Transmigrated as the Cuck.... WTF!!!

Then he turned his attention fully to me.

"Land dweller, I suppose you have a name. How should we address you?"

I smiled lightly. "Yeah, I do have a name. Arawn. My name is Arawn. It's a pleasure to meet you… Mr.?"

He cleared his throat. "Denus. Denus the Revolutionary. Also, can I ask you something?"

I nodded. "Go ahead."

His head tilted slightly. "How come a land dweller is here in the ocean? How did you get here? And why did you approach me?"

I took a slow, steady breath—the water around me filtered, letting me inhale only the air.

"It's pretty simple," I began. "I was dying. And some very kind-hearted merfolk saved me. They pulled me back from the brink of death… and they didn't treat me any differently, even though I'm from a completely different species. They let me roam here freely… so, here I am."

I paused, then continued. "To be honest, I was more interested in your speech. It really captivated me—but I also noticed some flaws in your plans. That's what made me come forward."

"Ah! Is that so?" Denus leaned forward slightly. "What kind of flaws? But before you answer that… why are you roaming around here at all? Shouldn't you be trying to return to land?"

I shook my head, smiling faintly. "I have no one on land. Living there or here makes no difference to me. In fact… this place is much better. I don't know if you've heard, but the surface is swarming with abominations and wretched creatures now. The land is in chaos."

His eyes softened, and then he patted my shoulder. "So, you find this place more peaceful. I see… you must not like chaos much. Ahahahaha! You're very different from the humans we've been told about—in a good way, of course."

"Thanks," I replied with a small grin.

He waved dismissively. "Don't mention it. Truthfully, I'm pleased to meet you. You're a figure out of legend and history. Who wouldn't want to?"

I rubbed the back of my neck. "Ahaha… that's one way to put it. Anyway, about your question—and my criticism. I understand, from what I've heard, that your people have been treated horribly. But tell me… are you ready to live entirely on your own?"

He frowned slightly. "What do you mean? Elaborate."

I sighed. "From what I've gathered, your kind has lived as one united group since your very beginning. Even if you don't want to admit it, deep down, you're dependent on the rest of the merfolk—the other-tailed ones. Whether it's for buildings, food, or protection… yes, they've oppressed you, neglected you, and never truly cared for your survival. But in saving themselves, they've also saved you. That's just a fact."

Surprisingly, he didn't get defensive. Instead, his voice was calm. "I know what you mean. And I've thought about those dangers too. But living with them… it's just not worth it. Being degraded so badly you lose yourself—this place is hell."

I nodded. "I agree. Which is why I think you should prepare first. Make your people stronger, more self-sufficient, before venturing out on your own."

He nodded slowly. "Yes, I know that. But it's not as easy as it seems. Hunting is dangerous. Our people are trying to learn, but their lack of experience… it leads them to their deaths. And lately—" his tone dipped lower, "—the creatures have somehow evolved into more ferocious beasts."

That caught my attention. "Ferocious beasts… did their colour change to black and purplish?"

His brows furrowed. "Yeah? How did you know?"

A dry, almost bitter laugh escaped my lips. "Oh… I see. Great. The problem from the land is here too." I leaned back slightly, letting the words sink in. "Those things aren't just 'evolved beasts.' They come from a Rift—a rupture in space that acts as a portal to another dimension. They're spawns of Vorr'Kael."

Even underwater, the sharp intake of breath from those listening was impossible to miss.

The revolutionary straightened, his voice laced with intrigue. "Then you have information about them. You could be of help to us."

His eyes lit with a dangerous gleam. "Ahahahaha, excellent. Come with me, human boy. I'll show you our hospitality. Let's have a proper talk. I'm sure you have plenty of questions about this place… and perhaps I have answers."

I smiled faintly. "Yes, I do. Quite a lot of questions. And I hope you'll answer at least some of them—most, if you're feeling generous."

He smirked. "That would depend on the type of questions you ask. We can't exactly hand our weaknesses to a newcomer, now can we? Especially when I still don't trust you."

A low chuckle escaped me. "Straightforward, I see… I like people like you better than those fake ones who smile while stabbing you in the back. I think we'll get along just fine. It's a pleasure to meet you. Truly..."

His head tilted slightly before he dipped into a short bow. "The pleasure all is mine."

After that, he gestured for me to follow. Without another word, he led the way through the streets, the swish of his yellow tail cutting through the water with an easy rhythm.

The merfolks trailed behind us in a loose formation, but their eyes… their eyes were like vultures circling overhead, digging daggers into my back. This wasn't mere curiosity. They were on guard.

A land dweller showing up in their city was already suspicious enough. Add in the fact that no one here had even heard of a "human" in generations, and their paranoia was inevitable. And cherry on top, they even suspected me to be a spy.

And, well… I couldn't exactly say they were wrong to be wary. Technically, I was here because of the noble brothers—though my reasons were entirely my own.

I needed knowledge. If this revolutionary could give it to me, I wouldn't hesitate to ditch the two without a second thought.

We traveled for quite some time through what felt like an underwater version of an Atlantic City. The layout was familiar—streets, modest homes—but the materials told another story.

Buildings rose from the seabed, crafted from pale corals, chiseled stones smoothed by currents, and dense, sponge-like structures that pulsed faintly as though alive.

Every so often, I spotted long flagella drifting lazily, swaying under the calm pull of the ocean's tides, their movements hypnotic against the muted blue backdrop.

This place... was intresting.