The faint light of dawn painted the sky in hues of soft pink and gold as I struggled to roll out of bed. Waking up early was something I enjoyed back in my old world, but here? It felt almost impossible with how comfortable these beds were. Still, today was another chance to try and reclaim that habit.

  After throwing on some light clothes, I stepped outside the inn. The cool morning breeze greeted me, carrying the salty scent of the sea. The village was peaceful—most of its inhabitants were still asleep, their homes bathed in the gentle morning glow. I stretched my arms, letting the crisp air wake me fully, and then set off at a steady pace for my morning run.

  The path started through the village streets, quiet save for the occasional chirping of early birds. As I moved toward the mountain trail, the terrain shifted, opening up to a breathtaking view of the sea far below. The sky above was a canvas of pastel colors, the sun just starting to peek over the horizon, casting a golden shimmer across the water.

  Running along the mountain path, I couldn't help but be surprised at the lush greenery around me. Dew clung to the leaves, sparkling like tiny jewels in the sunlight. Eventually, the path descended toward the seashore, where the waves lazily lapped against the sand. The scent of saltwater and the rhythmic sound of the waves felt like nature’s encouragement to keep going.

  As I ran, I reflected on the benefits. Back in my old world, I’d read about how morning exercise kickstarts your metabolism and boosts your energy for the day. Here, it wasn’t much different—except mana enhanced our stamina, so running felt less exhausting and more invigorating. Plus, I could feel the clarity it gave me, a perfect way to clear my head and think about the tasks ahead.

  After finishing my run, I headed to a small clearing in the forest nearby. It was shaded, with sunlight filtering through the leaves, casting dappled patterns on the ground. There, I dropped down and began my workout: 100 push-ups, squats, and sit-ups. On top of those famous exercises, I add 100 sword swings. Even if it is a beginner exercise, there was a saying “I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times”.

  While this might have been a killer routine back in my old world, here it was just... manageable. With mana flowing through my body, my muscles didn’t burn as intensely, but it still took effort to push through. I remembered how I never cared much about working out before, but something about maintaining this routine felt grounding—a small connection to my past life.

  Sweaty and tired, I made my way to the local bathhouse for a much-needed rinse. The warm steam greeted me as I stepped in, but to my surprise, someone else was already there.

  "Morning, boss!" Jasper’s voice rang out as I spotted him soaking in one of the pools, leaning back with his arms spread along the edge like he owned the place. Different from his appearance when he has clothes on, a slim person, he is actually quite buff.

  “Oh great, just what I needed—company,” I muttered, though a small grin crept onto my face despite myself. "Do you even sleep?"

  "Sleep is for the weak," Jasper shot back with a wide grin. "Besides, I’ve been up planning how to be your number-one sidekick. Gotta stay ahead of the competition."

  I rolled my eyes as I stepped into the water, the warmth immediately easing the soreness in my muscles. "Sidekick? More like a self-appointed assistant. And what competition?"

  "Finn and Lia, obviously. Do you think they aren’t gunning for the top spot? I heard Finn say yesterday he’d be the first to take over if you ever retire."

  “Retire?” I raised an eyebrow. “I’m ten. Who’s thinking about retirement?”

  "Visionaries, boss," Jasper said with a serious tone, but his grin betrayed him. "We gotta plan for every scenario. Finn might be a troublemaker, but the he got ambition."

  I settled into the water, trying to ignore the weirdness of sitting next to a half-naked Jasper in a public bath. "Just the usual, Jasper. Keep the village in one piece, don’t let Finn burn anything down, and maybe—just maybe—avoid embarrassing me in public."

  "Embarrassing you? I’m enhancing your image," Jasper said, puffing out his chest. "Every great leader needs a guy like me. Keeps the people entertained, you know?"

  I shook my head. "Yeah, because that’s what people look for in a leader—a class clown with no off button."

  Jasper laughed, leaning forward. "Admit it, boss. You’d be bored out of your mind without me. Who else is gonna remind you that you’re human and not some unstoppable, all-powerful hero?"

