The journey to the island took longer than Broken expected.
Now that he thought about it, even when he had been pulled down by the whirlpool at high speed, it had taken quite some time to reach the depths of the Oceanic Kingdom. And now, swimming back at a normal pace—even with his upgraded movement—it felt like forever.
Beside him, Tirien swam with smooth, effortless grace. The merfolk warrior seemed completely at ease, barely breaking a rhythm, as if the immense distance was just a casual stroll.
Eventually, the dark ocean floor began to rise.
Bit by bit, the depths grew brighter, and the seabed sloped upward—signs that they were nearing the ocean surface. Broken could feel it, the pressure shifting, the water growing lighter.
And finally, the surface broke around them.
