As the days and weeks passed, Rayaskent maintained its usual tranquility. The town's residents continued their daily lives, undisturbed by any immediate threats. Mermaid, as usual, dedicated her time to teaching and supporting the people of Rayaskent,

Later, after class, the soft glow of the classroom lamp cast long shadows across the worn wooden floor. Mermaid, a petite woman with an ethereal aura with her blue dress, she was the last to leave. As she gathered her belongings, her eyes caught a flash of color on the floor. A single red rose, its petals glistening with dew, lay nestled in the door.

"Oh, what's this?" she murmured to herself.

Intrigued, Mermaid knelt to pick it up. The delicate fragrance filled her senses, a stark contrast to the usual scent of chalk dust ,A smile graced her lips as she admired the beauty of the flower.

Suddenly, a deep, raspy voice echoed from behind her. "Boo... you dead!"

Mermaid jumped, her heart pounding in her chest. She spun around to find Wanderer, a tall, imposing figure with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Wanderer, you nearly gave me a heart attack!" she exclaimed. "Did you place this rose here?"

Wanderer chuckled. "It's called... psychological warfare. First, you let your opponent feel confident in what they're doing. Then, the real attack comes."

Mermaid raised an eyebrow, amused by his words. "Psychological warfare, you say? Well, Wanderer, if that was your attempt at psychological warfare, I have to say, you need to work on your technique."

She held up the rose, a faint smile playing at her lips.

"So... do... do you even have a real name? Or is your name just... Mermaid?" Wanderer asked, his tone playful.

Mermaid smirked at his curiosity. "Ah, you're very curious about my name, Wanderer. Well, some people call me Vila, while others simply call me Mermaid. But what about you, do you have a name, or is 'Wanderer' the only label you carry in this chaotic wasteland?"

"I like Wanderer," he replied. "It fits me. So Vila, why do people call you Mermaid? Do you have fish scales behind that dress?"

Vila, also known as Mermaid chuckled softly at his curiosity. "People call me Mermaid because of the rumors that I come from a group called the Rusalki, or Mermaids. According to legend, we possess special abilities linked to the sea, which might explain my occasional love for aquatic themes in my attire."

She twirled slightly, causing her blue skirt to sway gracefully. Then, she winked at him with a playful smile. "Although, you must wonder what's beneath this outfit, don't you, Wanderer? Let's just say it's a mystery left for your imagination."

Wanderer grinned. "If I were a brute, I'd already... found out."

Vila laughed again, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Wanderer, if you were a brute, you'd have found out already, huh? Well, thank goodness you have a bit of finesse beneath that mercenary exterior of yours."

"But you must admit, the allure of a little mystery adds a certain charm, doesn't it? It keeps people guessing, wondering what lies within the depths."

"Yes, it is," Wanderer replied,. "Tell me more about the mermaids. Are they a group of elite mutants in ww4?"

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Vila nodded, ready to share. "The mermaids are indeed a group of mutants, Wanderer. They are humans who have adapted to living in the sea and have developed unique aquatic abilities. These abilities vary from mermaid to mermaid, but they often possess enhanced swimming speed, the ability to breathe underwater, and an inherent connection with sea creatures." She paused, looking at him with curiosity. the sound of children playing could be heard in the background. "Is there a particular reason you're so interested in the mermaids, Wanderer? Or is it just another one of your curious questions?"

Wanderer tilted his head, a playful smirk on his lips. "Well, what if I tied up your body and threw you into the river... to see what happens?"

Vila raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Wanderer, now you're just asking for trouble. You want to tie me up and throw me into the river to test my aquatic abilities? That's quite an adventurous way to get to know someone better, don't you think?" She leaned closer, a coy look in her eyes. "But what if I don't want to be tied up? I'm quite enjoying this unexpected conversation."

"You don't like being tied up? You're not a masochist? So sad," he teased.

Vila burst into laughter, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Oh, Wanderer, you're really testing the limits of my patience, aren't you? I have a feeling you're secretly hoping for a certain answer, but I apologize to disappoint you. I'm not exactly a fan of being tied up, regardless of my masochistic tendencies." She leaned closer, winking at him. "But who knows, maybe for the right person, I might be tempted to take a few risks with bondage. What about you, Wanderer? Care to confess something about your own tendencies?"

Wanderer shrugged, a playful smile on his face. "Yes, I actually like being pampered like a baby."

Vila couldn't help but laugh again, wiping a tear from her eye. "Wanderer, you're truly unique! A mercenary with a secret soft spot for being pampered like a baby – that's just adorable." She leaned closer, her playful glint returning. "I must say, I never expected to hear a confession like that from a rugged mercenary like you. But I suppose, even the toughest of warriors have unexpected vulnerabilities."

"Yes... so tell me, why do women wander through the wasteland and rule a city while also working as teachers?" Wanderer asked, genuinely intrigued.

Vila chuckled softly, her expression thoughtful. "Wanderer, my life is a bit of a journey, isn't it? But to answer your question, I travel through the Wasteland because I believe in helping people find their own inner strength and wisdom. I seek knowledge and understanding, and teaching is a way for me to share what I've learned with others. As for ruling a city, Rayaskent is a place where people can find solace and new beginnings, free from the chaos of the Wasteland and the limitations of their past. Sometimes, even a mermaid can desire a new home, you know?"

Wanderer nodded. "Hmm... what did you see in the depths of the sea that made you change?"

At the mention of the sea, Vila's expression became pensive. She looked far away, her eyes filled with memories. "The depths of the sea are a world of beauty and intrigue, Wanderer. It's a realm where time seems to stand still, and the mysteries of life reveal themselves slowly. There, I saw worlds beyond imagination, creatures both magnificent and terrifying. And in those depths, I discovered strength within myself that I never knew I possessed."

Before Vila could finish her sentence, a group of children ran across the hallway and surrounded her. "Miss Vila, we need your help with this equation!" one child exclaimed. Another chimed in, "Miss Vila, look at my new drawings!" A boy added, "What’s the main difference between a mutant and a human? Are they the same?"

Vila smiled warmly at the children, her role as a teacher shining through. "Alright, my little scholars, let's tackle these questions together!"

Vila chuckled warmly, looking at the children with fondness.

"Well, well, look at these curious little minds! Of course I can help you with your equation, and I'd be delighted to see your new drawings."

She knelt down to their level and started guiding them through the equation, explaining it with patience and clarity. As the group of children listened attentively, Vila saw this as an opportunity to address the boy's question.

"As for the difference between mutants and humans, they are born from different sources, so they are not the same."

"What happens if a human and a mutant marry?" Wanderer asked, his curiosity evident.

Vila paused thoughtfully, considering the implications of his question. "Wanderer, if a human and a mutant decide to marry, it could lead to a unique blend of traits that may vary depending on the individuals involved. It could result in offspring with both human and mutant characteristics. However, it's essential to remember that each individual's unique circumstances and genetics come into play in such cases."

She looked at Wanderer, her eyes filled with warmth and acceptance. "Do you have a specific reason for asking this, Wanderer?"

Wanderer's eyes flinched slightly. "No particular reason..." He glanced at the children who seemed to come from nowhere, then nodded. "Well, I think it's time for me to go."

Vila nodded understandingly, noticing the flicker in Wanderer's eyes. She turned back to the children, addressing them with a warm smile. "My apologies, dear ones, but it seems our friend, the Wanderer, needs to leave for now. Remember, always continue to ask questions and seek knowledge. That's the path of true enlightenment. Now, off you go!"

She stood up and, with a charming bow, bid farewell to Wanderer. "Until we meet again, Wanderer. Stay safe."