Herbert half-kneeled on a reef, carefully lifting the mermaid's right foot.

In this moment, the action might appear frivolous or disrespectful to others, but it was not out of lust.

He didn't have a particular fetish for delicate feet—though he didn't dislike them, he wasn't fanatical about them either.

What drove him to do this was more out of being moved.

Fremay had sacrificed and transformed herself for his sake.

If someone is willing to change for you, how can you not be touched?

—Of course, the premise is you have affection for this person and agree with what they've done, not that it's a one-sided effort.

Herbert gently cradled the fragile, delicate foot, applying a slight pressure with his fingertips, gently kneading to help it move.

He wasn't feeling the slippery texture; instead, he was using his knowledge of flesh and blood to analyze the legs' structure.

As he expected, these legs were not entirely made of flesh, but were mixed with Water Elements and some other materials.

Beneath the tender skin were bones that were still somewhat soft... well, could these be likened to fish bones?

But in fact, these legs weren't simply magic.

Compared to Magical Creatures, strictly speaking, these legs were more like an Alchemy Product.

She sacrificed a part of her flesh and blood, embedding her own will within them.

An alchemy prosthetic based on her own flesh, designed solely for herself.

A prosthetic that could change at will in accordance with her thoughts, controlled as if it were an extension of her own limb.

And beyond the amazement, Herbert also fell silent.

"..."

So, what is the cost of all this?

Miracles and magic always come with a price.

Herbert didn't know which part of her flesh and blood Fremay sacrificed during the process, but there surely was a price.

Will she feel like she's walking on knife edges with every step, like the little mermaid in the story?

He recalled the scene earlier; though Fremay walked rather awkwardly, it was simply due to unfamiliarity; there was no trace of pain on her face.

Then... could it be her beautiful voice?

"Fremay, is your voice still here?"

Miss Mermaid: ?

"Hmm? Ah? Of course, it's still here! Otherwise, how was I talking all this time?"

She gave Herbert a puzzled glance, suddenly a bit unsure—did she accidentally splash the waves onto his head?

How could he ask such a strange question out of nowhere?

"You're really odd today."

"Odd? Hahaha, maybe."

Herbert was stunned for a moment, then shook his head and laughed softly, saying, "Since your voice hasn't disappeared... Fremay, I'd love to hear you sing."

The mermaid and the boy exchanged a quiet gaze and then gently smiled.

He had come for this purpose.

The promise-keeper returning as pledged, without forsaking their agreement.

Since the boy kept his promise, she too would keep hers.

So, the mermaid nodded, strumming the strings, and asked:

"Alright, what song would you like to hear?"

The boy tilted his head and chuckled lightly, "Since it's a reunion, how about a song about reunion?"

But the mermaid shook her head at this moment and whispered softly, "Just one song? Hehe, compared to my previous waiting, one song isn't enough, is it?"

She gazed into the boy's light-colored eyes and whispered gently:

"In the time you were gone, I thought of many songs about reunion."

The boy's eyes widened, looking at the mermaid in surprise.

But the mermaid turned her head aside, strummed the strings, and began to sing softly.

The song was calm and melodious, making one forget everything before, becoming completely immersed.

Yet, her blushing neck revealed a hint of detail, proving how shy her previous words made her.

Though shy, Fremay still expressed them, just as she decisively made the prosthetic.

Twelve scales, a thousand strands of hair, a solitary tear, three drops of blood drawn from her heart... and countless failures.

Despite the discouraging process, Fremay eventually created what she desired.

And the one she waited for did not disappoint her.

He returned as promised.

That was enough.

So the Sea Siren sang softly, gently expressing the joy in her heart!

And finally, in the pause between songs, the boy made a second promise.

"I'll take you away from here."

He said:

"Maybe it will be a little late, but, no matter what, I'll take you away."

"I'll take you away from here to meet new friends outside, to live peacefully."

Faced with such seemingly unreliable or even impractical promises, the mermaid, after a moment of surprise, laughed.

She didn't respond perfunctorily, didn't question, nor did she ever doubt.

She only nodded lightly, offering him a bright smile.

"Mhm."

She said:

"I'll also always stay by your side, to become your strength."

"So that neither tides nor storms will harm you one bit."

She didn't ask Herbert where he was planning to take her?

Nor did she ask what they would encounter in the future?

Perhaps... it would be unforeseeable storms.

Fremay was perceptive.

She could notice the changes in Herbert upon his return this time.

He was different now.

Some of the youthful naiveté had faded away, he had become more mature, completely turning into a man.

He had also gained a sense of resolve, and more pressure weighed upon his shoulders.

In countless legends, such beings were never absent.

Such a person was destined to tread a path full of dangers.

They might become madmen driven insane by failure, or warriors who stride forward even in demise.

Or perhaps... a hero.

In many stories, there would always be mermaids bestowing their power upon heroes.

And now... Fremay had made her decision, chosen her own hero.

I believe in you.

My boy blessed by fate.

You will ultimately become a hero.

You... will not disappoint me.

.

.

After spending some more time with Fremay, Herbert provided detailed guidance on using her prosthetic, in his capacity as a "veteran leg user expert".

Once she began to slowly adjust by herself, attempting to walk a certain distance and becoming more and more proficient, Herbert decided to leave.

And before leaving, Fremay seemingly remembered something and reminded him:

"Recently, there have been some strange sounds coming from other areas? You might want to check it out."

She had faintly heard some eerie noises, like someone was constantly calling a name.

"Alright, can you identify which area it was coming from?"

"Hmm... it should be further than last time's tremor? Should be the next area."

Deeper than last time's "Battle-scarred Golden Fire Dragon on Earth thrown lava giant"?

Herbert raised an eyebrow, harboring some speculations in his heart.

"In other words... the Angel on the fifth floor?"

"What trouble has she stirred up again?"

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