The princess felt torn.She was already forcing herself to trust this stranger who became their knight in shining armor at the most convenient time.'It’s almost as if she had been waiting for us.'It was already suspicious enough, but given the situation, it’s either believing this random guide’s guidance or soberly choosing death—the answer, of course, was too obvious to be questioned.Wary as she might be, the young mage had no choice but to depend on their ever so mysterious guide to achieve her goal and get out of this dangerous place alive and whole.Surviving after obtaining the herb she was seeking. That was the goal.Who would have thought that she’d end up hearing something so big as this?‘...I did not need to know any of this…’With her being appointed to be the next in line to the crown, Cerise felt like she had enough burden on her shoulders without this random knowledge already. Oh, how she wished that she could go back to 15 minutes ago and strangle her past self for g
“With… me?”Nodding after pointing that out, Serein then had three of her fingers stretched out.“First things first. The song. Although, as you can tell, I know the lyrics, I don’t exactly know the tune. You, on the other hand, have been sung to that lullaby throughout your childhood. So, maybe there’s another clue on it that I missed? Either way, it’s worth looking into.”With one finger down, the cold adventurer continued.“Secondly, the Elixir. That thing has been around since the era of the great sage, another thing that has been passed down through generations.”Another finger got curled, and by now, Cherry looked calmer and rather curious for the last point since she couldn’t think up anything in her possession that lasted from 1000 years ago.Well, there’s actually one last thing. Which is—-“Your blood,” Serein stated as her eyes locked with the princess’ magenta orbs.“The last point was your own blood.”Shaken from the news, the mage’s eyes shook as she froze up a bit.“My
— kugugugu!Loud rumbles echoed through the chamber as it continued to shake wildly. The air was thick with tension and fear. Soon enough, the three of them were greeted with more deafening noises.— BAM!!!A thunderous explosion shook the very core of the chamber, its force reverberating through the air. Serein instinctively covered her ears, trying to shield herself from the overwhelming sound. Pam, in distress, let out a desperate shriek, curling around to protect his sensitive ears from the booming impact.“Kyak!”“GAH!”The cacophony and chaos intensified, disorienting them further. The chamber seemed to tremble under the weight of the explosion, adding to the already precarious situation they found themselves in.Meanwhile, Cherry groaned in pain, flung away by the force of the opening door. She was thrown so far that she nearly teetered into the pit where the current gushed like a waterfall. The darkness below seemed endless as her widened eyes held a sense of dread, desperatel
— BANG!!!As soon as they crossed the threshold, the heavy wooden door slammed shut with the stone soldiers banging against it, trying to force their way through for a few seconds.— BAM BAM BAM BABAM!Afterward, only their ragged breathing filled the air...Suddenly, everything turned silent and peaceful once more. But the tranquility was interrupted by a giggle coming from their youngest member.“Hehe~ I did it again~”Despite the encroaching darkness, the greenish-blue wyrm wagged his tail happily.“You saved our lives, Pam-min~ Thank you!”Serein praised the young wyrm whose eyes were the only visible feature in the pitch-black environment.“Though, if you don’t mind sharing, how did you know that this place is the safest one out of three?” she inquired with curiosity, eager to gather any useful information for the future, even if it were just a few words.Well, who would have figured that she was quite on the money about that?“Ceva-chi always said that I bring good luck!” Lookin
“The Great Sage’s place… we seem to have found it.”Upon hearing that confirmation from the descendant of this sacred grave, Serein didn’t need to convince herself further that this place was indeed the one she had been seeking.Memorizing the pictures that she was seeing, Serein then quickly moved on as she beckoned to the pink-haired mage to look down the hallways.“Well, our backdoor is locked shut, so either way, our only choice is to move forward. There might still be traps all around. So, do NOT touch anything and stay on the path until later if we see a split corridor, or perhaps something else entirely.”Patting Pam’s little head, that warning was aimed more towards the hatchling. The green-eyed wyrm smiled sheepishly back at her as if he was caught red-handed for thinking that way.“Okay, okay, little human, I won’t wander around and will stay here!”“Hmm.”Nodding in content, her eyes locked with Cherry’s, who nodded at her in agreement as well.From this point on, her knowl
“If you cut the vein on your arm deep enough, we should be able to fill the basin to the brim in no time with blood, right?” At first, she was thinking of making a cut on the neck because as far as she knew, anywhere located on the neck and above bleeds more than other body parts. “Don’t worry, you won’t die. That badass liquor you own should be able to save you afterward.” Serein casually brought up her idea, not really paying attention to how gory it might have sounded since she’s more used to such street talk than being polite. However, Cherry actually responded with a deadpan rather than simply blanching further at how laid-back her guide was. “Serein-shi, I’ll be dead by then. Why don’t I just cut off my arm instead?” “Oh? You’re willing?” While Serein looked pleasantly surprised by the princess’s bravery, Cherry stared at her unimpressed, as she later sighed. “Serein-shi.” Once again she called with exasperation. “Although it’s true that the elixir can do some miracles–
