The noon sunlight was fierce and dazzling, like a veil of gold draped over the entire Mermaid Kingdom.
The square before the royal palace had already gathered tens of thousands of Mermaids and Fish-Men.
At the center of the square stood an incomparably magnificent platform, built from pure white coral and crystal, gleaming with a soft, dreamlike radiance beneath the sun.
Countless colorful ribbons and banners hung around the platform, fluttering in the wind like a sea of color.
At the very top of the platform stood an enormous throne.
It was the throne of the Mermaid Kingdom's queen.
All kinds of delicacies and fine wine filled the square, their fragrance wafting through the air and making mouths water.
Street performers put on splendid shows, while songs, laughter, and cheers rose and fell, blending into a sea of joy.
This should have been a grand and joyous celebration.
But at this moment.
An area on the other side of the square had been deliberately cordoned off.
That area formed an eerie, oppressive contrast with the festive atmosphere surrounding it.
Because there.
Hundreds of Fish-Man prisoners were kneeling in dense rows.
Their hands and feet were bound by heavy shackles that clattered harshly.
Many of them still bore wounds from the battle just now.
Some had broken arms twisted at grotesque angles.
Some had shattered legs, with stark white bones exposed at the breaks.
Some were covered in blood, their wounds still steadily seeping crimson.
Low wails and pained groans continued to drift from that area, forming a chilling contrast with the laughter and cheers on the other side of the square.
"It hurts... it hurts so much..."
"Save me! Someone save me!"
"I don't want to die! I really don't want to die!"
Their faces were filled with fear and