Lassim drifted serenely along on the back of the colossal shark, the undulating rhythm of its movement a soothing counterpoint to the tumult of thoughts within his mind as the darkness greeted the ocean denizens with the sun setting.
Inside his mind, he felt a deep connection with Marinelle and Zaphyrella, his elemental companions, through this bond. He had always believed this bond to be stable, fully developed, and incapable of further growth. He could communicate fully and even share emotions and instincts through the bond with both of them.
Yet, since learning the art of underwater breathing and spending time inside the southern ocean's coastal region, he noticed an intensification of Mari's shared instincts and control over the water element. It was as if the sea itself or the abundance of water mana surrounding them was enhancing their connection. This gave birth to an idea in Lassim's mind.