On the eve of War Prince Baku stood at the height of his power arrogant Untouchable feared by his enemies and worshiped by his people when a mysterious servant girl caught his eye he took what he wanted Whispering Promises of Love Before casting her aside like a forgotten trinket what he didn’t know was that she was no ordinary girl she was a mermaid spy sent to uncover his Kingdom’s Greatest Secret what happened next would unleash a curse so powerful it would shake the foundations of his Empire tear his kingdom apart and drive him to the
very edge of Madness sometimes the most dangerous enemy is the one whose heart you’ve shattered he thought he had conquered a mere servant instead he had betrayed a being who controlled the tides the storms and the fate of man this is the story of how an arrogant Prince seduced the wrong woman how his greatest mistake became his undoing and how in the end the ocean always reclaims what is hers just before we dive deeper into this epic tale we’d love to know where you’re watching from if you’re enjoying this story don’t
forget to hit that subscribe button because tomorrow we’ve got an extra special story lined up for you and you definitely won’t want to miss it the kingdom of zamorro stretched across vast lands where golden Rivers shimmered Under the Sun and mountains stood as mighty Sentinels the people of zambor were known for their strength their Warriors feared across the land at the heart of this powerful Kingdom stood a Grand Palace built of Ivory and gold its Towers Rising High into the sky inside this Palace lived Prince Baku the only
son of King okai and Queen terilla he was a Warrior born into battle raised with sword and spear his skin was the color of deep Earth his muscle strong from years of training and his eyes burned like fire but there was one thing that set Baku apart from all other men his pride love is for the week he often said laughing when the nobleman spoke of marriage he believed in war in power in Victory women were like trophies to him something to take and discard without thought his father King oai was growing old and the kingdom Was preparing for
war the kundu Empire a powerful Naval Kingdom across the sea had been threatening zoro’s trade routes war was coming and Baku was ready on on the eve of battle the palace was filled with Warriors strategists and Nobles discussing War plans deep into the night Baku Restless stepped out into the moonlet gardens for fresh air that was when he saw her a girl standing by the palace Fountain she was dressed in simple robes her dark curls cascading down her back her skin glowing under the Moonlight her eyes deep and mysterious
reflected the water’s light Baku had never seen her before who are you he asked stepping closer the girl turned her gaze meeting his a humble servant my prince she said softly bowing her head Baku studied her there was something different about her something that made his heart race she was not like the other palac Maids what is your name he asked Nia she whispered the way she said it the way her lips formed the words made Baku shiver he had never felt this before he was used to women throwing themselves at him but Nia she was different she did
not try to please him she did not giggle or flatter she simply stood there calm confident mysterious come he said reaching out his hand Nia hesitated she had a mission she had been sent here by the kundu Empire to spy on the palace to learn its Naval Secrets Before the War Began she knew she should not get involved but there was something about Baku he was dangerous he was powerful and Nia had always been drawn to Danger so she took his hand that night under the shadow of War Prince Baku whispered promises in her ear spoke of
love and forever he kissed her beneath the stars held her close as if she was his world and Nia against her better judgment let herself believe him but by morning Baku was gone when she woke she was alone the words he had whispered had turned to dust she had been nothing more than a conquest her heart shattered but Nia was no ordinary girl she was a mermaid a child of the sea a daughter of the kundu Empire’s ocean priests she had the power of water running through her veins and she had been betrayed standing by the edge of the
Great zambor River she let her sorrow turn to Fury she closed her eyes and spoke the words that would change baku’s fate forever Prince Baku you will love only once and it will be a love you can never have the winds howled the water trembled the sky darkened the curse had been said and Nia her heart turned to stone disappeared into the waves Baku awoke feeling restless the war had begun he had no time to think of last night no time to dwell on the soft Whispers of a servant Girl by midday he was at the war council
preparing for battle the kundu Empire’s ships had been sighted on the coast their Warriors ready to attack Baku was fierce Fearless he he led his men into battle fighting like a lion cutting down enemies without hesitation for 5 years the war raged for 5 years Baku conquered until at last zamorro stood Victorious but the victory came at a cost the war had changed him he was no longer just the Arrogant Prince he had become a ruthless King his father King okai had died during the war leaving Baku to rule the people feared him his
enemies trembled but something was missing no matter how many battles he won no matter how much power he gained an emptiness nodded him and then one day his advisers came with a proposal my king they said to secure our Kingdom’s future you must marry the princess of Zana daughter of the great Naval Empire has been offered to you Baku agreed he did not believe in love but he believed in power a marriage with Princess Senna would strengthen zamorro the wedding was arranged the kingdom prepared for celebration but then it
happened one evening as Baku walked through the palace Gardens he saw her a woman sitting by the fountain she wore a flowing blue dress her dark curls glistening like ocean waves her eyes were deep and familiar her lips curved in the smallest of smiles his heart stopped something inside him stirred he had seen her before but where she looked up meeting his gaze it has been a long time my king she said softly and then Baku knew it was niia the servant girl the one he had seduced the one he had had abandoned the one he could never have
his curse had begun Baku stood Frozen the woman before him her presence was like a storm silent yet powerful the gentle ripples of the fountain reflected her dark eyes deep as the ocean it has been a long time my king she said again her voice calm yet laced with something Buu could not quite grasp his mind raced he knew this face knew those lips that gaze that unshakable Stillness Nia he whispered she smiled it was not a smile of warmth nor of affection it was knowing it was patient you remember me she said it was
not a question Baku took a step forward as if to confirm that she was real how he asked his voice rough he had aand abandoned her years ago left her behind like a forgotten dream she had been a mere servant and yet she stood before him unchanged by time or perhaps he realized with unease changed in ways he could not see does it matter Nia asked tilting her head slightly the air between them was thick with tension Where Have You Been he demanded Nia chuckled softly in the depths where you left me she said something inside Baku clenched
