-

Morning arrived in Ritou with a gentle sea breeze, the golden sunlight reflecting off the harbor's waters. The group had gathered in the inn's common area, discussing their next move.

Neuvillette stood at the center, his calm voice steady. "The next ritual site is said to be hidden beneath the waves, within an ancient ruin off the coast of Inazuma."

Furina perked up. "Ah, finally! A mission befitting my grand return to glory! A lost ruin submerged beneath the tides-it's practically poetic." She flicked her coat dramatically.

Yoshika sighed. "You do realize this isn't a stage performance, right?"

Furina huffed, pouting. "Everything is a performance, dear Yoshika. The world is simply my audience."

Lyney chuckled. "Well, then let's make sure this next act has a spectacular ending."

Lynette, sitting quietly beside him, nodded. "The sooner we act, the better. The Abyss won't wait for us."

Arlecchino leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "Then let's not waste any more time."

-

A few hours later, the group found themselves on a small boat, sailing toward a location marked on Neuvillette's map. The water was eerily calm, the sky clear, but there was an unnatural tension in the air.

As they neared the coordinates, a structure emerged beneath the waves-dark stone ruins, covered in coral and seaweed, untouched for centuries.

"This is it," Neuvillette confirmed. "The entrance should be submerged. We'll need to dive."

Furina smirked, twirling her sword. "Perfect. Time to show off my talents once again."

With that, she leaped into the water effortlessly, her form disappearing beneath the surface.

Yoshika sighed, shaking her head. "She never thinks before she acts."

Arlecchino smirked. "And yet, you always follow."

Yoshika hesitated for only a moment before diving in after her.

-

Beneath the waves, the ruins stretched out in eerie silence. Sunlight filtered through the cracks, illuminating ancient carvings on the stone walls. The water was unnaturally cold, and a strange pressure weighed down on them as they swam deeper.

Furina moved gracefully, her blue sword glowing faintly, guiding the way. Yoshika followed closely, her sharp eyes scanning the surroundings for any threats.

Then, a ripple.

A shadow moved between the pillars.

Yoshika stopped, reaching for her spear. "Something's here."

Furina turned, just as the water darkened around them.

From the depths, Abyssal creatures emerged-twisted forms with glowing eyes, their bodies pulsing with energy.

Furina grinned. "Finally, some excitement."

Yoshika spun her spear, her expression steeling. "Stay close."

The battle beneath the tides began.

-
𝖠𝖭 𝗇𝗈𝗍𝖾: ! OOC WARNING ! Yay