We Came Too Early
The harbor.
The Soul Screamer and Flame Walker stood in the darkness.
"How is it? Can you sense them?" the Flame Walker asked.
The Soul Screamer opened his eyes. "There was once a surge of chaotic power on the other side of the sea. It must have been that still-unawakened deity. I can sense it faintly, but I'll need to get closer to pinpoint its location."
The Flame Walker pondered. "Our enemies got here before us. When we find that deity, they won't be far away."
The Soul Screamer clenched his fist, excitement in his voice. "This is the best chance to kill them and take the deity. Two birds with one stone."
"Then let's cross the sea first!" the Flame Walker said.
"Exactly. I've already calculated the distance. We can swim across in half a day."
The two monsters turned their gazes toward the vast ocean.
Boom!
A sea fish as big as a cruise ship leaped out of the water, blotting out the clouds and moon.
It struggled, trying to escape.
But a gaping maw, larger than the fish itself, surged into the sky, clamped down on it, and dragged it back into the depths.
The sea churned with towering waves, blood bubbling on the surface.
The two sea monsters' struggle raised waves over three meters high, crashing hard onto the beach.
Boom—smack!
The Soul Screamer and Flame Walker were drenched.
They stood dripping wet by the sea, frozen in place for a moment.
"Damn it. I never thought the ocean would mutate too."
"Mm."
"Our strength is sealed. If we try to swim straight across, we might..."
"Mm..."
Two days later.
On the other side of the sea.
"This is the best chance for them to kill us—and the best chance for us