Bab 368: 368

"Fall back to a safe distance and remain hidden," Tide commanded, his voice filled with urgency. "If that thing takes control of Leviathan, none of you will stand a chance."

The sharkman hesitated but ultimately nodded, signaling his comrades to retreat further into the ocean's depths. Their movements were swift and silent, disappearing into the shadows of the sea.

On the island, Aska stirred again, his colossal body shifting as if resisting an unseen force. The dark figure knelt beside him, its clawed hand hovering just above the Leviathan's scaled hide.

"You've been stubborn," the creature mocked, its tone dripping with disdain. "But I am patient. You belong to the depths, to us. And now... you will return."

It placed its hand on Aska's side, and the Leviathan roared—a deep, resonating sound that shook the entire island. The robed figures staggered, but the dark entity remained unmoved, its claw digging into the Leviathan's consciousness.