Dayesh scanned the quest board, carefully reading through the available missions.
"This should be manageable for the three of us," he muttered.
His eyes settled on one particular quest. It described a mission to eliminate a sea creature that had been attacking boats and ships passing through a critical maritime route. The destruction it caused disrupted trade between neighboring nations, making it a serious threat.
Without drawing attention, Dayesh quietly took the request and walked over to Rana.
"Hm… you're taking this one?" Rana whispered, leaning closer. "The reward alone is staggering. Half a million gold."
"We'll try," Dayesh replied calmly. "I have companions now. It won't look suspicious anymore if I take on missions like this."
"I see…" Rana smirked slightly. "Just don't forget about me."
"Of course. Please explain the details."
"Come inside. I'll brief all of you properly."
The four of them entered a small office room.
Rana explained the situation in detail. Reports from sailors spoke of a massive sea creature attacking any vessel that passed through a specific stretch of ocean. The problem was that this route had no alternative. It was the only viable path for trade.
"Based on witness accounts and survivors," Rana continued, "it appears to be a giant sea snake. Around twenty meters long. Large enough to destroy multiple ships if it wanted."
She paused, letting the weight of her words settle.
"That's why the reward is so high. No one wants to take this mission. Proof of completion would be its head and a portion of its flesh."
"Thank you for the explanation, miss," Ghoth said. "Big Brother, we can handle this. I'm eager to test my abilities."
"Oh? Quite confident, aren't you, Mister…"
"Ghoth, miss."
"Ah, Ghoth. I keep mixing you up with Khafa. My apologies."
"You'll get used to us," Ghoth replied with a playful wink.
Dayesh stepped forward.
"Where exactly is the location?"
Rana pointed to a map.
"Here. It's quite far, which is another reason for the high reward. But if you succeed, it will bring long term safety not only here but also to neighboring nations."
"No wonder no one takes it," Khafa muttered. "Fighting in the water is no simple task."
Rana glanced at Dayesh.
"That's why I'm impressed by you. Confident, but not arrogant."
Dayesh turned to the others.
"Let's go. We still need to inform my child. We'll be gone for a few days."
"Just Lzith?" Khafa asked with a teasing tone.
"Who else would it be?" Dayesh replied, though his gaze shifted slightly, betraying a hint of hesitation.
Ghoth smirked.
"Then why are Big Brother's cheeks turning red?"
"Do you want to get hurt before we even leave?" Dayesh said flatly.
"Just kidding," Ghoth replied quickly.
They knew better than to push further.
Dayesh turned back to Rana.
"By the way, I would like to request help in finding another maid. There are more people in my household now."
"Oh? They're staying with you?"
"Yes. They were driven out from where they came from."
"Alright. I'll find someone suitable."
Dayesh then asked about equipment. Rana directed them to a nearby shop where they purchased harpoons, ropes, and magical stones that would allow them to breathe underwater.
Once everything was prepared, they returned home.
As soon as Khafa saw Sapphire, he immediately asked for food, claiming he was starving. She complied without complaint.
"We're leaving tomorrow," Dayesh said suddenly. "Remember what I told you while we're gone."
Sapphire jumped slightly.
"You startled me, Big Brother," she said, placing a hand over her chest. "Yes, I understand. Please take care."
She spoke while facing away, focused on cooking.
Dayesh felt his cheeks grow warm again.
Without another word, he turned and headed to the bathroom, splashing water on his face.
"…What is this feeling?" he muttered.
***
Far out at sea…
A boat struggled against the waves.
Without warning, a massive form surged from beneath the water.
The sea snake.
Its enormous body coiled and twisted like the ocean itself. Its head alone was as large as a small vessel. Its eyes gleamed under the sunlight, and every movement stirred violent currents.
With a single strike of its tail, it slammed into a boat.
Wood splintered instantly.
Screams filled the air.
Another ship tried to escape, but before they could react, the creature struck again. It wrapped itself around the hull, crushing it slowly until it gave way. The vessel sank, leaving its crew flailing helplessly in the water.
Waves and debris erupted everywhere.
Even from afar, one could feel the terror it inspired.
Deep beneath the sea…
Dayesh held the magical stone tightly. It allowed him and his companions to breathe and move, though the current remained strong.
They were about five meters below the surface. Every movement felt heavy, as if pushing through thick resistance.
"Stay linked," Dayesh said. "If one of us gets dragged, the others follow immediately."
They tied themselves with rope, ensuring they would not be separated.
Ghoth and Khafa positioned themselves ahead, drawing the creature's attention. They moved swiftly, striking the water, circling, provoking it.
Meanwhile, Dayesh descended lower.
Silent.
Hidden.
His body blended with the shifting currents.
His eyes studied the creature's movements.
He observed its rhythm. Its turns. The reach of its tail.
This was not just a fight.
It was a dance.
Then...
The invisible sword appeared in his hand.
It moved like a whip through the water, unseen but deadly.
In a single motion, he struck.
The sea snake reacted violently, but it could not see its attacker.
Strike after strike followed. Each movement precise. Each cut deliberate.
Bit by bit, the massive body was torn apart.
The water darkened in places, stained by the battle, but none of them were harmed.
Above the surface, distant onlookers watched from their boats.
They cheered.
Some shouted.
Others could only stare in awe.
What they witnessed was not just a battle, but mastery.
In the end, only the head remained.
The three of them stood beneath the water, catching their breath.
"…It's over," Dayesh said.
They worked together to secure the head and placed it into the sack they brought.
As they surfaced, the surrounding sailors approached them, relief evident on their faces.
"Thank you! The danger is finally gone! We can pass through these waters in peace now!" one of them exclaimed.
"Thank you so much, sirs!"
Dayesh simply nodded.
"You're welcome."