Despite repeated attempts, Dhaga and the orcas couldn’t break through the enemy ranks. The Kraken forces had concentrated their numbers where the group was present at all times, completely suffocating all of their attempts to make a breakthrough. Even after inflicting casualties, the group felt it hardly made a dent in the numbers of the Kraken soldiers. At times, Dhaga felt like the Kraken had unlimited numbers to throw at them. Meanwhile, the Kraken followers also did a good job concealing the battlefield to those outside the encirclement, making it impossible for Dhaga to know how the surrounded naga forces were doing.

  We’ll lose at this rate! Can’t we do anything?

  The orcas had slowed down in their attacks. They also seemed less eager to engage the Kraken forces, appearing to be content with observing from a distance. Dhaga had never felt so powerless in the situation. He could barely get close as he lacked the bulk the orcas possessed. While they could deliver impressive charges and withdraw with ease, he could easily be overwhelmed if he got too close.

  Is there anyone who could turn this around? Anyone?

  The naga turned to see a projectile fly towards the Kraken soldiers. Upon impact, a large hole was created in the enemy ranks. Dhaga followed the trajectory of the projectile until he stopped at a large naga army that was approaching the Kraken forces. Even from a distance, he could make out the red helmets worn by the nagas. The red helmets were made from the exoskeleton of the giant red lobsters that inhabited the reefs near Tolmer Isle. To ensure the safety of the fortress, the nagas regularly culled the numbers of the giant red lobsters. To make full use of the entire lobster, the exoskeleton would be crafted into helmets that provided the naga protection no other headgear could provide. Therefore, one could easily discern those from Tolmer garrison by the helmet they wore.

  The reinforcements of Tolmer Isle will turn things around!

  In response to the Tolmer Isle forces, the Kraken soldiers abandoned their encirclement to engage the naga reinforcements. Using this opportunity, Dhaga and the orcas picked off the enemy as they made their way to the previously encircled naga soldiers. When they arrived, the nagas looked exhausted but alive. The nagas had held out long enough for reinforcements to arrive.

  The Kraken is on the move!

  Dhaga cursed internally upon hearing Cridror's words. This was terrible news as they needed time to regroup and rest. Anyone who saw the state of the encircled nagas would know that they were in position for further combat. Yet, he knew that he would do the same if the roles were reversed. The Kraken wasn’t about to throw away its advantage so easily to crush the main nagas forces.

  I need to get Azi to heal the wounded here. Please deal with the Kraken soldiers in the meantime.

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  Dhaga swam as quickly as he could towards the capital. As he approached the city, he kept his eyes open for the healer naga who was critical to the naga race’s survival. It didn’t take him long to find Azi healing multiple nagas at once. With grace, she casted a spell that lasted only mere seconds. In those seconds, even the badly wounded naga fully recovered and showed no signs of ever being injured. When Azi turned around to face Dhaga, the naga found himself mesmerized by her beauty. With the aging of the orb, she went from a juvenile naga to a prime female naga capable of stealing hearts of those around her.

  “Dhaga! It’s good to see you!”

  Dhaga wasn’t sure how he should respond when Azi embraced him. While certain thoughts went through his head, he was fully aware of the gazes from the nearby male nagas. The envy was very obvious on their faces, making the naga rather uncomfortable. The naga made sure he regained his composure before he spoke.

  “There are many who need your help,” said Dhaga as he gently pushed Azi away. “We need them healed before the Kraken arrives.”

  “Sure!” Azi said with the brightest smile Dhaga had ever seen.

  Unsure what he could say, Dhaga simply led the way with Azi in tow. He was very much aware of the gaze she had on him but he couldn’t respond. After breaking up with Soce, he felt it was unfair to start any new relationships, especially if his time was ticking down already.

  “Dhaga,” said Azi quietly. “When this is all over and we still have time, can you show me…how nagas mate? I want to at least experience it all before I die.”

  “Sure.”

  Sure? What am I thinking? I…I….

  “Thank you for saving me from despair and hopelessness! I don’t know where I would be if you didn’t give me a hand.”

  “The orb picked you though.”

  “But you were the one to give me hope for a brighter future!”

  “Let’s use our remaining time to ensure a brighter future for everyone else then!”

  Unexpectedly, Azi swam up beside him and grabbed him by the hand. She then pulled him forward as she picked up speed. Dhaga, surprised by the strength she exhibited, couldn't respond initially.

  “Swim faster, you seahorse!”

  To think I trained so hard on my speed to still be called a seahorse.

  With a smile, Dhaga picked up his speed until he was dragging Azi gently through the water. He gripped her tighter.

  I wish the situations were different and you, Soce and I can be together…for the brighter future we envision in creating...

  Knowing how such a future couldn’t possibly exist, Dhaga returned his focus to his surroundings. He could ill-afford to be caught off guard by Kraken followers. Yet, one thing nagged him since he left the orcas to retrieve Azi. He searched his surroundings again but he still found nothing.

  Where are the Kraken followers? Wouldn’t they benefit from sending strike teams to our capital during the chaos while our walls are only lightly fortified? Or do they have something else planned?

  Dhaga couldn’t shake the feeling that the Kraken had something terrible planned for them.