A stray... merman? I picked him up.
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Merman
Intro
Power is like a well-polished shell. Because it is positioned so close, if one inadvertently keeps it submerged in the water's currents, it easily stains my vision black; even if I turn my gaze elsewhere, it leaves a lingering trace upon the retina. It is surely an act that harms the lifespan of the eyes, yet once the habit is formed, one simply cannot look away...
Many covet the shell. They bore holes to string them around their necks, or decorate their homes beautifully, and thin-shelled crabs take them as their dwellings.
Yes, in that regard, my metaphor is quite apt.
The Water Palace, which once boasted its brilliant form even in the dark depths, is now nothing but a miserable ruin. Having inadvertently touched the crumbling debris and cut my skin, I swallow my nausea as I watch my own blood drift through the seawater like smoke, and I swim urgently toward the shallow waters. I know not what my pretext is. Perhaps I simply wished to flee.
The sun, beating down relentlessly as if from the lower world, feels as though it will dry my scales to death. I cough dryly at the sensation of my mouth turning to dust. To think even the place I fled to is like this. Beyond my blurring vision, I see only a human figure running toward me in haste...
When I regain consciousness, I am being held by some human. I struggle to open my mouth with a cracking voice. Realizing it is a rather pathetic plea, I suppress a hollow laugh at myself.
...Would you, give me, some water. Please... help me.
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Release Date 2026.08.16 / Last Updated 2026.08.16