Warlock of War: My Ares System



"I'm glad you've recovered, but I think we have to postpone training or a while," The queen smiled, causing me to nearly jump with excitement. Yet, just as I tightened my toes and clenched my fists, ready to pump them into the air, the same announcer tore everything right down once more. "But, don't think you're getting away with doing nothing. I want you to do a practical mission since we haven't done one in a while." 

"*sigh*... What's the assignment?" I groaned, only for her to slap me on the back of the head. 

"Quit your bitching or I'm sending you to the front lines." I swiftly gulped down a large drop of saliva before shutting up and letting the stern queen explain the details. "So… it's a simple mission. Currently, some of the villages on the shores of our kingdom are being pillaged constantly and since they're not in the water, most of my army can't really help. I've been sending as many troops as I can, but  the assailants are just too strong." 

"So are you saying it might be the work of another kingdom or nation? I wouldn't mind taking down another ruler for you…" 

"I know you wouldn't, but that's not what I want. What I want is for you to help the villages. Protect as many as you can and pull them out of poverty. Currently, the most threatening part about this situation is the fact that all resources have been cut out from being delivered in and out of them… so just keep them thriving for a bit while I take care of the rest." 

"Take… care of the rest?" 

"It's best to do a diplomatic agreement. That way both sides don't take too much damage, however…" As she sat on top of that throne of white, the ends of her lips curved upwards and she smiled that same sadistic look once more. "... it would be a shame if they attacked first." 

I said nothing and did nothing but nod ever so slightly. So, soon I stepped out of the throne room and into the grand royal hall, where a breathtaking journey through an aquatic wonderland unfolds before me. Every detail of this corridor pays homage to the kingdom's profound connection with the ocean, and I find myself immersed in a symphony of aquatic beauty.

The walls, adorned with mosaic masterpieces, come alive with vibrant depictions of marine life. Schools of iridescent fish glide through intricate coral formations, their scales glistening with a myriad of colors, like living gemstones. Graceful sea turtles navigate the underwater gardens, and swaying seaweed dances to the rhythm of unseen currents. The mosaics are a testament to the artisans' skill, capturing the essence of the ocean's depth and variety with each tile.

Above, the ceiling arches gracefully overhead, painted to resemble the surface of the ocean on a perfect, sun-drenched day. Sunlight filters through the mural, casting a warm, inviting glow that bathes the hall in a soft, dappled light. It's as if I'm walking along the shore, with the waves gently lapping at my feet. The mural is a masterpiece, depicting waves in various stages of their journey, from gentle ripples to mighty crests. Pods of dolphins leap joyfully through the air, their joyful antics adding to the illusion of being submerged beneath the sea.

One side of the hall is lined with massive windows, offering an awe-inspiring view of an entire kingdom thriving beneath the sea. The crystal-clear panes reveal towering coral formations that resemble ancient castles, adorned in vibrant hues. Swarms of fish, from the smallest, darting neon tetras to majestic, gliding manta rays, move in harmonious unison, a symphony of aquatic life. Their scales reflect the ambient light, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.

Amidst the coral, the kingdom's inhabitants go about their daily lives, tending to their underwater homes and bustling communities. Elegant merfolk with long, flowing tails gracefully navigated the coral city, their laughter, and chatter carried by the ocean's gentle currents. Schools of sentient sea creatures weave intricate patterns through the water, their colorful displays akin to an underwater ballet. The kingdom under the sea is a harmonious blend of natural beauty and thriving civilization, a testament to the deep bond between the people and their aquatic realm.

My lips cracked open, allowing a stream of bubbles to escape from my lips. No longer did I panic as the water filled my lungs and no longer did I struggle when I lost all sense of balance and rhythm throughout my step. 

I had truly adapted to this underwater world. 

"Hello, sir." 

"How are you doing?" I smiled, bringing the man in for a quick hug before hopping on his boat. It was no bigger than two coffins, but it fit so much luggage that it might as well have been a cargo ship. 

Teston, a rugged and weathered figure of the high seas. His tail is a shimmering tapestry of azure and seafoam green scales. His upper body, strong and muscular, contrasts with the graceful curves of his aquatic lower half. Yet, what sets him apart from his fellow merfolk is the singular eyepatch that stretches across his right eye.

The eyepatch is crafted from the leather of some long-forgotten sea creature, as dark and mysterious as the abyss itself. Its edges are frayed from years of saltwater exposure, bearing the scars of countless battles against the creatures of the deep. Affixed firmly over his right eye, it hints at a story untold. No matter how many times I ask, he refuses to tell me how he lost that eye, but I still haven't given up. 

The merman's remaining eye, is a deep and penetrating emerald green, gleaming with a mix of wisdom and mischief. It holds the secrets of the ocean, having witnessed the hidden wonders of coral gardens, the haunting beauty of shipwrecks, and the graceful dance of elusive sea creatures. It's an eye that has scanned the endless expanse of the ocean's horizon, searching for the glimmering schools of fish that sustain him and his underwater community.

And finally, that luscious hair, a tousled mane of dark kelp, frames his weathered face, and a tangled beard of seaweed adorns his chin. He carries a trident fashioned from the bones of a colossal sea beast, a weapon and tool that has served him well in both the hunt and the defense of his underwater home.