novelraw Chapter 211: Merman Algae
Chapter 211: Merman Algae
Leon trusted his instincts. Even though it seemed like he was having a normal conversation with the giant python, he had already run through several contingency plans in his mind. In every one of them, the final image was the snake lying with its head separated from its body.
“I have nothing to say to you. Take that human skeleton and get off my territory,” the python said impatiently before diving into the sea and disappearing.
That attitude told Leon everything—this creature had bad intentions.
It probably didn’t dare start a fight on land because he was holding a Galaxy Weapon.
If a battle broke out here, it might feel at a disadvantage, so it was trying to hurry him away to a battleground of its own choosing.
In the water, where it could swim freely, it would hold all the advantages.
That made things tricky for Leon. If it were just him, he had plenty of ways to counter this python. But this trip wasn’t a solo venture—Willy and Gus were with him, and they were ordinary men.
Leon wasn’t about to risk their lives.
So, after the python slipped into the sea, he blew the Mermaid Horn.
Oddly, even though he blew hard, the sound was as faint as a mosquito’s wings. Just as he was wondering if he was holding it wrong, a teleportation circle appeared on the water ahead of him.Four mermaids, each holding a Neptune Greatsword, emerged from the circle before diving into the sea, their upper bodies still visible above the surface.
“Royal Guard, Third Squad, reporting for support. Contract Holder, where is the enemy?” asked the lead mermaid, glancing around. Seeing no visible threat, she looked back at Leon in puzzlement.
“If there’s no special situation, we won’t need to fight. I just need you to escort us for a while. Sorry to trouble you,” Leon said. He didn’t tell them about the python—his main goal was to ensure Gus and Willy’s safety.
“No need to thank us. You are the Contract Holder. Protecting you is our duty,” the mermaid replied.
“Good. Then please circle to the other side of the island. There’s a beach there. I’ll fetch my friends and we’ll set off,” Leon instructed.
Once the mermaids dove back underwater, Leon stowed Old Hans’s remains in his System Backpack and went to find Gus and Willy.
As for whether the python might ambush the mermaids in the sea, Leon wasn’t worried. The Royal Guard wouldn’t be weak, and if things turned serious, the merfolk could summon reinforcements. They were, after all, the rulers of the ocean.
The last time a mermaid warrior had been killed, it was because she’d been caught completely off guard by a strange Shadow Assassin. Even shadowfolk preferred sneak attacks over direct confrontation—proof enough that the merfolk had real bite.
The island wasn’t big, and Gus and Willy were easy to find. They were hiding near the center in a grove of palm trees—up in the trees, in fact.
If they hadn’t waved at him first, Leon might not have spotted them. Their clothes were rumpled and torn by the palm fronds. Leon glanced at the smooth, six-meter trunk and asked dryly, “What made you think to climb up there?”
“Heh, just for safety,” Gus chuckled.
“You’re okay, right?” Willy looked Leon over, relieved to see no injuries.
Leon shook his head. “For now. But I can’t say about later. The treasure might be off the table—we need to get out of these waters and back to Stardew Valley.”
The two exchanged a look but didn’t press.
Leon wouldn’t say that unless something serious had happened—something life-threatening.
On the way back to the beach, Leon told them about the encounter. He described the python as of uncertain allegiance but assured them mermaid warriors would escort them home.
“Never thought I’d see the day I was escorted across the sea by mermaids,” Willy said.
“I’d rather you didn’t have to,” Gus muttered. If they needed an escort, it meant danger was close.
“I get it,” Willy nodded. “Let’s just head back to Stardew Valley. This trip can count as a little break. Safety first.”
“I’ll cover the lost voyage costs,” Gus said quickly.
“Gus, if you give me money, we’re not friends anymore,” Willy said in mock anger.
“It was my decision to come out here in the first place,” Gus said guiltily.
“Forget that. Let’s just go. This trip wasn’t without gain—I found Old Hans’s remains,” Leon said.
“You did?” Gus visibly relaxed. “Then I definitely owe you for the trouble, Leon. I’m not letting you make the trip for nothing.”
“Talk about it later.” Leon waved it off. They left even the supplies on the beach behind, pushed the kayak into the water, and paddled toward Willy’s fishing boat anchored offshore.
“We’ll patrol the area and keep you safe. Contract Holder, you should leave quickly. On our way here, we saw a mutated sea serpent. We’re not sure if it’s friendly,” a mermaid suddenly said, her head breaking the surface beside them.
Gus and Willy jumped in surprise, but Leon recognized her as the one who’d spoken to him earlier.
“That’s why I called you. I’ll count on you for the watch,” Leon replied.
“No problem. But be ready to fight.”
She reached out and handed Leon a sticky clump of seaweed. “This is Merman Algae. If needed, it will let you move freely underwater for a short time. I hope you won’t have to use it.”
Leon took the dark green, sticky plant. The system immediately marked it:
“Merman Algae: A rare seaweed born in the deep ocean. When swallowed, it temporarily grants land creatures the traits needed to survive underwater.”
“I will. I’m not the type to watch you fight while I run. That’d make me worse than garbage,” Leon said seriously.
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