A Deep Gold Fish gasped for air triumphantly. The blue crystal sphere hovered before its eyes. The energy-imbued object emitted a blue glow, transmitting power into the seawater to stir the ocean.
[But what if they all die? How will the Lord react then?] Another fish asked its comrade telepathically. [We just need to report to His Lordship that these creatures were too disobedient and needed to be purged, for His sake!] The Deep Gold Fish controlling the crystal sphere declared resolutely. [Indeed, eliminate those who destroy our architecture and workshops!] Another fish agreed. [When there are no more annoyances and resources are plentiful, we just need to summon two-legged creatures from other worlds; it's too easy!] [But do you think those big guys can clear out the two-legged creatures?] The questioning fish continued to wonder, still using Psionic energy to hold the crystal sphere.
[Those creatures may be able to harm us, but that's their limit.] The fish seemed to glow golden, its mouth forming a smile. [Facing guys bigger than towers, sturdier than anything on land, with breaths powerful enough to blow away any creature. And the sea is on our side too.] It proudly looked up at the wall of water. [Gods and victory are in our fins—]
Crack
A harsh scraping sound cut off the Deep Gold Fish's words. It looked forward; a section of the seawater wall had frozen solid, emitting cold steam. From the top of that icy pillar, a figure draped in tattered black cloth appeared. He was looking down – the one they knew as Joker Zone. The fish immediately recognized the target by his scent of the sky and his appearance, the one who had damaged the buildings of the Deep Gold Kingdom.
[Careful, the enemy is approaching!]
The Deep Gold Fish holding the sphere cried out a warning. Its comrades immediately pointed their bone spears, aiming at the target, ready to shoot Joker down on the ice pillar. The spears were launched by Psionic energy, making the wind shriek.
Whoosh
However, Joker was no longer on the ice pillar; instead, he had jumped and plunged into the water.
Crack
The next second, Joker flung something into the water that the fish didn't have time to recognize. The water's surface froze, and Joker landed on it, causing the fish to gasp in panic, their eyes widening for a moment.
[Don't be afraid!] A fish cried out in their minds, trying to calm its comrades. [Keep shooting him—]
Thrum thrum
An unfamiliar sound emanated from Joker's direction, overpowering the ocean waves and the wind-slicing spears.
"Il Vento d'Oro."
Joker spoke in a language the Deep Gold Fish weren't sure had any meaning; was "golden wind" different from a goldfish? Instead of further explanation, they watched their target press his ten fingertips into the air. The strange sound seemed to echo with each of Joker's movements, sounds the fish had never heard in nature. The more they listened and observed the target, the more the nerves in their brains, which were probably no larger than 2 grams, tightened like violin strings.
[We don't know what trick he's trying, shoot him!]
The Deep Gold Fish immediately urged their comrades to dispel their vague fear. They simultaneously launched their spears, hoping that some unknown disaster wouldn't strike.
Thud thud thud
More than a dozen spears pierced through Joker. Blood continuously streamed from the holes in his body. Even so, the target did not stop. It didn't take long for Joker to be completely uninjured. Along with it, the young man pressed into the air faster, and the sounds became more rapid.
[Blop, bone spears are useless!] [Let this sphere crush him!] [Do it quickly, blop!]
The Deep Gold Fish gasped for air repeatedly as if about to suffocate. They urged each other to use their strongest available weapon to eliminate the target. The crystal sphere emitted a sea-blue light, bathing its surroundings in its color. From both the tsunami wall and the sea surface, water spikes simultaneously emerged. They were like the teeth of a giant kraken, closing in unison to swallow Joker whole.
[Blop, he's definitely crushed!] [Praise the Lord!] [A bit quick for a two-legged creature daring to be insolent with us, but safety comes first.]
The Deep Gold Fish wagged their tails in joy as Joker disappeared from sight.
Sizzle
The sound of boiling water echoed, drawing the fish's attention. They looked back at the target's position and gasped in unison. The sharp stakes and the sturdy wall had evaporated, leaving gaping holes. In Joker's hands were two knives, gradually changing from red to ashen gray. His opponent's arms became loose, the joints clearly no longer connected.
Thrum thrum
Joker let the now cold knives fall silently into the water. His hands furiously swung in the air once more. The strange sound rose again, and the nerves of the Deep Gold Fish tightened, as if they would snap at any moment.
"Blop blop blop!"
The fish gasped for air repeatedly, their eyes wide open, their fins trembling unstably. Their bodies writhed uncontrollably, as if they would die at any moment. This became even more intense as Joker continued to approach.
[R-retreat—] The fish cried out in unison, their entire bodies trying to turn and swim away immediately.
Crack
However, the sound of cracking crystal held them back. The Deep Gold Fish rolled their eyes down; they saw two knives, one blue and one red, both embedded in the crystal sphere.