he did not understand why his chest achd at her words he was a king he had seen War conquered lands taken whatever he wanted and yet this woman this servant girl he had discarded stood before him Untouched by his power she turned to leave Panic shot through him wait he said stepping forward reaching for her arm the moment his fingers brushed her skin a sharp pain tore through his chest his breath hitched his body stiffened it was as if his heart was being ripped from his ribs he stumbled back gasping Nia watched him with quiet
Amusement be careful my king she said softly not all things belong to you and with that she was gone Baku stood there his heart pounding his breath heavy for the first time in his life he felt afraid that night Baku could not sleep he tossed and turned haunted by the image of Nia’s Eyes by The Whisper of her voice he told himself it was nothing she is just a woman he muttered yet he could not shake the feeling that something had changed the next morning as he sat in the Royal Court listening to his advisor speak of the upcoming weding his mind
was elsewhere King Baku do you agree to the terms of the alliance one of the elders asked Baku barely heard them my king his head snapped up yes he said quickly the room fell silent the Elder exchanged glances with the others before speaking carefully you are to marry princess Senna in 5 days he reminded Baku I know Baku said said impatiently but in truth he had forgotten his mind was consumed by her by the way Nea had stood by the fountain Untouched by time by the way his heart had burned when she spoke by the way she
had disappeared leaving only her voice in his ears he clenched his fists this is madness he muttered to himself he was a king he had control over everything why why then was he so powerless against this feeling why when he closed his eyes could he only see her days passed and with each passing moment baku’s obsession with Nia grew he searched the palace for her have you seen a woman with dark curls and eyes like the night he asked his guards they all shook their heads no one had seen her it was as if she had appeared only for him like a
phantom a curse by the third day Baku could barely focus on his duties he had never wanted anything this much not land not power not even victory in battle this was different this was need a hunger that burned him from the inside he had to find her but Nia did not want to be found and the more he searched the more the Kingdom began to crumble his advisers noticed his distraction his soldiers whispered his betrothed princess Senna grew Furious you are a king she snapped one evening and yet you act like a fool chasing a shadow Baku barely heard her
his heart was already lost and the kingdom once strong began to fall apart as Baku chased a woman he could never have his his enemies Rose against him his obsession had left his court vulnerable his rival saw the cracks in his kingdom and Rebellion ignited the king is weak The Whispers spread through the land he is Bewitched his once loyal allies turned against him his own people doubted him and Princess Senna enraged by his neglect called off the wedding you are cursed she spat and I will not be part of your
downfall with that she sailed back to her kingdom the alliance was broken Baku had lost everything and still he could not let go of her one night as the kingdom burned with Rebellion Baku returned to the Fountain and there she was standing at the water’s edge waiting why Baku whispered what have you done to me Nia turned her expression unreadable you do not remember she asked baku’s heart pounded remember what Nia stepped forward placing a gentle hand on his chest the Night Before the War she whispered when you whispered love you
did not mean when you promised forever and left me with nothing baku’s breath caught Nia no she interrupted her eyes darkened not Nia not anymore the air trembled the water stirred and suddenly Baku saw her for who she truly was not a servant girl not a lost lover but a mermaid a daughter of the Sea and the curse she had placed upon him had finally come full circle he had fallen in love a love he could never have and his kingdom would pay the price Baku staggered back Nia no the woman he thought was Nia stood before him no
longer the quiet servant girl he once discarded her presence was overwhelming her skin shimmering like moonlet waves her dark curls Dancing In The Wind You Are Not Human Baku whispered Nia smiled no she said and yet you gave your heart to me baku’s chest tightened he could not deny it his heart his very Soul belonged to her yet she was a creature of the sea a woman he could never have the curse was real and the kingdom of zambor was paying the price all around him his Empire crumbled the people had turned against
him his allies had abandoned him his enemies were at the gates and all because he had chased a love he could never possess but still he could not let go Nia please she tilted her head I gave you a chance once Baku she said softly but you chose yourself you chose your pride and now your kingdom Burns Baku clenched his fists then end it he roared break the curse Nia eyes darkened it is not that simple the wind howled the fountain Waters Rose around them twisting like serpents there is only one way to be free Baku she whispered but are you
willing to pay the price baku’s breath hitched what price Nia stepped closer your throne silence the words slammed into him like a blade his throne his crown the power he had spent his entire life fighting for surrender zamorro niia said and the curse will be broken baku’s heart Twisted he had fought Wars conquered lands buried his own father and now he was being asked to give it all away for love for a love he had ruined a love he could never truly have the choice lay before him his kingdom or his heart and as the fires of
rebellion burned around him Baku knew fate would not wait much longer Baku staggered through the palace Halls his mind was a storm his advisers were gone his soldiers had turned against him and outside the palace Gates the people of zamorro shouted his name but not in Praise the King has fallen he has brought ruin Upon Us end his rule Baku clutched his sword he could still fight he could still win but would Victory mean anything if his heart was lost forever Baku he turned Nia stood at the edge of the great palace balcony her
gown flowing like seafoam her eyes unreadable choose she whispered Baku swallowed hard if I Surrender he asked what happens to me Nia’s gaze did not waver you will lose everything she said your throne your power your name baku’s fingers curled around his sword hilt his entire life had been built on power on being King if he gave it up who would he be the palace doors burst open baku’s enemies had arrived Rebels flooded the throne room torches in hand weapons gleaming at their lead was General Tano once baku’s most loyal
