In the depths of the o, where light could scarcely pee, a city shone like a bea of hope amidst the darkness.

  "Wele, this is our city," decred the leading fishman with a proud tone in his voice.

  At first, Yverantheia had uimated the intelligence of the fishmen soldiers, assuming the entire race cked sophistication. However, she soon realized that the fishmen had specialized roles. The gatekeepers, in particur, dispyed fluent speed intelleparable to humans. Their fish-like features were subtle, with only a fish head exposed uheir clothing and hands that resembled human hands, covered in scales.

  "I uand the situation now. I will request an audieh His Majesty. Please wait here for a moment," said the formally dressed fishman, nodding respectfully before disappearing behind a door.

  Despite being a former saintess and not handling her owry procedures, Yverantheia could sehe high quality of service here.

  'If this city was built by monsters, they wouldn't care about sualities…'

  Monsters, even those capable of rational thought, typically did not engage in trade or diplomacy due to their nature and the prejudice of other races. Yet, this city seemed to operate like a geropolis, hinting at trade retions with the outside world.

  'I'll know more once I meet the Fishman King,' she thought.

  Soon, the fishmaurned aured for her to follow.

  ...

  The Fishman King's pace was situated in the heart of the city. Its grandeur was impressive, rivaling the paces of human kingdoms.

  This firmed the peculiar and advanature of the fishmen, or perhaps the entire abyss.

  Yverantheia followed the pace attendants through corridors until they reached a rge door.

  "Our king awaits you inside," said the attendant.

  "Uood," replied Yverantheia.

  As the doors swung open, dozens of armored fishmen stood in formation, fnking the Fishman King on his throne.

  No, he was no longer just a fishman. His body resembled a robust human male, covered in scales like armor, with a dignified face adorned with a short beard.

  "Wele!" boomed the Fishman King's voice, exuding authority.

  "After verifying your defeat of the camity, repared to reward you. State your desire."

  "My desire… how about you swear fealty to me?" Yverantheia mused, but she knew better than to voice such a demand. The fishmen's strength was not to be uimated; the guards alohird-level, and the general beside the king was fourth-level. The Fishman King himself matched the power of the demon tiger she had once faced, a formidable fifth-level entity, radiating a unique aura different from typical monsters.

  "I want information about this o," she finally said.

  "Is that all? Given your achievements, we offer treasures as well," the king replied.

  "I have no need for treasures. Holy, I've been adrift at sea for a while and 't find my way back to nd."

  "Very well. Information about the o is . However, we insist on h you as uest if you stay."

  "…" Yverantheia remained wary. The fishmen's strength was undeniable, and there was something in the king's tohat suggested he wanted her to stay.

  "Puu!" came a sound from the small tentacle perched on her head.

  "You have an idea?" Yverantheia asked.

  "Puu!" The tentacle bobbed up and down.

  "Alright, I'll stay for a while. But give me the information first so I review it in my free time."

  "No problem. Guards! Escort our hero to her quarters for some rest."

  Following the king's orders, several fishman attendants appeared and guided Yverao a guest room in the pace.

  ...

  "Your Majesty, we've gathered the intelligence."

  After Yverantheia departed, and ohe guards and general had left, a fishman in belt before the king. pared to the general who stood closest to the king, this bck-cd fishman's strength was only slightly inferior.

  "What did you find?"

  "The general indeed harbors rebellious iions and is likely to initiate a coup soon."

  "Just as I suspected…"

  Despite being the stro, the king khe general anded substantial forces. Even if he won, the fishmen's strength would be severely diminished.

  "May I ask, is your insisten retaining that girl because…?"

  "You've guessed it, so why should I expin?" the king pohen tinued, "What do you think of her?"

  "Her defeat of the camity is verified, arength is undeniable. However, whether she assist us…"

  In this world, each asding level brought signifit power increases. Yet, sheer numbers could sometimes overwhelm higher-quality forces, especially at lower tiers.

  "I believe she holds great secrets, possibly capable of extraordinary feats," the king said, his voice tinged with both trust and a hint of fear.

  He recalled how the camity had effortlessly swept aside his soldiers, approag him directly and speaking a few words before vanishing. During that enter, he had felt a primal fear and suppression, akin to a defenseless fish fag a prehistoric predator.

  The camity had mentioned a 'human,' resembling the girl he had just met.

  'If it's her, maybe… no, surely she aplish it,' the king thought, issuing new orders to the bck-cd fishman.

  ShoujoDirector