[Vol. 7] Chapter 8: Are You the Fool, or Am I?
As one of the world's outer edges, the Eastern Sea was vast beyond imagination. So much so that its total area was said to far exceed all the landmasses of the Origin Realm combined.
Most of this ocean was nothing but open waters, uninhabited except for marine creatures. However, scattered like stars across the endless waves, islands would sometimes appear. These islands served as resting spots for passing ships and even homes for certain native beings.
Unlike the mainland, this part of the world had its own unique ways. The intelligent races here worship the Sea Goddess, Vier. Though they didn’t have an organized church or strict religious practices, their faith was undeniably real.
Some island tribes even held grand festivals on special occasions, offering sacrifices to the Sea Goddess in hopes of calm waters, fair weather, and protection from storms and tsunamis.
Whether or not it actually worked? Well, that was up for debate.
A day later, the [Noah’s Ark], having just returned to the Origin Realm, arrived near a sizable island.
During Violet’s earlier scan, she had detected several smaller islands that were technically closer, but most of them were only a few dozen square kilometers at most. They lacked intelligent life, only hosting small, unintelligent animals. Even finding a proper ranked magic beast was rare. Naturally, there was no reason to go ashore.
But the island before them?
Not only was it vast, but it was also part of a much larger island chain, with multiple islands clustered together. Their combined total area likely spanned tens of thousands of square kilometers.
Even though Violet had withdrawn her divine sense quickly to avoid startling the locals, her initial observations were enough to confirm that this place was home to a highly developed intelligent civilization.
In fact, even within the entire Eastern Sea, this tribal society was probably one of the largest and most significant.
Standing on the deck of [Noah’s Ark], Violet gazed toward the shore, where groups of humanoid beings had already gathered, weapons in hand, tridents and spears at the ready, clearly on high alert.
She nodded to herself.
The diversity of races in the Origin Realm was far greater than in the Ancient Spirit Realm, where only humans and naturally born mystical beasts existed.
No wonder it was called the First World, the birthplace of all things.
This was a Merfolk Tribe.
As one of the key species in the complex food chain of the Origin Realm, merfolk could be found in oceans, lakes, and large rivers across the world. Though they depended on water, they weren’t like fish that couldn’t survive on land, they were more like amphibians.
Physically, merfolk had upper bodies similar to humans, while their lower bodies could shift depending on their environment. On land, they could walk on two legs just like humans, but the moment they entered the water, their legs transformed into powerful fish-like tails, making them excellent swimmers.
They were a bit like the mermaids from fairy tales.
By human classification, merfolk were often considered magical creatures, though that label was mostly due to human prejudice. Outside of the human race and a few dominant species, humanity tended to look down on other intelligent beings, so this categorization didn’t hold much real meaning.
As for this particular merfolk population, Violet estimated that their numbers had already surpassed one million, comparable to a major capital city on land.
The way they responded to the arrival of [Noah’s Ark] was also remarkably organized, almost like a well-trained military force preparing for battle.
Which, to be fair, made perfect sense.
After all, [Noah’s Ark] wasn’t just an ordinary ship. It was a legendary vessel, modeled after the myth of the Great Flood, a miracle ship meant to save all life from destruction. Naturally, its massive scale far exceeded that of any normal seafaring vessel.
For the local merfolk, seeing such a colossal ship, larger than a modern aircraft carrier, suddenly appear near their home was bound to trigger a strong defensive response.
According to records, merfolk rarely wore heavy armor since it would hinder their movement underwater.
Their bodies were highly adaptable, as shown by their ability to switch between legs and tails.
During battle, their skin would develop a protective layer of fish-like scales, which, while not covering their entire body, was tough enough to shield their vital areas from harm.
The merfolk in front of them were no exception.
On the shore, nearly a thousand armed merfolk stood in formation, keeping a tight defensive line. Meanwhile, even more were hiding beneath the waters, surrounding [Noah’s Ark] from all sides, silently observing and waiting.
