Chapter 62: The Fish-Men’s Deity
Abyss, Leona, and Flora exchanged glances. Leona was fearless, but Abyss could see Flora’s hesitation – she didn’t trust these mysterious creatures.
“I want to see what they’re up to,” Abyss said to Flora through the mind link. “Don’t worry, I know they’re not as simple as they appear. I’ll be cautious.”
“Be extremely careful, Abyss. I’m ready to support you; I’m already waiting in the lab,” Rebecca’s voice echoed. “Do these creatures really think we’re fools? If I were a follower of the Nine Gods and a group of completely different-looking, different-believing marine creatures suddenly approached me during prayer, I certainly wouldn’t be welcoming.”
“Exactly, I’d rather bash their heads in. Heretics,” Leona added through the mind link, glancing at Abyss. “Although I don’t worship the Nine Gods.”
Flora silently grasped Abyss’s hand, still uneasy. Abyss quickly returned the grip; the familiar warmth eased her tension slightly.
The fish-men parted to the sides, and their leader, the strongest among them, gestured towards the temple’s interior, inviting them in.
“Esteemed visitors, please come in. Once inside, you’ll understand why we bear no ill will towards humans,” the fish-man leader’s voice was sharp, carrying powerfully through the water, yet his tone was calm, devoid of hostility.
Abyss nodded casually. “Alright, I’m also curious about your way of life.”
The fish-man leader gave an unsettling smile, leading Abyss inside. Flora, holding Abyss’s hand, and Leona, following close behind, entered the temple.
Inside, the scene became fully visible. The temple was filled with water, illuminated by magical lamps.
The interior was simple, even crude. Gray stone bricks formed the walls, floor, and ceiling. Aside from these essential elements, there were no other decorations. A life-sized statue stood against a wall, flanked by two magical lamps for illumination.
“Hmm? Your Lord is human?” Abyss glanced at the fish-man leader in surprise.
The fish-man leader gave another unsettling smile, his voice tinged with delight. “Indeed, our Lord appears as a human. That is why we don’t resent humans entering our holy ground.”
Indeed, the statue in the fish-men’s temple wasn’t fish-like, but human. It depicted a strong man with long hair and a full beard, his muscular torso bare, wearing simple linen trousers, resembling a prisoner.
The statue, carved from a single block of white stone, showcased impressive craftsmanship. Its surface was smooth and polished, lifelike, without any trace of chisel marks, as if a human body had been transformed into stone.
The man’s features and meticulously sculpted body hair suggested he was a typical Western Empire brute.
“Why is your god human?” Abyss asked, pointing at the statue. “Tell me about this person. Why did he become your god?”
The fish-man leader gave an ingratiating smile. “Of course. This deity is the supreme Lord of our fish-men tribe, higher than the Nine Gods. We have worshipped this great deity for generations, inheriting his blessings.”
“Oh… is that so?” Abyss mused, stroking his chin.
“Indeed. This god’s name is Cayeg, an ancient warrior who… conquered the ocean. Although he perished, his spirit lives on through us,” the fish-man leader spoke slowly, his tone solemn.
“So, you revere him simply for his bravery?” Abyss smiled, raising a question. “Didn’t he have any other remarkable qualities? Is conquering the sea enough to be considered a god?”
“Ah, no, no, dear guest. Bravery is but one of his many qualities. He became a god because of his immense power,” the fish-man quickly explained, hearing Abyss’s question. “Surely you don’t take us for simple, barbaric creatures?”
“Of course not, I didn’t mean to offend. I apologize if I did,” Abyss chuckled. “So, if he possessed immense power, could you tell me about it?”
The fish-men began chattering amongst themselves in their own language. Abyss had never encountered this language in any records, nor heard this strange tongue that even utilized teeth-gnashing as a form of pronunciation.
After their encrypted conversation, the fish-man leader turned back to Abyss with a fawning smile. “I just discussed it with my fellow believers, and we agree to let you witness our Lord’s power. But his power is difficult to describe with words.”
“So, what do you intend to do?” Abyss smiled amiably. “I’m very curious now; I must know.”
“It’s simple, esteemed guest. You just need to communicate with the statue directly,” the fish-man leader walked solemnly to the statue and gently patted its knee, as if dusting it off, even though the temple was filled with flowing seawater, precluding any dust.
“Hmm? Tell me more.”
“Our Lord possesses immense power, so even his image retains a portion of his divine power. Simply place your hand on his knee to meet him face to face,” the fish-man explained seriously. “Would you like to try? Of course, you can refuse if you don’t trust us.”
“You’re willing to let me touch your deity. What could be more honorable?” Abyss smiled, spreading his arms. “I can’t wait to meet your god.”
“Ah, good karma, good karma,” the fish-man said, delighted.
Abyss unhesitatingly reached for the statue’s knee.
Thud!
Just then, Leona suddenly kicked the statue, shattering it with immense force. Her kick was laced with faint lightning – the power of the Lord of Submergence!
“Surprise! You lying fish-freaks.”
Abyss’s smile vanished as he turned, coldly regarding the stunned fish-men.
Leave a Reply