Nereus met Marina's gaze and nodded decisively. "Definitely!," he said, his voice steady and confident.
Marina's smile widened, and she gestured for them to follow her deeper into the tent. "Excellent choice," she said. "Come, we must toast to our new partnership."
Nereus had come to his decision swiftly.
He didn't need to ask for detailed terms or a written contract. The trust and mutual benefits were evident. Marina's influence and resources were invaluable, and her reputation spoke volumes.
Besides, his intuition, honed over centuries in his previous life, rarely led him astray.
'Except for that one time with Alistair...' he thought in slight annoyance.
Marina led them to a cozy, secluded corner of the tent, where an intricately carved coral table stood, adorned with elegant seashell cups and a finely crafted decanter.
She poured a dark, shimmering liquid into the cups, its aroma rich and enticing.
"This is Octo Wine," she explained, holding up her own cup. "Made from the ink of a dangerous and powerful octopus-type Sea Monster. It's rare and highly prized for its ability to boost cultivation. A fitting drink to celebrate our partnership."
Nereus accepted his cup, eyeing the liquid with curiosity.
Triton did the same, though with a bit more apprehension.
Wasting no time, they clinked their cups together, and Nereus offered a toast. "To a fruitful partnership and many successful future ventures."
"Cheers!" Marina replied, her eyes twinkling.
Nereus took a sip, the taste rich and slightly briny, with a surprising warmth that spread through his body. Triton followed suit, his eyes widening as he savored the exotic beverage.
As they drank, Nereus couldn't help but notice the effects of the Octo Wine.
Despite his extensive experience with various intoxicants in his previous life, he felt a pleasant buzz that was both invigorating and disorienting. Triton, on the other hand, seemed to be feeling the effects even more strongly.
"Whoo that's definitely got some kick to it, I've gotta admit I'm feeling a bit light-headed now," Triton admitted with a laugh, his cheeks flushed.
Nereus chuckled, slightly surprised at his own reaction. "Seems this wine is stronger than I expected."
Marina watched them with amusement. "Octo Wine has that effect. But it's not just about the intoxication—it also enhances your cultivation. You'll feel the benefits soon enough."
The Octo Wine was fascinating not only for its effects but also for its composition. Despite being a liquid, it was able to be poured underwater due to its unique properties.
Like most of the drinks in the Mer world, the wine contained a complex mixture of natural polymers and colloids, making it denser than the surrounding seawater.
This density allowed it to maintain cohesion and not disperse into the water, making it possible for the Mer to enjoy it as a drink.
In the Mer world, most of their beverages had to be denser than the surrounding waters to be consumed.
While the Mer race did not need to drink water, as they absorbed hydration directly from the sea through their skin and gills, drinks were considered a delicacy.
Among these, alcoholic beverages held a special place. The process of fermentation and the resulting flavors were appreciated for their complexity and the pleasant effects they induced.
As they continued to drink, the atmosphere became more relaxed and jovial. Marina began to explain some of the additional benefits of their partnership.
"Working with the Silver Siren Company has its perks," she said, leaning back comfortably. "We have connections all across the Seven Seas. If you ever need rare materials, elixirs, or even information, we can provide it. We have an extensive network of informants and brokers who can gather intelligence on just about anything."
Nereus's interest piqued. "Information brokering, you say? That could be very useful. I have plans that extend beyond the Vorteesi sect."
Marina nodded, her expression serious. "We can help with that. Whether you're looking to expand your influence or need information on potential threats, we're your best bet."
The thought of having access to such a vast network of information intrigued Nereus. His ambitions were growing, and having a reliable source of intelligence could prove invaluable.
After a while, they finished their drinks, feeling the pleasant effects of the Octo Wine enhancing their cultivation.
Marina stood up, signaling that their meeting was coming to an end. "I look forward to our future collaboration. I have no doubt that together, we'll achieve great things."
Nereus nodded. "Thank you, Marina. This is the beginning of a powerful alliance."
