The Crown and the Sea

The Tide Turns

The clash between San and Yeosang grew fiercer, the underwater arena trembling under the force of their battle. San's movements were slowing, his body battered and bruised from Yeosang's relentless attacks. Blood mingled with the water, a stark reminder of how outmatched he was against the embodiment of the ocean's power.

Yeosang loomed over San, his golden eyes gleaming with triumph. "This is the end, little mortal," he sneered, raising his hand to deliver a final blow.

"No!" Seonghwa shouted, surging forward with his sword drawn.

But the moment he stepped past the coral pillars, an invisible barrier flared to life, throwing him back. He landed hard, gritting his teeth in frustration.

"You can't interfere," Jongho reminded him coldly, standing guard near the edge of the arena. "The rules are absolute."

Seonghwa pounded his fist against the barrier, his heart breaking as he watched San struggle to stand. "There has to be something we can do!"

Nearby, Hongjoong's voice broke the tense silence. "I'll explain," he said, his tone grim. He stepped forward, addressing the group.

"Yeosang wasn't always like this," Hongjoong began, his voice carrying an edge of both regret and urgency. "He was human once—a boy obsessed with the ocean. He believed he could master it, use magic to bend it to his will. But his ambition backfired. The magic turned on him, and the ocean claimed his body and mind. Now, he's little more than its puppet, consumed by its endless hunger."

Seonghwa turned to Hongjoong, his expression desperate. "Then how do we stop him?"

Hongjoong's gaze shifted to Wooyoung, who was clutching San tightly, tears streaming down his face. "There's one way," Hongjoong said. "But it's risky."

He approached Wooyoung, pulling a small, glowing vial from the folds of his robe. The liquid inside shimmered like sunlight on water, and it radiated a faint warmth.

"This potion can strip Yeosang of the ocean's power," Hongjoong explained. "But only if someone strong enough to bear it uses it against him."

Wooyoung stared at the vial, his grip tightening around San. "You mean me."

Hongjoong nodded. "You're the only one who can do this. The potion has failed before, but that was because—" He hesitated, his gaze flickering with something unspoken. "It failed because I was the one who cast it. The details are... a story for another day. But this time, with you, it can work."

Seonghwa frowned, his doubt evident. "And if it doesn't?"

Hongjoong's expression darkened. "Then we'll lose everything."

Wooyoung looked down at San, who was clutching his injured side, tears of frustration and pain rolling down his cheeks. "San-ah," Wooyoung whispered, his voice soft but resolute. He wiped away San's tears, cupping his face gently. "I won't let you cry anymore. I promise."

He turned to Yeosang, his expression hardening. "Fight me instead."

Yeosang raised an eyebrow, a slow grin spreading across his face. "You think you're stronger than him?" he taunted, gesturing to San.

"I don't care what you think," Wooyoung shot back. "If you're so sure of your power, then prove it."

Yeosang laughed, the sound echoing through the arena. "Fine," he said, his tone dripping with amusement. "Let's see what you've got, little siren."

Wooyoung turned back to San, pressing a kiss to his forehead. "Stay strong for me, okay?"

Seonghwa stepped forward, helping San to his feet. "Come on," he said gently. "I'll take you to the royal medic. You need to heal."

San hesitated, his gaze lingering on Wooyoung. But the pain in his body was overwhelming, and he nodded reluctantly. "Don't lose," he murmured, his voice barely audible.

Wooyoung smiled softly. "I won't."

Seonghwa guided San toward the edge of the arena, where a path to the surface awaited. Dr. Jeong, the royal medic, stood ready, her expression grim but determined.

As they disappeared into the distance, Jongho raised his trident once more. "The terms are set," he announced. "Let the second duel begin."

Wooyoung squared his shoulders, clutching the potion tightly as he faced Yeosang. The weight of the ocean itself bore down on him, but he stood firm, ready to fight for San—and for their future.