Commander now his greatest enemy it is over Baku Tano roared your people have turned against you your allies have abandoned you the kingdom no longer needs a cursed King Baku lifted his sword I am still your king he snarled Tano laughed not for much longer the Warriors charged Baku fought like a lion his blade a blur of silver he cut down one enemy then another his body moving with the grace of a war God but there were too many a spear slashed his arm a blade grazed his cheek he was bleeding weakening and in the chaos his eyes found her Nia
stood at the edge of the battlefield watching waiting his choice still lingered surrender she whispered baku’s chest heaved the throne room shook as the rebels Advanced he had seconds only seconds and in those final moments he closed his eyes and made his decision with a deep shuttering breath he let go Baku dropped his sword the clang of metal rang through the air like a death toll silence fell the rebels froze Tano’s eyes widened you surrender he asked disbelief in his voice Baku nodded I am no longer your king a murmur rippled through the
crowd Tano hesitated then lowered his weapon the battle was over over zamorro had fallen and Baku Baku was free but at what cost the kingdom no longer belonged to him his Palace his lands his people all had been lost Baku stood at the edge of the Great zambor River watching the water churn beneath the full moon behind him the city still burned ahead of him the waves called Nia Stood Beside him silent what now he asked his voice raw Nia gazed at him her eyes filled with something he could not name now you are free she whispered Baku let out a bitter
laugh I have lost everything he muttered Nia stepped closer not everything she said she reached out her fingers brushing his and for the first time her touch did not burn him the curse had lifted but the price had been paid and now there was only one path left Nia turned to the river without hesitation she stepped into the water Baku hesitated he looked back at his ruined Kingdom his past his sins and then he stepped forward the waves Rose the water swallowed him whole and as zamorro faded behind him Prince Baku the Arrogant King who had once
ruled with pride vanished into Legend but the story was not over because the sea does not forgive and fate was not done with him yet the water swallowed Baku cold endless unforgiving his body tumbled through the currents his lungs burning as he sank deeper into the unknown the moonlight faded replaced by Darkness the weight of his past his failures his broken Kingdom pressed upon him like the depths of the sea itself was this death would he simply dissolve into nothingness forgotten like the countless Warriors lost to the ocean
but just as his mind began to drift a hand seized his wrist Nia her grip was strong unyielding she pulled him forward guiding him through the abyss strangely he did not choke he did not drown he could breathe his limbs no longer felt heavy and then the darkness parted a vast City stretched before him beneath the ocean surface glowing like an underwater star nizari the kingdom of the murol a world he had once dismissed as Legend a world that now held his fate baku’s feet touched the soft ocean flooor but it felt as solid as land
beneath him the streets of nizari shimmered with silver blue light Coral Towers spiraled toward the surface their Windows pulsing like beating Hearts schools of fish weaved between the structures glowing with soft bioluminescence he turned to Nia what is this place he whispered your new home she said simply Baku stiffened I never agreed to stay Nia arched an eyebrow you stepped into the water of your own free will you belong to the Sea now her voice was unreadable neither cruel nor kind Baku clenched his fists then why am I not dead Nia’s lips
curled into a faint smile because the ocean does not waste what is still useful before he could demand answers a new voice echoed through the water you brought a human into nazari sister Baku turned sharply a tall figure drifted toward them broad shouldered dark skinned with piercing silver eyes that gleamed like polished pearls he wore a crown of seashells his chest bear except for a swirling tattoo that pulsed with an eerie blue glow a prince or perhaps a king he is no ordinary human keano Nia said smoothly this is Baku former ruler of
zamorro the merman’s eyes narrowed former Nia nodded he has lost everything and now the ocean will decide his fate keano studied Baku then without warning he smiled then let the trials begin baku’s stomach dropped trials Nia did not answer she only turned away swimming toward the Towering Palace ahead and as keo’s Warriors closed in around him Baku realized he was no longer a king he was a prisoner and the ocean’s judgment had only just begun Baku gritted his teeth as two murol Warriors seized his arms their grip like iron he struggled but his
strength was nothing compared to theirs they dragged him through the glowing City past towering Coral spires and streets paved with glistening seashells above him the ocean ceiling rippled with shifting light and strange shimmering creatures drifted in the currents like silent Sentinels the deeper they went the colder the water became finally they reached a massive circular Arena carved from Black Stone the walls were covered in ancient carvings murol history etched into the sea itself a crowd had gathered merfolk
of all ages watched from the stand their glowing eyes fixed on him and at the center of it all Seated on a throne carved from a single colossal Pearl was King Odin ruler of niasari he was ancient yet powerful his dark skin gleaming like polished obsidian a Golden Crown of woven seaweed and coral rested upon his silver dreadlocks and his piercing eyes seemed to look through baku’s very Soul at his side stood Nia her face unreadable and beside her keano her brother the prince of nizari King Odin raised a hand the arena
fell silent Baku of zamorro his voice rumbled like a distant storm filling every corner of the vast space you have entered the domain of nizari you have walked away from your kingdom but the ocean does not Grant Sanctuary so easily Baku lifted his chin refusing to look weak then what do you want from me he demanded the king’s lips curled into a slow smile you wish to remain in the sea you must prove you are worthy baku’s heart pounded worthy of what keano Ste forward his Silver Eyes gleaming with Amusement survival a massive Stone Gate rumbled
open revealing a dark passageway leading into the abyss the water Beyond was Pitch Black swallowing all light Baku swallowed hard what is in there Nia finally spoke the trial of the Abyss Baku clenched his fists and if I refuse King Odin’s voice was calm merciless then the ocean will take you one way or another a shiver ran down baku’s spine he had no choice if he wanted to live he had to f whatever waited in the abyss taking a deep breath he stepped forward and the Darkness closed around him the passage was silent
too silent baku’s footsteps echoed against the Cold Stone as he moved deeper into the tunnel strange shapes drifted in the darkness shifting in and out of sight the walls were lined with eery carvings of twisted merfolk their eyes Hollow their mouths Frozen in silent screams the deeper he went the colder it became then a sound a low Whispering voice Baku his blood ran cold he turned sharply sword raised but there was nothing only Shadows then the voice returned do you know why you are here it wasn’t Nia’s voice it wasn’t the