As they left the tent, the effects of the Octo Wine still lingering, the two Mer felt a renewed sense of purpose.
'Hmm I suppose it's still pretty early, maybe I should give the market's wares a browse, especially since I now have some funds..' Nereus couldnt help but think.
"Let's see what this place has to offer," he then suggested to Triton, his eyes gleaming with interest.
Almost immediately Triton nodded eagerly, still feeling the lightness in his head from the wine. "Yes, let's! I've never had the chance to just… explore a place like this before."
Nereus and Triton drifted through the bustling underwater market, their minds still abuzz from the conversation and potent Octo Wine shared with Marina.
The market was a labyrinth of shimmering stalls and ornate tents, each one more fantastical than the last.
Traders from some of the most remote corners of the undersea world had gathered, their stalls brimming with exotic items that defied logic and nature.
Bioluminescent lamps hung overhead, casting a surreal glow on the scene and illuminating the intricate wares on display.
Curious merfolk of all shapes and sizes darted from vendor to vendor, their voices mingling in a harmonious symphony of haggling and excitement.
They began to meander through the market, passing stalls that sold everything from enchanted coral jewelry to potent elixirs brewed from rare sea creatures. Nereus's gaze flitted over the various goods, each item sparking his curiosity.
One particular stall caught his eye—a vendor showcasing beautifully carved statuettes of ancient sea gods, each one glowing with an ethereal light.
"These statuettes are imbued with protective wards," Nereus remarked curiously, his voice a low murmur that seemed to resonate through the water.
"Correct! You've got a sharp eye lad" said the shopkeeper hearing him, "Place one in your home, and it will ward off curses and ill-fortune."
Nereus nodded thoughtfully, appreciating the craftsmanship but deciding to pass. As they moved on, another stall caught Triton's attention.
This one was filled with shimmering fabric that flowed like water itself.
"Welcome, welcome!" a cheery voice greeted them. The merchant, a rotund merman with iridescent scales, gestured to his wares with a flourish. "My fabrics are woven from the finest sea silks! These aren't just clothes, they're works of art. And some, like this one here, can even enhance your sea essence flow."
Triton's gaze fell upon a luxurious gown of deep purple, embroidered with intricate images of waves and swells.
The cloth seemed to ripple with a life of its own, and as Triton ran a hand along its surface, he could feel a faint, calming energy emanating from it.
"How much for this?" Triton asked, his voice filled with admiration.
"Ah, a discerning eye, I see," the merchant said with a knowing smile. "That gown is perfect for a young Sealocke like yourself. It's infused with a delicate sea essence array, enhancing the wearer's affinity with water. It's priced at sixty silver coins."
Triton hesitated, but after a quick mental exchange with Nereus, he decided to go for it.
"Nice choice, it suits you," Nereus commented, a hint of warmth in his voice.
Triton nodded. "And I'll finally have something proper to wear for formal sect gatherings."
As they continued their journey through the market, they came across a jeweler's stall displaying an assortment of rings, necklaces, and bracelets.
One particular item caught Triton's eye—a small, silver space ring etched with delicate runes.
"This space ring is a masterpiece of craftsmanship," the jeweler boasted. "While it may not be as spacious as some larger ones, it's ideal for carrying personal belongings and a few essentials. Only thirty silver coins."
After a brief negotiation, Nereus secured the space ring for Triton. He couldn't help but grin as he slipped it onto his finger, marveling at the convenience of having such an item.
Patting him on the shoulder he then said, "You're getting the hang of this. Remember, a good investment can pay off tenfold in the future."
They moved on, passing by stalls filled with enchanted shells that could record voices, elixirs that could temporarily boost one's strength, and even intricately carved totems said to grant good fortune in battle.
Each item seemed more fantastical than the last, a testament to the diversity and creativity of the undersea world.
One vendor, an elderly mermaid with a sly smile, caught Nereus's attention as he admired a series of large metallic glowing slabs arranged meticulously on a polished crystal platform.
