I woke up in a room that was unlike anything I’d ever seen, and I’d seen my fair share of luxury in my old house. Here, the walls were an otherworldly blend of coral and stone, polished smooth but alive with texture. Patterns of seashells and luminous pearls glimmered faintly, forming intricate mosaics of marine creatures I didn’t recognize. A gentle hum resonated in the air, like the sound of distant waves, and a pale, pulsing blue light from jellyfish-like orbs cast soft ripples across the surfaces.

  I pushed myself upright,deep breath. The bed I had been lying on was cushioned with something softer than any fabric I’d ever touched, perhaps some kind of seaweed. The blanket, a silken material that shimmered as though it held the reflection of moonlight on water, slipped off as I sat up.

  "Mira!" I yelled, the memory of our last moments before being transported flashing vividly in my mind.

  My heart raced as I scanned the room, stopping when my eyes landed on Mira lying on the bed across from mine. Her silver hair was splayed out, and her face was calm, as though she were merely sleeping through a pleasant dream. Relief washed over me, though the questions of where we were and how we got here burned even brighter.

  I swung my legs off the bed, intending to get up, but something caught my attention. To my right, on a coral-formed table, lay my neatly folded clothes and my 2 blades. The familiarity of my garments was jarring in such an alien space, but what really hit me was the why.

  A chill ran down my spine as I suddenly felt the coolness of the blanket on bare skin. A thought struck me, and I cautiously lifted the edge of the blanket to confirm.

  "You're kidding me..." I muttered under my breath. My face heated up instantly. I was completely naked.

  Heart pounding, I scrambled out of bed, clutching the blanket tightly around myself while simultaneously grabbing my clothes. As fast as I could, I struggled into them, my movements frantic. The thought of Mira waking up and seeing me in that state made my stomach burn with embarrassment.

  Once dressed, I let out a shaky sigh. Turning toward Mira again, I saw her eyelids flutter. Her breathing shifted rhythm.

  "Mira?" I called hesitantly, moving closer.

  But before I could take another step, the air changed around me. My body suddenly felt weightless, my feet leaving the ground as though I were floating. At the same time, a suffocating sensation gripped my chest.

  I gasped for air, but my lungs refused to comply. Flailing my arms, I found every movement sluggish, as though I were submerged in thick water. My vision blurred, and panic set in.

  "Duke!" Mira’s voice, muffled as if from far away, reached me. She was out of her bed, moving toward me, her own steps unsteady.

  Before she could reach me, the door to the room slammed open with a loud crash.

  Two figures entered, their appearances immediately striking. Their skin shimmered with shades of blue and green, catching the light in an almost iridescent way. Webbed fingers and toes marked them as distinctly not human, and gills on the sides of their necks opened and closed in a steady rhythm. Their eyes, large and slightly reflective, locked onto me and Mira with a mix of urgency and calculation. They both wear similar clothes like a soldier with a shining medal on the chest and a armband.

  The first figure rushed to me, his hands glowing with a blue light as he chanted in a strange, melodic language. I felt the light envelop me, and the pressure on my chest lifted. I inhaled sharply, gasping for air as my body fell to the ground with a soft thud.

  “Sorry for the inconvenience, I did cast a spell on you before but it was a weaker version. Only last for a while but due to your movements, it would end quicker. Now, this new spell would do it good.” The spellcaster said with a pacnic but then soon turn into smile when the spell worked

  The second figure approached Mira, his movements fluid as he checked her over. "Are you unharmed?" he asked, his voice calm yet resonant, carrying a hint of an accent I couldn’t place.

  "I'm fine," Mira said quickly, her wide eyes fixed on me. "Duke, are you okay?"

  I nodded, still catching my breath. "I’m... fine now," I said, standing slowly. My gaze shifted to the two strangers. "Who are you? And what is this place?"

  The two exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable. For a moment, it seemed as though they were silently communicating with each other.

  "You are in Hydrothys," one of them said finally, his tone even. "The coral kingdom of the Myrdians."

  Mira gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "The Myrdians? But... I thought..."

  She trailed off, and I could understand her disbelief. Myrdians were a rare race, known only from old stories and snippets of vague historical records. They were supposed to be reclusive, almost never seen by outsiders.

  “How did we get here?” I asked, my voice edged with suspicion.

