Compensation

Ackster's eyes widened in surprise at how good his vision was and who lay at the end of his gaze. He couldn't believe it. But then again, he had turned himself into a beacon for every monster and beast in the ocean and within range. It was coincidental and unlikely but not impossible.

Most importantly, it was a very welcome happenstance.

"Mio!"

Ackster didn't waste any time or force Mio to bob their way the last bit as he immediately paddled over to the slime, struggling against the gentle but larger-than-Mio waves.

Emotions once again overwhelmed Ackster after he picked Mio up and hugged the soft slime. First, his arm, enlightenment, bodily rebirth, updated status, and now Mio's return. 

Things were taking an emotionally uplifting turn for him, which was not something Ackster was used to. It felt weird to the point he couldn't accept it. This much fortune and success was bound to be the precursor to trouble and misfortune.