The ritual held by the twelve octopus heads was reaching its final phase. The palpable tension over the seascape was at its thickest, the atmosphere so suffocating that it felt as though monumental effort was needed just to breathe. Everyone present felt a stifling lump blocking their airways.0

Dipp's muscles were tensed up as he watched the undulating mass of eyes in the water, wavering with the waves like bunches of seaweed. His heart steeled with a firm resolve: if any danger arose, he would directly put himself in the way to shield the captain from it.0

"Stay put; don't cause any trouble now. That's the best help you can offer," Charles remarked as he firmly pulled Dipp back. The latter had subconsciously stepped forward.0

"But Captain!...0