Kings it was something ancient something watching him from the Dark bakus Pulse thundered in his ears Show Yourself he growled a shape emerged from the Blackness at first it looked human a man tall and proud with the bearing of a warrior but then Baku saw its eyes empty Hollow like twin pools of ink pulling him in the figure smiled revealing a of sharp Jagged teeth I was once a prince too it whispered until I lost everything Baku took a step back heart pounding who are you he demanded the creature tilted its head I
am what you will become if you fail then the Shadows came alive hands hundreds of them grasping reaching pulling him into the abyss Baku struggled swinging his sword but the darkness swallowed his blade you abandoned your kingdom the voices hissed you are nothing you are lost cold fingers clawed at his throat his vision blurred his breath faltered was this the end would he be swallowed by the abyss forgotten like the cursed Souls before him no he was Baku Prince of zamorro he would not fall so easily with a roar he tore free from the Shadows
pushing forward with every ounce of strength the darkness screamed in protest and then suddenly light a glowing doorway appeared ahead without hesitation Baku lunged through it and the abyss vanished Baku stumbled forward gasping for breath the arena reappeared around him the cheers of the Mur spoke echoing in his ears he had survived the trial of the Abyss was over King Odin watched him his expression unreadable keano smirked Nia’s eyes lingered on his face something unreadable in her gaze then the king spoke you have passed
the first trial Baku wiped sweat from his brow how many more he asked his voice horse King OD ‘s lips curled into a knowing smile three remain baku’s stomach sank he was not free yet and the ocean was far from done with him Baku stood in the center of the great Arena his breath still ragged from the horrors of the Abyss he had survived the first trial but three remained high above him King Odin’s expression was calm unreadable Nia Stood Beside him her face as distant as the tides while keano watched with an amused smirk you have
conquered the abyss the king declared his voice echoing through the water but a ruler is not measured by endurance alone at his signal the Warriors who had dragged Baku into the arena step forward again this time they were not here to guard him they were here to fight him your second trial is strength Odin announced you will face five of my Warriors you must prove yourself worthy of the se’s power the crowd cheered baku’s pulse quickened these were not ordinary Fighters these were murol stronger faster deadlier than any human
Warrior he had no armor no weapons only his wits and his will to survive the Warriors circled him the trial had begun the first Warrior a massive M Warrior lunged forward his Trident flashing like lightning Baku dodged barely avoiding the strike he lashed out with a kick but his opponent barely flinched then Wham a powerful blow struck baku’s ribs sending him tumbling Across The Arena floor pain exploded through his body he gritted his teeth he would not fall as the Warrior came again Baku ducked low and when the Trident
struck he grabbed hold of the weapon twisting it violently the warrior lost his grip and in one smooth motion Baku flipped the tritant and drove the blunt end into his opponent’s stomach the M Warrior collapsed knocked unconscious the crowd roared but there were four more to go the second and third Warriors two murol Warriors attacked at once Baku fought like a inp possessed he dodged Twisted countered using their strength against them he disarmed the second warrior with a clever faint then knocked him out cold with a well-placed
strike to the jaw the third Warrior was faster circling Baku with deadly Grace his blades dancing like water Baku waited then struck with sudden ferocity using the Mur Folk’s own momentum against him another fell the fourth Warrior this one was different he was smiling and when he attacked Baku understood why this Warrior was not only strong he was a master of the currents his movements were effortless his body shifting through the water like an eel Baku fought with all he had but every punch every kick every counter was
met with nothing but empty water you cannot defeat the Sea The Warrior whispered and then crack a devastating blow to C’s side sent him crashing to the floor pain shot through his ribs he gasped for breath the world blurred he was going to lose he was going to fail then a memory his father’s voice a king does not fight the storm Baku he bends it to his will baku’s eyes snapped open he watched his opponent move how the warrior flowed like the water itself and Baku stopped fighting against it instead of resisting he moved
with the current he let himself fall then twisted like a wave using the Warrior’s own Force to strike back the moment his opponent faltered Baku struck hard and fast the warrior collapsed the crowd erupted one more remained the final Warrior keano Baku barely had time to catch his breath before keano stepped forward the prince of nizari his silver eyes gleamed with Amusement you fight well human keano said cracking his knuckles but you are not ready for me Baku wiped blood from his lip we’ll see about that and the fight began keano was
faster than all the others combined his first blow sent Baku reeling his second nearly knocked him unconscious Baku had never fought someone this strong before keano wasn’t just powerful he was merciless this is pointless keano muttered as he dodged baku’s attacks with ease you do not belong here human Baku gritted his teeth I will not yield keano smirk vanished then you will break and he attacked like a storm fists elbows knees a Relentless Onslaught that battered Baku from every side the world spun his body screamed in
protest he couldn’t win but then he saw an opening keano always LED with his left a pattern a weakness Baku feigned exhaustion letting kanano believe he had won the prince lunged in for the final blow and at the last second Baku dropped low twisting around him he snatched keo’s arm and using the prince’s own momentum slammed him into the ground the arena fell silent keeno’s eyes widened Baku pressed his knee against keo’s back locking him in place he had one the silence shattered as the crowd roared King Odin Rose to his feet his
voice boomed through the arena you have passed the second trial Baku staggered to his feet dizzy with pain but he did not fall he had conquered the trial of strength but as he met Nia’s gaze he knew the hardest trials were still ahead King Odin’s voice carried through the water a ruler must not only be strong but also wise a great Stone table was brought into the arena its surface carved with ancient symbols Nia finally stepped forward her eyes cold and knowing the trial of wisdom is simple she said you must Solve the Riddle of
the sea a test of mind not body Baku exhaled sharply he had survived the abyss he had survived the Warriors but could he survive Nia’s mind she leaned forward her voice a whisper that only he could hear let us see if you can outthink the sea my prince Baku stood before the great Stone table his body bruised but his mind sharper than ever the arena had fallen into an eerie silence the excited murmurs of the crowd replaced by a heavy anticipation the table was carved with ancient symbols spiraling patterns that