Despite her growing suspicion, Cherry decided not to ask this time, as she did not wish to be exposed to random stories that might drag her into more unnecessary trouble than she already had.She'd had enough of mind-shattering truths.So instead, she obediently followed her guide, who just finished wrapping her wrist with a ripped cloth, before heading to the slightly opened door.“Whoaaaa~!”Soon enough, Pam’s awed voice could be heard as they entered a room filled with abundant riches and various items scattered all over.However, instead of paying attention to all the glimmering golden piles and jewelry strewn around, their yes were locked on something else.“Is that… who I think it is…?”Gulping lightly, Cherry trailed off on her sentence as she let out a gasp of disbelief at what she was currntly witnessing.“Well, I mean, it can't be anyone else, now can it?”There, sitting imposingly on a magnificent throne, was a neatly magic-preserved skeleton, wearing a mage robe with staff
‘I’ve nearly died like... 2 times already. I need to be more careful.' Serein hummed to herselfOf course, she did not count the times when she deliberately hurt herself or let herself become injured in a more controllable situation, no. She was talking about when she was about to be joyfully mauled by Aidou and when those stone warriors wildly aimed their weapons at them like savages.“Whoa! A shapeshifter! So cool!”All the while she was in her own headspace, Pam actually left her side and jumped onto the Great Sage’s shoulder. To his delight and everyone’s shock, he actually landed on her.“Ah, Pam-min!”Still, Cherry reached out, fearing that something would happen to the young hatchling for disrespecting the pioneer of her glorious Kingdom.Neither of the two humans was expecting the Great Sage to chuckle softly instead as she reached out to the small head and rubbed it gently.“At least my coat is warm, isn't it?”This time, the young wyrm nodded eagerly with a big grin as he ad
“If you were any smarter,” he retorted, echoing her earlier words, “You’d realize that I am not negotiating.” His tone was firm, leaving no room for argument. “You know it too, despite all of your empty threats, you’re the one disadvantaged if this matter goes any longer. So, either take it or the deal is off.”Amidst the temporary lull in the conflict, Serein remained vigilant, her senses attuned to the subtle shifts in the atmosphere. The air crackled with tension, the quietude belying the underlying currents of hostility and mistrust. She couldn't afford to be lulled into complacency by the semblance of peace.The leader's words reverberated in her mind, each syllable ringing with unyielding resolve. His demeanor exuded a steely determination, a stark reminder of the ruthless pragmatism that governed his actions. There was no negotiation, no room for compromise; it was a simple ultimatum, delivered with unwavering conviction.Serein's hazel eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of defi
"We'll negotiate for the return of the egg you seek," Serein proposed, her voice steady despite the tension thick in the air. "Cease your attack now, or we'll no longer defend it. Instead—-" The man's laughter echoed across the chaotic scene, his demeanor shifting from indifference to outright hostility. His eyes bore into Serein with undisguised malice, challenging her resolve. "Why would you 'protect' something you've stolen?" he jeered, his words laced with venom. Serein paused, weighing her options amidst the relentless assault. Finally, she spoke, her voice calm yet firm, "Believe what you will. But know this..." The leader was taken aback by the sudden shift in demeanor from the human before him. Gone was the desperation he had detected earlier, replaced by an air of regal confidence that seemed to emanate from her very being. The leader, accustomed to dealing with mere mortals begging for their lives or scrambling for a shred of mercy, found himself intrigued by this unexpe
— Whooooshhh! The gusts of wind whistled through the air, accompanied by the sharp clang of metal meeting metal, creating a cacophony that echoed across the ship. It was a symphony of chaos, a tumultuous blend of natural elements and the clash of weapons, perfectly encapsulating the dire circumstances unfolding on deck. — Clang! Clang!! On one side, the ship's crew fought desperately to defend against the relentless onslaught of merfolk attackers. Their movements were fueled by fear and determination, each strike a desperate attempt to repel the invaders and protect their vessel. Meanwhile, the merfolk moved with an eerie grace, their attacks calculated and precise. They seemed almost playful in their approach, toying with their human adversaries as if engaged in some twisted game. Their movements were fluid, their strikes swift and deadly, as they closed in on their targets with ruthless efficiency. The contrast between the frantic efforts of the ship's defenders and the effortle
