Conqueror’s Desire

The night grew deeper, yet MC's mind remained clouded with questions about what had just happened. They now sat by a small fire on the beach, trying to warm themselves after narrowly escaping the underwater cave that had nearly swallowed them whole.

Nami was busy drying her hair, occasionally glancing at MC, who was lost in thought.

"You're still thinking about that creature, aren't you?" she asked, her voice softer than usual.

MC let out a long sigh. "Of course. It's not every day I meet a sea monster that can talk and call me 'the chosen one.'"

Nami scooted a little closer, her expression serious. "You're right. This isn't something we can ignore. You might not realize it, but the power you used back there… That wasn't normal."

MC looked down at his palm, as if hoping to see traces of the mysterious energy again. But there was nothing. Just his regular hand—at least for now.

"Whatever it is, I need to find out more," he finally said. "I can't keep going without knowing what's happening to me."

Nami nodded. "And I'll help you."

MC turned to her, slightly surprised.

"Are you sure? This could be dangerous."

Nami chuckled. "You think I'm not used to danger? I'm a pirate navigator, you know."

MC smiled slightly, feeling a little more at ease.

But before they could rest any longer, something in the sand caught MC's attention—an unusual symbol carved into the ground, eerily similar to the glowing rune on the sea creature's body.

"Nami, look at this."

Nami leaned in, frowning. "This isn't natural… Someone's been here before."

MC reached out and touched the symbol, and suddenly—a vision flashed through his mind.

He caught a glimpse of a figure draped in a black robe, standing on the same shore. The man raised his hand, and the waves moved at his command.

Then, a voice echoed in MC's head:

"When the tides shift, the chosen one will awaken…"

MC jolted back, gasping for breath.

Nami looked at him, alarmed. "What happened?!"

MC met her gaze, his eyes filled with confusion. "I… I saw something. Someone. And he could control the ocean."

Nami fell silent.

The night wind whispered across the shore, carrying the sound of the waves—waves that seemed to hold secrets far greater than they had imagined.

4o