Chapter 80 - Pioneer
Rygar emerged from the water with an agile push, feeling the seawater trickle down his face. He ran a hand through his wet hair and looked around. Eidar was a bit further back, watching him with curiosity.
"What was that roar? Did you find a monster?" Eidar asked, narrowing his eyes.
Rygar laughed, his chest rising and falling slowly as he caught his breath.
"No, it was nothing," he replied with a shrug. Then he turned his gaze to the shore, where Ghislaine and Lilia were watching the group in the water. "Aren't you coming in, Ghislaine? Lilia?"
Ghislaine pondered for a moment and then, without hesitation, walked into the water, still carrying her sword. It seemed natural for her to keep her weapon close in any situation. Lilia, on the other hand, shook her head with a small smile.
"I'll stay on the shore," she said, kneeling down to release Aisha. The girl immediately began running along the sand, laughing as she left footprints on the damp shoreline.
Meanwhile, Eris stood at the edge, hesitant, moving back and forth as the water rose beyond her waist. Rygar raised an eyebrow at the sight and, after watching her for a while, burst into loud laughter.
"It can't be... You don't know how to swim, Eris?" he teased, crossing his arms.
Eris' face turned completely red, and she shouted, flustered:
"Of course I know how to swim!"
With determination shining in her eyes, she moved into deeper waters, trying to swim awkwardly. For a moment, it seemed like she would manage to stay afloat, but soon she began flailing and swallowing water. As she realized she was sinking, Rygar calmly raised the earth beneath her with magic, creating a small elevation that kept her above the surface. Eris remained there, half her face still in the water, huffing and blushing in embarrassment.