There was no doubt. This was a well-trained military force.
If Violet and her group made even the slightest wrong move, these merfolk would strike back with overwhelming force in an instant.
Of course, Violet never intended to start a conflict.
Scanning the area from the deck, the priestess quickly identified a few figures who stood out as leaders among the gathered merfolk.
Her reasoning was simple. These particular merfolk radiated a more composed and powerful presence, and their eyes bore distinct, tear-like markings.
This was the unmistakable symbol of the Mingjiao Tribe. The highest-ranking and most respected lineage among all merfolk.
Just like how treefolk, humans, and beastman had many different subgroups, merfolk were divided into multiple smaller clans.
For example, in the Beastman Kingdom, there were lionfolk, tigerfolk, and leopardfolk, each forming their own unique branches of the beastman race.
The Mingjiao held a similar status within merfolk society, they were comparable to draconic beastman among beastfolk, the absolute rulers of their kind.
Violet subtly signaled to her Spirit Veil companion, as well as Le Qiaoqiao and Hongyan, instructing them to stay put on the ship for now.
Then, with a flash of white wings, the priestess took off into the air, flying directly toward the merfolk warriors on the shore.
This was a calculated decision. Merfolk were generally a peaceful race.
Unlike the winged people, who were widely known for their neutrality and isolation, merfolk were still wary of outsiders, but they wouldn’t rashly start fights for no reason.
Compared to some of the more aggressive intelligent sea-dwelling races, merfolk were actually one of the easier groups to approach.
Sure enough, though Violet’s sudden flight startled both the land and sea merfolk, no one immediately attacked.
The [Noah’s Ark] remained still on the water, and under the watchful restraint of the Mingjiao leaders, the merfolk forces held their positions, choosing to observe rather than act impulsively.
As Violet landed, a young Mingjiao leader stepped forward.
He was the only one present with four tear-shaped eye markings and short hair colored in a mix of blue and white.
With a calm but firm presence, he planted his steel trident into the ground, its blade gleaming coldly in the light. Then, he spoke first.
"You’re a white-feathered winged race? Since when did the Winged people start sailing? And such a massive ship… it’s nearly on par with the [Sea Sovereign], the legendary ship of [Rashid Bachiri], the King of Sea Raiders. So, tell me, why have you come to the [Eastern Sea Pearl]?"
The Mingjiao leader wasn’t speaking in the merfolk’s native tongue but instead in [Veir Language], one of the primary languages of the Origin Realm.
Named in honor of the Goddess of the Sea, [Veir Language] was widely spoken across the entire Eastern Sea, including the Austre Empire, the dominant nation in the eastern part of the continent. It was one of the empire’s two official languages, representing a deeply rooted cultural tradition shared by many intelligent races.
Judging by the fluency with which he spoke, it was clear that this Mingjiao leader frequently interacted with outsiders.
Being mistaken for a Winged people was nothing new for Violet, so she didn’t mind.
Instead, she simply smiled gently and delivered the explanation she had already prepared in her mind.
"We are a merchant ship on a long voyage. We got lost and ended up here by accident. We mean no harm. We just need a sea chart of the surrounding waters to correct our course. Of course… we wouldn’t ask for it for free. We’re willing to trade supplies in exchange. What do you think?"
Violet felt her reasoning was perfectly logical, with no holes to pick.
However, the young Mingjiao leader immediately furrowed his brows and gave her a skeptical look.
"A merchant ship… got lost… and ended up here? Are you joking?"
His grip on his steel trident tightened slightly, and his gaze sharpened.
"Right now is the [Great Whirlpool]’s active period! The entire Emerald Sea is completely sealed off! No outside ship, especially one that has ‘lost its way’, should even be able to enter!"
With a slight tap of his trident against the ground, his tone turned noticeably more hostile.
"Who are you really? Do you think we merfolk are fools?!"
"…Huh?"