Skirmishes were bound to take place and, while Brynlee usually sought to peacefully resolve any arising conflict, it was a different matter when arguing with those driven by sheer hate alone. She could understand, of course she could, but when one of Arlong's men started threatening the children coming around, she felt as though it had gone too far. And when Hatchi got hurt trying to speak up on their behalf, she decided enough was enough and put her foot down.

Unfortunately, not all took kindly to her interference.

"You're like us! Discriminated and forced into hiding by humans!" snarled the angered Fishman. "Was it not for them, the rest of your people would still be alive! You'd still have a home, a family! You've spent your life alone, hunted merely because of what you were born as, and yet you dare claim that humans aren't to blame for your misfortunes!?"

"Humans and the World Government are two entirely different entities. Are you saying these children right here are the reason why my people have gone nearly extinct?"

The Fishman scoffed. "Whatever. If the rest of the Lunarians were as weak and pathetic as you are, it's no wonder they all got killed so easily."

Something stirred inside Brynlee. Something she'd never felt before, something she couldn't entirely rationalize. She'd always been good at keeping her emotions in check but right here, right now, she could feel the storm brewing – too fast for her to hold it in much longer.

"Don't say that," she murmured, almost too quietly to be heard.

The Fishman laughed. "Aah? What was that? I bet they all died begging like you are right now – an entire race destroyed in a fortnight, because they were too weak to even defend themselves properly. Mighty Gods my ass—"

One moment he was standing – the next he was lying on the ground, his jaw broken and singed, his blood splattering the side of the pool as a few of his teeth fell out. Brynlee let out a shaky breath, her fists clenched tight as she tried to rein in the unexpected surge of anger that had taken over.

[NEW FEAT ACQUIRED]

Anger of the Fallen

You carry the legacy of those long passed.

Level: 1/20

+1 (Lunarian)

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[FEAT UPDATE]

Bloodlust

Adrenaline pumps through your veins. Death is looming – for them.

Level: 2/20

+1 (Lunarian)

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[SKILL UPDATE]

Pyromancy

Level: 2/20

"Don't you ever speak of my people again, you ignorant fucker," she spat, eyes blazing as bright as the plume of fire protruding from her back. "You know nothing of what we've had to endure. If you ever dare to let your tongue loose on the subject again, I will end you. Have I made myself clear?"

He spat out two more teeth, curling up a bit on himself to avoid looking her in the eyes. "C- Crystal."

No one ever dared to provoke her again after that day. If a little girl could take out an adult Fishman with a single blow, then she definitely wasn't to be messed with.

Alright, to address a few comments I've received!

No, I'm not planning on updating any of my other stories as of yet. This one is an attempt to slowly build back my motivation for them.

If you'd like to see Brynlee perform side-quests or would like to see some interactions between specific characters, feel free to send a proper request (AKA who is implicated, and the grand lines of what you'd like to see happen/ideas for me to work with). Feel free to share as many details as you'd like! However, I cannot guarantee I'll be able to incorporate those requests in the story, depending on my own vision.

Finally, this is technically the tenth chapter, but the prologue doesn't count in my eyes so the full [CHARACTER PROFILE] will be posted with the next chapter.

Thank you all once again for your reviews and support, I really appreciate it!

Happy Holidays!

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-CHARACTER PROFILE-

[CHARACTER INFORMATION]

[EQUIPMENT]

[SKILLS]

Pyromancy: 2/20

[FEATS]

Anger of the Fallen: 1/20

Bloodlust: 2/20

[ABILITIES]

[TITLES]

[QUESTS]