“Elder,” said a beautiful woman, entering the study of the most powerful man at the Water Riders Academy.

“Yes, Naia?” An old, wizened man raised his eyes from a long piece of parchment. Deep in his irises, despite his age, one could see an insurmountable level of power.

This was the strongest man currently alive – the one maintaining peace over the Four Seas and presiding over the training of the new generation of Water Riders as the principal of the Academy.

Elder – or better, Principal – Kaimana, the Mighty.

Elders were the highest-ranked officials at the Water Academy, each in charge of an entire division.

They commanded respect and, most importantly, troops.

That was due to their personal strength and achievement. One couldn’t just become an Elder out of longevity or seniority. While it wasn’t common, even young people had gotten the role before, the most notable of whom had been the last Hākai Pō, who became an Elder right before her final battle.

Among all the Elders, the strongest, Principal Kaimana, was the only one capable of summoning or ordering around the others of his rank.

Even though the man looked so old and frail that he might be blown away by the wind, no one in the Academy was foolish enough to disrespect him.

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

“May I?” The woman asked, standing by the threshold, itching to enter.

“Please, Naia, dear. I’ve told you multiple times not to be so courteous with an old man like me. Please, just come in.”

“Elder,” the woman spoke with a reverent tone. “We have received word of a sighting of the Pau O Ka Lā.”

The Pau O Ka Lā, more simply known as the Sun Devourer, was one of the strongest people in existence, alongside Principal Kaimana.

Most importantly, the Sun Devourer had a much more troubled past than the principal. He was tied to the tragic events of sixteen years prior. He was tied to them very closely.

And now, apparently, he had resurfaced again.

“Communicate to our men not to engage, Naia,” Principal Kaimana said with a serious tone. “I don’t want to suffer meaningless losses. The Sun Devourer has... he’s not the person he used to be anymore.”

“Elder,” the woman seemed to hesitate. “He’s in the South Deep at the moment.”

Principal Kaimana raised an eyebrow.

The fact that the Sun Devourer was in the South Deep could only mean one thing.

The man had stopped all communication with the Water Riders after the death of Yalena, the last Kraken Slayer. He had refused to see anyone, only briefly reemerging under very suspicious circumstances. The fact that he was now moving right under their noses, not caring about people or artifacts spotting him, could only mean one thing.

“Please, immediately summon Elder Krakatoa and Elder Kahua,” the old man said. “And send a missive to the Great Cities. They must warn the other Elders.”

“Yes, Principal,” Naia bowed. “What shall the missive say?”

Principal Kaimana seemed to think for a moment and then sunk into his chair, the weight of his age heavy on him.

“Tell them that the sun will be darkened once again.”

Naia scribbled down the message and, before leaving, asked another question.

“Principal, do you have any idea why he might be back?”

“I fear I might know exactly why, Naia,” the old man said. “I believe he might be en route to meet his daughter.”