Chapter 2: The Shaking Sea
I. Preparation for the Journey
Maneless stepped onto land, for the first time in a long time. The ocean that had been his home felt far behind. The land world was full of the scent of damp earth, heavier air, and hard ground. Here, life did not proceed as it did in the sea, with free and unconstrained movement. However, he knew that to defeat the Abyssal Crown, he had to face it in this world, not just in the dark depths.
He had heard news of cities scattered along the coast, places where creatures like himself and various other types of beings gathered. Each city had its own power and history, and Maneless felt that those places could give him answers to everything he sought. He had to find them—those who might know more about the power that had just awakened within him, and also about The Abyssal Crown that was drawing closer.
However, not every place on land welcomed creatures like Maneless with open arms. He knew that his existence would cause unease. The legendary Orca born without a crest could not be taken lightly, and it was not impossible that some would want to exploit his power.
But Maneless had no choice. He had to find a way to control the power within him, and the only way was to venture much deeper into a world he had never understood.
Armed with increasing courage and determination, Maneless left the beach and walked towards the nearest city he had heard about. However, every step he took brought a deep sense of anxiety. No one knew what he would find there. Would he be accepted, or instead face more danger?
During his journey, Maneless not only encountered humans and land creatures, but also various types of sea creatures being traded, forced to live far from their true home. These creatures knew much about The Abyssal Crown—or rather, about the evil that accompanied it. They recognized the aura of Maneless's power and did not hesitate to warn him.
"Do not go further, young one," said one of the old creatures. He was a giant turtle who had lived on land for a long time. "There is more danger in this world than you can imagine. The Abyssal Crown is not something you can face alone."
"I have no choice," Maneless replied in a determined voice. "I must stop it."
The old turtle looked at Maneless with deep eyes, as if trying to see further into his soul. "The power within you is immense, but so is the threat you face. Do not let yourself be carried away by the current. There is more you must learn before you can face that darkness."
Maneless only nodded slowly. He knew those words held truth. However, he could not turn back now. A larger world awaited him.
With stronger determination, Maneless continued his journey towards the nearest city. He knew that every step carried its own risks, but to stop the coming darkness, he had to move forward.
II. The Fractured City
The first city he aimed for was a port city located by the sea. The city bustled with merchants, sailors, and passersby, but Maneless felt a tension in the air. The people here seemed accustomed to diversity, but there were unfriendly gazes for creatures like him—a legendary Orca born without a crest.
After wandering around for several hours, Maneless finally found a place called "The Hunters' Headquarters." This was a place where people with extraordinary abilities gathered, sharing knowledge and power. However, not everyone in this place was friendly. Many saw power as a tool for personal gain, and that was something to be wary of.
In front of the headquarters door, Maneless paused for a moment. He knew this was not an easy step. Inside, there were many who might not accept him readily. But if anyone knew more about The Abyssal Crown, then this was the place.
With a determined step, Maneless entered the headquarters, preparing to face even greater challenges.
III. Encounter in the Shadows
As soon as Maneless entered the old building with the large metal door, the atmosphere changed immediately. The air inside the headquarters was much denser, not from the sea's humidity, but from the aura of clashing powers. The walls were filled with ancient weapons, ancient symbols were carved into the ceilings, and the sound of sharp conversations could be heard from every corner.
But the most striking thing was the gazes—hundreds of pairs of eyes now fixed on him. Most were full of suspicion. Some with fear, others lit with interest.
"An Orca without a crest?" a whisper was heard, "That's just a myth…"
"Look at his chest… the spiral emblem. That's no ordinary creature."
Maneless stood tall. He couldn't let their doubts destroy him. He had fought creatures from the depths and looked directly into the face of dark power. This was just a room full of humans and land-dwelling sea creatures.
From the middle of the crowd, a woman emerged—tall, wearing a cloak of dark night-blue shimmering scales. Her hair was long and flowing, her eyes sharp but holding something deep.
"I am Riven," she said, looking straight at Maneless. "And you are no ordinary wanderer."
"I am looking for answers," Maneless replied.
Riven smiled thinly. "You are not alone. Many of us here are also searching. But the difference between the survivors and the dead does not lie in the answers… but in how strongly you face the questions."
She gestured for Maneless to follow her to a back room. "You want to know about the Abyssal Crown. Then you will learn from the beginning… including about your own blood."
IV. The Secret of Lineage
The room was small, lit by a sea crystal lamp hanging above. Riven placed a rolled-up map on the table, opening it slowly, showing a vast ocean and scattered islands.
"There are five main bloodlines of sea creatures who have the ability to access the Crest," she said. "But only one has never appeared in historical records… because it was created to seal."
"Who?" Maneless asked softly, his chest pounding.
"The sixth lineage—the blood of the sealer. A creature without a crest, but possessing the greatest potential if unlocked through suffering and choice," Riven replied, looking deeply into his eyes. "That is you."
Maneless was silent.
"You were created… or rather, returned. The Abyssal Crown knows that the only way it can be freed is if its sealer fails to recognize himself."
"I am part of that seal?" Maneless whispered, feeling his chest grow heavier.
"You are the seal," Riven replied. "And if you fall into the wrong hands, the crown will be free."
Maneless looked at the spiral emblem on his chest. The light that had once seemed like a sign of hope now felt like the burden of destiny. But in that shock, he realized: the power he possessed was not just for himself.
V. Old Shadows Reemerge
Just as Maneless was about to ask further, an earthquake shook the port city. Warning sirens from the upper tower blared loudly. The sound of explosions echoed from afar. Riven stood up immediately.
"They are coming faster than we thought."
"Who?" Maneless asked, alert.
Riven drew her crystal sword. "Those who worship the Abyssal Crown. They are looking for you, Maneless."
Quickly, they ran outside. The city had turned into a battlefield. Dark creatures with slimy bodies and glowing red eyes attacked from the harbor. Buildings began to collapse, and the city's residents fled towards the fortress.
In the midst of the chaos, a figure emerged standing calmly—a tall man with silver-black clothing and a smile that was too calm amidst the destruction. He looked at Maneless with great interest.
"Ah… finally I see you in person," he said. "Child of the void. The abandoned sealer. I am Kael, heir of the Abyss."
Maneless drew the sea spear he had carried since the bottom of the abyss. The light from his spiral blazed with a new intensity.
"If you want me, you have to fight me," Maneless said.
Kael chuckled lightly. "I won't spoil this game too quickly. But you should know, every power you unlock… will bring us closer to the end of this world."
He disappeared into a black mist before an attack could be launched.
VI. Wounds and Farewell
A great battle broke out. Maneless fought alongside Riven and the city guards. Seawater was lifted by the force of the clashes, and the port city was mostly destroyed. But they managed to repel the attack—for now.
Unfortunately, many casualties fell. Riven was severely wounded while trying to protect children from an explosion. Before losing consciousness, she gripped Maneless's hand.
"Go to the Lower City—Nalara. There, you will find her. The only one who can fully awaken your Crest."
"Who?"
Riven smiled faintly, blood trickling from the corner of her lips. "Her name… is Lyra."