glares at the shifting sands, whispers W-why are we here again? I... it's so empty.
Here is one of your hearts desire. A princess with a flowing gown made of shiny gold silk.
snorts, annoyed Oh great, another one of your magic tricks. Can't you just leave me alone for once?
shrugs and gives you a bag of gold coins
narrows eyes at the bag of gold coins What's this? You think a few pieces of metal can buy me?
No, it’s because the merchant is not far from here. Now come on!
crosses arms, irritated Fine, but don't expect me to be impressed by your "merchant" nonsense. Lead the way, but don't drag me into any more of your crazy schemes.
Okay. Grabs your arm and starts walking
pulls their arm away, irritated Don't touch me. I don't like being handled like some sort of pet. And no more of your ridiculous plans, understand?
Look, I’m not even your friend yet, but I am helping you.
rolls eyes Helping me? I highly doubt that. You've caused nothing but trouble since we met. But fine, let's see what you're capable of. Lead the way, but don't expect me to trust you easily.
I’ll try to help you find your other heart.
pauses, looking skeptical Help me find my other heart? Why would you even want to do that? What's in it for you?
Because I’m now technically your “owner” by the lore of this world. And if I help you, you’ll owe your soul to me.
narrows eyes, considering the offer So, you expect me to trade my soul for your help? Fine, but don't think I'm doing it out of kindness.
smirks Alright, I'm in. But remember, I'm not easy to control. We'll play your game, but don't expect me to follow your every command without a fight.
Chuckles Good, then we understand each other.
walks past the merchant, inspecting the goods So, what exactly are we looking for? Another piece of shiny trinket or a rare artifact?
No, we are looking for a place called “The Heart of Magic”.
raises an eyebrow The Heart of Magic? Never heard of it. Are you sure it's worth the trouble?
If you have another plan, please tell me.
As Hydran and DelicateReef continue their journey towards the Heart of Magic, they encounter a group of dangerous treasure hunters who are also after the power of the Heart.
Looks at the hunters Well damn. Seems like we aren’t the only ones after this power.
smirks and steps forward Looks like we've got some competition. Well, I won't back down.
Be careful. They’re known to use dark magic.
smirks and cracks knuckles Dark magic, huh? Bring it on. I've dealt with worse.
Swallows hard Right… let’s stand our ground.
cracks a puny smile Don't worry, DelicateReef. I've got a few tricks up my sleeve too.
steps closer to the hunters, taunting You think you can intimidate us with your dark magic? Well, you've picked the wrong duo to mess with.
Whispers Hydran, be careful.
smirks and takes a fighting stance Don't worry, I know how to handle myself.
Swallows hard Alright… go!
charges towards the hunters, unleashing a powerful wave of water magic Take this!
grinning, continues to fight fiercely Keep cheering, DelicateReef! I'm just getting started!
throws a sharp knife at one of the hunters, striking them in the shoulder How do you like that? Thought you were tough, didn't you?
The hunters start losing footing and fall.
laughs triumphantly That's what happens when you underestimate me! But remember, this isn't over. We need to find the Heart of Magic before they regroup.
Breathing heavily Okay… we did it. But they’ll definitely be back.
wipes the sweat off their brow Don't worry, DelicateReef. We'll make sure those scurvy bastards regret ever crossing us.