People on the Island

Linsey carefully observed Ala Song in front of her.

The small boat the other person is sitting on—it's a painting; the canvas that was just torn open—it's also a painting.

Ala Song's technique was also quite ingenious.

The boat he painted was just an ordinary little boat; but the blue canvas that obscured his figure had the effect of Essence.

From a distance, it looks like an extremely realistic canvas of seawater, blending seamlessly with the sea surface.

Unless someone senses it beforehand or runs right into it, it's really hard to spot Ala Song on a vast ocean.

"So he's a Fifth Stage painter."

Linsey murmured softly.

He had received information about the artist from Wala Wala.

Leaving aside the branches like singers or actors.

Painters, for example, become Ascender in the Fifth Stage and can turn their works into physical objects, though on a smaller scale and unable to exist for long after leaving the Awakened.

Once you advance to the Sixth Stage, the scale of your creations will increase significantly.

The works created by painters in the Seventh Stage will be enhanced to the point of becoming permanent physical objects.

The Ala Song before us can draw these things and escape Mermaid Island.

The other party's true skill has already been proven.

"..."

On the sea, the two people navigating the boat looked at each other, and they both gained a completely new understanding of their roommate.

They even felt a sense of mutual appreciation.

—You're pretty fast, aren't you!

Ala Song rowed his boat up to Linsey.

He glanced at the storm in the distance, but his gaze ultimately settled on the Mermaid Girl.

"Linsey, did you subdue this Red Sea Mermaid, so she helped you escape?"

"Your understanding is also fine." Linsey didn't elaborate on the issue, but instead told the painter directly about the outcome behind him, "Ala Song, our current trouble lies in the storm that follows."

"I just went in to check it out. This thing was created by humans and will prevent anyone from leaving this area."

"..."

Ala Song frowned.

The storm was still raging and churning on the sea not far away.

Based on his insights as an artist.

Such a magnificent scene could probably only be drawn with difficulty by Sixth Stage awakened being.

Then consider the duration of this storm.

Without a doubt—this is a masterpiece that only Seventh Stage artist could produce!

Ala Song's heart sank, and he asked the Mermaid Girl, "So that's why someone is helping you reproduce?"

"If I'm not mistaken, he's on the island right now?"

The Mermaid Girl was initially somewhat interested in Ala Song.

But upon seeing the other person's missing arm, her attention was completely drawn back to Linsey: "Darling, I'll only listen to you!"

Linsey immediately corrected her, "Call me Linsey, and tell me more."

The Mermaid Girl almost cried, but she was bewitched by the Double Serpent Coin and had no choice but to obey orders.

"There are indeed people helping us find partners. And this storm was created by that great one."

Linsey pressed further, "Do you know who he is?"

The Mermaid Girl shook her head:

"I don't know, he usually stays on the island."

Linsey recalled what she had seen earlier, "There seem to be quite a few humans living on this island?"

The Mermaid Girl lowered her head shyly and began to snuggle into Linsey's arms:

"Many people actually enjoy being with us, so they've settled here."

"..."

Linsey was speechless for a moment.

He pulled the Mermaid Girl out and continued asking, "It's impossible that all of them are like that."

The Mermaid Girl replied confidently, "That's right. That lord also has his own companions and apprentices. And on the 15th and 30th of every month, other friends from the ocean also visit him. When those people come, they always have very, very big ships!"

The Mermaid Girl wasn't good at describing the grandeur of the ship, so she simply spread her arms and drew as large a circle as possible in front of her.

In this passage, Linsey speculated on a possibility. "Judging from what you're saying, it seems that the person who created the storm has been here for a long time?"

The Mermaid Girl nodded immediately:

"It's been like this as long as I can remember."

Ala Song chimed in from the side, "Did he ask you for anything in return for helping you like this?"

Humans with physical disabilities are completely outside the Mermaid Girl's criteria for choosing a partner.

When she saw Ala Song ask a question, she immediately turned her head and affectionately snuggled back to Linsey's side:

"Hehehe, who knows?"

Linsey had no choice but to speak up, "Please tell us."

The Mermaid Girl then became obedient:

No.

"Every year from January to March, that man would create storms for us. He would also sprinkle water mist on the island, making everyone feel great every day."

"He's a really good person who only does good deeds and doesn't ask for anything in return!"

"..."

This is truly a wonderful thing!

Is it okay to support the reproduction of minority species? Linsey suppressed her urge to complain and continued to ask:

"If the City of a Thousand Sails comes to demand your people back after you've been robbing travelers like this, what will they do?"

The Mermaid Girl replied:

"It's alright. The City of a Thousand Sails is coming to take our people. As long as we cooperate, we won't get hurt."

"Many of the sisters give the money they earn from singing and modeling to their partners. Everyone is very happy when we part ways!"

At this point, the Mermaid Girl's eyes lit up.

She nuzzled against Linsey with incredible intimacy, saying, "Darling~~ Linsey!"

"Your wife, I'm very beautiful! When I was a model in the City of a Thousand Sails, many people paid me quite a lot."

"After we finish our honeymoon on the island, I'll give you all my wealth! Okay?"

"..."

Linsey subtly sensed the malice emanating from the Golden Rule.

He was certain that if he nodded now, he would reap an unimaginable fortune.

Linsey sighed, ignoring the lure of wealth. "Will that great man who created the storm help you solve your problem when the City of a Thousand Sails intervenes?"

The Mermaid Girl shook her head:

"I have never seen him in contact with the envoys of the City of a Thousand Sails."

"..."

After inquiring about the situation on the island.

Under the Mermaid Girl's reluctant gaze, Linsey forcibly ordered her to jump off the boat and instructed her not to reveal any information about herself and Ala Song.

Beneath the surface of the sea, a gaze filled with heartbreak.

Linsey and Ala Song met up and headed back towards the island.

They didn't forget to exchange their views even on the way:

"Now it seems that these merfolk were just a cover for that guy. He must be doing something shady on the island."

"But that has nothing to do with us." Linsey shook his head. "What we should be thinking about now is how to escape this place. Unless you're willing to have children with these merfolk like those guys on the island."

Imagine what might happen in the future.

Ala Song covered his face with his hands, adopting a weary and sorrowful expression:

"Let's forget about that kind of thing."

"By the way, didn't that mermaid lady just say that ships come in twice a month? That should be our chance to escape, right?"

Linsey shook her head in denial:

"Dealing with this kind of shady character—it's not a good ride for them."

Ala Song asked tentatively:

"So you mean—to use the storm to create a passage as ships come in?"

Linsey still shook her head.

He explained to Ala Song, his tone becoming low and firm. "This storm can distinguish friend from foe; it's impossible to slip away under the cover of darkness."

"If we want to get out, we have no choice but to force our way out!"