Cave Refuge

It was precisely for this reason that the Merfolk guarding the area would occasionally come over to open a breach in the bubble, using water to submerge the sandy ground within the bubble.

The bubble was specifically designed by the Merfolk to imprison those humans who had trespassed into the Great Whirlpool.

The reason they captured and detained humans was actually for their own reproduction. Although the Merfolk and Goblins had strikingly different appearances, their methods of reproduction were quite similar.

The difference was that there were no females among the Goblins, so they had to capture other female humanoid creatures and use their bodies to reproduce.

Although the Merfolk had both males and females, the strappingly handsome Merfolk that appeared on the outside were actually all female; there were no male Merfolk in their race.

Moreover, unlike most oviparous fish species, the Merfolk were one of the few viviparous aquatic species, and their reproduction method was quite similar; they required the life essence from male humanoid creatures, injected directly into their wombs for reproduction.

Goblins reproduced by capturing other female humanoids and only produced male Goblins. The reproductive methods of the Merfolk were very similar to those of the Goblins; by utilizing the life essence from male humanoids, the Merfolk could become pregnant, and all the offspring were guaranteed to be Merfolk.

The reproduction methods of these two races, in general, were highly detestable acts to other species, as they belonged to the parasitic, blood-sucking category.

If left unchecked, it wouldn't take long for them to drive the parasitized species to extinction.

In theory, Merfolk and Fishmen, both aquatic humanoid creatures, should have been a natural match, especially since Fishmen's intelligence was significantly lower than that of Merfolk. However, despite their humanoid appearance, Fishmen were not viviparous but rather, like most fish in the water, they reproduced oviparously.

Therefore, to the Merfolk, the strong and easily controlled Fishmen could only serve as their enforcers, not as their reproductive tools.

Unlike the repellent act of Goblins abducting female creatures, the Merfolk's practice of engaging in reproductive activities, though globally harmful to the reproduction of other species, did not generate dislike due to their attractive appearance.

Most male creatures from various species did not mind the Merfolks' behavior, as their half-human, half-fish bodies—whether handsome men or beautiful women—were generally liked by other male creatures.

The reason was actually quite simple: for most male creatures of various races, unknowingly providing life essence to the Merfolk and gaining pleasurable sensations in the process was seen as a win-win situation.

However, this only occurred when the humans were unaware or when the Merfolk were at an absolute disadvantage and controlled.

In situations like this one, where the Merfolk held an absolute dominant position during mutual assistance, they would stop at nothing to drain the male dry to ensure successful impregnation.

They say that a Succubus will drain sperm and marrow, but what others do not know is that after a full session with a Succubus, a male might at most be left physically weakened and perhaps need to lie in bed for a few days, recovering with the aid of enriching foods.

However, if during mutual assistance the Merfolk are in a position of strength, they will use a Secret Technique to ensure that the males they are assisting never feel tired, even if their bodies are devoid of life essence.

The Merfolk too can suck marrow and extract essence, forcing the male to use his Essence Blood in place of life essence. By the time the male notices any fatigue, it means he has reached the end of his life, and his body is utterly withered.

The reason why most people are aware of Succubi and not Merfolk is because those who interact with Succubi have a higher chance of survival, and most Succubi understand the concept of sustainable development, not draining someone completely unless they find them truly useless.

On the other hand, Merfolk are different; if Succubi interact with other males for the pleasure of the process, then Merfolk do so for the reproduction of their own species.

Sea-dwelling Merfolk, unlike hell-dwelling Succubi, can't easily find male humanoid creatures; males are extremely rare in the water, unlike hell.

So, for the sake of their own species' reproduction, whenever they encountered sailors at sea, they would try every possible means to tempt them.

If they managed to lure those sailors underwater, then to ensure a high success rate of conception, the Merfolk would unscrupulously drain any sailor who fell into their hands.

And if those Merfolk were unfortunate enough to be captured by some morally corrupt sailors and brought to land, they would assume a pitiable, frail demeanor to elicit sympathy from their male captors.

Compared to Fishmen, the Merfolk were much more intelligent. They knew that humans captured them essentially for mutual assistance; thus, when they were in a weaker position, they would only reveal a slight hint of their capabilities.

They could make older males feel the vigor of their youth once again, and it was because of this ability that most people who caught them would not immediately kill them.

Given that the lifespan of Merfolk far exceeded that of ordinary humans, even if they were brought to land, as long as they served their new masters well, they could always find a chance to return to the sea. After all, most male creatures naturally bore a sense of pity towards beautiful female creatures.