  The second Myrdian, the one who had cast the spell on me, answered. “It was because our city’s ancient defenses. Long ago, our ancestors created a system to capture intruders and bring them here. We found you on a rooftop, likely brought by that mechanism.”

  The first Myrdian added, “The system was meant to protect us but cannot be deactivated. We have since adapted to its existence. Don’t worry, this wasn’t the first time we got someone from the land.”

  “Wasn’t the first time?” I repeated cautiously

  “There were some cases where sailors, divers or even people who just want to enjoy the bea h got caught.” The taller one said

  “And this spell you used on me?” I pressed.

  “It allows you to breathe and move freely here, where the water saturates the air. The spell was created by Tyreas, one of our founders, long time ago” he explained.

  Their words felt rehearsed, as if they had given this explanation many times before. Still, there was no hostility in their demeanor, and I had little choice but to trust them for now. Even though I still had many questions about the founders, system, etc but this is the important one.

  “Can we return to the surface?” I asked.

  “Yes,” the second Myrdian replied. “You are not prisoners. When you wish to leave, we will escort you.”

  “Unfortunately, you have to wait here a little bit.” The second one chimed in

  “Wait? What do you mean?” Mira asked tilting her head

  “Before we could escort you to the surface, we need to go back to our shift first! And we can’t let anyone else escort you there since only the elite guards had the access through our barrier.” The shorter Myrdian said

  “ And what he meant by the elite guards, it is us. So you can freely explore this place while we go finish our job. Don’t worry, it won’t be too long.”

  After that, they quickly get outside of the room leaving me and Mira behind.

  “Hey, I don’t really trust these guys! Though they seem friendly, just keep your guards up! I said quietly and Mira answered with a quick nod. I can tell that she is excited about these peopl and this place

  “Come on! We gotta explore this place, right?” She said with stars in her eyes

  ‘Yea right”

  Stepping out into the hallway, we followed the faint hum of activity that grew louder as we descended a spiral staircase made of smooth, pearlescent stone. The railings were decorated with strands of glowing seaweed that pulsed softly like living veins of light. The air felt dense but oddly refreshing, carrying a faint, salty smell.

  The atrium at the base of the staircase was alive with movement. Myrdians moved gracefully, their fluid motions making them appear as though they were dancing rather than walking. Some carried woven baskets filled with glowing sea plants that emitted soft, pastel hues—greens, blues, and pinks—that illuminated their paths. Others interacted with small schools of vibrant fish darting playfully between their hands, responding as if they were pets. The soft hum of conversation mingled with the faint trickling sound of water echoing through the space.

  Mira and I exchanged a look, equal parts wonder and trepidation. I couldn’t shake the sense that this was a place unknown for the people above, like something out of a dream. Clearly that I had read about this race, but there place of living was stated to be uncertain in many books

  “Duke,” Mira whispered, clutching my sleeve. “It’s like… an underwater fairy tale.”

  I nodded. “Yeah, but let’s not forget—we’re not here by choice. Stay alert.”

  She gave a small nod, though her eyes remained wide with curiosity as she took in every detail.

  An older Myrdian woman, looks like in her early 20s, with webbed hands and a kindly expression approached us, her gill-like structures flaring gently with each breath. Her skin shimmered faintly, a deep aquamarine that reflected the light of the glowing plants. She bowed slightly.

  “At Hyrdothis visitors are rare,” she said, her voice melodic yet firm. “Would you like a guide to the city? It’s easy to lose your way if you’re unfamiliar.”

  Mira glanced at me, her brow raised. I hesitated for a moment, weighing the risk of venturing out alone versus accepting her help. Ultimately, I nodded.

  “That would be helpful. Thank you,” I replied cautiously.

  The woman smiled, her expression warm and motherly. “Follow me.”

  She led us through an arched doorway that opened into the city beyond. As the doors swung wide, the sight that greeted us left us both speechless.

  The city of Hydrothys sprawled out in every direction, its architecture defying anything I’d ever seen. Towering buildings made of coral and shell rose from the ground, their surfaces alive with the iridescent glow of embedded pearls and bioluminescent plants. The structures twisted and curved like they had grown naturally rather than being built, their shapes mimicking the flow of ocean currents.

  Kelp bridges connected platforms suspended in midair, swaying gently in a rhythmic motion that seemed to match the faint hum in the air. Below us, the ground was a mosaic of sand, smooth stone, and lush aquatic vegetation, interspersed with shallow pools that glimmered like liquid crystal.

