The boundless North Sea, north of Nephrite Major.

Tall wave upon tall wave crashed upon black reefs.

A sweet, lilting song twirled around the waves, accompanying their continual rise and fall. It came from a charming young girl sitting on top of a reef, swinging her bare calves in concert with the waves and her voice.

Not far from her was an awe-inspiring stronghold, towering by the seaside. Its deep-navy walls seemed cast in iron, holding strong and sturdy even against the strongest waves. An enormous formation slowly circulated within the stronghold, creating an invisible barrier that spanned the entire coastline.

Suddenly, a soldier with a shrimp’s head and human body popped out from the depths of the turquoise sea, carefully scanning the stronghold with its outgrown eyes.

“The seaside stronghold is empty! The million-strong Dusk Phalanx has left!” Disbelief shone out of the shrimp soldier’s goggling...