86 - In Love

  Nexha gripped the trident tightly, feeling the weight of the weapon in his hands. The metal was still warm, pulsing faintly against his skin, as if it were breathing.

  A malicious grin spread across his face.

  — Obviously, now we’re going to test you!

  The rage from before vanished in an instant, replaced by feverish excitement. After all, he had something… no, someone powerful right in front of him. Something begging to be tested.

  With a strong flick of his tail, he launched himself off the platform, diving into the sea.

  The water enveloped him like a familiar embrace, but something was… different. He could feel the currents with more clarity, each movement of his tail was more fluid, more precise. His body responded in a new way—stronger.

  It was strange, but at the same time… incredible.

  He swam effortlessly toward the Mother of Tides kelp forest, where marine life was most abundant. Fish of all colors danced through the waters, feasting on the red fruits sprouting from the algae like tiny, succulent tomatoes.

  But Nexha wasn’t after them.

  He hid among the swaying plants, eyes sharp, waiting. Patience was essential for a hunter, and he wanted a prey worthy of his new weapon.

  Then, a silver shadow sliced through the kelp at high speed.

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  His eyes gleamed at the sight of an old acquaintance.

  A massive swordfish glided through the water, its movements graceful, predatory. It was busy devouring smaller fish, its confidence unshakable—like the true ruler of that territory.

  Perfect.

  Nexha’s grin widened.

  Adjusting his grip on the trident, he took a deep breath.

  And then he imagined that fish as a certain king’s lower parts.

  All the hatred surged back into him for a moment.

  The thought ignited something inside him. A hot wave coursed through his body, and, as if responding to his fury, the trident glowed an intense crimson.

  — You’ll feel this for him, little fish — he whispered.

  And he hurled the weapon.

  The water split apart in a razor-sharp trail, the trident tearing through the ocean like an underwater lightning bolt.

  There was no struggle.

  The impact was brutal.

  The trident didn’t just pierce the fish—it impaled it against a rock with overwhelming force. A muffled explosion echoed through the ocean, cracking the stone beneath it. Fragments crumbled, sinking like a shower of rubble.

  A jolt shot through Nexha’s own body.

  He knew the weapon was powerful… but he hadn’t expected this.

  For a moment, he stood frozen, wide-eyed at what he had just done.

  Then, his mouth opened into a wicked, exhilarated laugh.

  — That was amazing! I can’t wait to test it on the real king.

  He swam swiftly to the rock, inspecting his prey. The swordfish, a once-feared predator, was now nothing more than a lifeless, shattered body in three pieces against the stone, its blood clouding the water in a crimson veil.

  The trident still glowed.

  When Nexha pulled it free, a shiver ran down his spine. The weapon vibrated faintly in his hands—satisfied, as if it had just tasted something delicious for the first time.

  His heart pounded, and a smile formed on his lips.

  At that moment, this weapon was the most fun thing in the world to him.

  — I think I’ve fallen in love.

  Grinning, he began cleaning the fish remains off the trident.

  Far, far away, seated on his throne within his castle, a certain man felt a strange pain and let out a huff.

  — My lady is so mischievous… Ah… How can I be jealous of a weapon? I must be getting old.