  A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  Myrdians swam effortlessly through the water, many of them swimming as easily as walking. Schools of fish darted between them, their scales refracting the light into a kaleidoscope of colors. Some children floated through the water, giggling as they chased one another around coral pillars. Others played games on the ground, weaving through imaginary mazes marked by glowing seashells.

  “This place is… amazing,” Mira whispered, her voice thick with awe. She turned to look at me, her expression softening for a moment. “It’s like we’ve stepped into another world.”

  I couldn’t deny it. “Yeah. It’s... unbelievable.” My words came out quietly, almost grudgingly, as I continued to scan our surroundings. “But remember, Mira—we still don’t know why we’re here. Don’t let your guard down.”

  Mira sighed but nodded, her gaze lingering on a group of Myrdian children who had gathered around a large, luminous orb floating midair. One child touched the orb, and it rippled with radiant light, shifting colors in a mesmerizing pattern.

  Our guide turned to us with a gentle smile. “The city is built to harmonize with the currents and the life around us. Each building, each pathway, serves a purpose—not just for us, but for the creatures who share this space.”

  “Those buildings…” I pointed to a series of towering structures that seemed to spiral upward, their coral exteriors glowing faintly. “How do they stay like that? They look almost… alive.”

  “They are,” the guide replied, a hint of pride in her tone. “We cultivate living coral to form the foundation of our structures. It grows and adapts with time, maintaining its strength and beauty.”

  Mira’s eyes sparkled with fascination. “That’s incredible. So your whole city… it’s literally alive?”

  “In a way, yes. It is a reflection of our bond with the sea,” the guide explained.

  As we continued walking, a group of Myrdians approached us, their expressions friendly and curious. One of them, a young woman with emerald-green skin and a crown of tiny shells woven into her hair, offered us a small, glowing fruit.

  “Welcome to Hydrothys,” she said warmly. “Try this—it’s a delicacy.”

  Mira hesitated for only a second before accepting it. She took a cautious bite, her eyes widening in delight. “It’s sweet! Like… like honey, but fresher.”

  I also took a bit on a yellow-color fruit. I didn’t say it out loud but it really good, better than most of the fruits I have eaten before.

  The Myrdian laughed softly. “It’s called a luminfruit. It grows only in the deeper gardens.”

  And then, as if we are celebrities, many more Myrdians swarmed at us, some offered us a present, other invited us to their house for a sleepover, you can name it. A kid approached me from the behind and asked me to play with him and his friends “Mister human, can you play with us for a bit please”

  I declined with a smile on my face but they were already gone, I turned to my right, where Mira was supposed to be. She wasn’t there.

  “Duke, you’re missing out,” she teased with happily play tags with the kids. “You’re so suspicious all the time. Not everything is a trap, you know.”

  “Maybe not,” I muttered, crossing my arms. “But I’d rather be safe than sorry.”

  The guide chuckled, breaking the tension. “Your caution is wise, young one. But rest assured, you are our guests. No harm will come to you here.”

  We continued through the city, marveling at its intricate design. Everywhere we looked, there was something new to capture our attention—Myrdians weaving nets from glowing strands of kelp, artisans crafting jewelry from polished shells, and traders exchanging goods with a mixture of hand signals and melodic hums.

  “This place is so vibrant,” Mira said, her voice full of wonder. “It’s like it’s… alive in every sense of the word.”

  I nodded, though my mind lingered on the Myrdians’ earlier words about their defensive system. Something about this city didn’t sit right with me, no matter how welcoming it appeared.

  Nah, screw that, maybe I am too cautious? Let’s just enjoy the walk for now.

  As we walked deeper into the city, our guide turned to us with a warm smile. “By the way, I should introduce myself. My name is Lyssira. And you two are?”

  “I’m Duke,” I replied, watching her closely. “And this is Mira.”

  “Nice to meet you, Lyssira,” Mira added, her tone more relaxed than mine.

  “The pleasure is mine,” Lyssira said with a slight bow of her head. “I hope my younger brothers didn’t bother you too much earlier. They were the ones who came to your room. The taller one was Caelum, and the one who cast the spell was Leryn. They’re both quite protective, though sometimes their approach can be… abrupt.”

  “They were your brothers? That explain while you guys look same! And don’t be too worry, t hey didn’t cause any trouble,” I assured her, shaking my head. “If anything, I owe them. I don’t know what would’ve happened if they hadn’t helped me breathe again.”

