There are several magic spells for exploring underwater, but I decided to use Water Current Interference Magic.

By applying a Magic Barrier, I wouldn’t get wet, so that wasn’t an issue. There was also a method using Movement Magic for land, but it wouldn’t increase my speed underwater, and I’d get caught in the currents, making it inefficient. Therefore, I used magic to control the water flow.

As a result, I reached my destination without difficulty. A Rocky Cave gaping open at the bottom of the sea. Hearing Garuku say, “This is it,” I created a light and entered the cave.

It was a very winding passage… but it was a single path, so I managed to exit the water without any obstacles.

“Have I arrived?”

My murmur echoed in the cave. Looking around, it was a space filled only with rock faces. Behind me was the surface of the sea from which I had emerged. In front, there was a passage leading further inward.

And from deep within the passage, a dense magic power… not miasma, but a similar sensation, perhaps because Azua governs the attribute of Darkness.

“Shall we proceed quickly?”

Garuku asked. I thought for a moment—

“It might be like a maze, right?”

“Probably. However, Azua didn’t create it; he likely just discovered an existing place like this and is using it as his dwelling. And—”

Garuku paused for a beat, then continued.

“I don’t feel anything other than the magic power from the passage… There don’t seem to be any traps either.”

“Even so, I’ll need to be careful… Let’s proceed cautiously from here.”

I started walking. As I entered the passage, several branching paths appeared after a short while.

“Well, which way to go?”

“Probably the right passage.”

Garuku’s voice. I frowned at that.

“You can tell?”

“I’ve only met him once, but I clearly know what his presence feels like.”

This is reassuring. I followed Garuku’s instructions and took the right passage.

From there, I continued relying on Garuku’s advice… As Garuku predicted, there were no traps whatsoever, but the cave was quite complex. If there were monsters here, it would be extremely difficult to clear it properly.

But thanks to Garuku accurately guiding me, I made steady progress… As a result, I reached a place where I could clearly sense Azua’s presence myself.

“So, it’s finally time, huh?”

After muttering to myself, I asked Garuku,

“Garuku… we’re just going to talk for now, right?”

“That’s right. Suddenly being aggressive would cause resistance. We also need to explain the situation to Azua.”

“Azua seems to be observing for now, even with other spirits in trouble…”

“He wasn’t originally in a cooperative relationship with spirits like the Nereids. Although, if the Demon Race were to make a big move, it might be different.”

I have a feeling it won’t be that easy to persuade him, but I hope I can.

As we continued, we reached a large space. The magic power here was incredibly dense, and there were no further passages to be found. It seemed this was the end of the line.

I intensified the light, illuminating the entire space. The ceiling was covered in sharp, stalactite-like rocks, and there were several puddles on the ground. The floor was damp and looked slippery. I needed to be careful.

Just then, I sensed a presence directly ahead. Magic power emanated from the farthest puddle. The water’s surface began to rise, and the magic power intensified as if to assert its existence.

“What business do you have in this place, humans?”

A somewhat young man’s voice… Immediately after, I caught sight of a being emerging from the water.

It looked as if water itself had gained a will and taken on a human-like form… Its body was blue. It had a smooth body that looked elastic to the touch.

However, the only thing unique was its eyes on its head… They were pure white, and it was narrowing them as if staring at me.

“You haven’t come to explore this place, have you?”

“Yes… but to confirm,”

First, I responded politely.

“You are Water King Azua, correct?”

“Indeed, I am the one called the Water King.”

His tone was somewhat overbearing. From his demeanor, he seemed interested in me, but also annoyed by our intrusion. If I said anything wrong, it seemed like a battle would break out immediately.

“It seems you have business with me… What is your objective?”

In response to his question, I looked back at Azua and spoke.

“I have one request.”

“A request?”

Azua suddenly emitted magic power. It was an intimidating aura, and if I made even a slight mistake in my response, dark magic would likely fly at me immediately.

“Yes… In preparation for the War with the Demon Lord, your power has become necessary, Azua. That is why we have come here.”

“Involving the Demon King, huh… I understand your business.”

“Lord Ruon,”

At this point, I heard Garuku’s voice.

“I shall explain from here. If he knows that another Spirit God is joining the fight, his reaction might change.”

“….Understood.”

The moment I responded in a low voice, I suddenly sensed a presence from my right shoulder. Young Garuku appeared there.

“Long time no see, Azua.”

“This presence… could it be Garuku?”

“Indeed.”

“You’ve changed your appearance quite a bit… No, is it a temporary form? Are you cooperating with that human?”

“That’s right. We need your power. We would like your cooperation.”

“It depends on the details. Tell me more.”

His rigid demeanor softened, as he was dealing with a Spirit God. Then Garuku began his explanation. He spoke about my abilities, the situation on this continent, and how the Demon King would unleash mighty magic, explaining that–

“–If the Demon King’s magic is unleashed, Azua yourself will undoubtedly suffer some damage. Our goal is to prevent the magic the Demon King unleashes. We would like your cooperation in this.”

“I understand the situation… but I have one question. Given that magic power is embedded deep underground, I understand that the continent will suffer immense damage. But in that case, what will happen to the sea, my domain?”

“–At the very least, the areas around the continent should also have been affected.”

I answered. Azua then turned his gaze towards me.

“Does that mean my area of activity is included as well?”

“Yes. I believe there’s no doubt.”

In response to my answer, Azua fell silent. He was likely integrating the information he heard from us and drawing a conclusion.

Garuku and I waited patiently… It was probably only a few minutes of silence, but it felt remarkably long. And then–

“Garuku… with that plan, will you truly save the continent?”

“It is undoubtedly the best move we can make.”

“Indeed, if Feus, whom we are about to speak with, also joins us, we might be able to counter the Demon King’s power. However, I have one question.”

“What is it?”

“Is the cooperation of those Humans necessary?”

After a brief silence, Garuku answered the question.

“……As I mentioned earlier, these are the humans who defeated me. There’s no doubt they are worthy of fighting alongside us.”

“Indeed, I understand they possess extraordinary power. However, that must be confirmed.”

—I sensed a combative atmosphere from the words. I understood what he wanted to say.

“……Lord Ruon.”

“It seems so.”

“So you were prepared… In any case, I cannot judge without assessing your power.”

It was dangerous at first, but Garuku’s presence allowed us to talk… yet the outcome remains the same.

I quietly draw my sword. Azua, on the other hand, seems to be observing, maintaining silence while keeping his gaze on me.

I regulate my breathing. Azua seems to be waiting for me to move… in response, I move first—the battle with Azua has begun.