27. Siren (1)

The vast ocean of ghosts, akin to that found in the realms surrounding the fallen tower, possesses toxic and acidic properties. However, individuals with a robust constitution and enhanced reinforcement capabilities developed throughout the tower may endure the corrosive environment for a limited period of one to two days. It is important to note that acidity and toxicity are not the most significant threats; rather, the peril lies in what exists beneath the surface.

"Please, don't!" implored the emaciated man as he dangled precariously in midair. His desperate expression conveyed a plea for mercy directed towards Ethan, who, however, remained focused on the distant horizon.

"Why do you plead for mercy? You caused the deaths of Stephan and the others," Victor responded, having subdued all opposition and captured the perpetrator. Notably, their success was largely attributed to Ethan's formidable presence.

"You must understand, we were uncertain whether you would arrive in time. We acted out of desperation; we cannot be held entirely accountable," the man stated as he clung tightly to Victor's hand, anxious to avoid a fall into the ocean. Should he plunge into the waters, survival would be all but impossible, given that he was an energy weapon user without access to either a weapon or an artifact.

"Say that in hell, you bastard!" Victor was ready to toss him aside; however, the emaciated man tried a different approach.

"Don't! If you kill me, they won't forgive you! I am from a faction—look at my wrist!" shouted the man, catching Victor off guard.

Factions were a recurring theme in the hunt for beasts within the tower. This strange group of people claimed to receive blessings from others, which allowed them to share connections and information. It was like borrowing powers. No wonder, despite his frail appearance, this man had managed to survive in the tower; he had a supporter.

"How the hell did you get one?" Victor asked. "And why would a faction accept someone like you?" He found it suspicious and questioned the faction's judgment as he examined the man's face.

"What's the name of your faction?" Startled by the sudden question from behind, Victor and the old man looked toward Ethan, who seemed interested.

"What's the name of your faction?" Startled by the sudden question from behind, Victor and the old man turned to see Ethan, who appeared genuinely interested.

"Damn! Is he trying to side with this man?" Victor thought in fear of the worst outcome. He regretted not tossing him off the board when he had the chance.

The emaciated man smiled brightly at Ethan's curious gaze and frantically waved his hand. Ethan glanced at Victor and said, "Put him down." His voice was soft but firm. Victor trembled slightly with a mix of anger and fear, but he complied.

As the old man was set down, he immediately rushed toward Ethan, kneeling and kissing his rough boots. "Thank you! Thank you!" he exclaimed. His actions elicited disdainful looks from the others around them.

Ethan inquired once more, "To which faction do you belong?" The old, emaciated man ceased his pretense and replied, "I am from the Plague Faction. Our leader, Eni Nolan, is a merciful individual who would be most grateful for your benevolence in saving my humble life." Despite his words, the man's mind was filled with thoughts of vengeance against Victor, contemplating cruel acts, though he kept these intentions hidden as he prostrated before Ethan.

"Is their base located on the continent?" Ethan asked. The man looked up, surprised by Ethan's knowledge of the continent. He pondered, "How does he know about the continent? Could he be affiliated with a faction? No, his wrist bears no mark. Perhaps he knows someone from a faction; that must be it." Clearing his throat, the man prepared to respond.

"The main group is at the crossroads leading to the next realm. What remains on the continent is a small faction controlled by Nicolas Bright," the man explained. Ethan's expression shifted slightly.

"I see, thank you for the information. So, Nicolas Bright, the Satanist, is on the continent," Ethan remarked with a smile. He looked down at the man, who began to sense that something was amiss. "I would have preferred it to be Le Fou, but this will suffice. I no longer need you," Ethan declared.

The man shocked that Ethan knew their code names and seemingly more than he should, attempted to speak, but Ethan acted swiftly.

Swoosh!

The emaciated man suddenly found himself viewing the giant ship from above, having been cast overboard before he could react.

Splash!

"Damn you…ark!" he attempted to curse but hit the water's surface before finishing. Emerging from the water, he struggled to swim back, realizing he was too far away. The acid began to burn through his defenses, searing his skin to the bone, turning his body red, and emitting smoke. In agony, he pleaded, "Please save me!" Yet, he could only watch as the ship sailed further away. Enraged, he shouted curses after them, "Damn you all!"

Clop!

Pup!

The emaciated man's legs were touched, causing him to startle Realizing there was something beneath him, he looked around despite his skin burning. The fear of the unknown was greater, and soon something emerged from the water.

"Mermaid?" he gasped in shock, observing the beautiful creature that surfaced. The mermaid swam towards him with curiosity, and the man tried to back away, but she was faster, catching up to him.

The mermaid hugged him and began sniffing his neck. The man jolted, "Maybe, maybe she can help. Please, help me, bring me to that ship," he frantically pointed at the ship, making hand gestures. The mermaid turned towards the ship.

A smile was seen from the mermaid, and the man, thinking she understood, nodded; she immediately plunged back into the water, shocking the man, "No! No! Come back bitch!" He roared as he hit the water and created large ripples on the surface.

His calls eventually worked, as numerous mermaids emerged from the surface, at first, the man was pleased, but soon, a feeling of fear crept within his soul and bones, the number was abnormally increasing, "wait, this is too much, I don't need that much " He tried backing away, but he was surrounded.

The mermaid who spotted him emerged last and swam towards him; his body was fully cooked, red, and soft; the mermaid hugged him once again, startling the man, but what followed next was horrifying.

The mermaid sank her teeth into the man's neck, tearing away a chunk of flesh as he clutched at the wound in vain. His terror mounted as he realized his fate. "No! Please, please—ah!" he screamed, but his cries were drowned out as the swarm descended upon him, ripping him apart piece by piece.

Their frenzy left them unsatisfied, and soon their ravenous gazes turned toward the distant ship.

Ethan opened his eyes after a brief meditation, his gaze fixed on the spot where he had discarded the man. "Victor," he called.

"Yes?" Victor, busy organizing prisoners and regrouping his men, approached. "Is something wrong?" he asked.

"Gather everyone. If you don't want to sink, prepare to fight," Ethan commanded. Victor hesitated, confused, thinking the ordeal was over. But Ethan's grave expression said otherwise. A splash drew Victor's attention to the ocean. In the distance, he saw it—something approaching. "A human… no, a mermaid," he muttered, dread creeping in.

Ethan shook his head, correcting Victor, "Precisely, it's a Siren." In this world, though mermaids and sirens belonged to the same family, they differed significantly: mermaids were omnivorous, while sirens were carnivorous. Those inhabiting the ghost ocean were of the latter kind. Ethan realized with urgency, "The journey will be perilous."