The cold embrace of the ocean wrapped around Rei, pulling him deeper into the abyss. His limbs felt sluggish, his breath stolen by the violent plunge. Darkness surrounded him, stretching endlessly in every direction. Panic clawed at his chest, but he fought to keep his mind clear.
Above him, the creature stood unnaturally on the surface of the water, peering down as if mocking his helplessness. Its webbed feet barely disturbed the waves, a stark contrast to Rei's struggling form, sinking further by the second.
Then—
THWACK!
A powerful kick struck his face, snapping his head back. Stars burst in his vision as he tumbled downward. His body twisted, arms flailing, but the water dulled his movements, making him feel like he was trapped in slow motion.
THWACK!
Another kick. His nose cracked. A sharp sting spread across his face, but he barely had time to register the pain before—
THWACK!
Again. His ears rang, his skull ached, and warm blood leaked into the water around him.
His chest burned. His lungs screamed for air.
I'm gonna drown.
Desperation kicked in, but the weight of the ocean pressed against him, slowing his every action. He tried to move his arms, to raise his blade, but the creature above him moved with eerie grace, as if the sea itself bent to its will.
Rei clenched his teeth. If I can't fight it up there… then I'll bring it down here.
The monster lunged, its water-forged blade gleaming like liquid silver, aiming directly for his heart.
Rei didn't dodge. He didn't even try.
Instead—
He let the blade pierce his side.
Pain erupted through his body, searing hot and unbearable. A strangled gasp escaped his lips, bubbles rushing to the surface. But he held on.
Because in that instant—
His hands shot forward, gripping the creature's webbed leg.
And with the last of his strength—
He pulled.
A vicious yank sent the monster tumbling down into the depths with him. Its haunting, lifeless eyes widened in shock as it flailed, caught in the sudden shift. Its once fluid movements turned frantic, disoriented in the deep.
Rei's vision blurred, but he didn't let go. His grip tightened, his fingers digging into its slimy skin. The creature thrashed violently, claws tearing into his arms, but he ignored the pain.
His blade was still in his hand.
Without hesitation—
SHLUK!
The knife sank deep into the monster's side.
A horrible screech echoed through the water, distorted and unnatural.
Again.
SHLUK!
Light-blue blood swirled around them, mixing into the sea. The creature clawed at him, desperate, its movements growing more erratic.
Again.
SHLUK!
Rei's arms ached. His mind swayed between consciousness and the void, but he refused to stop.
One more.
SHLUK!
The monster's body convulsed violently. Its gills flared, mouth stretched open in a final, silent scream.
And then—
It stopped moving.
Rei floated beside it, his own body barely holding on. His breath was gone, his strength drained. Blood seeped from his wounds, curling into the darkness.
His fingers twitched. His grip on the knife loosened.
So… this is it, huh?
The thought drifted through his fading consciousness. A weak smirk tugged at his lips.
At least… I took it down with me.
His body relaxed, surrendering to the pull of the abyss. His eyes fluttered shut as the ocean swallowed him whole.
Then—
DING!
> [System Alert: Captain Merman Defeated!]
[You Have Earned: Skill – Water Step]
[Effect: Allows the user to walk on water]
> [Additional Reward: ???]
A faint sound, distant and mechanical. The words barely registered in his mind before—
Darkness took him.
>[Remaining Revives: 2]