Mermaid Arc. Chapter 1. Do Mermaids really exist?

It’s been 6 months since Valoran ascended to the throne becoming the current King of Magic. 6 Months since Valoran has defeated the King of Gods Daimos.

Since then the people of Halivaara have become prosperous, living life knowing that the Gods will no longer be a threat.

Inside castle Blackburg Valoran sits on his throne with Demonlise standing by his side.

“Master. It’s been 6 months since your rise to power since then I have noticed that people are living happier lives.” Demonlise compliments.

Valoran turns his head to face Demonlise.

“I also noticed. Finally the people can live knowing that the Gods won’t be a threat.” Valoran states.

“You also made strong relationships with other rulers to aid our nation.” Demonlise states.

“It’s true. I made big efforts to ensure that we have strong and healthy relationships with other nations. The Ruler of the elves, Vanina Vallior, who rules over the great elvish forest Lima, she had her doubts trusting me. I can’t blame her for rare elvish species like the dark elf that have been kidnapped and sold for a high price.” Valoran says with regret and shame.

“Which is why although many elves do co exist with humans and demi-humans alike, many more elves still choose to live away from other races.” Demonlise explains.

“Precisely. I ensured her that no such fate will ever occur. The elvish race are experts when it comes to healing magic and creating healing potions which we need to ensure that people in hospitals for instance receive the best care possible. In exchange for healing potions we offer military protection. The forest Lima has been known to be attacked by bandits to capture rare elves to be sold off for a high sum of money.” Valoran informs.

“That’s the reason you have soldiers stationed over there.” Demonlise responds.

“Yes. Forest Lima is a great distance from here, approximately 12 days with flight magic. Should an attack occur these soldiers can respond immediately. Besides most of the soldiers are elves and have volunteered for this assignment and the others are trying to help.” Valoran explains.

“You also created an alliance with the lord of the Demi-Humans, Malrokk from what I understand was far more easy to deal with.” Demonlise states.

“Malrokk is someone who values strength. Me being able to defeat Daimos proved my strength to him and that we could create a strong alliance benefiting each party. Demi humans are well versed in the art of blacksmith especially in Mythnia where Demi humans originate from.” Valoran says.

“Which means we will have no problems regarding weapons.” Demonlise adds on.

“Correct. I also have made some adjustments in regards to armament and training.” Valoran explains.

“I realised. You have completely overhauled the training regimen for new recruits.” Demonlise answers.

“Yes, during the battle against the Worshippers I realised that the soldiers lacked the necessary training to fight battles, sure they can deal with thugs who disturb the peace but they lacked the training to actively combat trained soldiers and mages. Both magic academies focus on the theoretical aspect of magic and minor combat training but this is far from enough.” Valoran is concerned.

“Which is why you have added an elite class, for those who wish to become soldiers for the army.” Demonlise says.

“Indeed the elite program is a course that focuses on magic combat and non magic combat such as swordsmanship, it also emphasises battle intelligence and smarts. In order for students to enrol in the elite class one must excel in these three areas.” Valoran explains.

“If one graduates from this class which lasts 3 years then they are able to apply to become soldiers.” Demonlise adds on.

“To do that they must finish another one year training course which is by far more extreme compared to the elite class from the academy only then can they become soldiers.” Valoran states.

“Our current soldiers are training hard as well according to your instructions.” Demonlise informs.

“Good, I must also speak with the Magic nobles when I have the time but for now I have something else I must do.” Valoran reveals.

“Which is what? My Master.” Demonlise questions curiously.

“I need to venture to the sea for a while more specifically to the bottom of it.” Valoran says.

“The bottom of the sea…why would you need to go there?” Demonlise asks.

“I need to speak with the queen of Mermaids.” Valoran explains.

“Mermaids? I thought they were mere rumours and legends.” Demonlise replies with confusion and interest.

“They are no mere rumours Demonlise my friend. They do exist. They have exiled themselves from society long ago because every race was after them.” Valoran reveals.

“Thousands of years ago, before the War between the Gods and the great alliance 4000 years ago, Mermaid's ruler of the seas and the races of the land lived in harmony for many generations. Unfortunately chaos replaced that said harmony, the land creatures captured Mermaids for one thing.” Valoran explains.

“What thing are you referring to my Master?” Demonlise asks intrigued.

“Tears.” Valoran replies.

“Tears?” Demonlise seeks confirmation.

“A mermaid's tear was said to grant everlasting youth when mixed with holy water, at least that’s what people claimed at the time. What happened next was awful, the races of the land captured Mermaids tortured them until they shed plenty of tears. Once finished the mermaids that survived the torture were said to be tortured over and over again until they perished. In response the most powerful of all the Mermaids created a huge city at the bottom of the sea for the mermaids to seek refuge, never allowing any Mermaid to leave the bottom of the sea.” Valoran explains.

“The bottom of the sea…it’s said to be a place unreachable to land inhabitants which makes sense to seek refuge there.” Demonlise acknowledges.

“The sheer pressure alone is enough to crush the strongest of materials; no land inhabitant would survive there for a second. Also the queen of the mermaids has set up powerful barriers against land inhabitants. If a creature of the land approaches these barriers they would be trapped in an endless bottomless dark ocean for all of time.” Valoran explains.

“Demonlise, until I return you will have command.” Valoran explains.

“I understand my Lord.” Demonlise replies bowing his head.

“I shall leave the protection of the Kingdom in your hands.” Valoran after saying this casts irum (teleportation magic).

At an instant Valoran sees a vast ocean ahead of him as far as the eye can see. On this bright and sunny day the deep blue ocean is beautiful and a true sight to behold.

“Now that’s a view you don’t see every day. “ Valoran says with a smile.

Valoran casts flug (flight magic) and flies above the water until he is surrounded by water beneath him.

“This should be fine.” Valoran says.

Valoran next dives into the water with incredible speed.

In just a few seconds the sunlight can no longer be seen due to the depth of the water.

Valoran keeps diving faster and deeper with each second seemingly diving in an endless darkness until he sees blue, purple and white lights.

The lights become larger and brighter.

In just a few moments Valoran lands on the floor so hard that the resulting shockwave on impact causes all the water to disperse away from him in a 10 metre radius. In this radius there is not even a single drop of the water but that only lasts for a couple of seconds since the water quickly fills that radius with water.

Valoran is staring at the large city as far as the eye can see on both his right and left side with an enormous castle in the Middle, and with countless beautiful blue, purple and white lights for visibility.

Countless fish and other sea creatures swim around Valoran.

“So this is the legendary city of the Mermaids the lost of city of Limeneria.” Valoran says.

Valoran senses danger within the city and makes his way over to see if he can assist the situation.

Inside the city an enormous kraken destroys many buildings and causes havoc.

Mermaids armed with spears engage the Kraken however a Kraken is not a normal creature…a Kraken serves the God who created it which means it possesses divine protection and power.

“FLEE!”

“WE MUST STALL UNTIL THE QUEEN ARRIVES!”

The Mermaids yell in panic desperately fighting the Kraken launching various attacks using their spears which do nothing.

Civilian Mermaids swim away as quickly as possible.

“SWIM FASTER!” The soldier mermaids cry out.

The enormous Kraken is causing more havoc with each second.

“They can’t defeat this monster. I shall take care of it then” Valoran says.