  Lyssira’s face lit up with genuine relief. “I’m glad to hear that. They’ll be happy to know you’re alright.” She paused, her expression softening. “Caelum and Leryn are all the family I have left. Our parents were killed during a raid by sea raiders when we were just children.”

  Mira gasped. “That’s awful. I’m so sorry…”

  Lyssira gave a faint smile, though sadness lingered in her eyes. “Thank you. It’s been many years, but the loss never really fades. Still, we’ve done our best to look out for each other. They’ve grown into fine men.”

  She suddenly waved her hands as if brushing away the topic. “Ah, forgive me for rambling. I didn’t mean to burden you with our troubles.”

  “No need to apologize,” I said, surprising myself with how sincere I sounded. “Everyone has a story. And I appreciate you sharing yours.”

  Her smile returned, brighter this time. “Thank you, Duke. Now, let’s move on. There’s so much more to see!”

  Lyssira led us through the city, pointing out various landmarks as we went. Hydrothys was unlike any place I had ever seen—its structures blended seamlessly with the ocean, each building designed with both function and beauty in mind. The glowing corals that lined the pathways pulsed faintly, as if the entire city itself was alive.

  Our first stop was a famous restaurant built into a massive, shimmering clamshell. The shell’s iridescent hues shifted under the city’s ambient glow, creating a mesmerizing effect. The restaurant’s interior was visible through its partially open “shell,” revealing patrons seated on floating platforms. Schools of tiny, glowing fish drifted around them like living chandeliers, casting soft light across the space.

  “This is the Pearl Hearth,” Lyssira said, gesturing toward it. “It’s one of the finest restaurants in Hydrothys, known for its deep-sea delicacies. Myrdians, as well as travelers from distant waters, come here to dine.”

  Mira’s eyes practically sparkled as she took in the sight. “It looks so magical! I’ve never seen anything like this before.”

  I glanced at the floating platforms and the elegant way the Myrdians dined while surrounded by glowing fish. “So, do we just... eat while floating?”

  Lyssira chuckled. “If you dine here, yes. But don’t worry—the magic-infused water keeps everything stable. Even surface-dwellers find it relaxing.”

  Mira nudged me with her elbow. “Maybe we should try it later.”

  I smirked. “As long as the food doesn’t start swimming away from my plate.”

  Lyssira shook her head with a smile before continuing our tour.

  Next, we arrived at the town hall, an imposing structure that seemed to be carved from a single, massive coral formation. Its spires twisted elegantly toward the ceiling of the cavern, and its outer walls pulsed faintly with a rhythmic glow, mirroring the soft hum of the city itself.

  “The town hall is where most of our administrative work happens,” Lyssira explained. “It also serves as a gathering place during festivals and important announcements.”

  Mira ran a hand along the smooth, glowing coral. “It feels warm.”

  Lyssira nodded. “It’s a living structure, sustained by the currents of Hydrothys. The Myrdians built it this way so it would always grow with the city.”

  I took a step back, looking up at the towering spires. “A city that grows along with its people... That’s pretty impressive.”

  Not far from the town hall stood the ambassador building, a grand structure made of translucent stone. The material refracted light into dazzling patterns that shimmered across the surrounding plaza, making the entire area feel like it was bathed in liquid gemstones.

  “This is where visitors from other underwater kingdoms—and even surface-dwellers—meet for diplomacy and trade,” Lyssira said. “It’s a place of peace, where all are welcome.”

  I crossed my arms. “Do surface-dwellers come here often?”

  “Not often,” Lyssira admitted. “But when they do, they’re treated as honored guests. The Myrdians value peace and collaboration.”

  Mira tilted her head. “So, have you ever met one?”

  Lyssira smiled. “A few. Some were explorers, others traders. And, of course, we’ve had envoys from surface nations seeking alliances.” She gave me a knowing look. “You two might not be the first, but you are among the few.”

  I glanced at Mira, who grinned. “I feel like that should earn us a special title.”

  Lyssira laughed. “Perhaps. ‘Sky-Walkers of Hydrothys,’ maybe?”

  Mira laughed along with her, but as we continued walking, I couldn’t help but admire how seamlessly Hydrothys balanced tradition, nature, and diplomacy.

  Little did I know, the most remarkable sight was still ahead.

