Prologue

A boy and his family were enjoying their time at the amusement park. His younger sister sobbed because their mom hadn't bought her a toy, while his dad tried to soothe her. It was a typical family bonding moment.

They spoiled themselves on rides and ate various foods like ice cream, and they also purchased items from the gift shop. The boy, after eating some fast food, decided to visit the restroom while the rest of the family continued to enjoy themselves. Suddenly, noises emanated from the alleyway.

Despite her mother's warning, the curious, innocent little girl dashed towards the alleyway. Her mother scolded her daughter, but her scolding halted when she noticed a bright red door within the alley, cracked as if on the verge of bursting. Motherly instinct kicked in as she tightly embraced her daughter. However, after what felt like an eternity, nothing occurred. The mother glanced upward. There, she witnessed mermen darting around, holding human bodies in their mouths. Panic surged through her mind, but her legs refused to move. When she turned to locate her husband, she only saw a pair of legs dressed in formal jeans—specifically, her husband's remains.

Tears welled up. She felt lost, unsure of what to do. Her beloved husband, whom she cherished deeply, had been devoured. Left with nothing, her body urged her to curl into a ball and weep. As her hope dwindled, she found herself gazing into the sky.

"Mommy, what's wrong? Why are you crying?"

Memories of her family flooded her mind. Her determination to protect her loved ones surged, and she began to emit a blue glow—

*stab*

Blood began to spill from her mouth as she glanced downward, only to find a trident piercing through her stomach. Gradually, she managed to survey her surroundings and discovered the source of the attack: the lifeless form of mermen sprawled on the ground amidst the bodies of countless families.

As the mother's life ebbed away, she felt a surge of protective energy coursing through her. With her final breaths, she reached out to her daughter, her hand trembling as it brushed against the girl's arm. In that moment of contact, a faint, glowing mark appeared on the girl's skin, shaped like the imprint of a trident.

The boy emerged from the restroom, oblivious to the tragedy that had unfolded in his absence. He froze in horror at the sight of his mother, impaled by the merciless trident. Tears welled up in his eyes as he rushed to her side, but it was too late.

With her last words, the mother mustered all her strength to address her son.

"Magnus," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the chaos of the amusement park. "Take care of your sister for me."

Magnus nodded, his throat constricted with grief. He cradled his sister in his arms, his heart heavy with sorrow and disbelief. As he looked down at her, he noticed the strange mark on her arm, glowing faintly in the dim light.

With a heavy heart, Magnus realized that he was now responsible for his sister's safety and well-being. He vowed to honor his mother's final wish, to protect his sister with all his strength and courage.

Magnus held his sister tightly in his arms, both of them overcome with tears. Amidst the bloody chaos of the amusement park, the only sound that echoed was their sobbing.