After traversing a stretch of ocean, they arrived at a vast trench.
Melro swam straight toward the depths of the trench, and August followed closely behind. The deeper they went, the greater the pressure around them became. For anyone else, this might have been overwhelming, as this trench served as a natural barrier protecting the merfolk from intruders, making it a formidable challenge to cross.
As they entered the trench, darkness enveloped them, creating an atmosphere that felt incredibly oppressive.
"We're almost there; follow me!" Melro called out, her excitement evident.
August felt a flicker of confusion. Why was Melro so thrilled? A sense of unease crept in, prompting him to remain alert.
Reaching the depths of the trench and passing through a narrow tunnel, a sudden burst of white light illuminated their surroundings, revealing a breathtaking sight.
Before them stood immense underwater structures, towering majestically from the ocean floor. August found himself momentarily stunned—was this truly the merfolk's kingdom? It was astonishingly beautiful.
Everywhere he looked, vibrant corals, intricately shaped rock formations, and swaying aquatic plants created a stunning tableau. If he hadn't witnessed it with his own eyes, he would have found it hard to believe that the merfolk's realm lay hidden in this remote, ethereal underwater sanctuary.
"This is the Kingdom of Merfolk. Isn't it gorgeous?" Melro proudly showcased the marvels before them.
"Now that we're here, can you tell me what you wanted to do?" August asked, curiosity piqued.
"Hm? Did I give myself away?" Melro replied playfully.
"Not quite, but it seems a bit too coincidental. I just arrived in the ocean, hunted a sea beast, and then you were chased by a pack of great white sharks, only to run into me. It's all a bit too convenient," he noted.
"Ah, I see. I suppose I was a bit hasty," Melro admitted, tapping her head in self-reproach.
August chose to remain silent, patiently waiting for her to clarify her intentions. As for any danger, he wasn't particularly concerned; in this oceanic expanse, within the entire merfolk kingdom, he hadn't encountered any formidable beings.
His overwhelming strength provided him with a sense of invulnerability—this was his confidence and his leverage.
"I invited you to the Kingdom of Merfolk because I have a request."
"A request? Melro, that doesn't sound like you're in need of anything," August replied, curiosity evident in his tone.
"Well, it's not every day I meet a handsome man, so I suppose I've become a bit impatient," she admitted, her cheeks slightly flushed.
"So, what is it that you'd like me to do?" he asked, intrigued.
"I want a child."
Her words hung in the water, leaving August momentarily speechless.
He had considered countless possibilities in his mind, but this was the last thing he ever expected. Who could have anticipated that a woman would invite a man to the realm of the merfolk only to declare her desire for a child?
What did this mean? Was she trying to abduct him?
"Wait a moment, Melro. I don't quite understand what you mean," he replied, trying to grasp the situation.
"I want a child, a child that belongs to you, August," she clarified, her eyes sparkling with determination.
"But why? We've only just met!" he protested, bewildered.
"I don't know. Perhaps it's fate, or destiny, or some other reason. But the moment I saw you, I knew I wanted you," she confessed, her gaze unwavering.
As August observed Melro's almost obsessive demeanor, he found himself stunned. Was this really her true nature? A mermaid with such fervent desires for a man?
At that moment, a group of mermaids appeared around them, all of them unmistakably female.
"August, if you agree to give me a child, every mermaid here, including me, will be yours," Melro declared boldly.
"May I ask why? What exactly are you plotting?" he inquired, a mixture of curiosity and caution in his voice.
"The merfolk need to continue our lineage, and we require strong descendants."
"You mean to say your kind is weak?" he questioned, eyebrow raised.
"No, you misunderstand, August. I mean 'we' need strong descendants," she reiterated.
This revelation made August's pupils contract. He looked around, and to his astonishment, he realized that there were no male merfolk in this kingdom. Moreover, there were at least thirty beautiful young mermaids surrounding him, all without exception strikingly attractive.
"Just as humans have different families, factions, and even kingdoms, the merfolk are not a singular entity," Melro explained.
"So, you're one faction among many?" he clarified.
"Yes, you could say we are all sisters, as we share the same father," she replied.
"Wait, the same father?" August echoed, incredulous.
"Yes. Just like the previous generation, we sought out our 'father' and thus, we were born."
Listening to her words felt surreal to August. The reproductive dynamics of the merfolk exceeded his comprehension. A generation of mermaids all having the same father? And once they grew up, they returned to find a new 'father' to give birth to the next generation? It was an utterly bizarre concept.
"August, would you consider becoming the new father of the merfolk?" Melro asked, her eyes gleaming with hope.
"I don't mind, but it's quite challenging if you want my child," he replied thoughtfully.
"What do you mean?" she pressed.
"I'm not human; I'm from the demon god lineage. It's not easy for me to bear offspring, at least not at the moment," he explained.
"That's okay! Since we've chosen you, we can try. If it doesn't work the first time, we can try again. If that doesn't work, we'll keep trying—after all, we have plenty of time," Melro exclaimed enthusiastically.
At this point, her expression shifted, and if they weren't underwater, August was certain she would have drooled.
As for the other mermaids, they were indeed all quite beautiful—of excellent quality.
"Melro, I can't stay here indefinitely. Instead, let me ask you: would you all like to come with me?" he suggested.
"Come with you?" she echoed, surprised.
"I have a world of my own where you and your sisters can live," he offered.
"A world?" she marveled.
This sounded outrageous, akin to someone in modern society suddenly claiming to possess their own planet—an absurdity that would be met with skepticism.
August took Melro's hand and, in an instant, they vanished from their original spot.
In his small world, they materialized instantly, revealing a medium-sized pond created by the expansion of this new realm.
"Is this your world?" Melro gazed in astonishment, taking in the verdant forests and the lush green fields that surrounded them.
This place was breathtaking, and unlike the deep sea, here they no longer had to worry about sea beasts or underwater tremors.
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