"This sphere is as tough as the cage that held me," Yong, standing before the fish, chuckled. "Luckily, I was prepared." "..."
The group of Deep Gold Fish couldn't close their mouths, their eyes trembling as they stared, either at Yong or at the cracked crystal sphere.
[Don't be afraid, the sphere can still be used!] One fish tried to reassure them. [Y-yes!] The Deep Gold Fish holding the sphere raised it. [Destroy these two-legged creatures—]
Crack
In response to the fish's call, the crystal sphere shattered in half. At that moment, these golden-scaled fish froze like sparkling statues.
"Yo~."
A whisper rose. The fish rolled their eyes backward; they realized Joker was right beside their gills.
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[Don't be too pleased yet, our big brothers will crush you—]
SPLASH
Before the Deep Gold Fish could finish speaking, a massive wave crashed over them, cutting off their words. The fish were engulfed by the seawater. Yong raised his fire knife like an umbrella; the seawater evaporated before it could touch him and Joker. The fish quickly looked in the direction of the uncontrolled wave, a sight that froze them for several seconds. The motionless corpse of a Golden Leviathan, riddled with holes, its blood mingling with the sea. The fish looked up at the sky, no longer seeing the sparkling golden lights of their allies, only a clear blue sky and drifting white clouds!
"To reward your hospitality, I'll give you a choice," Joker stood tall, his voice soft and gentle. "Do you prefer to be slowly sliced to savor the gradual feeling? Or quickly, without fuss? And do you prefer to be raw meat eaten with rice and soy sauce? Or fried fish placed on a bowl of ramen?" "..."
A moment of silence fell, if one didn't count the ocean waves from the water wall gradually receding back into the sea. Looking at the scene, Joker couldn't help but smirk.
[BLOOOOOOP!]
A shriek rang out, but it didn't come from eardrums; instead, it throbbed directly in the two men's heads. Joker, whose body was accustomed to pain and recovery, still gritted his teeth, blood seeping from the corner of his lips. But Yong and the Beastfolk of Jaci village weren't so lucky; they instinctively clutched their heads in vain. Some fell onto the wooden boat deck, others into the water, struggling with mind-splitting pain while trying not to let seawater fill their lungs. Besides the unstoppable pain and the echoing spiritual volume in their heads, every single word of the shriek seemed to be trying to stick to the surface of their brains to form new wrinkles.
[SAVE US SAVE US SAVE US SAVE US SAVE US SAVE US SAVE US SAVE US SAVE US SAVE US SAVE US SAVE US SAVE US SAVE US!]
A minute is very short, but for Joker and perhaps the others, it stretched out like chewing gum. He gritted his teeth, his face contorted behind the black mask, his fingers raised towards the fish.
Bang
Joker fired a steel rod through the heads of the Deep Gold Fish, ending the torture to his and the others' minds. As his brain and nerves could finally feel a moment of relaxation, goosebumps suddenly spread across his entire body.
Rumble
Seeing the seawater beneath his feet begin to stir again, Joker gazed into the distance and saw the water's surface ripple once more. The telepathic shriek had ceased, but his instincts told him something was approaching. Tendrils emerged from the open sea, writhing like an octopus. One by one, more tentacles appeared, reaching up, gripping the air and the water's surface to pull another massive thing from the deep sea.
"By the sun and ancestors, what is this?!" Góy?ń's eyes widened at the sight. "A-a flying octopus!"
Galilahi also looked up, her mind a chaotic mix of awe and astonishment. A sense of admiration seeing the majesty of a mountain. Along with it, a feeling of her own insignificance, too fragile before that bizarre wonder. The Jaci villagers also felt similar complex emotions, especially since they didn't know whether to view it as a creature or a flying mountain? Joker witnessed the fighting spirit of the wild warriors completely vanish.
"What... can we do against this thing?"
The horned man uttered. Joker heard and understood clearly; it wasn't a question, but rather an admission of surrender.
"...This seafood is a bit too big, isn't it?" Yong stared with his torch-bright eyes at the thing hovering in the sky. "...An Eldritch." Joker immediately found the answer. "So this is what the fish were talking about, and also the source of their Psionic power."
Joker spoke, his voice remaining low and steady. Before him was the largest thing he had ever seen in his life, unclear whether it was a structure or a living creature. Instead of fear, his mind began to race with thoughts, all related to how to deal with the object.
"Aren't you worried?" Yong asked. "This thing is much bigger than the Bearowl and whale from earlier, you know." He clarified, "With the powers and tools those guys possess, I'm afraid this thing will be even harder to deal with..." "Other than it being stinky, then what?"
Joker replied with a brief question. Yong froze, unsure how to respond to such unreasonable calm.
"It's true that in terms of power, those fish and that thing could easily overwhelm me,"
Joker answered, a fact he understood clearly, especially after years of arduous training. Particularly after the battle with the Golden Leviathan, that truth became even more evident.
