It took over a full day of continuous running for us to reach the Island.

Well, we hadn't reached it yet, but I could finally see it in the distance. And I'm definitely glad to finally be nearing it.

I could still run for a few more days if I needed to, but I can't deny that it's pretty boring. We did get attacked by a few sea creatures, but Vrusha took care of them before I even got the chance to protest.

Not that I minded, and he was simply doing his job, but it was still boring.

And this is why boredom was a dangerous thing.

I went from not really wanting to visit this island to being happy that it was finally here—and almost forgetting about the marriage talks I might have to deal with once I got there.

Of course, maybe there was a chance I was overthinking this and worrying about it for no reason, but I doubted it.

Anyway… this harbor of theirs is truly massive.

The closer we got, the easier it was to identify different features on the island, and the first thing that jumped out at me was the massive harbor. There were many large piers, and a number of small and large ships that were either docked, in the process of docking, or currently leaving.

We hadn't passed any ships on the way here, so I wonder where all of them were headed or coming from.

"When we get to the island, spread out and gather information. On the City, the Island itself, where all these ships are going, and, well, whatever else you can gather. Try not to disturb the locals."

My order was acknowledged, and we continued on our way.

It took a few minutes, but we eventually made landfall, and it seems the locals were aware of our arrival because there was a small group of people welcoming us.

No mermaid people in sight though—these were all humans.

"Welcome to Blue Water City, Lord Raizen. We have been expecting you."

Well, that's not ominous.

As I gave my greeting back, the other Infernals departed quickly in various directions. Some went towards the harbor, others went to the City, and some just went to other parts of the island.

Only Vrusha remained by my side.

Apparently, my welcomers really didn't expect that, and they looked rather startled.

"Ah, don't worry about them. Are one of you the City Lord?"

The one in front spoke up as my words snapped him away from the vanishing Infernals.

"…No, there is a meeting place prepared for you already… please follow us."

"Lead away."

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The City was just behind the harbor, and that's the direction we headed in. There was no fancy new layout for the City. If there was anything that caught my eye, it was the number of things from the ocean I saw all over the place.

Seashells, corals, scales, carvings, sculptures, and a few other things all over the place. It gave the City some real island getaway vibes.

Maybe this could be a prime vacation spot way in the future, when Earth has fully settled into this new Multiversal life. We've adapted for the most part as a planet, but there are plenty of things we had previously that we now lack—such as multiple forms of entertainment, ease of travel, ease of communication, and even variety in drinking.

Of course, there were many other things that people missed and would no longer have, at least for now, but they'll come eventually.

Especially with the fact this would now be a united Earth.

No more wars against other humans. At least not the humans of Earth.

I wasn't going to allow a planet I was now the Lord over to be at war with itself.

Well, to a point.

Didn't plan on policing people down to a T. Local authorities in each City can handle that. Just no big wars.

Anyway, I was led to a massive building in the rear of the City and eventually found myself in another conference room where two people were waiting for me.

They both stood to their feet and bowed slightly.

"Once again, welcome to Blue Water City, Lord Raizen. My name is Navi Foster, and I am the City Lord of the City. To my right is my second in command, Chris."

"Nice to meet you both. I'm assuming you both know why I'm here?"

"Ah yes, don't worry—we submit. There won't be any fighting here."

The notification matching what she said popped up, and I accepted it. Though I did find this all a bit odd. Both of them were human, and I have yet to see this mermaid immortal that was supposed to be here.

Was I just paranoid for no reason?

"Alright, glad to get this done. People will return eventually with instructions. For now, just continue as you've always done."

As I turned to leave…

"Please wait!"

"Yes?"

The City Lord looked towards Chris hesitantly for a moment, and he seemed to urge her on.

Was he just here for moral support then?

"There is a place we would like to take you, if you don't mind. An important guest is waiting to meet you."

Hm.

"…And who is this special guest?"

"She asked us not to reveal her name, but I can tell you that she comes from the Aquatila Empire. They are the faction we once had a deal with to create this City."

Dammit, so I was right after all. Should I just reject it?

I turned to look at Vrusha.

"What do you think, Vrusha? Should I go meet with this special guest from the Aquatila Empire?"

I could tell right away he was about to respond with some fake political answer like 'it's my will' or something.

"And you need to tell me your real answer. No 'it's whatever I want' stuff."

His mouth opened and then closed right then and there.

Yeah, Vrusha, c'mon. Don't be a robot.

"I don't think there is any harm in it, Patriarch."

If only he knew…

Anyway, to celebrate Vrusha giving me a real opinion, I'll meet her.

"Alright, City Lord Navi, lead the way."

She sighed weakly for a moment.

"Great! Please follow me."

I followed her and Chris out of the office, with Vrusha trailing me. Instead of heading back towards the entrance of the City, we made our way to the rear of the City, then eventually outside of it to the back of the island.

We then walked all the way to the edge of the island, where it became a beautiful sandy beach. I couldn't help but think to myself—a beach like this simply confirms this place as a vacation spot one day.

"Just this way, Lord Raizen."

The journey continued onto the beach, then towards the water.

I was about to tell her I don't really feel like swimming today, but I didn't get the chance, as the water immediately began peeling away and a tunnel—complete with even steps—began heading on a steep downward slope towards the bottom of the ocean.

Well, shit.

"This is as far as we were told to bring you, Lord Raizen. You will find the guest at the end of those steps."

I was ignoring her as I stared at the steps.

Part of me wanted to turn around and go home right now, since this could be a trap, but if this guest was indeed the mysterious immortal, then she could kill me before I could register the fact I was dead.

Especially if she was this close.

But I doubt Elder Zal would have allowed her to come this close if she wasn't vetted in some way.

Whatever. Let's go.

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