Beneath the deep blue sea, faint shadows could be seen swimming.
"Monster attack! Everyone, stay alert!"
Fern, standing beside Gauss, was nowhere near as calm as he was.
Many monsters' attacks might mean nothing to someone like Gauss, whose physical abilities far surpassed those of ordinary people. But for an ordinary person, one careless moment could mean a weapon pierced a vulnerable spot like the heart or throat—and that would be the end of them.
They couldn't afford to be careless.
"Woooo—"
Amid the endless whitecaps, an ominous low horn sounded, chilling the blood.
Sharp fins broke the surface.
"Sandfin Mermen."
Fern's keen gaze, sharp as a falcon's, pierced the surface before finally identifying the enemy.
"Mm."
Gauss nodded.
Information about the Sandfin Mermen surfaced in his mind.
The Sandfin Mermen were also known by coastal residents as "Sea Devils."
Their habits could be guessed from that nickname alone.
The Sandfin Mermen were a highly predatory fishlike race, ranging across the world's oceans. They could be found in the deep sea, in shallow coastal waters, and even in seaside villages.
Because of their faith, they were closely associated with sharks, which they trained as companions. Even wild sharks regarded the Sandfin Mermen as allies rather than hostile creatures.
Much like aquatic goblins, both races were amphibious to a limited extent, able to breathe in air and underwater.
Goblins had to leave the water and return to the air after spending a certain amount of time underwater to avoid suffocating. Sandfin Mermen, by contrast, had to return to the water after spending some time on land.
Of course, to coastal residents, both were unequivocally evil creatures.
Gauss drew Wind Chaser.
Fern glanced sideways at him. If he remembered correctly, Gauss had just introduced himself as a Mage.
But now wasn't the