Tristan jumped onto the ship's rail first, using a jumping piranha as a springboard. His figure blurred into a trail of afterimages across the wave crests.

Sensing the threat, the Piranha King's massive jaws snapped open, revealing two rows of fangs gleaming with toxic blue light. A wave of putrid breath rolled out, nearly suffocating anyone nearby.

"Now!"

Tristan hurled the explosive pack toward the Piranha King's belly while slashing through the fish swarming around his ankles.

As the fuse burned out, he used the explosion's shockwave to flip back onto the ship. A thunderous blast rocked the sea. The Piranha King's body convulsed violently as dark green blood splattered like a downpour.

But the massive creature hadn't died. Instead, it thrashed the sea with its tail fin in fury, raising waves that nearly capsized the Stormrider.

Clinging to the railing, Tristan watched the wound on the Piranha King's belly heal at a visible rate. His heart sank as he realized the monster had