seemed to shift as the water around them moved in the center sat three objects a seashell a pearl and a small flickering flame enclosed in glass Nia stepped forward her expression was unreadable but her eyes held a challenge this is the trial of wisdom she said her voice carrying through the water to pass you must answer a simple question she reached out trailing her fingers over the objects the sea has three children one who sings one who hides and one who dances her gaze locked onto his which child belongs to the ocean a riddle
baku’s mind raced three objects three choices the sea shell which carried the song of the Waves the Pearl hidden inside the oyster shell and the flame which flickered even in water seeming to defy the very nature of the sea he clenched his fists this was not a test of strength this was a test of understanding the merfolk watched in expectant silence keano smirked from the side arms crossed King Odin sat motionless on his Pearl Throne Nia’s face revealed nothing Baku reached toward the sea shell then hesitated one who sings one who hides
one who dances singing waves crashing against the shore hiding a pearl in its shell waiting to be discovered dancing water always moving shifting alive his eyes flicked to the flame it should not burn underwater yet it did and then understanding struck him like a lightning bolt he looked up at Nia a slow smile spreading across his face the child who dances he said reaching for the flame the crowd gasped Nia’s lips parted in Surprise even King Odin raised an eyebrow Baku held the flickering flame up to the light the sea is always moving always shifting
always changing it cannot be held cannot be caged it is alive unpredictable his gaze swept over the watching merfolk it is the flame that burns even beneath the water silence then the ground trembled the carvings on the table lit up glowing with a soft blue light King Odin slowly nodded his expression unreadable you have chosen well Baku of zamorro the Arena erupted in cheers the trial of wisdom was one but Nia she was still staring at him something unreadable in her gaze and for the first time Baku wondered had he truly won or had he just
stepped deeper into the Trap of Fate Baku barely had time to catch his breath before the final trial was announced King Odin Rose from his throne strength you have proven wisdom you have shown but there is one test left the greatest of them all the crowd fell into hushed silence the trial of the heart Baku felt a shiver run down his spine a test of the heart he had faced War he had endured betrayal he had even defied the curse placed upon Him years ago what else could the ocean take from him then Nia stepped forward and baku’s
heart stopped for the final trial she said softly you must make a choice she turned and from the shadows two figures emerged baku’s blood ran cold one was General Dano his most trusted Commander The Men Who had fought beside him in battle his hands were bound his face bruised but his eyes burned with with Defiance the other was Princess Zara his betroth the woman he was supposed to marry to save his kingdom her golden skin shimmered under the water her dark eyes filled with anger and betrayal two people one trial choose Baku Nia
whispered who will live and who will die the ocean roared around him baku’s chest tightened this was worse than any battle worse than any Abyss if he chose Zara his kingdom might still be saved but he would be condemning The Men Who had stood by him since childhood if he chose Dano he would betray his duty he would Doom his people and yet there was something in Nia’s eyes a glimmer of sadness as if she knew something he did not baku’s fists clenched his mind raced was there a way to save them both or was this fate finally forcing him to
pay the price of his past sins the water shook the Mur folk waited and Baku knew whatever Choice he made there was no turning back Baku took a slow breath his mind screamed for him to choose Zara his heart whispered Dano but something inside him something deeper told him the answer was neither this was not a test of sacrifice this was a test of who he truly was he turned his gaze to Nia you were the one who cursed me weren’t you the words hung in the water like a shadow Nia didn’t Flinch you will love only once she
murmured and it will be with someone you can never have Baku felt the weight of those words settle in his chest the curse had had never been about losing his kingdom it had been about losing her his choice had been made years ago the moment he betrayed her heart now now he had to break the cycle he stepped forward and did the unthinkable he let go I refuse he said the arena fell silent King Odin’s expression hardened what did you say Baku Ed his chin I will not choose I will not let the ocean control me his voice
Rose if the sea Demands a price then let it take me instead Nia gasped the murol stirred and the ocean itself rumbled in response for the first time Baku saw something flicker in Nia’s eyes a glimmer of something almost like fear the water shook violently L the arena splitting open beneath him and suddenly the sea dragged him down into the abyss once more Darkness swallowed Baku as the ocean dragged him into its depths the Roar of the crowd faded replaced by the deafening Silence of the Abyss his body tumbled like a leaf
caught in a storm pulled by unseen currents the deeper he sank the colder it became pressure crushed his chest but it was not just the water that threatened to break him it was the weight of his past his arrogance his betrayal his curse then a flash of movement something swam beside him something fast something ancient a shadow with glowing eyes baku’s pulse pounded he reached for his sword only to realize it was gone he was unarmed defens and then the whisper came you cannot fight the ocean Prince Baku The Voice
slithered through the water both near and impossibly distant Baku Twisted searching for The Source then the shadow emerged a massive form twice his size scaled and armored its long tail coiling like a serpent a face half hidden behind a golden mask but the mouth that spoke was unmistakable you should have chosen boy King Odin baku’s breath hitched the Muro King had followed him into the abyss and in his hand he held a staff of black coral its tip pulsing with dark energy you think you can defy the sea Odin’s voice was smooth almost
amused you think Love Will Save You Baku gritted his teeth I think you fear me the king laughed a deep rumbling sound I do not fear Mortals but I do enjoy breaking them with a flick of his staff the water around Baku hardened into chains tightening around his arms and legs pain shot through him he struggled but the ocean itself held him captive Odin floated closer his golden mask gleaming you should have died long ago Baku you were meant to be nothing more than a pawn in our world War baku’s mind reeled what are you talking about