"These, young Sealocke, are pure Cobalnite ores," she whispered, her eyes gleaming. "The very essence of the majority of our Vorteesi sect's wealth. Rare, potent, and nigh unbreakable."
Nereus's interest was piqued. "Cobalnite? Isn't that used in weapon crafting and armor?"
"Indeed," she said, nodding sagely. "Cobalnite is our sect's number one export. It possesses unique properties that not only enhances a weapon's or armor's sea essence conductivity but also makes it highly resistant to physical and elemental attacks. Most top-tier weapons and armors in the Seven Seas are forged with at least a trace of Cobalnite. A rare find like this, especially in such a pure form, is truly a treasure."
Nereus examined the ores closely.
They were a deep, azure blue, with faint silver veins running through it like lightning trapped in stone.
He knew that having a few pieces of this would prove to be invaluable at some point, especially if he decided to have his own weapons and armor crafted.
"How much?" he asked, his voice casual, though his mind was calculating the best price, "For all of them."
"For you, since I can see you're someone who appreciates their value… two hundred gold coins."
Nereus raised an eyebrow.
That was quite a steep price, but considering the quality and the quantity of the ore he'd be getting, it was more than fair.
Still, he decided to haggle and managed to lower the price by eight gold coins before making the purchase.
With his prized Cobalnite ore secured, they wandered further through the market until Nereus's gaze fell upon an azure robe.
The fabric seemed to shimmer like the surface of the sea under moonlight, and it was embroidered with images of silver serpents winding sinuously across the fabric.
Each serpent seemed to pulse with a faint, otherworldly glow, giving the robe an almost mystical quality.
"This robe," Nereus murmured, his fingers tracing the delicate embroidery. "It's exceptional."
The merchant, a slender merman with a crafty smile, nodded enthusiastically. "Ah, you have excellent taste. This is an enchanted sea silk robe, woven from the threads of sea essence treated sea silk and enchanted with a defense array. It can mitigate weaker elemental attacks and offers minor resistance to elemental spells. An absolute bargain at fifty gold coins."
Nereus didn't hesitate.
He handed over the gold coins and inspecting the robe, feeling the cool, smooth fabric settle against his skin. It was both light and durable, and he could sense the faint hum of the defensive array embedded within its stitiches.
"It looks regal," Triton said with a grin.
Nereus chuckled softly. "Yea it feels like it too. Let's see what else we can find before we head back."
They continued to explore, picking up various items—a set of ancient history books, a detailed map of the Seven Seas, and several cultivation supplements for Triton.
Each purchase was made with careful consideration, their growing wealth giving them the freedom to indulge but never letting it cloud their judgment.
As they wrapped up their shopping spree, Triton glanced at Nereus, his expression thoughtful. "This… this is more than I ever imagined," he said quietly. "Thank you, Nereus. For everything."
Nereus met Triton's gaze, a rare smile curving his lips. "We're in this together, Triton. Always remember that. Now, let's get back. We have much to prepare for."
As they prepared to part ways, Nereus handed Triton a pile of gold coins and some silver starfish from his space ring. "Here," he said. "This is your cut from the mission. Use them wisely and make sure you are cultivating when you eat the starfish, you'll only need one until you breakthrough so don't get greedy."
Triton's eyes widened in surprise. "A-again thank you. I don't know what to say."
Nereus smiled, clapping him on the shoulder. "No need to say anything. Just make sure to keep improving."
With a final nod, Nereus turned and swam away, leaving Triton standing there, watching his retreating form with resolution.
Nobody had ever shown him this level of support, watching his new and mysterious young master's retreating figure, he silently vowed to repay Nereus's kindness by becoming powerful and proving his worth.
Meanwhile as Nereus swam back to his quarters, he couldn't help but think about the potential of their partnership with Marina.
With the Octo Wine's effects still buzzing pleasantly within him, enhancing his cultivation and sharpening his focus, he was already considering his next moves, strategies forming in his mind as he swam.