Master Of None

Chapter 1016 - 1016. Aaron

It was clear that the temporary city had been thrown together for the basic survival of the merfolk people. There were roughly assembled stone homes that had been made by clearing the rocky ground so that it was just soft sand. The coral and shells used were also poorly assembled to make shelters for those injured or those that wanted to be able to hide from another possible invasion of kraken spawn. 

"Our mages were able to grow the coral around us in a dome. The last attack was enough to break the dome but when we left we repelled them. The same swarm of kraken attacked the bay. They go wherever there is more food." Leon knew that The group was viewing this as a place in need of help. 

"How many forces did you lose to the kraken?" Scylla was already running the strategies they could suggest in the meeting. If the merfolk had lost a great number then they would not be able to combat the amount of kraken spawn that would decimate an entire people.

"The number was too high when they ambushed us. We had seen a few around here and there but it was nothing to the patrols. But when the mother attacked along with hundreds of her spawn…we have to vacuate. There are still some of our people hiding in the coral bunkers under the sand." No one had expected this. For weeks there had been merfolk people trapped and waiting for help. 

"We will do something about that. This is not the city I know you want to show to the world. We will reclaim your home city." There was a dark look in Walker's eyes as he realized just how dire the situation was. If this had been the last of the merfolk then he would welcome them to Genesis after they had defeated the kraken menace. But hearing that there were more people trapped made him angry and driven. 

"This is a pest that does not deserve life. They are the same disgusting things as when I first saw them. But now they have grown to be more horrid." The disgust dripping from Current's voice made everyone feel dirty. His feelings were somewhat projected around him while he thought of the kraken that would threaten his people and all other people in the world. 

Leon was met by another guard who motioned for more to form around him. Walker took a stance next to Current while Midnight and Su matched the positioning of Ciel. Scylla followed behind with Alma and Gil shoulder to shoulder. The rest of the group trailed behind. Alice wasn't sure why she was being brought with but she did not stop Onyx from swimming along. Remey gave her a reassuring nod. It was enough to make Alice realize that right this second she was the same as the party. She was a party member for this journey. 

The roughly assembled building they were brought in to was obviously made by guiding coral to grow rapidly around stone. There were many merfolk mages standing around watching those that entered. They were the guards of the merfolk king and they represented the power over the environment that the merfolk lived in. 

"Hmm, I see you have returned. You look to have bright many with you. What did you learn."

 Current nearly started to growl when he was not addressed first. For a dragon, this was very disrespectful. 

"Please pardon us for the moment. I embarked on my first journey and we must follow tradition. It is the way of our people." Current was not so foolish as to ignore tradition. The dragons held their own with very high regard and to trample on anothers' traditions would be an affront to their own kind. 

The larger merfolk stood and looked at Leon carefully. Compared to the other merfolk the kin had a deeper blue scaling that appeared much sharper. His teeth were even more pointed along with the claws and fin he had. Overall the description of battle king fit fairly well. 

"Father. I have joined through the dangers of the surface. I arrived and forged relations with the Genesis alliance. Every single race associated with the Genesis alliance came to assist us. Some traveled the rovers exterminating the kraken. Others walked through the swamp lands to get here. Others even flew through the brilliant sky to plunge in to the oceans to tear away the vermin plaguing our people. I have seen this and I have felt this. The waves they make will bring our people higher than we ever have before. You have my blood as backing to their strength. I return to you as more than I was." 

The king drew a three pronged trident and slashed down in a vicious leap at Leon. He did not flinch as it neared his throat. Instead, he held the gaze of his father and even glared at him. "You stand tall now. When you were a child you could not even meet my eyes. Welcome these guests now." The look on the king's face did not change. But the looks of every mage and guard around showed smiles. They had seen Leon grow up and had finally heard his father give him recognition. Speaking in the court was the final step to be seen as a potential successor. 

"Welcome to the temporary city of the merfolk; New Trident. The great king of the Merfolk Aaron sits upon his throne in welcome. In our time of need, you have arrived and will receive the respect you deserve." Leon moved and stood beside King Aarons' throne. 

"I have seen you. Welcome. On this day, may it be written in our history. We shall take your hands and rise higher. Please find a seat and we shall speak eye to eye." The guards rushed in with chairs for everyone and a larger group of soldiers came in with a table to place right in the hall. King Aaron waited for someone to speak. 

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