  "I don’t need reminding," I replied, smirking. "You trip over your own feet often enough for both of us."

  "Hey now, that was one time," he shot back, pointing at me. "And in my defense, the floor was uneven. If anything, it was an elaborate trap designed to humble me."

  I snorted. "Right. A trap set specifically for you."

  After the workout and my chat with Jasper, I made my way to our favorite restaurant, where the others were already waiting. The warm, savory aroma of veggie soup greeted me as I stepped inside. Kael, Sylas, and Kaldor sat at our usual table, chatting casually.

  “Took you long enough,” Sylas teased, waving me over. “What, did Jasper hold you hostage in the bathhouse?”

  “Something like that,” I said, rolling my eyes as I took a seat.

  Kael smirked. “Let me guess—he was strategizing his next ‘promotion’ speech?”

  “Bingo,” I replied, picking up my spoon. “Apparently, statues of Jasper are going to be a thing now.”

  “Statues?” Kaldor raised an eyebrow, his calm demeanor cracking just enough to let out a small chuckle. “That man’s ambition knows no bounds.”

  Sylas laughed, nearly choking on her soup. “I don’t know whether to be impressed or terrified.”

  Breakfast was simple yet satisfying—hot potatoes and veggie soup. As we ate, the conversation flowed naturally. Sylas shared a story about her attempt to teach some kids magic the other day, which apparently ended with a tree accidentally being set on fire.

  “It was under control!” she insisted, waving her hands.

  “Sure it was,” Kael deadpanned. “The tree just happened to combust while you were showing off fire spells?”

  “Hey, the kids loved it,” Sylas shot back, grinning.

  After breakfast, we gathered our belongings and began our trek down to Hyrdothys to visit Mira. The path wound through lush greenery, the salty scent of the sea growing stronger with each step. By the time we reached the underwater city, Mira was already waiting for us at the entrance, her bright smile lighting up the space.

  “You’re here!” she exclaimed, practically bouncing. “I’ve been waiting forever!”

  “Forever, huh?” I teased. “We’re only a little late.”

  “Exactly—a little! That’s forever in Mira-time,” she said, crossing her arms but unable to hide her excitement.

  The days we spent with Mira were always a mix of laughter and adventure. Whether it was competing in underwater races, exploring hidden coral caves, or just chatting endlessly about everything and nothing, it felt like time didn’t exist.

  One evening, we all ended up in Mira’s room—a space so luxurious it made the inns in the village look like barns. The walls shimmered with the soft glow of embedded pearls, casting a dreamy light over the room. Intricate carvings adorned the dark wooden furniture, depicting scenes of marine life in breathtaking detail. A massive bed, draped in silken sheets, dominated the center of the room, its headboard inlaid with mother-of-pearl designs that reflected the light like waves on the ocean’s surface.

  “Royal life is really a thing,” Sylas noted, wide-eyed as she flopped onto the plush bed, bouncing slightly from the softness.

  Mira giggled, sitting cross-legged on a velvety armchair. “Nope, just spoiled by my adoptive parents. Perks of being the favorite.”

  Kael walked over to the chandelier, squinting at the gold accents. “Favorite, huh? I can’t even tell if this thing is real gold, but knowing you, it probably is.”

  “It is,” Mira replied with a smug grin. “One of my dads insisted on using the best materials. He said, ‘An Aquarion deserves nothing less!’” She mimicked Meryd’s deep voice, earning chuckles from everyone.

  Kaldor, ever the quiet observer, ran a hand over the wooden frame of a nearby desk. “The craftsmanship here is remarkable. Whoever made this must be a master.”

  Mira beamed. “Oh, they are! Dad hired artisans from across the region to decorate this room when I moved in. He wanted me to feel at home.”

  Sylas rolled onto her back, spreading her arms dramatically. “Well, this is home goals. Can I move in? I’ll even do chores—like... lying here and looking fabulous.”

