Long ago, there were two mermaids who called each other family.

The older sister wanted to analyze the limitations of humans, and the younger brother wanted to learn about human culture.

Among them, the younger brother Iser wished for a world where humans and mermaids would one day live in harmony. It was a truly futile wish to hope for in an era where fear and contempt between the two races were rampant. Even the mermaid knew this.

A world where the sky and the sea are united—that is a truly wonderful wish.

The person who said that was the first human Isser met.

Long blonde hair curving like waves. Blue eyes filled with wisdom. The man, who always enjoyed wearing white clothes, said that he was a priest and a doctor.

It is a story that makes you feel good just by hearing it.

“…….”

He was born with a color that a mermaid would have no choice but to follow with her gaze.

The mermaid revered the white human.

“…Humans are lovable but fickle creatures. I suppose it would be too difficult to hope for such a day to come?”

“I won’t say it will be easy. That is how much difference there is between humans and mermaids.”

He gave realistic advice.

“Even humans hate each other because they cannot understand one another. How much more so is the conflict between humans and mermaids?”

Then, he added a kind word.

“But if the number of people who share Mr. Isser’s views increases, that day will come someday.”

“…….”

“Ultimately, it is a matter of perception. I believe that the emotion of hatred can be overcome if you understand the other person.”

“…It brought me great joy that you said that.”

It was a story like a dream.

I like the sun. I think it is just as wonderful as humans, who live short lives each holding their own beautiful colors.

“I understand that mermaids serve the god of the sea. Yet, Mr. Isser, you say that you like the sun.”

“That is right. Of course, I serve the god of the deep sea, but… sunlight is warm and gentle. It has a dignity different from the deep sea.”

I understand what you are trying to say. It feels really good to try to sleep in the sunlight every now and then.

It is hard work at sea.

Isser longed for the land.

That is why I want to capture the lives of people with my own eyes even more.

“As the Son of the Sun, I affirm your courage, Yser.”

Thank you for not denying the descendants of the deep sea.

With the help of a human named Giovanni, the mermaid siblings pretended to be human, and the older sister dreamed of becoming a doctor, while the younger brother dreamed of becoming a priest.

“Do you wish to become a priest of the sun even though you serve the god of the deep sea?”

“I am not an Apostle of the Deep Sea, so I am not abandoning my duty. Above all, wouldn’t serving both gods hasten our union?”

“It is a simple, yet good idea. I pray that the Sun looks upon your heart, acknowledges you as family, and bestows divine power upon you.”

Giovanni was the only one who did not criticize Isser's vain dream.

He was kind and affectionate. He was a bit playful and would make pleasant remarks to Isser and his sister, and as a priest and doctor, he was competent enough to save countless people by staying up all night.

Sometimes I say silly things, and there are times when I become unbelievably brazen, but…

I want to be like Gio.

In that case, shouldn't you study medicine diligently as well?

“Th-that’s not what I meant. I don’t want to see blood.”

Giovanni was a respectable person.

Even in an era rampant with conflict and criticism, he alone was always calm. He was cheerful and gentle.

There is blood that flows even amidst peace and mercy, Isser.

“…….”

In a time of upheaval where everything was changing, only Giovanni always remained in his place.

"You'll stay here, right?"

That cannot be done.

The only thing the siblings worried about was Giovanni's lifespan.

“Since I am human, I will die sooner than you mermaids.”

I already know that well.

So, I cannot tell you with certainty that I will continue to be by your side.

“…….”

“But apart from that, I promise you that everything else will be the same. I will not change as a person, swept up in the conflicts and suffering of the times.”

“…Do you think you could do that even though you are a human, not a mermaid?”

“Even if I die someday, I am certain that when you think of me, I will always be the same.”

Although parting ways with him would be a very sad thing, Isser was able to find comfort in this short conversation alone.

"Can you promise me that even if your body returns to dust, you will remain the same human being you are now?"

Rest assured, Isser. You are my remarkable student, so how could I possibly disappoint my expectations?

Thank you for putting my foolish worries to rest. I guess my heart ached watching people repeatedly leave and change.

I understand how you feel. As a fellow human being, I too often feel a sense of bitterness regarding the flow of the world.

“It’s such a relief to hear that I wasn’t the only one. I’m glad I’m not alone…”

He hoped that Giovanni would not easily change or break down like other humans.

But soon Isser regretted it.

“…….”

Run away.

Why did I make such a promise?

It might have been a better situation if he had made a selfish choice like other people.

“J-Giovanni….”

“Never come back here again, understand? This isn’t home, and it’s not school anymore.”

“Gio, just a moment.”

“Don’t even think about saving me. You are young, and there is no reason for you to suffer merely because of the currents of the times.”

"…teacher…."

Promise me.

Because you've become selfish.

