“Sailors are among the craziest people on Nortanis. They go where seamonsters mind their own business, protected by a few wooden planks, and laugh in their faces while fishing them! This is madness, I tell you, madness!”

“Oh, you mean water sailors. I suppose I shouldn’t tell you about lava sailors, then.”

“… The what now?”

“You see, in Gaiasteine, our national sport is lava surfing. The kids love it.” The dwarf sighed, as he remembered his youth.

The human stared at his drinking companion. “Just… why…” He emptied his mug. And a few more.

-A conversation between a human and a dwarf.

Nashariel pov

The ship sailed the tranquil sea. The sun warmed the crew with its pleasant heat, while the small waves crashing against the hull sounded like a lullaby sung by the sea.

Nashariel had never sailed so far from the coast. She kept gawking at the view below, as her heightened senses had no trouble penetrating the depths of the crystalline water.

The seabed was an irregular surface, having a sandy floor littered with pillars of rock that, sometimes, came out of the water forming small islets. Colorful, low-level monsters seemingly played hide-and-seek with her, swimming in and out of the rocks, but actually hiding from their larger cousins or hunting their younger brethren. The corals swished, following the calm currents, and providing a home for the smallest animals. Nashariel saw a glowing, purple one enchanting careless fishes, luring them within itself. No fish came out.

*Mind-coral (Infant)

A coral monster that preys on weaker monsters to grow. Often sought for its beautiful appearance, the harvesting process requires a certain degree of mind magic resistance or an awareness above 45. Its mind attunement can be preserved and used in armor or equipment. *

Shuddering, the girl looked elsewhere.

Other monsters, clearly predators, tested themselves against the ship. The sailors discouraged them with their harpoons. The smell of blood pervaded Nashariel’s nostrils, as the corpses were loaded up the hull.

She didn’t help to harvest the shark-looking monsters. Instead, she asked to borrow a harpoon. It looked like a three-pointed spear, but jagged, entirely made of metal, and linked to its wielder with a chain. A trident, if I’m not mistaken. The sailor explained to her that these were for monster hunting, while the ones for fishing were much thinner, almost fragile-looking, and with a single blade.

Shifting in her metal self, Nashariel summoned one, slowly adjusting every detail. Unfortunately, the skill didn't allow for a chain, and creating the weapon itself with [Metal creation] consumed much more mana than Nashariel deemed worth. In the end, she abandoned the project until her skills were up to the task.

By the time she finished her study, the sailors had already processed the monsters, stashed them somewhere, and washed the deck.

The air smelled different here. More… wild, somehow. Nashariel could still see the bottom of the sea, but the water gave a more hostile feeling than the colorful place they had just left.

They had arrived at the edge of the Deepsea.

Monsters swam silently, barely moving the sand below. At some point, a swimmer got suddenly speared by a creature camouflaged among the sand. Its corpse was dragged below without rippling the rest of the sand. And people say that the sea looks peaceful…

“We’re close, miss Templar. If you have any second thoughts, now’s the time to voice them.” Said the walruskin, Onhark as he told her, lighting up his pipe.

Nashariel shook her head. “Just tell me when to go down.”

He chuckled. “Just a few more minutes. Ever been in the Deepsea?”

“Unfortunately no, what can you tell me about it?” I read something, but maybe he knows more.

“Dangerous, if you’re caught in a storm and your ship sinks. Otherwise? An expert crew is enough to sail safely. At this range from the coast, you can expect an abundance of young and competitive seamonsters, and a few lazy adults who don’t want to go deeper or into the open sea. When in doubt, stay closer to the surface. It’s safer.” He tapped his hands against the rail, frowning in concentration. “On the practical side, the average level is slightly above one-hundred, this close from the coast. The strongest ones are just shy of two hundred, more into the open Sea. Lastly, monsters in the three-hundred range live on the border between the Deepsea and the Bottomless ocean. Most monsters here have either gone up a tier, unlocked another element, or both. Other questions?”

“Skills that you consider mandatory? It’s not my first time fighting below, but I’m no expert.”

“I’d say… Breathing underwater, some sort of skill that helps you swim, and something that lessens water resistance. Other than that? I don't know what dragons can have, so you tell me."

Nashariel opened her status. She debated if investing her points now was worth it, as she was very close to another variant.

The memory of her fight against the shoal of piranhas resurfaced violently.

She eyed the [Water dragon fighting style], which needed three more skills to unlock. She would use up most of her points, though.

