Ding!
[You have successfully completed the [Third Trial]]
FLAAASH!
The moment the two Sea Kings were down, the Trial immediately ended. The dream started to change right after that, showing Aquarius healing and recruiting these two Sea Kings as his last two Familiars, and then using their enormous bodies and smaller monster allies to carry the Mermen away from their former city below the seas.
"Lord Aquarius, where are we going?" Wondered an old merman, the Elder of the tribe.
"We must go as far as possible from these dangerous lands." Aquarius said. "I must find you a safe place, one where the evil that took down my family cannot reach you."
"Lord Aquarius…" The young Sapphire sighed, sitting over Aquarius' big head. "Thank you for saving us… Even if you've lost everything in your life, it seems that your heart still harbors kindness."
"Kindness…" Aquarius sighed, looking into the vast and endless seas. "Perhaps…"
Since that moment that the young sea dragon was decided to save and help these people prosper. He swam through thousands of kilometers, until he finally found something he could do.
He forced a sleeping volcano to awaken within the seas using is magic, and then created the Aquarius Archipelago as the volcano erupted and the lands beneath the sea raised over the surface.
Using his Divinity Powers of Creation, he filled the island with plants and animals, and made of this place the home of the Mermen. They were not accustomed to being on land, but slowly they got used to this island, free from the dangers of the sea.
He took care of most of their necessities, and the people prospered for many years. New generations were born, and Sapphire grew older, and closer with Aquarius.
The scenario ended with both glancing into the horizon, looking forward to the future to come.
"What a beautiful sunset, lord Aquarius." Said Sapphire.
"Yes… It is something I often did not see in the seas." Aquarius sighed, on his humanoid form, he resembled a tall half-dragon and half-mermen with sharp golden eyes and long blue hair.
It was rather obvious Sapphire had fallen for him seeing how handsome he was. Her hand touched that of Aquarius, as she smiled back at him, Aquarius seemed slightly embarrassed, but didn't let go of her hand.
And that's… how the third trial ended.
When everything was over, we quickly emerged once more back in the Dream Dungeon. The Dream Bridge has fully recovered now, and we were allowed to pass through it and reach the Dungeon Boss Room, where Aquarius… or what remained of him was sealed.
"It's over." Sighed Benladann in relief. "Hah, I need to take a little break before going for the Boss…"
"Me too…" Miranda sighed, sitting over the grass.
"Papa, I'm hungy!" Benladra complained.
"Nn! Hungy…" Kate agreed.
"Alright." I nodded. "Let's take a break. Now that the three trials are over, we should have as much time as we want to relax and prepare for the Dungeon Boss." I said.
I quickly brought out of my Inventory several items, chairs, tables, a camp, and more, so everyone could sit comfortably while my Cooking Spirits started preparing food for everyone.
Ding!
[The [Third Trial] has been completed successfully.]
[You have received 10000000 Divine Power]
[You have received a Special Reward for completing the [Third Trial]: [Sea Dragon's Divine Eye (S Grade)] x1!]
[Due to your outstanding achievements on the [Third Trial] you've received the Hidden Rewards left by the [Inheritance's Creator: Aquarius]!]
[You've received the [Mystical Dream Soul Orb of the Red-Eyed Abyssal Titanic Squid Queen (S Grade)] x1 and the [Mystical Dream Soul Orb of the Wrathful Sea Snake King (S Grade)] x1!]
[You've received the [Aquarius' Dream Memory Soul Orb (S Grade)] x1!]
[You've received the [Divinity Fragment of Primordial Seas] x20!]
[You've received an additional 20000000 Divine Power!]
As I acquired the rewards, Ariel swiftly absorbed the eye of the sea dragon, which was more like a blue jewel in the shape of an eye. I had given up on keeping these precious materials, I guess it was more worth it to upgrade her.
Ding!
[The [Aquarius' Broken Trident: Ariel (Broken) (A Grade)] has absorbed the [Sea Dragon's Divine Eye (S Grade)] Material Item!]
[It has regained a part of its former strength!]
[Aquarius' Broken Trident: Ariel (Broken) (S+++ Grade)]
[Effects]
[Fortune]: [S+++]
[Physical Strength]: [S+++]
[Magical Power]: [S+++]
[Dexterity and Agility]: [S+++]
[Abilities]
[Ancient Relic of the Guardian of the Seas (Broken)]: This item is broken and has lost most of its powers due to the passing of time and the death of its original wielder. However, if it can find a new wielder and new materials to be repaired with, the legendary weapon's true power will be unlocked.
[Description]
An old-looking sea trident that was once wielded by Aquarius, the Guardian of the Seas. It lacks its original powers due to the passing of time and the death of its original wielder. It is barely stronger than a simple wooden spear. It has been repaired thrice, enhancing its stats and Rank, but it requires more materials.
"Ta-da~! I am fully repaired now!" Ariel said happily.
"Doesn't look like it." I sighed. "You might have regained a majority of your durability, sharpness, and magic power but your abilities are still sealed."
"EH?! I-Is that so? Ah!" Ariel realized. "Now that you say that… I cannot draw their power out yet…"
"How many materials do you even need?" Miranda complained. "You've eaten three already! There are not any more trials, you know?!"
"I-I know that!" Ariel said nervously. "Maybe I need one more… or two…"
"Sigh." Benladann said. "Maybe we should give up on her…"
"Well, it is said that she was the only one capable of hurting the Deep One, and also the only one capable of purifying other living beings from the Chaos Spirits possessing them." Said Sapphire. "Please, let's have some more patience. I am sure we'll find as many materials as you need once we enter the Dungeon Boss Room. After all, the body of Aquarius rests there. Even after his death, I am sure he still wants to help us somehow…"
"I suppose… you're right." I nodded. "Anyways, let's eat something tasty to change the mood, alright?"
I didn't wanted Sapphire to have that grieving face anymore, honestly it made me feel a bit bad I had to make her bring that topic, so I better make her smile with something tasty at the very least.
Now that I know who Aquarius was, I can't help but feel his death as something rather personal, like a brother that died…
I have to make sure to protect the country he created and loved so much, it is the least I can do for him.
Sapphire smiled back at me with a gentle giggle.
"Thank you for worrying about me. I am fine, Drake." She said with a smile. "Although I've felt slightly sad as we went through these scenarios, I was able to see another face of my beloved Aquarius, and how he truly was in the past. It brought me back memories of my childhood as well… I am only wondering if this was all his plan from the beginning, and if there's something else to all of these scenarios we've witnessed. Maybe those Memory Orbs may reveal the truth soon."
"I hope so as well." I nodded.