“There is a guy hiding a mermaid here! The traitor is right here!!”

Because I could not overcome the fear of a future where pain and death were destined.

“Here! Set this place on fire! Burn it down along with the horrible mermaids!!”

“Drag that traitor out here right now!! Raising a mermaid is horrible…!”

“Why on earth did you hide the mermaids, you who have saved countless humans!”

So, if they had abandoned us, run away, or betrayed us, how much... would this wicked heart have felt at ease?

“They have not committed a sin worthy of your wrath. They are merely children.”

“He must be insane to call a mermaid-like monster a child. He is a traitor to humanity!!”

If that can end this village's nightmare, you may call it that.

“You hypocrite…! He pretended to do good deeds with that kind face, but behind the scenes, he was raising a mermaid!!”

I hope that someday this painful relationship will come to a peaceful end.

Giovanni remained noble to the end.

“…….”

I am trapped in that narrow fishbowl created by human cruelty.

Even until I couldn't bear the terrible hunger, enough to melt my internal organs, and sank my sharp fangs into that rotting, festering flesh.

You were kind.

“…….”

Why is it so cold?

* * *

“…….”

"are you okay?"

A human child asked me.

It was only after that youthful face came into view that the mermaid realized she had woken up from a bad dream.

Your expression was really bad.

“…I think I had a nightmare.”

"Really? Shall I tell the priest?"

It’s not that big of a problem.

He refused the kindness with a smiling face.

I don't want to receive help from humans right after having a dream like this.

Why did I saddenly have a dream about Giovanni?

'Because I am in the embrace of the Sun God…? Or is it because of that human named Sergio I saw yesterday?'

The mermaid rolled her pearly eyes and recalled the person she had seen at the event. The man, his entire body covered in a black cloak, certainly had a striking aura.

Only the area around the man was silent, as if all life had died. Mana shrank back as if gauging the Emperor's mood, and the air flowed in a hushed, subdued atmosphere.

The man is probably a hunter strong enough to no longer be called human.

Of all names, why is his name Gio…

No, actually, it might not have been a matter of the name.

“…….”

It was unpleasant.

The fact that I saw the image of a noble mentor in someone like a fickle and selfish human being.

Right now, I am more disgusted by my own behavior of mimicking humans to participate in my sister's massacre than by...

“…….”

“Eunha, does your head hurt?”

"…little."

Don't be nice.

But it will be okay now.

Please, stop being so awful.

There is no reason to show mercy to humans at this point.

No matter what he did, Iser hated humans.

I hated selfish people because they reminded me of the terrible nightmare of that day, and I hated altruistic people because they seemed to think they were just imitating my mentor.

The mermaid's rage was not something that could be erased even after a lifetime.

In the end, a vulgar creature that will writhe like a mere worm in the face of pain and death.

The mere fact that he spoke to me, a mermaid, was disgusting enough.

“…….”

Nevertheless, he smiled.

That was the greatest good deed this wicked mermaid could do.

“I’m sorry, you woke up because of me, didn’t you?”

“No? It’s not that. It’s just that I’m not used to sleeping in this place…”

Then we can sleep together now.

Yeah, thank you.

There is nothing to be thankful for.

Even though I was sick of myself for blindly hating an entire race and participating in my sister's massacre, I could not stop.

Iser twisted his lips as he looked at the ✪ Nоvеlіgһt ✪ (Official version) human child lying comfortably beside him.

“…….”

As much as my gift.

Just that much.

I wish they would all die a terrible death.

Me, and you guys too.

* * 

The day of the main ceremony.

"uh?"

The procession of priests began.

That's that, right?

That's it, the priestly procession.

Seeing how young everyone is, I guess this is an initiation ceremony….

It’s about time for the initiation ceremony at the Sun God Cult.

Wow, look how cute the kids are.

8:00 PM. There were many onlookers as the event took place around the time most office workers were leaving work. Initiation ceremonies were usually held in the late afternoon to attract the gaze of the gods.

Even though they are young, perhaps because they are all priests, their holiness is extraordinary.

"Just looking at it feels purifying. Is it because it's the Sun Church? It feels warm, too."

“Should I call some others over? You never know, who might be chosen today.”

Even though the existence of God had become more familiar than before the great catastrophe, His majesty remained unchanged. People were excited, wondering if they might witness a miracle where one of these young priests is embraced by God.

In fact, even without such calculated ulterior motives, the procession of priests was enough to draw people's attention. Incense burners jingling and swaying like bells, and, befitting a religion of the sun god, symbols of the sun held in the hands of the novice priests.

“Ah, it’s warm….”

As expected of the Sun God religion.

On such a bitterly cold winter day, the gentle and majestic procession of the sun evoked a special emotion.

“…it’s….”

“…….”

The same was true for Yu Seong-un and Geo's group.

