The sides of her neck split open, revealing gill-like structures that opened and closed with each breath;
Her mouth expanded, revealing three rows of sharp teeth, denser and more acute than ordinary carnivores.
The most terrifying was her eyes, which changed from their original cute violet-blue to a deep black-purple.
Her pupils were vertical like those of felines, but even thinner, almost penetrating the entire eyeball.
"Is that... the transformed state after a Sea Siren undergoes abyssal changes?"
Holt gasped, his fingers subtly rubbing earth energy, ready to summon defense at any moment.
"Yes and no." Ron’s voice also grew heavy:
"Aside from being tainted by abyssal aura, there’s the most primitive predatory side in Dale’s bloodline, strengthened by the trial’s power and revealed. The ancestors of the Sea Siren were deep-sea predators; this form should be closer to the origin of her lineage."
The Dale doppelganger licked her lips, her tongue unusually long and forked, resembling an ancient reptilian organ with tiny barbs covering the surface:
"Let’s play, sister. I promise... it won’t hurt too much. After all, you’ll eventually become a part of me..."
Her voice carried a peculiar allure, like a beautiful yet eerie ballad, making one unconsciously want to get closer.
This was the Sea Siren’s original "Charm Song" ability, a deadly attraction that acted directly on the soul.
Ron immediately sensed this bizarre Spiritual Wave, swiftly releasing a spiritual ripple around to disrupt its influence.
He saw a flicker in Dale’s eyes, clearly affected by the temptation, but she quickly regained clarity.
"Dale, this is a great opportunity."
Ron said softly, with calm determination in his voice: "Defeating your doppelganger at the altar can enhance your bloodline."
"I understand, Master." Dale’s eyes sharpened.
Her lips curled into an icy smile starkly different from her usual innocent cuteness:
"Then let me see who eats whom."
The doppelganger seemed impatient, leaping forward swiftly, leaving a shadow as she lunged at Dale with her mouth wide open.
Not only did Dale not retreat, but she also advanced to meet her.
A gleam of battle intent flashed in her eyes, as she traced an arc in front of her chest with her hands, instantly mobilizing the surrounding water molecules.
"Water Shield Technique!"
A crystalline water shield formed in front of her, its surface undulating waves, taking on strange colors under the reflection of blood-red crystals.
The doppelganger’s sharp teeth crashed into the water shield, producing a screeching friction sound, while layers of ripples appeared on the surface, yet it remained as solid as iron.
"Quite a formidable Sea Siren." Holt murmured in awe: "Her control over the Water Element is far more precise than during the last arena battle."
Dale gave the doppelganger no breathing room, pushing her hands forcefully to expand the water shield, repelling the doppelganger several meters back.
Her movements were imbued with the muscle memory of countless training sessions, each strike executed with unexpected precision.
"It seems she’s already mastered the rhythm of combat quite well."
There was some satisfaction in Ron’s eyes, knowing Dale’s efforts surpassed what they appeared on the surface.
To be fair, everyone in their workshop worked extremely hard.
Lilia was a given, and even Ailan spent her breaks in the backyard honing her skills in handling herbs and manipulating plants.
"Are you mimicking my moves?"
The doppelganger Dale let out a hissing laugh filled with mockery:
"But you know, sister, I understand myself... better than you do."
She opened her mouth, spitting out a string of bizarre syllables.
Those syllables formed visible blue ripples in the air, striking directly at Dale’s spirit.
This was a more potent "Charm Song" technique, no longer mere allure but direct Spiritual Attack.
Dale was caught off guard by this sudden assault, and countless hallucinations appeared before her eyes:
The call of the deep sea, bloody revelry, endless darkness...
These were the most primal Memories in the Sea Siren’s bloodline, forcibly awakened to almost engulf her sanity.
Concern flickered in Ron’s eyes, but he didn’t intervene.
Dale’s body wobbled slightly but quickly steadied, the confusion in her eyes replaced by determination: "Those... aren’t me."
She took a deep breath, lips moving slightly, uttering a completely different string of syllables.
These syllables were crisp and pleasant, like a mountain spring flowing over pebbles, conveying a pure kind of Energy.
"You want to use Charm Song against me?" Dale’s voice carried a hint of coldness: "Then let’s see whose song is stronger."
The two types of Charm Song met in the air, forming strange energy ripples that vibrated among the surrounding crystals, creating a clear resonance.
The doppelganger’s Charm Song was filled with chaos and greed, while Dale’s encompassed restraint and order.
The two negated each other, eventually exploding into countless tiny energy fragments in the air.
The doppelganger Dale clearly didn’t expect her strongest technique to be neutralized, her eyes flashing with rage.
She abandoned the Charm Song, instead charging directly at the real Dale, claws slicing through the air, aiming for the throat.
Dale no longer relied on talent abilities but unleashed a more primitive combat instinct.
Her fingers similarly transformed into claws, meeting the doppelganger’s assault.
The two figures moved swiftly on the crystal platform, leaving only afterimages in their wake.
Despite the wildness, each of Dale’s attacks had a clear target and path, far from blind release.