Chapter 17: Underwater Kingdom

The ocean stretched endlessly before her, a canvas of vibrant life painted in hues of sapphire and emerald. Xena clutched the baby manatees tightly to her chest, her golden tail propelling her forward in rhythmic sweeps. The water was cool against her skin, a stark contrast to the pounding heat of her chest as her heart raced with urgency. She dared not look back, the faint bioluminescent glow of her tail dimming as she willed herself into invisibility. The Kraken's massive, slumbering form loomed in her mind like a nightmare she couldn't shake, its faint, glowing outline etched into her memory.Her surroundings were eerily still, the usual chatter of sea creatures replaced by a tense silence. The water pressed heavily around her, amplifying the faint rustle of her hair and the muted swish of her tail. Xena's senses were on high alert. The briny tang of the ocean filled her nose as the distant scent of kelp forests wafted through the currents. Every ripple, every shadow seemed like a lurking threat.When she finally deemed it safe, she slowed her pace and released a shaky breath. "That was too close," she whispered, stroking the soft head of the manatee calf she'd nicknamed Nana. The baby nuzzled her in response, its velvety skin warm under her touch.Her mind raced with questions, and frustration bubbled to the surface. "System," she hissed, her voice low but laced with irritation, "why didn't the skill Echo Pulse detect the Kraken?"A metallic voice echoed in her mind, cold and detached. "It was not detected because the Kraken has long been slumbering for a century. As long as it remains undisturbed, it will not attack."Xena groaned, running a hand through her tangled hair. Her golden locks, dampened by seawater, clung to her fingers. The slight tug of knots was a welcome distraction from the lingering fear in her chest. She glanced at her system window, the holographic display glowing faintly in the dim waters. The Eye of Truth skill had been active for nearly an hour, draining her MP at a steady rate of 0.5 every 30 minutes. It was a steep cost, but she couldn't afford to deactivate it—not with the dangers lurking in the depths.They swam onward, the manatees paddling beside her, their movements slow and clumsy. The water grew cooler, the pressure increasing as they descended into a deeper part of the ocean. Vibrant coral formations gave way to a stark, rocky landscape dotted with patches of seagrass. Small fish darted between the rocks, their scales glinting like scattered jewels.Xena's sharp eyes caught the flicker of a lionfish hiding in a crevice, its venomous spines glowing faintly in the dark.After what felt like an eternity, Xena and her companions stopped to rest. She floated near a patch of tall kelp, its fronds swaying gently in the current. The manatees tugged at her arm, its large, innocent eyes pleading."Okay, okay," she sighed, her voice softer now. "I see you're hungry. Let's find something to eat." Activating Eye of Truth again, Xena scanned the area. The skill highlighted a dense school of anchovies nearby, their silvery bodies shimmering like a living cloud. She swam toward them cautiously, her golden tail stirring up tiny eddies in the water.When she was close enough, she activated Electric Pulse. A weak shockwave rippled outward, momentarily stunning the anchovies. The energy cost was minimal—3 MP—but the results were satisfying. She quickly used Devour, her golden aura enveloping the small fish. A mist-like energy surrounded the school, draining their life force and transferring it to her.A steady stream of notifications filled her vision:

+1 EXP

+1 EXP

...

"Ding! Level Up. 3 stat points awarded. Choose one of these skills to unlock:

- Eternal Swimmer: Grants unparalleled speed and agility underwater. Movement is seamless and effortless. Bonus: +10% Agility when submerged. Passive.

- Depth Vision: Grants perfect vision in deep, dark waters. Passive."

Xena didn't hesitate for long. She selected Eternal Swimmer, the promise of enhanced agility too tempting to resist. As the skill activated, she immediately felt the difference. Her movements became smoother, her tail slicing through the water with newfound ease.Returning to the manatees, she watched it nibble on patches of seagrass. Its contentment brought a faint smile to her lips. For the next few days, they fell into a routine: swimming, hunting, and avoiding predators. Xena used her growing agility to evade sharks and dolphins, her golden glow fading into the shadows whenever danger approached. The system rewarded her with daily quests, and her stash of pearl coins grew steadily.The ocean was vast and unpredictable, but it wasn't without beauty. Schools of rainbow-hued parrotfish grazed on coral, their scales flashing in the sunlight filtering through the waves.

Jellyfish drifted lazily, their translucent bodies glowing softly. Xena marveled at the variety of life, from the tiny, darting clownfish to the majestic manta rays gliding effortlessly through the water.

One day, they reached a new area—a deep trench bathed in an ethereal glow. At the trench's edge stood what could only be described as an underwater kingdom. Towers of coral and stone rose from the seabed, their surfaces adorned with bioluminescent algae that shimmered like stars. The water here was warm, carrying the faint scent of sulfur mixed with the tang of salt.Xena's eyes widened as she took in the sight. Schools of vibrant fish swam through the towering structures, their movements synchronized like a well-rehearsed dance. Sea turtles meandered lazily, their ancient shells etched with complex patterns. Near the gates of the kingdom, two mermen stood guard, their muscular forms holding ornate spears.Unlike Xena, the mermen had sturdy tails with hues of deep green and blue. Their features were sharp and symmetrical, their gills fluttering faintly with each breath. Some rode on majestic seahorses, their mounts adorned with flowing fins that sparkled like gemstones.Xena's heart ached with curiosity and trepidation. She couldn't help but admire the mermen's beauty, their presence exuding strength and grace. But she also felt out of place. Her golden tail, delicate and shimmering, seemed fragile compared to their robust forms. Her lack of gills and unique appearance marked her as different."Maybe the mermaids are in that palace-looking place," she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible over the gentle hum of the water.She lingered for a while, watching the kingdom from a safe distance. The bustling life of the mermen fascinated her—the way they worked, hunted, and moved with purpose. For a moment, she felt a pang of loneliness."Well," she murmured, stroking Nana's head, "I guess I'm not the only mermaid after all."But her doubts lingered. What would they think of her? Would she be welcomed—or rejected? She's much better alone and she has her friend manatees by her side. She turned away, her golden tail propelling her once more into the unknown depths of the ocean.