  As we walked through the heart of Hydrothys, admiring the grand structures and glowing corals, we came upon a large plaza, where an imposing statue stood at its center. The monument was carved from dark, polished stone, standing in stark contrast to the luminescent surroundings.

  The figure depicted was that of a Myrdian warrior, his webbed feet planted firmly on the ground, yet his stance held a fluid grace, as if he were one with the currents. A long trident rested against his side, its tip gleaming faintly in the blue light of the city. His expression was calm—serene even—but beneath that tranquility was an undeniable strength, the kind that spoke of unwavering resolve even in the face of insurmountable odds.

  I slowed my steps, a faint sense of familiarity creeping into my mind. I had seen this statue before. Not here, but somewhere far from the depths of the ocean.

  Mira stopped beside me, tilting her head in thought. “Duke, doesn’t this look… familiar?”

  I frowned, my mind tracing back through old memories. And then it clicked.

  “The village,” I muttered. “That small village we passed through on our way to Brightmoor. There was a statue just like this one, but smaller… less polished.”

  Mira nodded quickly, her eyes lighting up with realization. “That’s right! But back then, he wasn’t the only one sculpted. He was standing among other legendary warriors—humans, elves, beastkin. Yet here, it’s just him.”

  Hearing our exchange, Lyssira turned toward us with interest. “You’ve seen a statue of Diret before?”

  I nodded. “Yeah. It was in a humble village—nothing like this grand monument.”

  Lyssira’s gaze softened. “That is because, among the many warriors who fought in the Third Great War, Diret’s battle was unique. His war wasn’t waged on land, but in the depths of the ocean itself.”

  She stepped closer to the statue, resting a hand gently against its base. “Diret Gildon was the one who led our people—the Myrdians—alongside a fleet of human warships against Demon King Velgath, the Abyssal Leviathan. Velgath was no ordinary foe. It was a colossal monstrosity, a creature born from the abyss, its body so vast that it could darken the waters for miles. Wherever it swam, it swallowed entire islands beneath the tides.”

  I could almost picture it—towering waves, a monstrous shadow beneath the surface, piercing red eyes glowing from the deep.

  Lyssira continued, her voice carrying both pride and sorrow. “The battle raged across the open sea. Diret and his warriors fought in the water, while human ships launched volleys of magic and ballistae from above. Many fell that day, devoured by the abyss, dragged into the endless depths. But Diret… he never faltered. He led the final charge, striking at Velgath’s heart with his trident, piercing through its cursed flesh.”

  She exhaled softly. “And with that final blow, the ocean swallowed them both.”

  A deep silence settled over us. The sounds of Hydrothys—the distant hum of life, the whispers of passing Myrdians—faded into the background.

  Mira ran her fingers along the stone, her expression unreadable. “…So that’s why he’s remembered differently.”

  I nodded slowly. Unlike the other heroes, whose battles were fought on land, Diret’s final stand was lost to the sea, unseen by most. While the world honored many warriors, his sacrifice was truly Hydrothys’ to remember.

  Lyssira turned back to the statue, her voice barely above a whisper. “He fought so that the ocean would not become a grave for all. And for that, he will always be our greatest protector.”

  We stood there for a moment longer, letting the weight of history settle over us like the gentle current of the deep.

  We continued walking, marveling at the intricate beauty of the city, when Lyssira suddenly stopped mid-step. Her eyes closed, and a faint shimmer surrounded her head, as if she were concentrating deeply.

  “What’s wrong?” Mira asked, noticing her sudden stillness.

  Lyssira opened her eyes after a moment, her expression more serious now. “I’ve just received a message from the king’s attendants. He has requested to see both of you immediately.”

  “The king?” Mira and I said in unison, exchanging uneasy glances.

  “Yes,” Lyssira confirmed, her tone calm but firm. “It’s rare for the king to summon surface-dwellers. He must have something important to discuss. Please, follow me.”

  She turned and began leading us down a new path, this one lined with towering columns of glowing sea plants that emitted a soft, ethereal light. My stomach tightened with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. Whatever the king wanted, I had a feeling it wasn’t going to be a casual chat.

  Mira nudged me gently as we walked. “What do you think this is about?”

  “I don’t know,” I admitted, keeping my voice low. “But we need to be careful. If this place is as peaceful as they say, why would their king take an interest in us?”

  Mira nodded, her face serious now. “Good point. Let’s just hope it’s not bad news.”