Chapter 55 - The Kingdom Upon the Waves
Three days passed after the liberation of Noctis.
The Phoenix Empire celebrated as the Sacred Flame burned brighter than it had in centuries.
Before dawn, Kai stood on the balcony of the Imperial Palace.
The crimson feather gifted by Noctis floated into the air.
It circled him once before dissolving into countless sparks.
The Book of Infinite Beasts appeared.
---
Divine Blessing Activated
Phoenix's Rebirth
Passive Effect:
- Accelerates recovery after battle.
- Increases resistance to Fire and Corruption.
- Once per month, survive a fatal injury with 1% vitality.
---
Kai smiled.
"Noctis..."
"I'll make sure your freedom wasn't in vain."
---
A gentle breeze swept across the balcony.
Selene stepped beside him.
"So..."
"Ready for another impossible mission?"
Kai laughed softly.
"When have our missions ever been easy?"
She smiled.
"Fair point."
---
Later that morning, Empress Aurelia personally saw the group off.
Beside Kai stood Selene, Ignis, the Crimson Flame Fox, Rowan, and three members of the Ashfang Pack.
Princess Elena approached carrying a beautifully crafted compass.
Its needle was made from a single golden phoenix feather.
She placed it in Kai's hand.
"This belonged to my father."
"It always points toward hope."
Kai looked at the elegant instrument.
"I'll return it."
Elena shook her head.
"No."
"It belongs with the Beast Sovereign now."
The Book glowed.
---
Item Acquired
Compass of Dawn
Grade: Legendary
Effect:
Always reveals the safest path toward the current objective.
---
As their airship departed, the citizens of the Phoenix Empire gathered below.
Thousands waved farewell.
Even Noctis soared high above the clouds before releasing a joyful cry.
Its golden feathers rained across the city like blessings.
---
Five days later...
The endless blue ocean stretched as far as the eye could see.
The airship floated peacefully above the waves.
Kai leaned against the railing.
"This is my first time seeing the sea."
Ignis grinned.
"Wait until you meet what's living underneath."
The Crimson Flame Fox flattened its ears.
"You're not helping."
---
Suddenly...
The Compass of Dawn began spinning wildly.
Its golden needle pointed east.
The Book appeared immediately.
Warning
Unknown Distress Signal Detected.
Distance:
12 kilometres.
Recommendation:
Investigate.
---
Before Kai could respond—
"Captain!"
A sailor pointed toward the horizon.
A merchant vessel was burning.
Black smoke rose into the sky.
Panicked cries echoed over the water.
Surrounding the ship were enormous shark-like beasts covered in crimson coral.
Their eyes glowed with corruption.
The Book analysed them instantly.
---
Beast Analysis
Bloodfin Sea Sharks
Rank: Elite
Status: Corrupted
Leader Detected.
---
Kai didn't hesitate.
"We're going."
The airship descended rapidly.
Selene drew her sword.
Rowan called for the Ashfang wolves to prepare.
Ignis stretched his wings.
"It's been too quiet."
---
The moment Kai landed on the merchant ship, chaos erupted.
Sailors fought desperately with harpoons.
Several had already fallen overboard.
A little boy clung to the mast, crying.
One enormous Bloodfin Shark leapt from the sea, jaws wide open.
Kai launched himself forward.
"Spirit Step!"
His spear flashed.
Instead of striking the beast's throat...
He struck the black crystal embedded in its forehead.
CRACK!
The crystal shattered.
The shark splashed back into the sea.
Moments later, it resurfaced.
Its crimson eyes had turned deep sapphire.
Rather than attacking...
It nudged a drowning sailor toward the surface.
Selene stared in surprise.
"It saved him..."
Kai smiled.
"The corruption was controlling it."
---
The remaining sharks suddenly retreated.
The sea became eerily calm.
Even the wind disappeared.
Ignis's expression changed instantly.
"No..."
"Everyone..."
"Get off the deck."
Too late.
The ocean split apart.
A shadow larger than the airship slowly rose from the depths.
Water cascaded from an enormous serpent covered in azure scales.
Its body stretched beyond the horizon.
Its glowing eyes resembled twin moons.
The sailors dropped their weapons in terror.
The Book of Infinite Beasts trembled.
---
Divine Beast Detected
Name: Thalassor
Title: Guardian Leviathan
Rank: Divine
Status: Enraged
Corruption Level: 11%
Warning:
Not attacking from hatred...
Protecting something beneath the sea.
---
Thalassor's thunderous roar shook the heavens.
The waves rose into towering walls around every ship.
Kai looked into the Leviathan's eyes.
There was anger...
But beneath that anger...
There was fear.
The Book revealed one final message.
Main Quest Updated
The Leviathan's Secret
Objective:
Discover what the Guardian Leviathan is protecting beneath the sea.
Failure:
The Third Star Fragment will be lost.
As the waves climbed higher than the masts, Kai gripped his spear and met the Leviathan's gaze.
"This isn't a battle..."
He whispered.
"It's a warning."