I haven't seen many signing ceremonies, so I didn't really get the hang of it, but so this is what it feels like.

Haven't you seen me often?

It’s not like there’s an introductory ceremony all the time… so we have to consider the date and everything.

Among the weaker churches, there were some that would barely hold an event once every ten years.

“Preparing a lavish initiation ceremony like the one you see now requires a considerable amount of capital. Initiation ceremonies for religions without money or power aren't as grand as this. It's more like just praying at a temple.”

So, it was true that such an event was quite a good spectacle. It is a considerably special event, even for the citizens living in the city.

They're slowly heading inside the temple. We've already reserved seats, so let's go in and get ready.

Yu Seong-un looked back at Geo.

If a little more time passes, so many spectators will flock in that it will be hard to even find a seat.

"All right."

"Isn't it difficult with so many people? It didn't seem like you enjoyed the noise last time you came out either."

Even though the previous tour had ended safely, Yoo Seong-un still didn't know much about 'Geo's Portrait'.

I didn't know that some random part would act as a trigger and lead to an aggressive reaction.

The Guild Master might not only brush off the casualties but actually be delighted, seeing it as something to watch... but that only makes me feel like I should pay attention.

Bisabeol was kind only to his own collection; objectively speaking, he could not be called a good person. Even Yoo Seong-un himself, who thought so, could only feel bitterness at the sight of people dying.

Around that time, the work said.

I'm a little tired, but not tired enough to worry about.

“…Right, then that’s a relief.”

As expected, it was a work with strong patience.

Still, I should be careful.

 

As the procession gradually entered the temple and the people were getting organized, the priest standing at the very front placed the incense he was holding onto the altar and stopped the steps of the cadet priests.

He gestured to the young priests and organized them, just like a choir conductor.

“…Goddess, who illuminates heaven and earth with gentle light, please send down fire upon this place where your servants are gathered today. These young priests are like sprouts that have grown following your light….”

Priest Kang Seo-dam, having recited the prayer announcing the initiation ceremony, soon came to an end.

May you receive a small light.

May you receive a small light.

With the final prayer of the Sun Church, Gang Seo-dam bowed his head to the altar, then turned around and bowed once again to the cadet priests standing in their respective places, holding the symbol of the sun.

Gang Seo-dam opened his mouth after confirming that the catechumens were bowing their heads in response.

This is the Temple of the Sun, but the sun is not forced upon the cadet priests. With the help of the Sun Goddess, you will learn how to treat the gods and how to become their servants. I sincerely hope that through today's initiation ceremony, you will gain another parent.

Ding-dong.

Gang Seo-dam, having rung the silver bell, continued speaking.

Before preparing your mind and body to serve your new parents, catechumens will take some time to express gratitude for your worldly ties. Please exchange greetings before the closing ceremony begins.

The initiation ceremony was divided into two parts, with a break in between to allow time to be spent with family. Not all religions are like this, but the initiation ceremony of the Church of the Sun was.

Thanks to the prior training, the prospective priests all moved to their respective places.

“Mom, Mom…!!”

“Brother, I’m a priest now!”

This outfit is cool, isn't it!

Some hurried away to spend time with their families, while others moved on to rest in the waiting room.

“…….”

He, too, was about to move to take a rest.

“……?”

Gang Seo-dam's eyes fell upon a novice priest who, for some reason, was wandering around unable to go anywhere.

'…Was it definitely a child named Eunha?'

For some reason, the child was impressive with blue hair reminiscent of the sea. In fact, perhaps because they desired that lineage, their divine power itself had a strong cool aura.

I understand that since he is a Carnation Child, he doesn't have any family to talk to separately, so why is he just standing there silently?

I could not manage even a single priest under my jurisdiction carelessly. Gang Seo-dam looked around.

Who are you looking at right now?

As I followed the child's gaze, I saw a black-haired catechumen being hugged by his family.

That child is…

I think the name was probably Chai Sol.

"…ah."

There was also a black cloak among them.

It's the person I met last time.

Gang Seo-dam remembered that he had acted unbecomingly like a god by merely watching the event and leaving neatly.

The initiation ceremony itself is quite long, so if they showed up again today, is it indeed to accept new members?

As I looked around with suspicion, I could see that Eunha's gaze had fallen on the black cloak.

“…….”

Maybe I want to join that group.

Come to think of it, it is unusually crowded over there, so it’s understandable that the Carnation child would feel envious.

Fortunately, not long after, Chai Sol took Eunha away. Perhaps being quick-witted, she was naturally introducing her partner to her family.

I observed carefully, wondering if that consideration might have hurt her pride, but Eunha didn't seem to be in a bad mood being dragged along like that.

“…It should be okay now.”

Since the black cloak also looked like a god with a deep understanding of humans, there would be no major problem.

Only then did Gang Seodam also move his feet to rest.