odorant grin widened your kingdom was never meant to survive the word struck like a blade Baku froze his mind raced back to the war to the betrayals to the enemy fleets that always seemed one step ahead the naval Empire the failed alliances the curse it had all been part of something something bigger you were doomed before you were even born Odin said his voice thick with Amusement your father’s Kingdom your entire bloodline was marked for ruin the day your people set foot on our Shores a chilling realization settled over
Baku this was never just about revenge this was about Annihilation and he had played into their hands from the beginning the rage in his chest ignited he had been a fool once blinded by arrogance consumed by desire but not anymore he would not be their Pawn with a roar Baku Twisted against the chains summoning every ounce of strength he had left and for the first time the ocean answered him a wave of raw energy burst from within him shattering the chains sending a shock wave Rippling through the abyss Odin’s eyes widened in shock
and then the ocean trembled something ancient and Powerful stirred in the deep and Baku realized he was no longer just a prince something inside him had changed and For the First Time The murol King looked at him not with Amusement but with fear the water shook around them a force deeper than the abyss itself Awakening from its Slumber Baku floated his chest heaving heart pounding like a war drum he felt different Power pulsed beneath his skin his veins humming with energy as if the ocean itself had answered his
Defiance odor in’s golden eyes narrowed his grip tightening around his black coral staff what have you done mortal baku’s hands clenched into fists the chains that once held him lay shattered in the water dissolving like Mist I don’t know he admitted but it looks like you’re afraid to find out Odin’s expression darkened with a flick of his wrist the staff glowed with malevolent energy and the water around them hardened into Jagged Spears power means nothing without control Baku the spears rushed toward him sharp
as the teeth of a Great Sea Beast Baku raised his hands acting on Instinct and the moment he did the water obeyed a powerful current surged around him spiraling like a shield shattering the spears before they could reach him odorant lips curled into a sneer interesting Baku barely had time to react before the king vanished moving through the water like a shadow a moment later pain exploded across baku’s back he was sent hurtling through the abyss crashing into an outcrop of coral the sharp edges cutting into his skin
bubbles rushed from his mouth his vision blurring ing for a moment odor and loomed above him his golden mask gleaming like a predator’s eye you are nothing but a child playing in the Deep he swung his staff the black coral sparking with dark magic Baku barely dodged in time rolling away as the blast split the seabed in half sending a shock wave of Destruction through the abyss he gritted his teeth this was no ordinary battle this was a war between the old and the new between a king who ruled the Sea and the man it had just chosen instead Baku felt
it the pull of the ocean the whisper in the currents it wanted him to fight to become something more and he would not deny it with a deep breath he let go of his fear and surrendered himself to the Sea far above the ocean raged Nia stood at the edge of the palace balcony her heart pounding in her chest something had changed in the water a shift so powerful so ancient that even the elders whispered in fear she knew what it meant Baku had awakened the power of the sea itself it’s happening she whispered beside her keano the murol
general let out a low growl this was not part of the plan if the ocean has chosen him then we have no control anymore her fingers tightened around the pearl necklace at her throat she had wanted Revenge she had wanted to see Baku suffer for what he had done to her but she had never expected this the curse had been simple he would love only once and it would be for someone he could never have but now now the ocean itself had taken interest in him and that terrified her because the last time the ocean had chosen a mortal it destroyed
an entire Kingdom the ocean was alive it pulsed through baku’s veins a force both ancient and uncontrollable he could feel it the currents responding to his every thought every breath it whispered to him in a language older than time itself odor encircled him like a shark sensing blood you do not understand what you are meddling with boy his voice was calm but there was something else beneath it fear baku’s lips curled into a smirk then teach me old men with that he thrust out his hand not even knowing what he was doing and the ocean answered
his call a massive surge of water spiraled from his palm twisting and turning forming a spear of pure energy Odin’s eyes widened but he was fast with a flick of his wrist he raised his black coral staff summoning a a barrier of Shadows the spear collided sending a ripple of Force Through The Abyss the seabed cracked ancient Coral structures crumbling for the first time Baku saw doubt flicker in Odin’s golden eyes impossible the murol king murmured Baku could only grin I don’t need to understand it he raised his hands
feeling the sea pulse around him I just need to use it and with that he launched himself forward the water bending around him turning him into a force of nature the battle had truly begun far above Nia stood Frozen she watched the ocean rage watched the water twist and shift unnaturally as though it were alive she had never seen anything like it this is wrong she whispered keo’s sharp gaze flick to her the king will handle him he is nothing but a mortal playing in a realm Beyond his understanding but Nia knew better this was not just
power this was the ocean choosing and when the ocean chose a mortal it always came with a price a heavy devastating price her fingers tightened around the railing she had set this in motion her curse had done this she had wanted him to suffer to pay for what he had done but not like this not like this she turned on her heel her decision already made where are you going keano demanded to end this and before he could stop her she dove into the sea chapter 27 the Sea’s judgment the ocean was no longer just water it was war Baku and Odin clashed
beneath the waves each strike sending Tremors through the deep Odin was powerful he had ruled the sea for centuries but Baku was becoming something else entirely something new something unpredictable he could see the currents before they moved he could feel the sea creatures around him hear their thoughts their warnings he was not just fighting with the ocean he was becoming part of it odorant snarled you think this power makes you a god Baku smirked dodging another attack I think it makes me your problem the Muro King roared in Fury summoning a
wave of pure Darkness meant to crush Baku in one final blow Baku braced himself and then she appeared Nia she swam between them her arms outstretched enough the ocean shuddered at her command the darkness vanished and for the first time silence filled the abyss Baku and Odin both stared at her her eyes burned with power with Rage with something even deeper this ends now she said her voice like the waves themselves and the ocean listened Nia’s voice echoed through the abyss her presence stopping the battle as if the
