97- Necessary Improvements

  Nexha was still in Nalu’s arms, struggling to break free from her suffocating embrace, when a persistent thought invaded his mind.

  The moray-algae wall was no longer viable.

  The mermaid had reached him with ease, not to mention the various predators that had been slipping in without much trouble. He barely had time to react when that shark appeared days ago... and if the mermaid hadn't lost her patience with his provocations, he might still be trapped in that cold, sticky tail.

  The wall was useful for keeping out creatures too large to pass, but against any other threat from the sea, it was practically useless.

  — Let me go, Nalu! I need to think!

  — But you just went through a scare! — she insisted, rocking him as if he were a pup.

  — Nalu, I AM NOT A BABY! — Nexha threw himself out of her arms, hitting the stone floor with a painful thud. A moment later, he immediately regretted his not-so-brilliant idea.

  Lilay burst into laughter, and Jasper suddenly imitated Nexha’s tone:

  — I am not a baby!

  — Hey, don’t repeat that! You’re too young for this! — Nexha pointed at Jasper, who laughed even more.

  Krahs and Zhaelor still hadn’t returned, giving him time to think.

  He sat down, resting his cheek on his hand, deep in thought.

  The techniques and tools he had were not advanced. He knew how to weave, forge, polish stones, and make tools… but one of his biggest limitations was that he hadn’t stopped to form a viable plan until now.

  First, he needed a real wall.

  The moray-algae barrier had to be replaced. With his stone-polishing skills, he could create blocks to build a solid wall. This would be much easier with Zhaelor’s help—and the system’s.

  The biggest problem was how to bind the blocks together since cement would be impossible to use underwater, even if he bought the technology.

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  Unfortunately, that made the job harder. But what if he made interlocking pieces, like a puzzle? That would provide more stability to the wall, even without mortar.

  Conclusion: his hands were going to be covered in calluses again.

  Second, he needed to enhance this new wall’s defenses.

  — Small holes in the wall… — he murmured, as his thoughts flowed. — Smaller fish can pass through, and water circulates without issue… but what if I made some strategic openings for spears?

  If anyone tried to invade, they could strike without leaving the safety of the wall. He also wanted to add a ledge at the surface to make it harder for anyone to simply jump inside.

  And, of course, a proper gate, because he was tired of seeing Zhaelor punch holes in the algae wall just to get in and out.

  Lastly, he needed more weapons.

  As soon as Krahs’s punishment was over, he planned to reinforce their arsenal. He had already accepted that the King Slayer favored Krahs over him, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t create more incredible weapons—at least one of them had to accept him.

  Nalu might be peaceful, but she was now taking care of three babies, including Jasper. It was best that she had something to defend herself with, too.

  Long-range weapons seemed like a promising idea… but not an effective one. Firearms were useless underwater. Maybe lighter spears that could be thrown? Or something like a harpoon? He’d have to test it later.

  He took a deep breath, feeling the adrenaline wear off. Now, he had a goal to focus on—and a way to push aside what had happened.

  Lilay, sitting beside him, raised an eyebrow.

  — You know you said all of that out loud, right? You really need to stop this stupid habit.

  Nexha blinked.

  — It’s not stupid! It helps me organize my thoughts! — He crossed his arms. — If my improvements work, we could change our lives forever. Maybe we’ll even become the strongest tribe in the sea.

  Lilay blinked, surprised.

  — And what if they’re stronger than us and take all our hard work?

  Nexha scoffed.

  — Lilay, unless that mermaid comes back with an entire army, my improvements will keep our people safe.

  Nalu, who had been listening from a distance, smiled tenderly.

  — Little Nexha, you’re quite clever. But are you sure this will work?

  He looked at her, his eyes filled with determination.

  — It will work because I’ll do everything to protect my family.

  Her eyes shone, and before he realized it, Nalu hugged him again.

  This time, even Lilay and Jasper tried to join in.

  — A-Ack! You’re crushing me! Let me go!

  He tried to escape in desperation, but Lilay held him tight.

  — Endure it, brother. You can’t say cute things and then run away without consequences!

  — That’s right! — Nalu agreed, squeezing him even tighter.

  Jasper, on the other hand, didn’t seem to understand anything but laughed, enjoying his older brother’s suffering in what was simply a sweet yet suffocating family hug.

  When they finally let him go, Nexha looked at them. Then, he turned his gaze toward the sea.

  He silently swore that what that mermaid had said would never become reality.

  That mermaid was wrong.

  He wasn’t alone—and he never would be with his family.

  And he would do everything to ensure that never changed.