Cevahir's soft call carried a hint of frustration, barely audible amidst the chaos. "Fuckers," he murmured, his voice strained with the effort to convey his desires. He’s not sure what happened, but he knows that his siblings are in danger. And him, despite his injured statem longed to take action, to do more than he was currently capable of, but the weakness brought on by his wounds held him back. "Don't you dare taking them from me," a low growl escaped his lips. His words tinged with resolve despite his physical limitations. Though prideful and determined, he couldn't deny the reality of his weakened state.That being said, if anyone were to see his dimmed eyes, In that vulnerable moment, the fragility of his heart was laid bare, its protective layers stripped away. All pretense fell away, leaving behind raw emotion and stark vulnerability. In that fleeting moment of desperation, he found himself consumed by a singular focus—‘Someone save them.’Cevahir's desperate desire to spe
“Little Human! Little Human!”The urgency in Pam's voice cut through the chaos like a blade, commanding Serein's attention. As he slithered up her leg and onto her back, she couldn't suppress a shiver, feeling his presence against her skin. However, there was no time to dwell on discomfort. With a quick mental steeling, she focused on the task at hand.Serein had just dispatched another merfolk with precision, her movements fluid and decisive. The clang of metal against metal echoed in the air as her blade found its mark, sending her opponent crashing to the ground with a resounding thud. The ship's deck bore the marks of their struggle, but she paid it little heed as she turned her attention to Pam's urgent cry for help.“Little human, help!” Pam's plea rang out, a note of desperation underscoring his words. Despite the urgency, Serein couldn't help but feel a pang of empathy for the young wyrm clinging to her back. She knew he trusted her to come to their aid, just as she had done i
Death. That dark thought loomed over Cevahir's mind like a dark cloud, creeping in and casting a shadow over his resolve as he struggled to maintain composure in the face of their new adversaries. Despite his efforts, weakness seeped through his facade, betraying the inner turmoil he battled to conceal.He wants to protect them, he needs to do that. Protecting them was paramount. It wasn't just a matter of duty; it was a deeply ingrained instinct, a primal need that pulsed within him. But it wasn't the humans he felt compelled to shield; Sam and Pam.it was the two young wyrm siblings whose well-being he had willingly taken upon himself to safeguard. They were his responsibility, his choice, and he would do whatever it took to keep them safe from harm, even if it meant facing death itself.The memories of Pam and Sam's hatching remained vivid in Cevahir's mind, a poignant reminder of the bond forged between them from the very beginning. Despite the accusations hurled at him by the
— Ooooong!With a soft hum, a gentle pink glow began to radiate from the center of the trio, casting a soft, ethereal light that danced across their figures. As the glow intensified, it enveloped them in a warm embrace, suffusing their bodies with a tingling sensation of rejuvenation. The light seemed to seep into every pore, filling them with a sense of buoyancy and vitality. It was as though a gentle breeze had swept through, lifting their spirits and infusing them with renewed energy. The glow shimmered and pulsed, creating an aura of serenity and empowerment around them. It was a moment of transcendence, as if they were bathed in the light of hope itself, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.As one of the three who received the boost, Serein felt a surge of energy coursing through her veins, enhancing her agility and speed as she seamlessly transitioned from defense to offense. With swift and precise movements, she launched a counterattack against the soldier before her. T
The Selkie's words cut through the chaos with a chilling nonchalance, his comrades continuing their ruthless assault on those aboard the ship. Whether through direct confrontation or mercilessly tossing them into the sea, their fate was sealed in the domain of the sea monsters, where mercy was a foreign concept."The notorious degenerate who stole the sky's eggs in the past has come to steal our future leader. Such an uninspired predicament," the old Selkie remarked with a hint of amusement, his tone dripping with disdain. "To think that you'd pull off such a foolish stunt rather than laying low. What a fool."Despite the insult, the half-blood remained composed, his focus diverted to shielding Pam from harm, even in his invisible state. However, his efforts were in vain as the young wyrm, unable to bear the insults hurled at his brother, erupted in defiance."Ceva-chi is not a fool!" he shouted, his voice filled with indignation and loyalty.Summoning his courage and determined to pr
After Cevahir's chilling revelation, the group realized that preparing for battle was imperative. However, with the conflict between the sea monsters and pirates raging on, it seemed wiser to remain low and avoid unnecessary risks. No one was eager to throw their life away in the midst of the chaos."They are angry," Cevahir's assertion echoed in their minds like a solemn bell tolling, underscoring the gravity of the situation with each resonating chime. This wasn't mere random aggression; it was a meticulously planned onslaught, orchestrated with precision and intent that sent shivers down their spines.Yet, Min Suhyun couldn't shake off the feeling of being ensnared in her own narrative web. If only she had paid closer attention to the details beforehand, perhaps then she could have avoided this predicament or known a way to address it before it reached this critical point. But even if she had done all of that, the problem wouldn't have been resolved.Unlike the main characters who