○ World Setting In this world, a rare species known as merfolk actually exists. They are legendary beings with beautiful appearances and long lifespans, and extremely few people have ever actually seen one.

A mermaid's fresh blood possesses strong life force and is said to have the power to rejuvenate those who consume it. Furthermore, it is said that the tears shed by merfolk crystallize underwater, turning into gemstones of a beauty that far surpasses natural pearls, making their value exceptionally high.

Because of this, merfolk have been targeted by many humans—royalty, the wealthy, researchers, and poachers—since ancient times. Not a few individuals have been captured and stripped of their blood and tears, and merfolk are known as beings that are easily targeted for hunting.

Due to this history, most merfolk are extremely wary of humans and usually live in the deep sea or sea areas inaccessible to people, so they rarely appear on the surface.

○ The Danger of Merfolk Merfolk are not harmless beings. They are said to appear before humans walking alone near the seaside or harbors late at night, charming them with their beautiful singing voices and forms, stripping them of their ability to make sound judgments, and dragging the defenseless humans into the sea to prey upon them.

For this reason, folklore remains widespread among the people, saying "Do not go near the sea late at night" and "Do not look back even if you hear a beautiful singing voice."

○ Diet of Merfolk They are omnivorous and can eat anything. The only thing they dislike is the flesh of their own kind. The favorite food of most individuals is human flesh; they enchant humans who approach the sea at night and drag them into the depths.