Nereus glided through the waters, making his way to the Earendil residence.
Eventually, the journey took him through a shifting tapestry of the Vorteesi sect's territorial layers beginning foremost with the sect center.
The heart of the sect was rich with ornate coral structures, living buildings built from ancient anemone trees, and sweeping bio-luminescent arches that glowed in regal purples and blues.
These inner zones glittered like underwater palaces—testaments to wealth, bloodline prestige, and the invisible chains of power.
The Earendil estate loomed ahead, nestled at the edge of one such noble lane atop a small and short plainlike expanse of sea bedrock atop the Vorteesi sea mount —it was a vast fan-shaped compound flanked by spiraled pearl towers and shimmering shell mosaics.
Despite the grandeur, something in the air felt stale.
The manicured kelp gardens were overgrown in places, and cracks spider-webbed across the once-polished coral bricks.
As he approached the front entrance, a haughty mermaid intercepted him, her nose wrinkled in visible disdain.
"May I help you?" she asked, her voice dripping with condescension.
"I am here to see Triton," Nereus replied evenly, his gaze steady.
The maid's expression soured further at the mention of Triton's name. "Triton? That bastard?" she spat, her disgust palpable. "He's not welcome here, and neither are you. The Earendil family has no time for the likes of him."
Nereus's eyes narrowed, but he maintained his composure. "Very well. Could you at least direct me to his residence?"
The maid's lips curled into a sneer. "If you insist. Follow the main road until you reach the poorer part of the sect. His mother lives in a dilapidated hut there. You can't miss it."
Without another word, Nereus turned and swam away, the maid's disdainful gaze burning into his back.
As he followed her directions, the architecture around him began to change.
The coral began to lose its polish. The shimmering lights grew dimmer, flickering unevenly in their enchanted glass orbs.
Nereus passed derelict workshops where once-thriving tradesmen had evidently long since shut down, their shopfronts replaced with boarded windows or covered in sickly algae.
'The sea here feels... different, its heavier—colder.' Nereus thought to himself.
He could see Elderly mers sold fermented sea-moss and scavenged materials on woven mats, calling out to disinterested passersby.
As well as smell a pungent staleness wafting from an alley where broken shells and trash drifted in slow motion, forgotten by the tides.
These were the slums of the Vorteesi sect—where those born of low rank, scandal, or misfortune were quietly exiled.
A world away from the bare minimum mundane modernity of the Outer Core, and even further away from the glittering Inner Core, .
After swimming along for some time Nereus soon found the hut he was looking for.
It was a humble structure, worn by years of neglect.
Composed of patched driftwood, shell-chalk panels, and tied-off kelp cordings, it leaned to one side as though the weight of hardship had bent it permanently. A small sea-glass lantern flickered near the doorway, dim but persistent.
As he approached, a beautiful woman with Triton's distinctive good looks emerged from the entrance.
She was clearly Triton's mother, her eyes reflecting a gentle warmth despite the hardships she had endured.
"Good day, ma'am," Nereus greeted her with a respectful nod. "Is Triton home?"
The woman smiled kindly, though there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. "You must be Argent," she said softly. "Triton has spoken highly of you. He's inside, let me fetch him."
As she turned to call Triton, Nereus glanced around the modest dwelling.
It was clear why Triton had resorted to crime—this was a life of poverty and struggle. Moments later, Triton appeared, his face lighting up at the sight of Nereus.
"Ooh looks like it's time to whip up supper, I'll give you boys some privacy" his mother said first while making her exit.
"Nereus! What brings you here?" Triton wondered
"We have important business," Nereus replied wasting no time, his tone serious. "We need to go to the Open Sea."
Triton glanced back at the location his mother had disappeared in, concern etched on his features. "The Open Sea really?! But my mother, I—"
"Just trust me," he interrupted gently. "You should know at the very least I can manage to get you home in one piece. Plus its not like you have much of a choice anyway... or did you forget our agreement?"
"O-Of course not, I-I'll be right back." With a nod, Triton then went to provide some excuse to his mother, who readily accepted his words of deception and ushered him.
Meanwhile Nereus waited patiently, his mind already focused on the task ahead. However, after a brief goodbye, the two mer swam away, leaving the humble hut behind.
The journey to the Open Sea was swift. Throughout the swim there the duo mainly discussed cultivation to which Nereus had to dodge many questions as to why he was so strong, and to his surprise much of the sect gossip.
'He really is a chatty one, once you get to know him I guess' Nereus couldn't help but remark to himself.
After some time the waters grew darker and more treacherous as they approached the deep, uncharted territories. Nereus led the way, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of danger.
"We're almost there," Nereus announced, his voice carrying through the water. "I saw the silver starfish in this area last time. Stay alert."
Triton nodded, his muscles tense with anticipation. As they swam further, sure enough just as Nereus had said the sight of the glittering silver starfish came into view, their luminescence casting an ethereal glow in the dark waters.
But before they could reach them, a huge shadow loomed overhead...