  “Sure,” Mira teased. “But only if you can keep up with the upkeep. Polishing those pearls is harder than it looks!”

  Kael raised an eyebrow. “Do you actually polish them?”

  The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  Mira burst out laughing. “Of course not! We have staff for that.”

  “Ah, the life of luxury,” Kael said, shaking his head with mock exasperation. “Meanwhile, we’re out there camping in the woods, dodging bugs the size of my fist.”

  “Hey,” I chimed in, leaning against the doorframe. “Luckily, at least we don’t have to worry about tripping over priceless rugs or breaking gold chandeliers.”

  Mira stuck out her tongue playfully. “Jealous much, Duke?”

  “Not really,” I replied with a smirk. “I’d be too scared to touch anything in here. One wrong move and I’d probably owe your dad my life savings.”

  The room erupted in laughter as Sylas dramatically draped a pillow over herself like a cape. “Fear not, Duke! I’ll protect you from Mira’s wrath if you accidentally scuff the rug.”

  Mira threw a cushion at Sylas, who caught it with a grin. The playful energy filled the room, making it feel not just luxurious but alive with the warmth of friendship. Despite the grandeur surrounding us, it was the shared laughter and teasing that made the evening truly special.

  As the laughter died down, Mira tilted her head slightly. “Wait a second… where are your greatest fans?”

  I blinked. “Huh?”

  She grinned. “Jasper, Finn, and Lia. They’re always around you, causing chaos. Did you lose them somewhere?”

  Kael smirked. “No, they finally decided to be responsible for once.”

  “They took on a mission on their own,” Kaldor added. “Apparently, they wanted to prove they can handle things without Duke babysitting them.”

  I let out a dramatic sigh, rubbing the back of my neck. “Yeah, and somehow that also means I finally got a day off. I swear, being a boss is more exhausting than working for one.”

  Sylas snorted. “That’s what you get for hiring chaos incarnate.”

  “They’re not that bad,” I muttered.

  Kael gave me a knowing look. “Finn literally told you to fight a god, Duke.”

  That got another round of chuckles. Mira, however, perked up at something. “That reminds me… do you guys know how Hydrothys was formed?”

  The shift in her tone immediately caught our attention. Sylas sat up properly, Kael leaned against the wall, and Kaldor gave her a nod of interest.

  “Not really,” I admitted. “But I have a feeling you’re about to tell us.”

  Mira smiled, settling into her seat more comfortably. “It’s a long story, but trust me—it’s worth it.”

  She paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts before beginning.

  “Hydrothys has existed for longer than most surface kingdoms, even before the First Great War—more than fifteen hundred years ago. But back then, it wasn’t a grand city. The Myrdians were nomadic, scattered across the ocean in small tribes, never staying in one place for too long. They lived deep beneath the waves or along hidden shores, avoiding contact with the surface world.”

  Her voice took on a softer, more solemn tone. “They didn’t have a true home. Storms, sea monsters, even warring human empires forced them to constantly move. But that changed when the first great ruler of our people—the one known as the Tidal Sovereign—united the Myrdians and built the foundation of what would become Hydrothys.”

  Kael tilted his head. “Tidal Sovereign? That sounds… dramatic.”

  Mira grinned. “Well, it was a dramatic time. No one knows his real name anymore. The records from that era were lost, but the stories say he was the first to wield the ocean itself as a weapon. He led the Myrdians in carving a sanctuary into the depths—a place no storm, empire, or sea beast could ever destroy. That was the birth of Hydrothys.”

  She paused, glancing at each of us before continuing, “But Hydrothys isn’t the only settlement. The Myrdians are spread far and wide, with cities scattered across the ocean floor. Some are hidden beneath thick coral reefs, others nestled within the trenches where sunlight barely reaches. There’s even a legend about an ancient Myrdian city resting within a submerged crater, said to house ruins older than even the first Great War.”

  Kael folded his arms. “So, there’s an entire civilization down here that most of the surface world doesn’t even know about?”

