The morning sun glinted on the glassy waves as seven figures emerged from the water's edge. Each was tall, lithe, their skin shimmering with iridescent scales. Their hair flowed like seaweed in a gentle current, and their eyes—pools of liquid pearl—gleamed with curiosity and caution.
"Data transfer complete," Sapphire reported. "Full domain information synchronized. The Mer-Folk now possess knowledge of our facilities, layout, and established protocols."
Gently, the foremost Mer-Folk king stepped forward. A circlet of coral and pearl adorned his brow—signifying royal blood. Around him, four warriors bore tridents tipped with crystal blades, while two mages hovered slightly above the ground, arcane symbols swirling in the mist.
The king's voice rippled in their minds—an unspoken link borne of their telepathic gift. You are the domain's craftmaster, the thought conveyed. Your intentions are clean, your power respected.
June inclined his head in greeting. His persona was calm, confident. Welcome to Rebirth Shore, he projected back, following their unspoken channel. May this realm be a haven, not a battleground.
A hush fell. Even the breeze seemed to wait.
"The coastal expanse is distant from human settlement," Sapphire explained softly. "Mer-Folk inhabit this stretch for its rich mana currents and minimal conflict. Their people only remain unmasked when the shoreline offers sanctuary."
The king regarded June with studious eyes. Then he spoke aloud, his voice both musical and resonant: "We sensed no animosity within your field. Our scouts reported low hostility and high potential for collaboration. We come as guests, and perhaps as allies."
A ripple of assent passed through his retinue. The mages lowered their glimmering glyphs, and a guard offered a stately bow.
June gestured to the boardwalk. "Please, take a pavilion near the water. Fresh spirit-water and music await. Our healing springs are open to all."
As the Mer-Folk moved gracefully toward the music pavilions, Sapphire added: "Be aware—only Mer-Folk of royal lineage can assume their full transformed form here. Others remain in near-humanoid guise until they attain five-star cultivation or martial rank. This serves as both security and courtesy."
The king paused, raising his hand in a subtle arc. His spear's tip shimmered, and a watery form coalesced behind him—an ornate throne of pearl and kelp. He motioned for his mages to weave a barrier, protecting his people as they explored.
They are both cautious and respectful, June noted. Exactly the kind of guests I need.
On Sapphire's prompt, the Entertainment Center came alive: holographic performers displaying sea-chant operas, gentle harp strings harmonizing with whale-song samples, and projections of underwater palaces past.
One mer-lady traced a hand across the surface of a floating piano. The keys rang with clarity, each note releasing droplets of light into the air.
The king smiled for the first time. Your world honors art as we do, he conveyed telepathically.
June offered a nod. "Our Domain thrives on unity. May our cultures intertwine."
Their diplomatic dialogue continued in thoughts and gestures, unburdened by language. Sapphire quietly recorded each exchange, analyzing cultural markers to refine future hospitality modules.
As the sun climbed, June observed the Mer-Folk exploring every amenity—some tasting delicacies at the Carnivore Canteen (modified with seaweed entrees), others practicing form drills in the Combat Tower, and two who slipped beneath the waves to marvel at the Underwater Viewing Chambers.
In the Engineer's Loft, Sapphire whispered: "Core signature fluctuation detected... distant, faint. The rival remains dormant but is aware of our activation."
June's smile turned resolute. Let them watch. Our foundation grows stronger each moment.
By midday, the Mer-Folk had convened at the central pagoda plaza, exchanging pearls and carved coral as tokens of gratitude. Their royal envoy unfurled a banner—an intricate mosaic of seashells depicting two suns above dark sands.
An offering of alliance, Sapphire translated.
June stepped forward and accepted the gift. "Rebirth Shore welcomes you as partners," he declared, his voice projecting through mental channels and the open plaza alike.
A cheer rose from the Mer-Folk, their voices echoing like distant surf. In that moment, the first diplomatic engagement concluded—not with treaties or signatures, but with shared smiles and the promise of joint prosperity.
[First Diplomatic Success: Mer-Folk Alliance Established] [Progress: 1/3 Species for Diplomatic Relations Task] [Reward Progress: 33%]
As the Mer-Folk retreated to enjoy the domain's marvels, June turned to Sapphire: "Log completion and reward. Prepare the Cultural Integration Module."
"Done. But remember—our task demands representation from three species."
June's gaze drifted inland toward the misty forest and distant mountains. Next will be the humanoid settlement to the northwest.
Below the dome's edge, the world waited.
And I will fill it with wonders.
[Resort Status: Operational]
[First Alliance: Formed]
[Next Target: Northwest Settlement]
[Butler Spirit Reward: Pending Further Progress]