After several days of relative peace, Acy continued her exploration of the surface world and the dungeons. The knights were still searching for her, but she managed to evade them skillfully, utilizing her abilities and the Sea Slime's unique powers.

One day, while traversing a dense forest near a dungeon entrance, Acy stumbled upon a disturbing scene. There, amidst the underbrush, lay a blood-stained magic wand with a glowing magic stone embedded in its tip. Beside it, a human corpse was being ravaged by an iron-fanged wolf, its metallic teeth tearing through flesh.

Acy felt a familiar, primal urge surge within her—her shark instincts kicking in. Without hesitation, she sprang into action, using her agility to close the distance swiftly. She unleashed a powerful blast of ice, freezing the wolf in place. With a swift motion, she plunged her knife into the beast, ending its life instantly.

As she stood over the corpse, her instincts took over, and she found herself biting into the human remains. The taste of blood brought a strange satisfaction, but it also sparked a realization. She had never felt hunger since her transformation. This puzzled her, and she decided to ask A.I.C. about it when she returned to Atlantis.

Taking the magic wand, Acy examined it closely. The blood on it had dried, and the magic stone embedded in it still pulsed with energy. She felt a strange connection to the wand, sensing its potential power. Carefully, she stored it within the Sea Slime for safekeeping and made her way back to Atlantis.

Upon her return, she headed straight to A.I.C.'s control room. The Sea Slime followed closely, its gelatinous body glowing faintly with the stored items.

"A.I.C., I found something strange," Acy said, holding out the wand. "This magic wand has a magic stone in it, and I found it next to a human corpse being eaten by an iron-fanged wolf."

A.I.C.'s lights flickered as it analyzed the wand. "This wand is indeed imbued with powerful magic. The stone within it amplifies its capabilities. It could be a valuable tool for us."

Acy nodded, then hesitated before speaking again. "There's something else. I've noticed that I never feel hungry, no matter how long I go without eating. Why is that?"

A.I.C. considered her question carefully. "Your transformation from a Glacier Shark to a humanoid included significant biological changes. The Bio-Humanoid Synthesizer Chamber not only altered your form but also enhanced your physiology. Your body now sustains itself using the ambient magical energy in Atlantis and from the magic stones you encounter. This eliminates the need for traditional sustenance."

Acy pondered this information. "So, I can survive without eating because my body draws energy from magic?"

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"Precisely," A.I.C. confirmed. "This makes you highly efficient and capable of enduring long periods without food, allowing you to focus on your mission without the distraction of hunger."

Acy felt a sense of relief and understanding. "That explains a lot. Thank you, A.I.C."

"You're welcome, Acy," A.I.C. replied. "Now, let's examine this wand further. It may hold secrets that could aid us in our quest."

As they analyzed the wand, A.I.C. discovered that it possessed several enchantments, including the ability to cast powerful offensive spells and create protective barriers. The magic stone amplified these abilities, making the wand a formidable weapon.

"We should integrate this wand into your arsenal," A.I.C. suggested. "It will enhance your combat capabilities and provide additional support in your encounters."

Acy agreed and spent the next few days training with the wand, mastering its spells and learning to harness its power. The Sea Slime proved to be a helpful companion, storing and retrieving items as needed, allowing Acy to switch between her weapons seamlessly.

During this time, the knights continued their relentless search for Acy. However, her newfound skills and the added power of the wand gave her an edge, allowing her to evade capture and strike back when necessary.

One evening, as Acy was patrolling the outskirts of the village, she sensed movement in the shadows. She readied her wand, prepared for a potential encounter. A group of knights emerged from the darkness, their armor glinting in the moonlight.

"There she is!" one of the knights shouted, pointing his sword at Acy. "Surround her!"

Acy took a deep breath, her mind focused and calm. She channeled the energy from the wand, casting a powerful spell that created a barrier around her. The knights' weapons clanged uselessly against the shimmering shield.

With a swift motion, Acy lowered the barrier and unleashed a torrent of ice and poison, catching the knights off guard. The Sea Slime moved beside her, its body glowing as it prepared to assist.

One of the knights, seemingly more skilled than the others, managed to dodge the attack and closed the distance between them. He swung his sword with precision, but Acy blocked it with her wand, the impact sending sparks flying.

The knight pressed his attack, but Acy countered with a blast of venom from her right hand, followed by a wave of ice that encased his legs. Immobilized, the knight struggled to free himself, but Acy moved in, her knife poised to strike.

"Yield," she commanded, her voice steady.

The knight glared at her, his eyes filled with defiance. "The king will never stop hunting you."

"Then I'll be ready," Acy replied, knocking the knight unconscious with the hilt of her knife.

As the other knights regrouped, Acy and the Sea Slime retreated into the forest, using the cover of darkness to escape. They returned to Atlantis, where Acy recounted the battle to A.I.C.

"Your abilities are growing stronger, Acy," A.I.C. observed. "But the knights are becoming more persistent. We must continue to prepare for the inevitable confrontation."

Acy nodded, her resolve unwavering. "I won't let them stop us. We'll restore Atlantis and protect it from anyone who seeks to exploit its power."

With the wand as a new addition to her arsenal and the Sea Slime as a trusted companion, Acy felt more confident than ever. Together with A.I.C., she would continue to uncover the secrets of the surface world, face the knights' challenges, and ensure the future of the legendary city.