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Catfish, frog, and salamander people emerged from their homes. Frogs and salamanders carried their swimming children inside small water bubbles, while catfish bore theirs on their backs. Their faces closely resembled the animals they represented, though smaller and more refined. They had vibrant eyes and could express emotions like any human.
Above all, they possessed humanoid forms. Some females were strikingly beautiful, and Maria glanced at their alluring hips and exposed torsos with mild curiosity before dismissing the thought under Emeraldine's sharp gaze.
"So the Lake issue isn't your doing, huh?" Maria asked. "Can you tell us what's happening, please? Anything? Like, who are you fighting? Who are these invaders?"
"You've been fortunate to avoid them thus far!" an elderly frog man stepped forward, wearing a crown of wood and leaves, his long green beard made of seaweed.
"Oh, a wise elder! Hello, what's your name?" Maria asked.
