Chapter 43
In the darkest and most mysterious depths of the ocean, where sunlight barely filters through, the shark tribe dwelled. This part of the sea was a somber and cold place, dominated by shadows and absolute silence, interrupted only by the occasional creak of a rock moved by the current or the distant echo of a marine creature. In this inhospitable environment, sharks moved with a fearsome grace and strength, their muscular bodies and sharp fins cutting through the water with precision.
At the heart of this darkness, a great white shark named Isak led the tribe. His black, piercing eyes watched his group as they gathered in a circle around him. His sharp teeth gleamed under the scarce light, and his presence commanded instinctive respect among his kind.
"This year," said Isak, his voice resonating like thunder in the depths, "each of us has the chance to be chosen by a mermaid. Although they consider us barbarians for our mating methods, we must not let that discourage us."
The sharks nodded, recalling the stories of how they were perceived by other sea creatures. Their fierce nature and reputation as ruthless hunters had earned them a feared and often misunderstood image.
"We also have a good number of beautiful pearls to offer the mermaids," Isak continued, his eyes gleaming with determination. "We have fought fierce battles to gather these pearls. They are a testament to our strength and skill."
()()()()
Jungle...The First Week of Travel...
The days passed as they descended from the jungle and approached the beach. Each day was a mix of challenge and discovery. When Lala grew tired of walking, Yang transformed into a great wolf, carrying her on his back with both gentleness and strength. Other times, it was Noir who transformed into an eagle, soaring over the difficult terrain and giving her a panoramic view of the path ahead.
Liam and Tarish, always attentive, collected medicinal plants and flowers as they advanced, detecting valuable herbs amidst the vegetation. The air was filled with the fragrance of the jungle and the constant sounds of insects and birds. Lala, observing everything around her, took the opportunity to use her inspection ability on everything from trees to insects.
The constant use of her ability made her level up several times.
"Lala, are you okay?" Teru approached with a piece of cloth, wiping my forehead.
"This humidity is driving me crazy; I'm sweating everywhere," she complained with slight frustration.
"Let's take a break in the shade of that tree," Yang suggested.
Suddenly, Lala felt dizzy, as if everything was spinning, and she began to fall backward.
Tarish, who was behind her, caught her by the shoulders and gently guided her to sit beneath the tree.
"Thank you, Tarish," she said with a slight smile, leaning her back against the tree and closing her eyes.
Noir offered her a canteen of water. "Drink some water, Lala."
Lala took a large gulp of water for herself and her unborn pups.
()()()()
Isak lifted a pearl between his jaws, showing its radiance to the tribe.
"Remember, we must not only display our strength but also our cunning and dedication. Mermaids seek mates who can protect them and ensure strong offspring."
Motivated by their leader's words, the sharks began preparing for courtship. They knew they would have to face not only their own reputation but also the intelligent dolphins and the proud mermen. But they were determined to prove their worth.
()()()()
The Second Week...
The march was constant. Yang, with his reassuring presence, walked beside Lalabel, ensuring each step was comfortable for her. Noir, always watchful, stayed slightly ahead, observing the path and surroundings with keen eyes. Liam and Teru, carrying part of the luggage, spoke in hushed voices, sharing jokes and anecdotes to keep morale high.
The air was humid, heavy with the aroma of lush vegetation, and the constant sound of animals and insects created a natural symphony accompanying each step. Tarish's ears twitched to catch every sound around them, alert for any potential danger.
At that moment, a system message appeared in Lalabel's visual range:
"Inspection ability has evolved into Evaluation."
The Evaluation ability allows you to learn some details about beasts you have no favorability with. The more favorability you have, the more information you can learn about them.
<
She continued walking along the jungle paths with her husbands.
()()()()
In the vibrant coral reef near the Arana Peninsula, the change of seasons was announced with an almost imperceptible softness. The rainy season was approaching, and with it, the long-awaited opportunity for mermaids to ascend to the ocean's surface.
Mermaids, known for their ethereal beauty and deep connection to the sea, eagerly anticipated this moment. The skin of the females, more delicate than that of the males, required the protective mantle of rain to endure brief contact with the surface air. On those special days, when raindrops cascaded from the sky, mermaids could swim to the edge of the known world and experience the freedom that only the surface could offer them.
In a coral cave adorned with anemones and seaweed, Adara was preparing for this much-anticipated event. Her abundant blonde hair, flowing like a sea of gold underwater, was her greatest pride. She used a fish's spine as a comb, running its fine, aligned bones through her locks with meticulous movements. Each knot and tangle was undone with patience as her thoughts wandered toward the future.
<> Adara thought, her sky-blue eyes fixed on a distant point as she combed her hair. <
()()()()
The Third Week...
During this week of traveling through the jungle, the group faced multiple challenges but also discovered new wonders of nature.
One day, as they walked along a narrow, shaded path, Lala spotted something ahead that filled her with surprise and joy. Among the dense foliage, she saw the fruit of a cacao tree. Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
"I can't believe what I'm seeing! I'm sure that's cacao," Lala said, pointing at the tree excitedly. "Liam, can you get me some of those fruits?"
Liam, always eager to please Lala, smiled and nodded. He carefully approached the tree, examining its structure and the fruits hanging from its branches. Without hesitation, he climbed with agility, his movements confident and precise. He plucked five cacao fruits and descended just as effortlessly.
"Here you go, Lala," Liam said, handing her the fruits with a smile.
Lala accepted them gratefully, admiring their rough texture and weight in her hands. Cacao was not just a delicious treat but also a valuable resource with multiple uses.
"Thank you, Liam," she said, her voice filled with appreciation. "These will be very useful."
Lala eagerly stored them in her dimensional space. <>
Her companions silently memorized every detail that could help make their beloved mate happy.
()()()()
The Fourth Week...
During the fourth week of their journey, the group was ambushed by wild beasts. Yang, Tarish, and Noir were the first to sense them. Noir, always alert and protective, quickly transformed into an eagle.
"Lala, get on my back!" Noir shouted.
Lala wasted no time, climbing onto Noir's back as he beat his powerful wings to take flight. The others—Yang, Tarish, and Liam—stayed behind to face the wild beasts.
"We're heading somewhere safe, Lala!" Noir called as they ascended rapidly.
The most important thing was Lala and the pups in her womb. With that in mind, Noir hurried to take her to Arán village, only an hour away.
After a long, tense silence, the entrance to the village appeared in the distance. Noir descended before reaching it to maintain his secrecy.
At the village gates, triton guards watched them cautiously.
"Let us in. My mate is pregnant, and we were attacked by savages while traveling here," Noir explained.
The guards, taken aback by the beauty of the female before them, allowed them entry.
Inside Arán, the air smelled of salt and seaweed. Lala, exhausted but safe, rested, hoping her husbands would soon join her.