Welcome back to our further analysis of Wendy Lian Martin’s fantasy webtoon Castle Swimmer! We see significant turning points in the characters’ travels, expanding mysteries, and complex political tensions as the underwater world develops. The cliffhanger at the end of Chapter 15 perfectly sets up the stakes for the rest of this risky drama, with Kappa and Prince Siren trapped in the Shark Castle. The tension is palpable as they realize just how much danger they are in. It ends with an unexpected visit from Queen Susca. She intends to kill Kappa if it helps her to fulfill the prophecy.
From Castle Swimmer Chapters 16-22, the creator continues to weave her captivating webtoon by delving into critical moments of Season 1. If you want a plot that keeps you guessing until the end, you must take advantage of this deep-sea tale.w
Castle Swimmer Chapter 16-19: Relationships Explored
In Castle Swimmer Chapter 16, Queen Nee speaks to all members of her castle colony. It has been two weeks since they received the scroll concerning Kappa’s situation, but there have been no reports on his location. The continued uncertainty leads to frustration and impatience among some colony members, who suggest he might already be dead. However, Queen Nee remains strategic and reveals that she would bribe the inhabitants of Shark Castle to gain their trust and persuade Prince Siren to tell her where Kappa is.
In the next scene, Prince Siren watches his people recover after the recent fight with Barracudas. This moment portrays Siren’s sense of responsibility towards his people. When they see their Prince, they ask about his welfare immediately. Skiff, getting bandaged, has particularly touching interactions with Siren. While Siren thanks him for being brave, he humbly answers that serving the Prince is his duty. The chapter concludes with Siren visiting Silver, a retired guard who can no longer swim.
Interaction With Silver
Following Castle Swimmer Chapter 16, Prince Siren visits Silver as he requires wise counsel from her. Silver makes jest of her scars to cheer up Siren, noting that none can be seen in his body. This comic relief flows seamlessly into a tragic flashback. A seven-year-old Siren gazing at the marks on Silver’s body is so fascinated that he hurts his arm to obtain similar lines on it. Henceforth, when young Siren shows his scar to his mother, her devastated reaction dissuades him from repeating such an act. This moment is a turning point for him, leading to his captivity and loss of freedom.
Siren and Silver’s conversation becomes light-hearted as they joke about how much they have missed each other while reminiscing about their friendship. These light conversations add depth to their relationship and illustrate how, even in grief, they can still find joy. Silver says something powerful and emotional when Siren leaves her room: “I forgive you. It’s ok if you can’t break the curse. You are still my Prince. I will love you even if you can’t save me.”
The Bond Deepens Between Kappa and Prince Siren
Castle Swimmer Chapter 18 opens with Kappa and Siren having an intimate discussion, which is tender and poignant throughout the entire episode. However, they share common destinies and pressures and eventually disclose their vulnerabilities and aspirations. Their dreams include being free from prophetic chains and leading independent lives.
In contrast, Kappa speaks of his fears about the weight he carries on top of being responsible. In the last scene of the chapter, Queen Susca swims into the dungeon, holding a sphere. What does Queen Susca intend to do with it? This suspense cleverly ensnares readers, making them eagerly anticipate the next chapter.
Queen Susca And Prince Siren
In Chapter 19, Prince Siren emerges from the dungeon and witnesses his mother holding a spear. He grimly declares, “I will kill Kappa tomorrow for sure.” Queen Susca replies, “That is not necessary because I am going to kill him for you.” This revelation paves the way for a tense conversation between mother and son. Despite his duty, Siren begs his mother to spare Kappa. Queen Susca agrees not to kill Kappa herself after much pleading from Siren. Instead, she tells him that he must do it right away.
The conversation is interrupted when a guard breaks in. The guard tells the Queen about people at the gate, hinting at Queen Nee and Queen Krilli’s presence in the Shark Castle.
Chapters 20-22: Queen Nee and Queen Krilli
Queen Nee attempts to convince the Shark colony that they have come to propose a marriage for their Prince. This diplomatic encounter highlights the tense relations between the two factions and sets the stage for unfolding drama. Queen Nee’s calmness and composure contradict the Shark people’s attitude, which is full of suspicion. Moving forward in the storyline, Prince Siren decides to be the tour guide for the guests. This action by Prince Siren is not just a mere act of hospitality; he also sees this as an opportunity to free Kappa.
The Shark Castle Tour
Chapter 21 begins with Siren’s quest to know the queens’ motives for their sudden arrival. He questions the coincidence of their visit amidst the presence of the Beacon. Queen Nee mentions that it is the prophecy they are fulfilling, though Siren accurately counters by saying that they had never mentioned anything about prophecy. Queen Nee tries to cover up her mistake, arguing that she needs to kill the Beacon because it is what the prophecy says.
In a daring move, Queen Nee asks Siren where they could find Beacon. He tells them exactly where Kappa is locked while subtly hinting at his desire for them to free Kappa. Later, Siren takes them into an armoury and gives them the keys to get Kappa out of his cell. Cunningly, he disappears momentarily, allowing queens to steal the key silently from him, demonstrating Siren’s quick thinking. The chapter ends with Siren and other characters moving toward the dungeon to rescue Kappa, creating suspense for the subsequent rescue process.
The Kappa Rescue Plan
Castle Swimmer Chapter 22 starts with Siren and the queens going to the dungeon where Queen Nee fakes fear. He quickly offers to go in the water to help avoid any unnecessary tour hitches. However, before reaching him, the queens let Siren know their real intention. They reveal that they are outsmarting him because they plan on saving Kappa rather than killing him. Siren says, “It’s perfect,” because his plans align with their program. Later, Siren tries to convince Kappa to trust their queens; unfortunately, his pleas fall on deaf ears.
Kappa still questions whether Queen Nee’s intentions are genuine. A few moments later, the queens also learn that the Prince wants to save Kappa. His attempts at convincing Kappa spark some hesitations and uncertainties on his part, showing an internal conflict. The chapter ends with everybody anticipating the final decision on the rescue plan.
Reflections
Castle Swimmer Chapter 16-22 reinforces the belief that “Castle Swimmer” is one of the best fantasy webtoons. In particular, everyone is struck by Kappa and Prince Siren’s budding bond and the development of their relationship. Through these chapters, they journey from strange acquaintances to grudging allies and maybe even more than that. The artwork continues to be impressive, with detailed backgrounds and expressive character designs that enhance the storytelling.
Now would be a great time if you haven’t yet jumped into Castle Swimmer. It is an opportunity for you to join Kappa and Siren in their voyage, exploring magic secrets in the deep sea. In the comments section below, let me know your thoughts regarding the Castle Swimmer webtoon!
