Chapter 150: The Aquarians: origin
Scene: The dimly lit underground chamber of the Shadow Troupe hideout is alive with a strange tension as the group takes in their surroundings. Kaitaro, the troupe's enigmatic leader, steps forward, his long white hair glowing faintly in the torchlight. His calm demeanor puts the group slightly at ease, but the aura of power he exudes is undeniable.
Kaitaro: (bowing slightly) Welcome, heroes of the South Nation. My name is Kaitaro, and I lead the Shadow Troupe. Please, sit and rest for a moment. I insist.
He gestures to a table near the center of the room where several teapots and cups are already arranged. The heroes exchange glances, still wary but understanding the need to remain diplomatic. They sit down slowly, their weapons within reach, while Kaitaro addresses Kirito and Ryu.
Kaitaro: (nodding to them) Kirito, Ryu—you've done well guiding them here. It's been years since we've had visitors, and I wasn't sure anyone could navigate the Poison Mist Sea safely.
Ryu: (smirking) It wasn't easy, but these guys are tougher than they look.
Kirito: (adding) And far stronger than I expected.
Kaitaro's piercing eyes sweep over the group, lingering on each of them for a moment as if assessing their character. He picks up a teapot, pouring tea into delicate cups and placing them in front of his guests.
Kaitaro: You've done the impossible, arriving here in only a month. That alone speaks volumes about your determination. But before we get to the answers you seek, I have a request.
Commander Elara: (leaning forward) And what might that be?
Kaitaro: (calmly) Strength must be proven, not assumed. I wish to spar with one of you.
Rylan: (grinning) Oh, this'll be good.
Eren: (crossing his arms) You're wasting time. We don't need to show off.
Kaitaro: (smiling faintly) It's not about showing off. It's about trust.
Zarek: (standing up) I'll do it.
The others glance at Zarek but don't protest. Kaitaro smiles faintly, stepping away from the table and into a cleared space in the chamber. He stretches his arms, his movements fluid and precise, before settling into a fighting stance.
Narrator: Zarek, ever confident, strides into the space. His stance is strong and aggressive, but Kaitaro remains serene, his posture relaxed yet poised.
Kaitaro: (softly) Attack whenever you're ready.
Zarek wastes no time, lunging forward with a powerful punch aimed directly at Kaitaro's chest. But Kaitaro shifts effortlessly, blocking the strike with his forearm and countering with a swift kick to Zarek's shoulder, sending him stumbling back.
Kaitaro: (calmly) Predictable. You rely too much on brute force.
Zarek: (grinning) Is that so? Let's see how you handle this.
Zarek fires a series of Divine Mana bursts at Kaitaro, the glowing projectiles cutting through the air with precision. Kaitaro dodges each one with an almost lazy grace, his movements a blur of speed and precision.
Kaitaro: (pausing mid-dodge) Divine Mana? Interesting. I've never seen anything like it.
Zarek: (smirking) You've never seen me, either. Holy Bomb!
The glowing sphere of energy hurtles toward Kaitaro, who braces himself but is knocked back as it explodes against his chest. He lands gracefully, his calm expression replaced with a hint of surprise.
Kaitaro: (chuckling softly) Impressive. You truly are formidable.
Narrator: The spar ends with Kaitaro conceding defeat, his smile warm as he extends a hand to Zarek.
Kaitaro: (genuinely) You've proven your strength. All of you must be far more powerful than I imagined.
The group gathers again, their tension easing slightly as Kaitaro sits back down, his tone growing serious.
Kaitaro: Now that I've seen your capabilities, I believe you might truly stand a chance against the Aquarians. But you need to understand who they are and what you're up against.
The heroes listen intently as Kaitaro begins to recount the chilling origin of the Aquarians.
Kaitaro: Zisteria was once a land of peace, a thriving nation without kings or queens, ruled by a moral and efficient government. Our people were scholars, merchants, and craftsmen, living harmoniously with one another. But everything changed when a man named Kuzan—a brilliant but dangerous scientist—began experimenting with mana.
Commander Elara: (frowning) Experimenting how?
Kaitaro: (nodding) Kuzan believed he could evolve humanity, make us stronger, more adaptable. He discovered a way to alter DNA using a modified form of mana gas. The government, of course, rejected his idea, calling it unethical. But Kuzan… he didn't listen.
Narrator: Kaitaro's voice lowers as he describes Kuzan's transformation.
Kaitaro: He experimented on himself, inhaling the gas. It changed him—physically, mentally, emotionally. He grew taller, his skin turned blue, and he developed a tail. But it wasn't just his appearance that changed. His mind became more cunning, more sinister.
The heroes exchange uneasy glances as Kaitaro continues.
Kaitaro: Kuzan declared himself a new species—one superior to humanity. He called himself an Aquarian. Within a week, he unleashed the gas on all of Zisteria. Everyone was transformed, their humanity stripped away, replaced by something darker.
Ryu: (softly) The Shadow Troupe survived because of our hideout. Its moving location and barriers protected us from the gas.
Kirito: (adding) Kuzan used his new army to build an empire beneath the sea. But his ambitions didn't stop there. He plans to spread the gas across the world, turning everyone—your families, your nations—into Aquarians.
Eren: (clenching his fists) That bastard…
Aria: (shaken) He wants to take everything we've ever known and destroy it.
Zarek: (firmly) Where do we find him?
Kaitaro: (sighing) That's the problem. The Aquarian empire lies deep beneath the ocean. We've been unable to pinpoint its exact location. But traces of their presence can be found in the waters surrounding Zisteria.
Commander Elara: (nodding) Then that's where we'll go.
Narrator: The group absorbs the gravity of their mission, their resolve hardening as the reality of the Aquarian threat sinks in.
Eren: (determined) We'll stop him. Whatever it takes.
Kaitaro watches them, his expression a mix of admiration and caution.
Kaitaro: (seriously) Your determination is admirable. But remember—Kuzan is no ordinary enemy. To face him, you'll need more than strength.
The chapter ends with the group preparing to strategize, their eyes set on the ocean and the battle to come.