  Mira nodded. “Pretty much. We keep it that way on purpose. The ocean is vast, and not all who seek to enter it come with good intentions.”

  Sylas leaned forward, resting her chin on her hands. “And all these cities… do they follow your dad’s rule?”

  “Not exactly,” Mira admitted. “While my family’s lineage has ruled Hydrothys for generations, the other settlements have their own leaders. Some are allies, others prefer isolation. The only thing that unites us is our shared heritage and the ocean itself.”

  Kaldor hummed in thought. “So even under the sea, there are different factions and politics.”

  Mira sighed dramatically. “Yep. Just because we live underwater doesn’t mean we’re free from all that.”

  I tapped my fingers against my arm. “Still, it’s impressive that Hydrothys has lasted this long.”

  Mira smiled. “It is. And it’s my home, no matter what happens.”

  Kaldor’s expression remained calm, but his eyes showed interest. “So, it wasn’t just built—it was carved into the ocean floor?”

  Mira nodded. “Exactly. The Tidal Sovereign’s magic was so strong that he reshaped the seabed, creating an enormous trench hidden from the surface. With time, the Myrdians built their kingdom within it, a place that could withstand the fury of the sea.”

  Sylas whistled. “Sounds like a good start. But let me guess—someone tried to take it away?”

  Mira smirked. “Of course. The Myrdians weren’t the only ones who wanted control of the ocean. Pirates, warlords, and even surface nations tried to claim it. But generation after generation, our kings and queens fought to keep Hydrothys safe. Some led great battles, some forged alliances, and others expanded the city, making it stronger.”

  She leaned back slightly. “Myreidon Aquarion—my grandfather—was just one of them. He wasn’t the founder of Hydrothys, but he was one of its greatest protectors. He earned the title of Water God not because he built the city, but because he defended it in its darkest hour.”

  Sylas arched an eyebrow. “Darkest hour?”

  Mira’s playful demeanor faded slightly. “There was a time when Hydrothys was nearly destroyed. A powerful enemy tried to take everything from us—our home, our people, our legacy. Myreidon didn’t just fight them; he made sure no one would ever threaten Hydrothys again.”

  Her gaze flickered toward the ceiling, as if seeing something beyond the present. “His story is famous, but he was just one ruler in a long line. Hydrothys isn’t just the work of one person—it’s the result of thousands of years of struggle, of kings and queens who refused to let their people be forgotten.”

  There was a moment of silence as we absorbed her words.

  “So, your family’s legacy is basically being legends,” Kael remarked.

  Mira grinned. “Pretty much. No pressure, right?”

  Sylas smirked. “Nah, you’re already living up to it. You’ve got the fancy room, the connections, and you’re one of the best fighters in our group. Now you just need to summon a tidal wave, and you’re set.”

  Mira chuckled. “Give me a few years, and we’ll see.”

  The conversation drifted into lighthearted jokes after that, but Mira’s story lingered in my mind. A city built from nothing, a people who fought to carve out their place in history, rulers who carried the weight of an entire race on their shoulders…

  For a moment, I wondered—what kind of legacy would I leave behind?

  Two weeks flew by, and soon it was time to leave. The entire village gathered to see us off, including a few adventurers we had befriended. The atmosphere was thick with a mix of smiles, handshakes, and a few damp eyes.

  “You’re leaving us already?” one of the villagers, a woman who had often greeted us with fresh bread, asked, tears shimmering in her eyes.

  “We’ll be back,” I assured her, giving her a smile that I hoped conveyed my sincerity. “But there’s more work to be done out there.”

  “We’ll be waiting for you,” she said, squeezing my hand before stepping back into the crowd.

  “Thanks for everything boss” Finn said nodding his head

  “Yea, if it weren’t for you guys, we would be dead inside that fortress. I will be sure all of us will be loyal and the best employees you have!” Lia said, with little tears coming out from her eyes.

  Jasper, however, had a harder time letting go. As soon as I turned to walk, I felt a familiar weight latch onto my leg. “Boss, you can’t leave me behind! I’m your most loyal employee!”