ocean itself had willed it the current stilled the water hummed and for a brief moment all was silent Baku still brimming with Newfound power hovered in the water his chest heaving he had felt Unstoppable until she appeared Odin the mighty murol king clenched his staff tightly his golden eyes burned with Fury but even he did not dare to move not when Nia commanded the ocean’s attention you have both gone too far Nia said her voice low but filled with an unshakable power this was never meant to be fought like this Odin’s lips curled
you overstep girl but she did not flinch no you did you wanted to destroy his kingdom she turned to Baku and you let your pride lead you into the abyss Baku frowned his eyes narrowing I did what I had to do did you Nia’s gaze pierced through him or did you simp simply refused to face the truth his hands curled into fists but for the first time doubt flickered in his heart what was the truth had he really been fighting for his kingdom or had he been fighting for himself Odin let out a low growl enough of this he
lifted his staff the dark energy crackling once more no Nia raised her hands and the ocean answered am massive Force exploded from her sending ripples of power through the water the seabed shook ancient ruins buried in the sand rose once more creatures of the deep gathered watching in silent reverence odorant froze for the first time true fear flashed in his golden eyes what have you done he whispered Nia turned to Baku her expression unreadable the curse is not finished baku’s heart stopped what do you mean
she took a deep breath and when she spoke her words sealed his fate you have one last Choice Baku she lifted her hand and the ocean rippled with power Baku felt his heart hammering in his chest what choice he asked cautiously Nia’s gaze was unwavering you can end this now walk away from the Thro gr from the war from everything surrender to the Sea and your curse will be broken baku’s breath caught his throne his kingdom everything he had bled for fought for suffered for could he really abandon it and if I don’t his voice was barely a whisper
Nia’s eyes darkened then you will never know peace the words cut deeper than any blade ever could he knew she was telling the truth he had already begun to lose himself his obsession his anger his hunger for power it had consumed him and it would never stop not unless he let go but could he He Turned looking at the Kingdom above the place he had once called home it was already falling apart his enemies gathered at its borders his people feared him had he already lost everything Odin’s voice cut through his thoughts do not listen to her boy his
grip on his staff was tight his expression desperate you are powerful now you can still win Baku hesitated power Victory but at what cost his gaze drifted back to Nia she was watching him closely waiting for once in his life someone was not forcing him to act this was his decision his final Choice he closed his eyes and when he spoke his voice was steady I choose Baku exhaled slowly the weight of the ocean pressed around him The Echoes of his past mistakes ringing in his mind he had spent his whole life chasing power
proving himself refusing to be controlled old but now he had nothing left to prove his choice was clear his voice was steady as he finally said the words that sealed his fate I choose to let go odorant stiffened you fool but it was too late the ocean responded instantly the current swirled around Baku wrapping him in a cocoon of shimmering blue light it was as if the sea itself was claiming him pulling him away from the world he once knew his body felt lighter his thoughts clearer and then his crown shattered a
ripple of power surged through the abyss carrying his decision to every corner of the ocean and Beyond in the Kingdom above the palace trembled the Royal banners burned away their golden Insignia turning to Ash the throne room cracked the once Grand seat of power crumbling into dust the the kingdom of bakon no longer had a ruler the war was over before it began far above in the city Baku had once called home chaos erupted Nobles screamed as the palace walls began to break apart the people ran through the streets their
voices rising in confusion the king is gone someone cried the Warlords are coming enemies who had once feared baku’s wrath now marched upon the city ready to claim it as their own the kingdom that had stood for centuries was collapsing in a single night and yet Beneath the Sea Baku felt no sorrow for the first time in his life he felt free he turned to Nia who watched him carefully searching his face for regret you’re not the men you once were she said softly Baku nodded and yet I still have no idea what I am now Nia reached for
his hand her touch gentle but firm then let the ocean decide the currents pulled them deeper pass the ruins of ancient civilizations long forgotten past creatures that had never been seen by mortal eyes past the reach of the world above and finally Into the Heart of the Ocean itself where baku’s new fate awaited Baku no longer felt human the ocean had changed him reshaped him him his body was Stronger his skin shimmering with the faintest trace of scales his senses were sharper attuned to the pull of the tides The Whispers of
the deep he was no longer a prince of men he was something else now something greater what will happen to the kingdom he asked Nia’s gaze was distant it will crumble men will fight over the ruins another will rise in your place but it will never be the same Baku thought of the people he had once Ruled the Land he had once fought for and for the first time he realized he did not belong there anymore what am I now Nia he asked she smiled the glow of the ocean reflecting in her eyes you are what you were always
meant to be Baku turned toward the abyss toward the unknown and without hesitation he swam forward toward his new Destiny Baku swam deeper into the unknown his heart beating in time with the ocean’s Rhythm his human name his human Throne all of it was gone but the sea had given him something new a second chance a new beginning yet as much as he had abandoned the land the land had not yet abandoned him Vision swirled before his eyes carried by the currents the kingdom he had forsaken was in Ruins Warlords fought for control fire raged
through the capital and the people his people suffered he clenched his fists could he really just let it all go what are you thinking Nia’s voice pulled him back he turned to her watching the way the water flowed effortlessly around her she had always belonged here but him my kingdom is dying he admitted Nia studied him her Gaze on readable it was never truly yours to begin with Baku flinched he wanted to argue but he knew she was right his rule had been built on arrogance on control he had never been a leader he
had been a conqueror a men trying to fill a void with power so what now he asked do I simply become a ghost Beneath the Sea a forgotten Prince Nia smiled faintly a King Without a kingdom is still a king if he chooses to be he frowned and what does that mean she reached out and took his hand the moment their fingers touched a surge of ancient magic passed between them it means the ocean has plans for you Baku had barely begun to process her words when the ocean itself came alive a sudden current grabbed him yanking him away from Nia he