“How powerful can I expect this particular monster to be?”

“I’d say around 130 or 140, as the crew was forced to retreat. Not higher, or we wouldn’t have seen them again.”

Fifty levels above me… Oh well, I won’t have another close appointment with the angel of death so soon. Still, Nashariel sighed.

*Reduced water resistance, Draconic quills, Draconic stinger, and Water dragon fighting style have been bought.

Points reduced to-> 6

Reduced water resistance Lvl 1

Water is an insidious place for landlings, perhaps even more than the dry land is for the dwellers of the deep. The element itself seems to oppose those who move within it, but this skill will lessen such hostility.

Water resistance is lessened, allowing you to move faster.

Upgrade cost: 1 point Lvl.

Draconic quills Lvl 1

Water dragons are usually the weakest breed of dragons, regarding their physical might, but they sure are the trickiest bunch. Draconic quills have high penetrative power, are hollow, and can break inside their target to do what water dragons that enjoy a good brawl do best: To poison their enemy.

Quills sprout from the tip of your wings, along your spine, and chest. The higher the Lvl of this skill is, the more and stronger quills appear.

Toxins delivered via quills are slightly strengthened.

The quickness of regrowth is influenced by your vitality.

Upgrade cost: 6 points Lvl.

Draconic stinger Lvl 1

Some water dragons love to grow additional body parts to poison their enemy with, and this skill is no exception. The tip of your tail becomes a weapon specialized in striking your enemy’s weak spots. Oh, also, it delivers toxins. ‘cause that’s what water dragons do.

Toxins delivered via stinger are empowered.

Critical strike chance with the stinger is increased.

Precision is influenced by dexterity.

Upgrade cost: 6 points Lvl.

Water dragon fighting style Lvl 1

Water dragons tend to either avoid physical combat, cast spells from a distance, or bombard their enemies with skills. And yet, some of them chose violence in its rawest form. The fighting style of the water dragons is an insidious one, perhaps bordering on the cruel side. They do their best to incapacitate their enemy, poison them, then finish the job with quick executing skills. Truly, smart and deadly.

Your natural production of venom is increased, as it is its delivering speed.

Poison delivered through your whole body is empowered.

Your body has an easier time grappling your opponent, and its strength while doing so is increased.

Skills that empower these effects stack with this fighting style.

The strength of the poison is influenced by Venom, or future similar skills and spells.

Effects increased when underwater.

Upgrade cost: 8 points Lvl. *

Nashariel shifted in her water form. The stinger was clearly visible, but her quills appeared only on the tips of her wings. I kinda wanted the Armor too, but [Water current manipulation] is a prerequisite, and I can’t afford both. Bummer. “Bought what I could. By the way, is this a Quest, or…?”

Onhark whistled. “You don’t see a monster mutate in front of you every day. Thanks for your trust. Here are the papers.”

Nashariel took the scroll, gave it a quick read, then accepted it.

*Quest: Nuisance in the Deepsea.

Objectives: Kill the monster responsible for harming the harvesters. Protect the harvesters to the best of your abilities during their duty.

Reward: 120 gold, or their equivalent value.

Bonus objective: / *

Yep, this is Cody’s father. So many coins… “No bonus objective? That’s strange.”

“Aye, but I’m sure the Lady will appreciate more seamonsters in her docks.”

“I guess.” I certainly hope so.

The ship stopped, throwing a pair of anchors overboard.

“Your turn, miss Templar. Kill that monster without dying in the process, will you?”

Nashariel laughed heartily. “I’ll remember that, thank you.”

“Don’t be the hero, Nashariel. Not like last time.” Warned Cody. He had spent the whole time in his cabin, shuffling through documents and such. The girl had taken a cabin for herself, just to store her clothes before shifting.

She jokingly punched his shoulder. “I sure hope this one doesn’t explode on me!” Then, more seriously, she added. “I’m much stronger, don’t worry about me.”

They nodded at each other, then, as Nashariel was about to jump, she turned to the walruskin. “Please, don’t shoot the friendly dragon, okay?”

The laughter of the captain followed Nashariel underwater.

She shifted in her true form, scanning the seabed and her surroundings.

The water lost part of its unfriendliness, almost as if it recognized her as a monster, and welcomed her home.

One thing the dragoness noticed.

There were no monsters.

As if there was an invisible wall, other beasts and monsters didn’t cross the pillars blackened by scorch marks. The area was rockier than usual, but plant life was undisturbed, as were the little fishes living within the corals.

