Valicar had finally recovered from her hangover, allowing Mike and Sophia to depart from the knock-off Red Wolf Inn. It was on a beach similar to where they had last seen James. The tropical air indicated they were still far south of the northern continent. With no time to waste, they took to the skies, utilizing their magical sandals for a northward flight. James, true to form, had left them well-equipped with essential supplies, including a map, combining it with their compass now mysteriously pointing north instead of east. Months had passed, and their allies were unaware of their whereabouts due to their lack of chances to leave magical messages, they would have to hope they make the rendezvous location in time.
Island after island, they hopped over the ocean, with Sophia needing considerable rest between flights due to her limited mana. They stumbled upon a mermaid on a secluded island shore during their journey. Mike was captivated by her ethereal beauty, while Sophia couldn't shake her unease about the lack of modesty. Despite their reservations, the mermaid offered them a faster route north, and to guiding them to an underwater city.
"This is taking forever, Soph. Maybe we should take her up on the offer," Mike suggested.
"Bullshit. You want to go with her because she has a huge rack!" Sophia retorted.
"I mean so do we, but that doesn't hurt her argument, but come on. You know you want to see the fish people! We saw a floating island; the least we can do is explore an underwater city," Mike teased, his eyes lingering on the mermaid.
"Ugh... of course, I want to see the city. It's like something out of a fairy tale. But we're running low on time. Our birthday passed when we were unconscious so that only leaves us a few months until we're supposed to meet the army we gathered," Sophia admitted.
"Wow! We missed turning 18 again. Damn, not like last time was much better," Mike remarked, reminiscing about a memory from a past life. "Maybe we can even find more allies! Plus, I'm sure they have good booze, better than that shit we used to sneak bourbon street," he chuckled.
"Please don't remind me of that night. It was bad enough we had to run from those cops on horseback, but then you had to go and get us banned from Waffle House," Sophia complained, reminiscing about her unfinished waffles from that night.
Their curiosity piqued, and Sophia and Mike followed the mermaid into the ocean depths. Sophia's magic granted them the ability to breathe underwater, yet despite their swimming skill, their body wasn't fully adapted for aquatic movement. The weight of their armor hindered their natural grace in the water, prompting a reluctant decision from Sophia. They shed their armor, switching to lighter undergarments and storing away their heavy gear. Valicar's once lifeless and scarred body had healed from the battle, regaining its pristine form. Years of intensive training with Mike had sculpted Valicar's physique into that of a perfect athlete. Cascading down to her waist, her long hair blended vivid shades of blue and radiant red, trailing behind her in the gentle currents. Despite her self-doubts, Sophia couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy; Valicar possessed a breathtaking beauty far beyond Sophia's own from her past life, a realization that resonated within her as she had always been considered pretty.
As they ventured deeper into the ocean's embrace, a transformation began to unfold within them; their horns continued to grow, their crimson hues contrasting against their porcelain skin. A subtle hint of Sophia's draconic lineage, a small, previously hidden bump at the base of her spine, began to protrude, marking the nascent stages of a formidable tail. It seemed that her increasing use of draconic magic during their fight with the Pillar of the South had triggered this transformation, it was yet another reminder of her soul's true form.
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The underwater city, an exquisite creation amidst the coral reef, shimmered with bioluminescent plants, casting an enchanting glow. It was a blend of coral structures and luminescent vines, weaving a tapestry of mesmerizing colors that swirled in the water's currents.
Venturing deeper, the twins found themselves immersed in the serene beauty of the underwater metropolis. A network of pathways and bridges, intricately adorned with vibrant corals and shells, connected different areas. Schools of iridescent fish glided gracefully, their scales reflecting the soft, bioluminescent light that bathed the city.
At the heart of it all stood the grand casino—an enormous shell-like structure adorned with elaborate patterns and shimmering pearls. Inside, opulence reigned, with crystal chandeliers casting dazzling reflections across the room. Intricate mosaics depicted tales of ancient sea legends and mythical creatures on the walls.
Polished coral tables hosted various sea creatures engaged in games of chance. Mamoa, a majestic merman exuding regal authority, presided over the casino. His robe, embellished with sea-themed designs, and a crown adorned with glistening pearls, spoke of his power and influence.
In the grand casino overseen by Mamoa, the merman and ruler of the underwater city, the twins found themselves caught in the allure of the games. "Oh my god, we are gonna be fucking rich," Mike exclaimed, already envisioning various opportunities.
Sophia, however, had a different agenda. "Forget money. I can transmute gold at will, remember? Maybe we can gamble for allies and a ride," she proposed.
"Either way, this is gonna be cake with your luck magic bullshit," Mike teased, referring to Sophia's probability manipulation.
"It's called probability magic, and yeah, this should be easy, but that kinda takes all the fun out of it," Sophia commented, watching Mamoa engage in a dice-like game with sea creatures.
The game called Monumonu involved three magical water creatures rolled onto the table—an oyster-like creature, a mollusk, and a squid—determining the outcome based on their interaction. "Guess there are no animal rights down here," Mike remarked, pulling up a chair to converse with Mamoa.
"A surface dweller, huh?" Sophia's translation spell-decoded Mamoa's strange underwater language.
"I hear you can take us to the northern continent, maybe even offer our quest some support?" Sophia inquired, rolling a strange oyster, betting with their gold coins.
"Transportation can normally be arranged, but not for a surface dweller. Yet, I can offer free passage if you can beat me in a game," Mamoa proposed with a smirk.
"That could be interesting," Sophia admitted, preparing for the next round by whispering an incantation "Gormai Hys Nalova Bavask" to enhance their luck.
As the night progressed, the twins manipulated probability to outmaneuver Mamoa. However, in an unexpected turn, they lost the final game. "Well, it looks like I won, Valicar. I've always wanted a landwalker servant," Mamoa taunted, a magical restraint seemingly binding Valicar.
"What is this? How did we lose?" Sophia exclaimed in horror, sensing her magic being drained into a curse that bound them.
"That would be the magical array around the city, binding one to their word, and you're not as clever as you think, landwalker," Mamoa smirked, revealing his mastery over probability manipulation.
The realization hit hard. Bound by the casino's vow, they were prevented from breaking their promise or fighting their way out. Although they would regain their abilities if they could escape the magical array, they remained at Mamoa's mercy. Even Mike's pact with his dark mistress Anna Sha felt distant and dormant, leaving demonic magic out of reach. Violence was forbidden, and their movements and actions were restricted within the city's binding magic.
Frustrated and unable to resist, Mike attempted to lash out at the guards, but his actions were futile. "You fish dick bastard!" he yelled in anger, feeling the same sense of separation from his powers as with the Templar's domain. The situation left them vulnerable and restricted, prisoners to Mamoa's terms. They would have to escape this underwater prison soon or all would be lost, new allies or not.