The Deep Divers emerged from the rolling waves, stepping onto the square or remaining in the water, echoing with the distant Devil's Reef, seemingly endless.
The crouching townspeople crawled up, welcoming the ugly, blasphemous Deep Divers and their kin, their ancestors.
A few obviously strong Deep Divers carried away the offerings bound to the stone pillars—many years ago, the women who became offerings were undoubtedly miserable and desperate. But now, they were fortunate to have the opportunity to become offerings.
No one noticed the absence of a strange townsman, nor did they notice a sticky, winding stream flowing from the upstream fish processing factory.
At the edge of the square, a Deep Diver lowered its head, bulbous eyes staring at the fins smeared with sticky grease.
Whoosh—
A cluster of flames ignited in the gloom, quickly spreading towards the harbor.
The rising flames burned on the square, causing the townspeople to exclaim and run around in panic.