Nashariel started swimming deeper, noticing all kinds of caves and crevices. A strange feeling permeated the water, forcing the dragoness to scratch the continuous itch on her body.

A minute or so later, her ears caught some movement under her. Not outright beneath her body, but close enough to move some loose stones. Nashariel’s blood rushed in her veins, her heart thumped faster.

The hunt is on!

The dragoness roared with all her might, challenging the monster to come out.

A moment of silence, then falling stones answered her call.

A slender, large serpentine figure slithered around the pillar, showing the black skin on its top half and light gray on the lower one. Spines protruded from its back, for the moment in a semi-alerted state, and solitary sparks enlightened the surroundings. Once its whole form was on display, the monster roared back, its frills all standing right as a rod and linked to each other by a colorful orange membrane. Electrical currents coursed through it, reinforcing the itching feeling.

*Sea/Lightning-Burrowing storm Lvl 139

A common monster that has evolved its element, thus earning the rank of Seamonster. This kind of seamonster exploits the superior agility of his body by slithering within every nook and cranny, surprising his opponent with powerful shocks until they’re on the brink of death, then constricting their paralyzed body to death. Adequate protection against electricity is mandatory, but don't underestimate his mastery of water. *

Tier 2 element and forty levels on me? This will be… interesting. Nashariel had neither the time nor the will to rethink her approach, as the eel-like monster constricted the pillar until it burst into pieces. It… he was gone a moment later.

Nashariel’s heightened senses struggled to find her prey. Does he have a stealth skill too? Or is it because we are underwater? Growling in annoyance, she activated her Aura. The sphere of ‘blades’ surrounded her, shattering the crumbled rocks into even smaller fragments. The dragoness could leave the skill permanently active, as long as it was in its weakest setting.

Unseen, the seamonster kept hiding.

The omnidragon decided that searching closer was too much of a risk, so she sent her Breath against the largest amount of debris, where she found nothing but a hole in the sand.

Almost in the same instant, a sharp pain coursed through her entire body at once. Nashariel twitched uncontrollably for a few moments, but, once recovered, she slashed towards the eel. She only managed to catch a glimpse of the seamonster’s tail, as he tunneled once more.

*Hp: 9.204/10.000 *

Not too much damage, at least. Her health was already ticking up. Thank Astill it’s not his attacking element to be the one evolved.

The dragoness charged a Breath, ready to strike, her opponent eluding her again. He’s specialized in ambushes… what happens if I… she landed on the seabed, then discharged her skill within a random cave. As expected, she struck nothing but rocks, but one cave collapsed.

On the corner of her eye, a blur slammed into her, discharging its own skill in turn. Azure lightning seared the omnidragon’s scales and arched in her surroundings, blackening sand and debris alike.

Having braced in advance, Nashariel tried to bite the seamonster, but her jaws clenched on nothing, as he had already slipped away from her reach. Nope, too much difference between our speeds. I can’t count on my dexterity for this one.

*Hp: 8.694/10.000 *

Less damage, tho. Is it because I reacted immediately, or does he have a limited pool of energy? Nashariel tested her theory, infusing her Breath and unleashing it in a wide arc around her. Stones were cleanly halved, as easily as a knife cut through butter, and the eel made the same move once again.

He had lost some speed.

This time, Nashariel managed to grab him with both her frontal legs. She tightened her grip, her Aura scratching his opponent’s skin, then, as she was about to bite him, a flash seared in her eyes.

As soon as Nashariel came to her senses, she found herself on the floor, smelling something burning. Uneasy, she noticed that her body was smoking. The dragoness tried to get up, but her leg convulsed in response. Snarling, Nashariel forced the limb to stand still, then rose.

*You are no longer paralyzed.

Hp: 6.234/10.000 *

That was… oof. She searched for the giant eel but, other than the charred surroundings and the moving ship above (What are they doing?), there was nothing in sight. Strange, why didn’t he keep attacking me? I was lights out for a moment or two. A realization struck Nashariel. Did this attack exhaust him? Perhaps it was a last resort of sorts. Lightning does need a recharge time, after all.

The dragoness decided to take advantage of this. Nashariel searched, swimming as silently as she could, careful of any sound that could tip her off. She heard a muffled grunt, so she did her best to sneak in that direction.

The seamonster was partially curled on himself, its breathing ragged as if he had run a marathon, half-hidden in a cave.

