Wendy Lian Martin has created an underwater world in Castle Swimmer that combines enchanting fantasy with complicated characters. In chapter 96, Queen Jenga’s request to borrow Kappa sets off a chain of events that leads to significant revelations about the prophecy and Kappa’s role in it. Castle Swimmer Chapter 97-103 is no different as everything sums up a tumultuous emotional roller coaster of suspense and revelation that leaves readers breathlessly waiting to discover what happens next.
Castle Swimmer Chapter 97: Jenga’s Future
Castle Swimmer Chapter 97 opens with Kappa teasingly pretending to listen to the Frog, who allegedly sees what will happen next. He playfully begins sharing this “prophecy” with the Jelly people. But, this ceases quickly as the Queen interrupts him, asking if he knows who she should kill according to her destiny. Taken aback by this sudden twist, he deftly stalls, telling Queen Jenga and her courtiers that he would consult with the spirits.
Kappa claims a prophecy indicates that the one who awaits her is far deep into the sea, transformed by magic into a snake-like body. This fabricated pronouncement sounds strange, but for Queen, it works well, leaving her fellow members happy. Castle Swimmer Chapter 97 ends with an exhausted Kappa sitting down as he rests after meeting such torture.
Castle Swimmer Chapter 98: The Past Struggles
Castle Swimmer Chapter 98 shows the tough role of the Beacon in Kappa’s childhood. Young Kappa meets a cursed child, and in a heartbreaking moment, he offers her his scale, as per the prophecy. This flashback reminds us just how long he has been carrying the hopes and fears of others.
The scene changes to the present, where Kappa wakes up with Mucku on his side. It is a moment of sincerity and empathy for Mucku, who delicately pries into his shattered state. Her inquiry reveals his burden from the prophecies: “Could this place be the cause, or is something in the prophecies to blame?” His silence speaks volumes as it represents his internal conflict.
Kappa feels better when he is with Arp. But, currently, Arp is absent as he has been assigned to protect someone else. This selfless act highlights his prioritization of others over himself. This makes the exchange between Mucku and him a subtle but powerful examination of loneliness as experienced by this individual yearning for solace. Castle Swimmer Chapter 98 ends with Mucku discovering something extremely painful that Kappa has been doing: The only thing that gives him joy in life is fulfilling prophecies, which also brings him immense sadness.
Chapter 99: Deep Conversations
In Castle Swimmer Chapter 99 Mucku realizes Kappa is indecisive about whether to leave his position as the Beacon. What becomes evident to her is that even though these prophecies make him sad and he wants out, they still make him happy enough to continue. This reveals his happiness when he sees those prophecies come true, though it comes with deep guilt and a feeling of helplessness. He feels bad being unable to control what becomes of them, especially after they result in suffering among the people concerned.
Mucku explains they are also tied down with similar obligations, such as chasing the Mini-God. Sometimes, they think twice about fighting Lord Ogo, fearing that if they defeat him and find a dead end, there will be nowhere else to go.
Suddenly, Mucku asks Kappa why he decided to stop being the Beacon after all. He says his choice came from a meeting with a certain boy, recalling how meeting Siren made him think twice about being the Beacon. This reveals that his decision is more than just his struggle; it is also about those around him, such as Siren.
Castle Swimmer Chapter 100: Kappa- The Turtle
In the opening scene of Castle Swimmer Chapter 100, Queen Nee, Nethimir, Krilli, and Mono nervously wait for Kappa’s return. They quietly worry about how things have turned out. As soon as he returns, they seek to ascertain what has happened, to which Mucku replies everything is good. However, his thoughts are occupied by a prophecy from the past. Now, he tries hard to cheer himself up and pledges not to let this prophecy take over him, claiming nothing bad would happen if he refused King Tunny.
At this juncture, the narrative shifts into a flashback, which provides rich background material that provides insight into Kappa’s name and its significance. The Beacon asks Vinca what “Kappa” means, so she tells an old story about Kappa, a grumpy old turtle who secretly got into the castle and went off with all the people’s treasure out of jealousy. After being caught, he takes a very hard blow and falls, causing his head to recoil deeply into his shell. Kappa apologizes for his error, and the people agree to forgive him if he keeps their treasure safe. From then on, Kappa becomes dedicated to protecting their wealth, thus turning from a villain into a guardian and companion.
The future prophecy is weighing down heavily on everyone’s minds for now. Queen Nee quietly enquires about Kappa’s welfare and whether he plans to make the third prediction come true. In response, he states that he wants to talk to Tunny but has mixed feelings of determination and doubt in him as well. Just then, King Tunny appears with attendants, sealing it as the climax of Castle Swimmer Chapter 100.
Castle Swimmer Chapter 101: King Tunny
At the beginning of Castle Swimmer Chapter 101, Kappa approaches King Tunny, clarifying that he wants to know about the prophecy before deciding anything else. King Tunny agrees, asking to accompany him to the castle to discuss the prophecy. When they leave, the other rulers’ dynamics become more evident. Queen Nethimir confronts Queen Nee about why she permits other rulers to bully her despite being the most competent among them.
After reaching the castle, King Tunny explains the prophecy to Kappa. The prophecy gives the Tuna kingdom hope that if their statue makes contact with “The Beacon,” the Tunas will become geniuses, filled with knowledge of the seas. The king asks him whether he can fulfill the foretelling. His reluctance stems from previous experiences where the imposition of such tasks has left him traumatized. Castle Swimmer Chapter 101 ends on a cliffhanger with Kappa struggling for words to answer the king, thereby leaving readers sitting on the edge.
Chapter 102: Kappa’s Pain
In Castle Swimmer Chapter 102, King Tunny persistently drills Kappa, making it difficult for him to speak. Tension rises until Queen Nethimir comes into play, her powerful magic wrapping around King Tunny and forcefully ejecting him from the castle. In the aftermath, Kappa is still overwhelmed as he combats his inner demons. Queen Nethimir assures him he is safe within the castle walls. This respite is short-lived as the narrative dives back into his past.
The flashback is heartrending. A younger version of Kappa sacrifices himself, ripping off his scales to save people in the castle. Eventually, he gets bandaged up so much that he becomes wrapped in endless pain. He discovers that his scales are not growing back quickly enough, and their relief is temporary after all his sacrifices. The curse tightens its grip around them, leaving him helpless and terrified.
Castle Swimmer 103: Comforting Kappa
A flashback begins in Castle Swimmer Chapter 103, with Vinca consoling a young Kappa. Vinca tells him that it is not his fault that all these tragic events are happening around them, yet she acknowledges his efforts to save everyone. However, despite this, everybody around him dies tragically. This instance makes one’s heart ache, seeing the guilt burdening him from such a tender age.
Returning to the present, Queen Nethimir tries to soothe an emotional storm within the overwhelmed Kappa. She eventually calms him down through sheer persistence. But, our protagonist suddenly drops to the floor as peace descends and faints. Another cliffhanger that practically kills audience readership suspense on Kappa’s life hangs palpably in Castle Swimmer Chapter 103.
Personal Reflection
Castle Swimmer Chapter 97-103 seemed like a turning point for me, who has followed it since its inception. These chapters clearly showed the difference between going against fate and going along. Kappa’s journey is both heartrending and inspiring as he wrestles with being everything for everyone. The relationship between Mucku and Kappa has reached new peaks in these chapters, filled with suspense, drama, and heart-wrenching moments. Get into Castle Swimmer and join the conversation – comment below, and let’s talk about it.
