After bidding Marina a farewell, Nereus made a swift exit from the market area and turned his attention towards his next course of action.
The silver coins he had saved would barely be enough to secure a modest room and a meal at a nearby inn—a far cry from the lavish lifestyle to which he was accustomed to in his past life.
Nevertheless, Nereus was undeterred.
With his pride intact and his determination unyielding, he set forth towards the inn, the weight of his coins pressing against his palm like a promise of newfound possibilities.
The inn stood nestled amidst a grove of ancient corals near the northern part of the sect, its opulent façade a testament to the comfortable accommodations it offered.
As Nereus swam through the threshold, he was greeted by the comforting warmth of a crackling electric hearth and the aroma of savory dishes wafting through the water.
Approaching the innkeeper with a regal air, Nereus prepared to exchange his hard-earned silver coins for a modest room and a hearty meal.
Though it pained him to part with his wealth, Nereus knew that such sacrifices were necessary on the path to greatness and with his new budding business he knew he would make the money back hand over fist in no time.
But at that very moment a familiar voice tinged with warmth and familiarity sounded out quite loudly and excitedly.
"Argent! Is that truly you?" The voice belonged to none other than Fatty Johnny.
Johnny's portly figure waddled through the water towards him, his face split into a wide grin that threatened to engulf his rosy cheeks.
Nereus nodded, a small seed of happiness welling within him. In the short time he had known the chubby boy he had come to enjoy his cheerful and friendly personality.
"What are you doing here? I've never seen you this far from the official sect grounds," Fatty Jonny chuckled, clapping Nereus on the shoulder. "Oh wow did you breakthrough again?! You seem a lot taller and muscular my friend!"
Jonny's father, a wealthy and influential businessman from the Vanderbilt family within the sect, followed closely behind his son, his expression a mixture of awe and reverence.
He had a very similar appearance to Jonny with the same striking golden hair, kind face, and imposing stature except he appeared to be in his mid forties.
"Argent, my boy, it's been too long," he exclaimed, his voice tinged with affection. "We've heard of your remarkable progress in your sealocke cultivation lately. And it appears all the rumors' are true haha! There's no mistaking that aura, peak of the Wave Ruler stage and you're still so young... truly, you've surpassed all expectations."
Nereus smiled in enjoyment at running into these two, his pride swelling at the recognition of his martial prowess. "It was nothing Mr. Vanderbilt merely a matter of dedication and discipline," he replied, his tone tinged with only a hint of arrogance.
He had quite a good opinion of Fatty Johnny's father due to Argent's memories of him being one of the few people who had always been kind and fair to him.
However, Nereus could tell he was laying the kindness on extra heavily since finding out Argent had dual affinities but Nereus wouldn't judge him too harshly for this, especially since he was in the establishment he owned.
"No need for formalities you can call me Richard." Right on cue, as if he had read his thoughts Fatty Johnny's father asked, "Were you looking to get a room here tonight my boy? If so, save your coins its on the house! You know you're like family to us"
Touched by his warm words a faint blush blossomed across Nereus's face.
It had truly been quite some time since he last felt the warmth of familial affection and these two's words reminded him of that fact.
Nereus smiled faintly before explaining his current situation and what he was doing at their inn. After explaining the vandalism done to his hut, concerned and solemn expressions appeared across the father son duo's faces before Fatty Jonny finally said,
"Listen, Argent, my father and I were just discussing our estate. We have more than enough space for you to stay with us. It would be an honor to host such a distinguished guest and you could stay for however long you'd like."
Nereus's expression remained impassive, his mind whirling with conflicting emotions.
On one hand, the prospect of accepting Jonny's hospitality grated against his pride as a noble king. Yet, on the other hand, the allure of a comfortable bed and a warm meal beckoned to his weary soul...
Before he could formulate a response, Johnny's father interjected, his voice earnest. "Please, Argent, consider it. We would be honored to have you as our guest. Your presence would bring great prestige to our humble abode and who knows maybe some of your sealocke skills will rub off on my Jonny haha."
'I must not miss this chance to strengthen the bonds with such a budding expert!' Fatty Jonny's father schemed to himself, 'If young Argent's cultivation continues progressing at this rate and he truly goes all the way to the Inner Core, then little Jonny would definitely gain a strong and influential brother, and the family another boon for survival!'
A moment of silence stretched between them, the weight of their words hanging in the air like the delicate threads of fate.
Finally, Nereus squared his shoulders, a semblance of resolve settling over his features.
"Very well," he conceded, his tone measured. "I shall accept your gracious offer, albeit temporarily. But make no mistake, I shall repay this debt by making sure Jonny becomes a powerful Sealocke within his own right."
"Excellent!" Richard beamed, these words were like music to his ears.
With that, Nereus accompanied Jonny and his father to their opulent estate, his mind still racing from all the developments of the day and heavy with the weight of his newfound obligations.
As they swam toward the higher class section of the sect the scenery changed from smaller and less eye-catching building styles to opulent mosaic sideswams that led to massive oikos style estates and pavilions.
Soon after, they reached a stunning and similarly compound-like estate with towering ivory walls and a twisted cobalt barred gate that led to what seemed to be a beautiful courtyard.
On both sides of the gate were two muscular and imposing armed Mer guards armed with lethal looking Sharp Shell Spears.
With one look at Fatty Jonny's father, the two muscular armed guards stood ramrod straight and uttered a respectful "Sir" before quickly opening the barred gate for the three of them .
'Wow' Nereus though to himself as they passed the threshold and entered the majestic courtyard, 'I knew Fatty Jonny's father had some power and wealth within the sect but this is a bit more than I expected!'
Nereus couldn't help but be slightly impressed at this new place he would be calling home.
Once they swam through the square shaped courtyard complete with a well maintained coral and seaweed garden, a sprawling and beautiful manor greeted them.
"Argent I know you probably want to get acquainted with your new quarters." said Richard just as a small group of young and cute mermaids in servants attire appeared before them, "They will escort you to your residence and provide you with anything you need during your stay here. For now, I must leave take my leave to make sure a proper welcoming feast is prepared but when dinner is ready I will send for you."
"T-Thank you sir" Argent replied sincerely with a nod.
"Think nothing of it, you are welcomed here for as long as you'd like" Richard said before swimming away, leaving Fatty Jonny and Nereus alone with the cadre of servants.