Nashariel charged her [Dragon’s breath] with as much mana as she could, then struck.

The giant monster’s eye widened, as the super-pressurized jet dashed towards him. He darted outside, without using his lightning, locking its eyes on the skill.

Nashariel felt her attack… withering, losing power on the way. So this is what [Identify] meant. Is this an advanced form of water manipulation? Current manipulation? Both?

Weakened or not, the omnidragon’s breath was a force to be reckoned with. A long gash ran alongside the screaming seamonster, his focus on dexterity costing him in defense. His level protected his life, but not his body.

He fixed his gaze on Nashariel. Its teeth in full display, he hissed.

Here we go! More than happy to have passed the introductions, the dragoness replied with a feral grin, roaring in response.

The monster’s spines righted once more. In a flash of light, the burrowing storm dashed but an inch from the dragoness. Startled, she failed to react against the other’s bite. As soon as the attack struck her face, lighting coursed through her once more.

Gritting her teeth, Nashariel lunged with her stinger, but he evaded in a burst of lightning. She noted that electrical currents were running along his spines, but they briefly went off the moment after he attacked.

She glanced at her mana and health, noticing that [Omnidragon body] capped milestone was putting in the work.

The monster remained faithful to his hit-and-run tactic, only stopping at a distance.

The dragoness went on her knees, her breathing ragged.

A glint of victory showed in the seamonster’s eye, as he zapped once more, this time wrapping itself around the dragoness’ body. His glare fixed on her eyes, almost with a cruel glint.

Nashariel smirked.

The omnidragon released her fully powered Aura, earning a horrible screech from the burrowing storm. She bit his neck with the same mercy he had planned to show her, allowing her improved [Venom] to seep within, then reversed their positions.

Making full use of her new fighting style, the dragoness wrapped herself around him. She stung his soft belly, her stinger burrowing deep. Her wings brought the quills in his chest, looking like two broken bones. Nashariel could feel her reserves of poison emptying much faster than what she could replenish.

Azure blood mixed with yellow and golden hues filled the water, together with the cries of the beast. His frills sparked again, and the same blast from before struck both titans.

Nashariel, despite her best efforts, got repelled back, but her enemy’s gaze was no longer fixed on her.

He turned and zapped away.

No you don’t! Nashariel dashed behind him, following the trails of blood. She saw his body burrowing in a hole in the ground. No time for subtlety. The dragoness activated [Fury], then made her way through the rocks. Literally.

Nothing withstood her advance, and soon, the monster was in sight. He was trapped in a dead-end. She went in for the kill…

And he struck the walls, collapsing the cave upon her while slithering free through a hidden hole in the ‘ceiling’.

Damnation! The weight of both stone and sand crushed Nashariel, keeping her from breathing. Growing more and more furious, she growled, dragging her body to the exit, then switched form.

Just before the whole thing collapsed on her again, the dragokin pushed her feet against the sand, darting just below the ‘hatch’, then jumped above.

Once out, she sought the seamonster, snarling. She found him twitching and floating aimlessly, desperately trying to take the quills out. The poison was doing its work.

Nashariel retook her true form, her frenzied roar echoing in the water. The monster’s attention snapped towards her, its eyes filled with paralyzing terror.

She swam at him, crashing both of them against the nearest pillar. The dragoness grabbed him with her poisoned jaws, then twisted the monster’s neck until it broke with a sickening crunch.

She dragged the corpse on the islet above, roaring her victory as loud as she could. The sound reverberated on the ground, forming small waves around her.

* Sea/Lightning-Burrowing storm (II) Lvl 138 has been slain.

Hunt rewards: 26 stat, 24 skill points.

Omnidragon Lvl up!

Hp: 5.858/10.000 *

Exhausted, Nashariel deactivated her skills. She looked around, seeing her ship much further than where she hunted. What the…

The crew was happily singing a shanty.

While repelling three seamonsters.

The ship was enveloped by a shimmering blue shield, which shone brighter each time a monster attacked. A few cracks marred its beauty.

Damn it! Did my fight attract them? Why is the ship not retreating?! Nashariel darted towards the skirmish, swimming as fast as she could. She briefly switched to light for some healing, then attuned to darkness.

*Sanguine-Blood seeker Lvl 108

Cerebral/Stone-Coral golem (Core) Lvl 118

Water/Hunger-Gluttonous grappler Lvl 101 *

Astill, protect them!