  “Jasper…” I sighed, glancing down at him. He was clutching my pants, face scrunched up in the most dramatic display of tears I’d ever seen. "You can't be serious."

  But instead of pushing him off, I rested a hand on his shoulder and crouched down to his level. “Jasper, your first mission as my employee is to protect this village and spread good news about the Drakonians. Also to recruit people whom you think best to work in the company. Think you can handle that?”

  He sniffled, wiping his nose on his sleeve. “You can count on me, Boss. I’ll keep this village safe, just like you did.”

  The young boy who had played with Sylas came up beside her, tugging on her sleeve. “Don’t go! You’re the coolest! I’ve never had so much fun playing sword fighting!”

  “Take care of things here, little one,” She said, ruffling his hair. “And maybe next time, we’ll have more time for a real match.”

  The boy beamed. “I’ll be ready!”

  “Don’t forget to teach him the sword dance, Sylas!” one of the lumberjacks called out to her, grinning widely as he leaned on his axe. “That kid’ll be the next champion with those moves you showed him.”

  Kaldor chuckled from behind me, exchanging a quick fist bump with the lumberjack. “Just make sure he doesn’t swing that sword at the trees. We need them standing for the next season.”

  The lumberjack winked. “Don’t worry, Kaldor. We’ll make sure the kid’s swing stays sharp, but the trees stay intact.” He clapped me on the back. “Thanks for the help with that last shipment of logs, Duke. Couldn’t have done it without you.”

  I nodded. “Glad to help. Stay safe out here.”

  Jasper, still clinging to my leg like a lifeline, gave me one last pleading look. “You can’t go yet, Boss. I haven’t even finished my work!”

  “We’ll talk about your next mission when I get back,” I assured him, trying to gently ease him off me. But he wasn’t letting go.

  One of the adventurers I recognized from earlier, a tall man with a scar across his face, stepped forward and placed a hand on Jasper’s shoulder. “Hey, kid, I know you’re upset. But you’ve got a real mission now. You’re part of the team, and the whole village’s counting on you.”

  Jasper looked up at the adventurer with wide, tear-filled eyes. “But... but I’m just an employee! I don’t wanna be left behind!”

  The adventurer chuckled softly. “You’re more than just an employee. You’re a protector. We’re all in this together. So, dry those tears. It’s time to show everyone what you can really do.”

  Jasper gave a reluctant nod, though the tears still hung in his eyes. “I... I will. I’ll protect this place. I promise.”

  As we turned to leave, the villagers waved us off with smiles and cheers. “Safe travels!” one shouted. “We’ll be waiting for your return!” another added.

  The sounds of well-wishes followed us, but in the back, I could hear Jasper letting out a strangled sob. The next thing I knew, Finn and Lia had caught him as he collapsed in their arms, half-crying, half-laughing.

  “I can’t believe you’re going, Boss!” Jasper hiccupped. “You’re leaving me with all this responsibility! What if I mess up?”

  “You won’t mess up, Jasper,” Finn said, giving him a gentle shove. “You’ve got this. Just remember, you’ve got the best team with you—us.”

  “And we’ll be right here when you get back,” Lia added with a grin, trying to lighten the mood. “It’s not goodbye, it’s just a ‘see you later.’”

  Jasper finally pulled away from them, wiping his eyes and trying to steady his breath. “Right. See you later.” His voice was shaky, but the sincerity in it made my chest tighten.

  I gave him one final pat on the shoulder. “I’ll be back, Jasper. Take care of the village, alright?”

  He nodded, a quiet determination settling in as he stood tall, his tears now replaced by a hint of pride.

  “Goodbye, Duke! Good luck!” The entire village called out, their voices loud and full of warmth.

  With a last look at them, I turned away and headed toward Hyrdothys to pick up Mira. The journey ahead was uncertain, but for the first time in a long while, I felt confident that the people here would be alright—even without us.