In a bid to establish their sincerity regarding an alliance, Hayden proceeded to reveal how she had become aware of the trio's existence and extended an additional offering.
"Among the girls you saved earlier today, one of my followers was undercover," Hayden disclosed. "She had been assigned the task of assassinating the King once she had earned his trust. However, during her operation, she stumbled upon something far more valuable—the three of you."
"We require your power," Hayden stated, her gaze shifting from Ophelia to Lindley, then to Angus. "The mermaids possess abilities beyond those of humans, and the ones you encountered today represent merely the weakest manifestation of their powers."
Angus's skepticism couldn't be contained. "Why should we place our trust in you?"
"Because we share a common objective," Hayden replied. Extracting her phone, she presented a brief video that stirred intense emotions within them.
The video featured Irvette, the athletic woman who had lost contact with them for several days. She stood alongside Nixon in the mermaid exhibition room, observing a graceful mermaid in the water. Suddenly, the mermaid's demeanor transformed from serene to hostile, and it lunged out of its enclosure to attack both Irvette and Nixon.
Irvette, quick on her feet, shielded Nixon and evaded the mermaid's assault. Grabbing a nearby fire extinguisher, she sought to release its contents as a blinding agent to disorient the mermaid.
Swiftly, a group of stunning mermaids with legs materialized in the room, joining the fray. Irvette, wielding the fire extinguisher as an improvised weapon, struck back repeatedly, managing to evade most of their counterattacks, albeit not without sustaining injuries.
While she battled these mermaids, a male mermaid familiar to Ophelia and Angus—the individual who had previously attempted to mesmerize Ophelia—appeared at the exit leading to the History of Pearl Exhibition. He forcibly seized Nixon's legs and dragged him toward his chamber. Despite Nixon's efforts to resist, his strength proved inadequate against the mermaid's power.
Irvette, in a state of desperation, watched as Nixon vanished through the exit, unable to intervene while still entangled in the fight. The distraction, however, afforded an opening for one of her assailants to launch a lethal assault aimed at her head.
"How dare you?" Irvette's cry rang out as she witnessed the impending mortal blow, though her response was futile given the brevity of time. In a stunning reversal, contrary to the mermaids' expectations of her imminent demise, a radiant blue light emanated from Irvette's forehead. A magnificent blue gem, resplendent and unprecedented in its beauty, materialized at the center of her brow. This gem prevented the mermaid's spear from penetrating any further.
Confounded, the other mermaids couldn't comprehend the phenomenon unfolding before them. Undeterred, they renewed their attack, aiming to pierce Irvette from different angles. Yet, each strike was thwarted by the mesmerizing blue gem's protective shield.
Harnessing her newfound power to her advantage, Irvette disregarded their onslaught and made a beeline for the Pearl's chamber, propelled by a determination that transcended mere survival.
The video paused abruptly, leaving Ophelia eager for more information. "What transpired in that room with the Pearl? And where is Irvette now?" she questioned.
In contrast, Angus's focus had shifted to another avenue. Understanding that Hayden possessed the means to acquire CCTV footage from the highly secure museum, he was convinced that Hayden held significant knowledge about the Mermaid Land. She might even hold the key to providing them with insights on how to obtain the perilous Pearl of Sirenia.
Reflecting on the instances when both he and Ophelia were followed by two of Hayden's associates, Angus's realization dawned upon him. They had gravely misjudged the intentions of these followers. Contrary to the mermaids' interest in luring them to explore the Pearl of Sirenia and thus fall under their control, Hayden's faction aimed to dissuade them from this hazardous curiosity surrounding the Pearl.
The video not only unraveled the enigma of Irvette and Nixon's fate, but also revealed that Irvette had harnessed her power. Her determination to save Nixon was evident in her expressions, solidifying the fact that she activated her power with the intent to survive and protect. This further bolstered Angus's suspicions.
In response to Ophelia's inquiry, Hayden promptly presented another video, this time set within the same room. "The security protocols within the History of Pearl room were exceptionally stringent, so the extent of the footage we obtained is limited to this chamber," she clarified. "This clip takes place approximately fifteen minutes later, within the mermaid room. Observe."
The mermaid exhibition room remained silent for a brief moment before a towering and striking figure entered from the exit leading to the History of Pearl. Ophelia swiftly recognized him as the King, a face Angus had previously shown her in a photograph. The King's joyful countenance radiated as he held Irvette in his arms, while the male mermaid who had guarded the room was seen dragging Lindley across the floor, following the King. Both Irvette and Lindley appeared unconscious.
Lindley's gaze remained fixed on the screen, captivated as she observed herself in the recording.
"You've found me a precious gift," the King commended the mermaid accompanying him. "A girl who can generate captivating gems resembling the ocean on her skin. She is worthy of becoming my Queen."
