Inside the room, only four people remained: Nina, Dian, Lex, and Lani.
Dian took out a shimmering merfolk pearl and handed it to Nina.
"Nina, swallow the pearl. We'll help you fuse with it."
Nina accepted the pearl and placed it into her mouth.
She had assumed it would be difficult to swallow, but the moment it touched her tongue, it softened almost instantly, melting like snow before sliding smoothly down her throat.
"Nina," Dian said softly, "we're going to begin the fusion now. Close your eyes and feel the pearl's energy. Let it merge with the energy inside your body."
"Alright." Nina closed her eyes obediently.
Lani looked toward Lex. Lex gave him a slight nod.
Standing behind Nina, he began channeling his energy into her, helping the merfolk pearl fuse completely.
Almost immediately, Nina felt a cool current spreading through her body.