fought against it but it was too too strong Baku Nia called trying to swim toward him but something unseen held her back then from the darkness of the Abyss they appeared figures of shimmering blue their forms shifting like water itself the Elders of the deep baku’s breath caught he had heard Whispers of them in Legends ancient beings neither human nor merfolk who ruled the mysteries of the sea one of them a towering figure with glowing Silver Eyes spoke first you abandoned the land his voice was deep like a rumbling wave a
second a woman with hair like flowing seaweed continued but the ocean does not give without taking in return a third barely more than a shadow added in a whisper you must prove yourself worthy of your new fate Baku forced himself to stand his ground though the water around him felt heavy and if I refuse he challenged the silvered Elder tilted his head then you will belong to neither land nor sea a forgotten Soul lost in the currents forever baku’s jaw clenched he had already lost everything once he would not allow himself to become
nothing what must I do the elders raised their hands and suddenly the ocean vanished Baku found himself falling through water through Darkness until he crashed onto Solid Ground when he looked up he was no longer in the ocean he was somewhere else entirely Baku gasped for breath he was surrounded by ruins ancient pillars covered in Coral statues of Kings long forgotten the air smelled of salt though there was no sky above only a ceiling of endless water a massive Temple stood in the distance it’s doors glowing with an
eerie blue light where am I he whispered a voice neither male nor female echoed around him you stand in the heart of the lost kingdom where the first rulers of the sea were crowned Baku turned expecting to see the elders but they were gone he was alone or so he thought from the Shadows of the ruins something stirred a pair of glowing eyes locked onto him and then from the darkness a creature unlike anything he had ever seen emerged halfman half serpent covered in scales that shimmered like liquid silver a crown of jagged Coral rested upon its
brow it smiled revealing Raisor sharp teeth only the worthy leave this place alive Baku took a step back his heart pounding this was no ordinary trial this was a fight for survival and he intended to win baku’s muscles tensed as the serpent-like creature slithered toward him its silver scales shimmering under the dim blue light of the temple the jagged Coral crown of topits had marked it as something ancient something powerful the creature circled him its long muscular tail dragging across the stone floor you are unworthy it hissed its
voice echoing in the vast ruins Baku stood his ground his breath steady despite the weight of the unknown know pressing down on him he had faced Warlords armies betrayal but nothing like this and yet I am still here he countered the creature’s lips curled into something resembling a smile four now then it struck a blur of silver scales lashed toward him faster than any enemy he had ever faced Baku barely had time to react he Dove aside rolling across the broken Stone the creature’s tail smashed into the ground where he
had just stood shattering rock into dust Baku scrambled to his feet his instincts roaring to life this was no Mindless Beast it was testing him fighting will get you nowhere the voice of the elders echoed in his mind only the worthy leave this place alive bakun narrowed his eyes if Brute Force wouldn’t work then what would Baku shifted his STS watching the creature more carefully now its movements were calculated not wild this is a test he realized aloud the serpent let out Al low amused his you learn quickly but do you know the
answer baku’s mind raced if the elders wanted to see if he was worthy then there had to be more to this than battle what had they said you abandoned the land but the ocean does not give without taking in return did that mean he had to give something up the creature lunged again this time instead of dodging Baku Stood Still the moment before impact he closed his eyes and let go instead of resisting instead of fighting he surrendered the serpent stopped inches from his face its fangs glistening for a long moment nothing
happened then it pulled back its golden eyes gleamed with something that almost looked like respect you understand it said its voice softer now the weight pressing down on the air vanished the glowing doors of the temple creaked open revealing a throne room bathed in shifting light Baku exhaled he had passed the first test but there was still more to come Baku stepped into the temple his footsteps echoing the walls were lined with murals depicting kings and queens of the sea rulers who had existed long before human
kingdoms ever Rose at the center of the room stood a throne carved from Pure obsidian and wrapped in Golden seaweed it radiated power as if the ocean itself had blessed it Baku could feel it calling to him he hesitated a King Without a kingdom is still a king if he chooses to be Nia’s words whispered in his mind this Throne this place was this what the ocean had meant for him Neil Baku turned sharply the serpent had followed him inside its form shimmering shifting until it was no longer a beast but a man tall Regal with the same silver scales
embedded in his dark skin his Coral Crown still rested at top his head but now his eyes held the weight of Eternity who are you Baku asked the men smiled I was once the ruler of the ocean before the sea demanded a new king he gestured to the throne and now it has chosen again baku’s chest tightened you’re saying the ocean wants me to rule the former King nodded but not as you were not as a men of the land driven by greed and pride he stepped closer his gaze piercing are you willing to become something more Baku clenched his fists
he had already abandoned his old life his throne above the waves was lost forever was this his true purpose the weight of the decision settled over him then slowly he stepped forward and knelt Before the Throne the moment baku’s knee touched the stone floor the temple rumbled the murals on the walls shifted as if the past was rewriting itself the throne pulsed with light its golden seaweed curling around baku’s arms the water around him shimmered and an ancient voice filled the chamber do you swear yourself to the ocean to rule not
with chains but with wisdom to protect not to conquer Baku swallowed hard this was it I swear the energy surged through him ancient powerful undeniable the ocean had accepted him and in that moment Baku was no longer a prince he was a king far above on the surface the world continued on the land that Baku had once ruled crumbled without him lost in endless war but in the depths a new kingdom was born Baku stood at the heart of it the ocean’s power coursing through his veins the throne was his now but it was no
longer a seat of Conquest it was a responsibility Nia appeared beside him her gaze soft you chose well she murmured Baku looked out into the vast sea his kingdom stretching endlessly before him for the first time I think I did and so the Arrogant Prince became a legend not as a ruler of men but as a king of the sea a king who had lost everything and in doing so had found his true self