"But she's a human, Your Majesty..." The mermaid expressed astonishment at the King's proclamation. "Humans were responsible for killing many of our kind ten years ago..."
The King swiftly summoned his trident and struck the mermaid's legs, causing him to collapse in agony.
"Now, we have taken their reign," the King chuckled. "They activated the Pearl of Sirenia for me, and bestowed upon me their strength!"
The mermaid refrained from further objections to the King's decision.
"Escort that girl to her designated chamber," the King directed his attention to Lindley. "Ensure she remains unmarried before she's presented to me; I hold no interest in married women."
"Of course, Your Majesty," the mermaid acquiesced.
The video concluded with both the King and the mermaid vanishing from sight, accompanied by Irvette and Lindley.
Ophelia and Angus exchanged knowing glances, a realization dawning upon them. They finally comprehended the reason the mermaid's mesmerization attempt on Ophelia had ceased when Angus intervened. His remark—calling her his wife—had inadvertently diffused the situation.
On the other hand, Lindley, typically composed, was now overcome with fury after witnessing how the King and the mermaid treated Irvette and Lindley as mere commodities. Their disregard for their agency, discussing their fate without their consent, elicited an enraged exclamation from Lindley. "Bastards!" she seethed.
While Ophelia's concerns for Irvette's safety were paramount, she couldn't help but worry about her friend's well-being. Having been held captive for several days, given the King's demeanor in the video, he might not necessarily endanger Irvette's life, but her overall condition remained uncertain.
Sensing their emotions, Hayden offered her perspective. "I understand your desire to rescue your friend. However, Irvette has now been designated as the future Queen. Only with our assistance can you access the chamber where she's being held."
Aware of Hayden's propensity to seek her own interests, Ophelia anticipated a condition in exchange for her help. "What do you require in return for your assistance?" Ophelia inquired, aware that Hayden's aid wouldn't come without a price.
Directly, Hayden laid out her request. "I want you to fulfill what my associate failed to do—assassinate the King."
Angus intervened before Ophelia could respond, restraining her and addressing Hayden, "This is a monumental decision to make. Could you allow us a moment to deliberate amongst ourselves?"
"Certainly, though time is of the essence. If I managed to locate you here, it's plausible that the King could as well," Hayden cautioned before departing the warehouse, leaving them to their discussion.
---
Once alone, the trio embarked on a conversation to determine their course of action. Ophelia took the lead. "I won't leave Irvette in danger. As the leader, I'm responsible for everyone's safety."
Lindley, guided by practicality, chimed in, "Ophelia, rescuing Irvette from the King is a priority, but Hayden's request involves far more than we're capable of handling. The King's strength is shrouded in mystery, and his trident appears to be a formidable weapon. I've only recently unlocked my power, and Angus hasn't done so yet. How could we hope to assassinate the King?"
Angus aligned himself with Lindley's pragmatic perspective. "Lindley's right. While saving Irvette is paramount, Hayden's proposition exceeds our current capabilities. We know little about the King's abilities, and rushing in could lead to failure. However, Hayden's insights are invaluable, not only for rescuing Irvette but also for securing the Pearl of Sirenia."
Angus delved further into his thoughts. "According to our knowledge, contact with the Pearl of Sirenia would render us susceptible to mermaid control. Yet, the King's revelation in the recording hints that the Pearl was activated only a decade ago, potentially by the Queen of Estoc. If a way to deactivate it exists, we could acquire it safely. For this, we need Hayden's guidance."
Ophelia acknowledged the validity of their concerns. "What if I negotiate with Hayden to secure Irvette's release first? Then we can address her request for assassination at a later, more prepared juncture."
"That's a viable option, Ophelia," Angus agreed. "We must be candid about our present limitations and our lack of knowledge about the King's power. A hasty approach would likely result in failure. If Hayden truly requires our abilities, she should be amenable to assisting us before fulfilling her own demands. In the meantime, I'll attempt to gather more information about the Pearl through her."
Emerging from their deliberation as a united front, the trio exited the warehouse to face Hayden. Ophelia broached the topic of killing the King in exchange for Irvette's freedom, but requested time for preparation.
"This time, I'll place my trust in you, Ophelia," Hayden responded, unfazed by Ophelia's proposal. "Remember, my request for you to eliminate the King isn't driven by personal gain. The King and his mermaids have been responsible for the deaths of numerous tourists. We need to stop him."
Fully aware of the weight resting on their shoulders, Ophelia understood the gravity of their undertaking. With a decisive nod, Hayden signaled their next move. "Let's proceed. Delaying your friend's rescue in the perilous palace is inadvisable. Follow us as we embark on a mission to liberate her!"