Chapter 186 – Arriving at the Bottom of Sunlight Tree Eve!
Seeing Shirahoshi's terrified expression, Ryuunosuke realized it would be difficult to make her accept her power immediately.
Which left him only one option.
After all—long-standing fear sometimes required a heavy-handed cure.
"Shirahoshi, watch closely."
Ryuunosuke launched himself forward, his body slicing through the water like a spear. In a flash, he shot toward the largest Sea King.
His fist shattered the protective bubble around him as he slammed his punch directly into the creature's colossal jaw.
The force of the strike sent a deep shockwave through the sea.
Instantly, the other Sea Kings around them roared in fury, surging toward him with violent intent.
But before they could reach him, Ryuunosuke flashed back, landing lightly on Shirahoshi's shoulder.
"Shirahoshi, command them. Tell them to stop," he said urgently, his voice sharp but composed.
"I—I can't…!"
Her body trembled. Her fingers clenched tightly.
"Shirahoshi! Hurry!" Ryuunosuke shouted. "If you don't, we're going to be eaten!"
"I… Lord Ryuunosuke, please…!"
Tears welled up in her eyes as panic filled her voice. But when she looked at Ryuunosuke's expression—calm, determined, unwavering—something changed inside her.
She clenched her hands to her chest, closed her eyes, and finally cried out.
A pulse rippled through the sea—an invisible wave of power.
The Sea Kings, only meters away from Ryuunosuke, suddenly froze in place.
Given their immense size, a few meters was practically a breath's distance.
Even Shirahoshi could feel the low, rhythmic breathing of these monsters
"Lord Ryuunosuke… they stopped," she whispered in disbelief.
"I… what should I do now?
"Place your hand on its head," Ryuunosuke said gently.
"Try to communicate."
"I… I can't," she said hesitantly, pulling her arm back.
"They're… they're just too scary…"
Despite the Sea Kings floating passively around them, their sheer size alone sent waves of fear through her.
The oppressive aura of such ancient beings made her hesitate.
Just then, the Sea King Ryuunosuke had struck returned.
It glided forward and lowered its head beneath Shirahoshi's outstretched hand.
Its massive eyes closed slowly.
A gesture of complete submission.
Seeing this, Shirahoshi's fear softened.
"…It's not as scary as I thought," she murmured, glancing at Ryuunosuke once more.
His encouraging gaze gave her the courage she needed.
With a trembling hand, she gently touched the Sea King's head.
"Aaaang!"
A unified chorus of roars echoed around them.
All the Sea Kings raised their heads, letting out cries filled with faith and devotion.
Once, such sounds would've sent Shirahoshi into a fit of sobs.
But this time, with Ryuunosuke beside her…
And with her Haki detecting no malice in them…
She didn't cry.
She simply stood still—and listened.
"Lord Ryuunosuke… I think they're trying to say something," she said softly, her fingers still pressed against the Sea King's brow.
"Then ask them to take us to the bottom of Sunlight Tree Eve," Ryuunosuke replied.
"Eve…? You mean the Sun God's gift?" Shirahoshi blinked in confusion.
"But… we're not allowed to go there. I remember wanting to when I was little, and Father scolded me."
"The 'no entry' rule is for others—common Fishmen and mermaids," Ryuunosuke explained.
"But you are not ordinary. You are allowed."
"The Sea Kings know that too."
"…I understand."
She turned back to the surrounding creatures, her voice soft but clear.
"Can you… take me and Lord Ryuunosuke to the depths of the Sunlight Tree Eve?"
The Sea King beneath her let out a low, resonant cry, then slowly leaned in closer.
"Climb on," Ryuunosuke said with a grin. "It'll take us there."
With newfound resolve, Shirahoshi nodded and gently sat atop the creature.
Almost instantly, its back began to change. The scales beneath her shifted, forming a curved platform—like a throne sculpted perfectly for her size.
These Sea Kings weren't just ancient—they were intelligent, adaptable, and entirely devoted to her.
Truly, magical beings.
With Shirahoshi seated, the Sea King began to glide downward.
The others flanked them in silence.
Before long, they reached Sunlight Tree Eve
As they dove deeper, something strange began to happen.
The deeper they went, the less pressure they felt.
Instead of darkness, the visibility improved.
Down below, Ryuunosuke could faintly make out a glow—a golden light illuminating the ocean floor.
"How…?" he muttered.
They were more than ten thousand meters below the surface. How could there possibly be light down here?
Could Eve really be channeling light all the way to the ocean floor?
Even providing Fishman Island with light was considered miraculous.
But this—this was something else entirely.
Soon, the full majesty of Sunlight Tree Eve's root system came into view.
It was like something out of a dream.
A labyrinth of enormous roots, twisting and spiraling like dragons in the deep sea.
Each root was wider than even the largest Sea Kings.
Some were the size of islands.
And these were only the smallest ones.
"Aaaang!"
The Sea Kings accompanying them halted in unison.
Only the one carrying Shirahoshi continued forward, slowly approaching the base of the roots.
Once it reached a certain point, it too stopped—then carefully retreated, joining the others.
Together, they remained still, silently watching.
Almost like guardians respecting a sacred boundary.
"Lord Ryuunosuke…" Shirahoshi said nervously.
"Why did they stop? Shouldn't we… not go any further?"
"The reason we're here is to go further," he replied.
"Let's go, Princess Shirahoshi. There's something waiting for you inside.
His voice was calm, but firm. Encouraging. And curious.
He wasn't here just to build trust with the Sea King.
He was also here to explore the mystery of Sunlight Tree Eve.
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