The Sea Spirit Comes Ashore and Becomes a Divine Envoy in the Beast World

[Archived 2026.8.23, revised 9.12] “My revered Sea God,” Cecil said warmly, her voice full of affection. “I am willing to give up everything I have and venture onto land to seek a path to enlightenment for the Empire.” “If I cannot bring the advanced civilization of the land back beneath the sea, so that our people can bathe in the light of civilization, then I would sooner be buried in the waves and never return!” The Sea God was beguiled. It gave Cecil a pair of legs and a run of incredible luck, then cautioned her, “You have a tongue that can turn black into white and stir up trouble, and eyes clever enough to see through anything. Though you are blessed by the gods, you must be careful, careful, and careful again when walking among the land-dwellers.” Careful Cecil came ashore. ...Thank goodness. At last, she wouldn't have to deal with those “creditors” showing up at her door every day to demand answers. Besides, she'd heard life on shore was wonderful. It was stable, and you didn't even have to hunt for your own food. It was practically paradise! Cecil soon discovered that she'd been deceived. The technology on shore really was advanced, and life really was convenient. But the world had long since entered an age when magic was all but gone. Civilization had suffered a rupture, the gods had vanished, and magic had disappeared. People had lost their souls, food had lost its flavor, and enjoying life had become a luxury. This was a land forsaken by the gods. Cecil had spent twenty years as a con artist beneath the sea. She never imagined that the real con artists were on land. She wanted to go straight home, but when she looked down at her legs... Oh no. This was bad. She'd made promises she couldn't keep, and now she couldn't go home either. Cecil sighed and turned her gaze back to the land. The beastfolk warily watched the humanoid who had crawled out of an unknown ruin. Her hair was dripping wet, spilling over a strange, dark blue robe, and she flashed them a captivating smile. Then she began to sing that bewitching song. Her voice was like a transparent silver fish, stirring up and shattering everyone's reason until they gladly offered her everything they had. - Cecil soon had a new identity: divine envoy. She built temples across the land, and countless followers flocked to her, confessing their sins and seeking her blessings. Her temples grew larger and spread to every corner of the beastfolk world. Even the most isolated tribes were chanting her name. One day, Cecil was amusing herself with a priest when the Sea God suddenly descended. Her eyes flew wide, and she hurried to explain, “Sea God, I'm spreading your faith. Look, even the most isolated tribes are proclaiming your greatness now.” “Child,” said the Sea God calmly after listening to her nonsense. “Then why is it your statue that stands in the temple?” Theme: A fish's “Odyssey”