"Chief, about the situation in the ocean…"
Zero glanced up from his desk, his expression sharp but calm. "We will participate in this matter, but you must remember—unnecessary contact and reckless actions are completely against protocol."
Naira Sorkin nodded, sensing the weight in his words.
"In situations where we don't know the nature of the opponent, nor how to ensure our safety, I will not permit anyone to approach the target," Zero continued, his voice firm.
"That's true," Naira agreed. It made sense, after all.
Zero leaned back slightly, his eyes thoughtful. "Moreover, fighting at sea presents an undeniable disadvantage. Even without monsters in the equation, the ocean is a perilous place for humans."
He paused, his gaze drifting for a moment. "Why else do people say it's better to struggle for thirty thousand days on land than for three thousand days at sea?"
He turned back to Naira, his expression softening just slightly. "But that's for ordinary people. For someone like you, the ocean is nothing."
Naira's lips curved into a faint smile. "That's true. But even I'm not the best for this task."
"You're referring to the seventh seat, 016?" Zero asked, his tone betraying faint curiosity.
Naira nodded. "Yes. The sea is the White Walker's domain. No one else is more suited to this kind of operation."
Zero inclined his head. "It's worth considering. But 016's whereabouts are uncertain. He's notoriously elusive. For now, I'll focus on having our people secure these ocean-related objects."
His gaze met Naira's, sharp yet kind. "You won't be participating in this operation, Naira Sorkin."
"What?" Naira blinked, caught off guard. "Why? I can still—"
Zero cut him off with a firm hand on his shoulder. "You've worked hard enough during the last mission. This time, I want you to rest for a while."
Before Naira could argue, Zero reached into his desk and pulled out an object—a strange, dark blue flower with an otherworldly sheen.
"What's this?" Naira asked, his curiosity piqued.
"This is a Kai Ling Flower, also known as the Separation Flower," Zero explained, holding it delicately. "Recent tests show it can stimulate the Celestial Palace acupoint, enhancing mental activity. It rapidly increases willpower—perhaps even strengthens one's spiritual energy."
Naira's eyes narrowed. "Something like this… where did it come from?"
"Another world," Zero said matter-of-factly. "I acquired it through a magic academy in one of the realms we're connected to. Over there, they refine this flower into a potion. Drinking it condenses spiritual power and sharpens consciousness."
Zero's gaze grew intent. "It's exactly what you need, Naira."
"Me?"
"Yes," Zero said, setting the flower down with care. "I'm forming a new team within Kitsune. A special unit. Members will be trained to wield extraordinary mental power—true mages."
He looked directly into Naira's eyes. "This team will be called the Right Hand. And you, Naira Sorkin, will lead them as their captain."
...
Meanwhile, in a remote coastal fishing village, the salty breeze carried the sound of fishermen shouting as they unloaded their catch.
Shen Yu and Shino arrived at the bustling shore, where a large ship was moored. Fishermen moved in coordinated chaos, hauling crates of rare and precious seafood from the vessel.
Shino glanced at Shen Yu. "So this is the fishing village you mentioned?"
Shen Yu nodded. "Yes, this is the place. I—"
Before he could finish, two firm hands landed on their shoulders.
"Who are you?"
Shino turned swiftly, only to find a man with piercing dark blue eyes and short black hair standing behind them.
Shen Yu staggered back in alarm. "It's a Fish-Man!"
Shino, however, didn't flinch. He stared at the man, his gaze narrowing as recognition dawned. He had seen him before.
"In the game…" Shino muttered. "Ye Gong?"
The man froze at the name, his expression shifting to surprise. Slowly, he removed his gloves, revealing the triangular circle pattern etched into his palm.
Shino responded by raising his own hand, displaying the same symbol.
Recognition passed between them.
"You've met me there. What's your ID?" the man asked.
"Rex," Shino replied.
Ye Long's eyes widened in realization. "So it's you."
Meanwhile, Shen Yu watched their cryptic exchange, thoroughly baffled.
Ye Long turned to glance at the fishing boat, his voice lowering. "Listen, my name is Ye Long. Take my advice—if you value your lives, leave this place immediately."
Shino didn't hesitate to counter. "You know this place is dangerous, so why are you here?"
Ye Long sighed, his eyes clouding with melancholy. "Because this is my home."
Shen Yu shot Shino a questioning look, but Shino ignored him. "Your family is here?"
Ye Long nodded and gestured toward a middle-aged woman working among the fishermen. "That's my mother. My father… he's gone now. She's all I have left."
Shino's gaze followed Ye Long's gesture. The woman was strong, effortlessly hoisting a basket of fish with one hand.
"She's a Fish-Man," Shino remarked flatly.
"Of course," Ye Long said, his tone steady. "A long time ago, some people in the village were transformed. My mother and I were among them."
He paused, his jaw tightening. "Then a group of Fish-Men came to the village. Without warning, they transformed everyone else and forced us to pledge loyalty to the King of the Sea."
Shino studied him, recalling what others had said: Ye Long's uncanny ability to exploit the weaknesses of the Fish-Men, his strength far surpassing ordinary villagers.
"So that's the truth," Shino murmured.
Ye Long's gaze sharpened as he looked at Shino. "I can sense you're stronger than me. But if you intend to harm the people here, I'll fight you to the death. I don't care if I can't win."
His voice carried an unshakable resolve.
Shino nodded and turned to Shen Yu. "We're leaving. Let's go."
Shen Yu opened his mouth to object but said nothing, sensing Shino's determination.
For all his strength, Shino had no interest in meaningless killing. Monsters or not, unless they attacked him directly, their existence wasn't his concern. He wasn't some righteous hero, after all. But even he had limits.
As they prepared to leave, the sound of heavy footsteps drew their attention.
An elderly Fish-Man descended from the ship. He was draped in a flowing robe, his scales and fins shimmering in the dim light. He made no effort to disguise his inhuman features.
Blocking their path, he addressed them with a calm yet commanding tone. "Guests from afar, is this how you greet hospitality? Chasing people away?"
Ye Long's expression darkened as he clenched his fists. "...Dagon."
Shen Yu frowned. "What's a Dagon?"
Ye Long didn't take his eyes off the elder. "The Dagons are the Great Priests of the Fish-Men. Their powers go far beyond anything you can imagine. They can command the tides themselves and summon horrors even worse than Fish-Men."
His voice dropped to a whisper, as if the very words could conjure danger. "This is my first time seeing a Dagon in the flesh. Until now, I'd only heard of them."