"At least, my current body is responding to my decision; it's not giving up." Joker picked up fragments of the blue crystal sphere. "As long as I don't give up, I'll fight until the enemy falls." "Hmm..." Yong was silent for a moment, then let out a strong puff of air and smirked. "How far are you willing to go, Jozo?" "Until I surpass the old man."
Joker looked up at the sky; the tiny silhouette of that person made him feel somewhat confident. It grew larger until he could clearly see her gradually descending.
"Are you and everyone okay?" Jarek asked the two men. "I heard a deafening shriek from the fish earlier." "We broke the blue stone, and then they summoned that thing," Joker pointed to the colossal Eldritch.
"Oh right, your outfit is in tatters," Jarek looked at Joker's black clothes, which were now just a few scraps of black fabric clinging to him. "Let me help." "...Just give me new clothes—"
Rip!
Joker replied, but didn't finish his sentence. Jarek firmly grasped the tattered black scraps, tearing them off forcefully, leaving him with nothing but his shorts. Then, Jarek conjured a brand new black outfit and draped it onto the young man. It all happened in the blink of an eye, not unlike a superhero changing outfits at superspeed.
"Done~."
Jarek gave a thumbs-up. A bright smile was on her face, just like an artist admiring their masterpiece. Yong's eyes widened, and he let out a teasing whistle. Góy?ń and Galilahi inadvertently witnessed the scene, and their fear momentarily traveled elsewhere for a few seconds.
Joker blinked repeatedly, his teeth slightly gritted, unable to hide his discomfort. However, thinking about the current priority, he held back from saying anything too negative. "...You just needed to give me new clothes." "Sorry!" The female Dragon interlaced her fingers and chuckled awkwardly. "I thought we were in a hurry, so..."
"Let's go—" "Wait!"
Joker intended to leave immediately, but Galilahi's call stopped him.
"Please let me come with you!"
Galilahi approached Joker and pleaded earnestly.
"Please!" Galilahi said, her eyes fixed on him. "This will bring you closer to death," Joker replied with a cold truth, still not turning his head. "Why?" "I want to help you, as a warrior."
Galilahi said, then leaped from the wooden boat where she and Góy?ń were standing. Joker was somewhat impressed that she easily crossed the water and landed before him, all with a single jump. If relying purely on physical strength, performing a similar jump without Dreamer abilities would be impossible for Joker.
"I don't want to keep hiding," Galilahi's voice softened, her face slightly bowed. "If you think it's too stupid... like Sister Góy?ń, so..." She looked up and pleaded, "Please, I promise I won't be a hindrance!"
Hearing that plea, Joker was silent for a moment. In his eyes, Galilahi looked like a reflection of himself, someone who probably wouldn't give up even if asked to. That stubbornness, perhaps he understood better than anyone. Denying that determination would be like slapping himself in the face.
"As you wish," Joker replied after a brief pause. "Really?!" Galilahi was surprised. "But if you get in the way," Joker turned his back. "I'll personally throw you off that thing." "Okay!" The wolf-woman smiled, showing her white teeth, and her wolf tail wagged fiercely. "I've already moved the villagers to the shelter."
Góy?ń had arrived right behind her sister. With her was the wooden boat, accompanied by a wolf and a hawk. Once again, Joker couldn't figure out how she had approached.
"You don't mind if I come along too, do you? If my sister becomes a burden to you, I'll take her back; we won't bother you,"
The female Wolf Chieftain added. Her faint smile in this less-than-peaceful situation. Joker found Góy?ń's spirit to be no less tough than steel.
"You decide for yourselves."
Joker said, then released a stream of water from his feet to fly away, not intending to linger. As his eyes fixed on the colossal Eldritch hovering in the distance, scenarios unfolded in his mind. What was inside? What technology? What magic? What unpredictable, bizarre creatures? He had no clear answers beyond guesses. Perhaps the other four were not so different in their thoughts at this moment, especially as they approached something they had never known.
***
Because he flew ahead, Joker didn't notice that behind him, Yong and Jarek also instinctively smiled in satisfaction.
"Let us help you two get up there." Jarek immediately extended her hand, her Dragon wings spread wide behind her. "Okay~." Galilahi grasped the Shapechanger woman's hand and was lifted into the air. "May I escort the lady?" Yong bowed slightly forward, extending his hand, like a gentleman inviting a lady to dance. "I accept the honor."
Góy?ń placed her hand over her mouth, half excited, half curious. When she touched his hand, she was lifted and held in the Demon man's arms. As Yong flapped his wings and left the water's surface for the sky, Góy?ń felt a sense of calm. Her fear of the bizarre entity from the deep sea, an existence blasphemous to this world, was somewhat contained, as if by a floodgate.
In contrast to the usual reaction of fleeing, the hawk, still clutching the wolf, steadfastly flew behind them.
Notes:
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Il Vento d'Oro: Golden Wind