded, very happy.
Even Skadi herself didn't realize that under the blue moon's light, her calm expression had vanished.
In its place was a carefree, bright, and radiant smile.
"Nona Doll, I think I'm in love again."
"Indeed, kind Hunter, is there ever a day you're not in love?"
And just as the two looked at each other and smiled, Kal'tsit's voice suddenly came from the side.
"Ahem—Hunters, we have wasted enough time. Next, we need to proceed according to the schedule."
Having returned to the driver's seat, Kal'tsit looked at the two in front of her, her eyebrows twitching twice involuntarily.
"Alright, alright, coming now. Let's go, Skadi—there's still a long way to go."
Holding Skadi's hand, Goki pulled her towards the truck's cargo compartment.
"Mm, a long way to go—where are we going next?"
Taking one last look at the distant ocean, Skadi adjusted her blue hat. Skadi knew that she might not see the familiar and beloved sea again for a very long time.
But thankfully, with Goki there, Skadi felt that not having the sea wasn't a problem.
"The destination has been chosen: Sargon. There are Rainforests, deserts, and—things that aren't in the sea!"
And Goki himself was also full of anticipation—the continent of Terra, this cruel yet beautiful place, had finally opened its arms to him.
Accompanied by the pleasant chatter of the two, the Orirock vehicle slowly started, and with a stomp on the accelerator from Kal'tsit, it drove away from the coastline.
And the sea, meanwhile, continued to ebb and flow.
— — — —
"You haven't completely lost consciousness, have you?"
On the distant cliff, Gladiia looked at the car lights moving away from her and spoke to Specter in her arms.
"Ha, I just didn't want the farewell to seem so sad, that's all. It's really unfair, I wanted a vacation too—but being held by you, Captain, is also nice."
Specter opened her heavy eyelids and gave Gladiia a wry smile.
"That necklace is your mother's relic—you haven't really fallen in love with that land dweller, have you? No wonder you never go to dances."
This kind of preference, in Gladiia's opinion, was indeed very strange.
"It has nothing to do with land dwellers, Captain. He's different from other land dwellers, truly different. He's so special, so hard to let go of—you really should try it, Gladiia. If 'he' sets his sights on you, you won't escape either."
Finally, with a light chuckle, this time, Specter truly fell into a deep sleep.
"What foolishness are you speaking?"
And Gladiia, raising her head, looked at the gradually disappearing vehicle with a complex expression.
"Goki, Hunter from a foreign land... I hope you are special enough. My Bloodline tells me you are an Abyssal Hunter."
Her figure once again transformed into a breeze, and Gladiia vanished from her spot. The Abyssal Hunters would from then on operate separately.
But undoubtedly, the Bloodline of the Abyssal Hunters would forever be connected.
A new hunting journey had already begun.
Four Hunters walked onto the shore.
----------------------------------
I've already posted 30 new chapters on Patreon!
If you like the story and want to reaad more, please visit my patreon. Every support is very meaningful!
[patreon.com/Kazenova223]
Thank you very much!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"