Imagine a situation in which you don’t have any choice but to do what has to be done – this is the haunting reality that Kappa, our resilient protagonist, faces in Wendy Lian Martin’s gripping webtoon Castle Swimmer. This popular webtoon blends fantasy, adventure, and heartwarming moments, making it an enjoyable read. The major themes revolve around fate, sacrifice, and finding absolute freedom. Let’s continue where chapter 36 left us on the cliffhanger where Queen Susca has prepared to carry out her deadly plans against Kappa in the main hall. In Castle Swimmer, Chapters 37-41, we dive into the abyss of emotions, a ride full of suspense, sacrifices, and unexpected alliances. 

Castle Swimmer Chapter 37-38: The Kill Attempt

Castle Swimmer Chapter 37 begins with Prince Siren being desperate to get out of his prison. His frustration and feeling of being trapped radiate here, illustrating a vivid picture of the inner struggle I see him going through. In the next scene, Elder Selkie enters with an encouraging statement about Siren’s dilemma. Her wisdom and calm nature offer hope even when everything seems hopeless. She suggests talking to bubbles, thus confusing Siren, who is initially unable to understand her suggestion.

Selkie further explains that Kappa is an integral part of the ocean. She assures him that the ocean longs to save Kappa as much as he does. This beautiful connection between Kappa and the sea adds a layer of mysticism to the story. Elder Selkie believes that if the prince asks, the ocean will assist him.

Siren takes her advice and reaches out to the sea for aid. At once, there is enchantment in his scene when bubbles respond by leading him to where the key to the prison door is lying. This shows the belief that all beings within the aquatic world are interconnected.

The next scene shows two loyal guards, Seko and Skiff, conversing in the main hall of the Shark Castle. Their conversation reveals their mounting anxieties about the current situation. The urgency in Skiff’s voice as he says that he must find the prince heightens suspense throughout this section of the text. He further tells Seko that he needs to create a distraction here so that Skiff can search for the Prince, to which Seko agrees.

Chaos in Main Hall

Following Castle Swimmer Chapter 37, Siren desperately tries to reach the key to unlock his prison cell. On the other hand, Queen Nee and Krilli are shouting for the release of Beacon. The guards attempt to remove her along with Krilli out of there, but Seko enters and swiftly cuts the rope, enabling them to swim freely.

Meanwhile, Prince Siren acquires the key after much persistence and opens the prison door as he goes to save Kappa. While he made his way to the main hall, three guards stopped him. 

The narrative again returns to the main hall where Queen Nee pleads to the Shark people to acknowledge Kappa’s innocence while Queen Susca manipulates the crowd to regain control and recapture the queens.

Siren continues fighting against the guards to release himself. At that moment, Skiff arrives and subdues them, and tells him to go. The moment Queen Susca is about to strike Kappa, Siren covers him and the spear intended for Kappa pierces Siren instead, intensifying the webtoon. 

Chapters 39 to 41: Shark Castle Knows the Truth

Queen Susca realizes what she has done and her remorse overwhelms her. The Shark Kingdom stands still and stares at Siren’s wound in shock. The scene is stirred as Sharkfolk moves swiftly to pull him away from Kappa and take him directly to the infirmary. Kappa’s desire to reach out to Siren is almost tangible, but Queen Krilli and Queen Nee block him from going closer. This tension builds up in this chapter until there is news about Siren’s condition. Queen Susca walks into the infirmary full of sorrow and guilt.

Prince Siren is shocked when his mother apologizes, but when he asks for Kappa in this state, she looks at him in utter disbelief. After recovering from her surprise, she informs him that Kappa has escaped. A smile appears on his face,  signifying his relief that his friend is finally free. The chapter ends with Queen Susca admitting her mistake to the people and telling the truth about the prophecy. 

Honesty of Queen Nee And Queen Krilli

At the beginning of Chapter 40, Queen Nee tries consoling Kappa by telling him that Siren will be fine. But despite this assurance, Kappa is still sad and insists on seeing Siren himself. To his surprise, Queen Nee suggests Kappa pause all the prophecies and gather himself up. This also shows how she cares about him beyond the prophecy.

In the next scene, Kappa attempts to sneak into the Shark Castle. Knowing the predicament Kappa is in, Skiff, who is on good terms with him, does not hesitate to offer his services, showing his loyalty. With Skiff’s help, Kappa reaches Siren’s room and Skiff assures him that he will stand outside waiting for him and guarding the door. 

Kappa and Prince Siren’s First Kiss

Castle Swimmer Chapter 41 starts with Siren waking to find Kappa standing by his bedside. He can’t believe his eyes as he simultaneously feels happy and worried to see him. However, Kappa assures him that no one is aware of his presence as of his disguise. 

In a spontaneous gesture of affection, Kappa leans down over Siren’s face intending to kiss his cheek, but as fate would have it, they end up kissing each other. After this embarrassing moment, they enjoy another kiss and admit their feeling towards one another.

The mood changes when Siren talks about the prophecy. Kappa believes Siren’s heavy bleeding has temporarily stopped the curse. He hands Siren a bag, telling him it has something unique to protect him once he leaves the castle. This confuses Siren, and Kappa reminds him of their previous conversation about living for themselves and finding an alternative solution to break the curse. 

As he swims out of the castle, thinking about his new resolve, he decides not to heed others’ wishes and seek his way. And, as soon as he accepts this pledge, a light pull awakens inside him, dragging him in another direction and leaving readers with a cliffhanger.

Reflections

Every aspect of this fantasy webtoon engages readers with its elaborate world-building and complex characters. One moment that stood out was Siren’s rebellion in chapter 37. His bravery and emotional vulnerability when faced with impossible odds are genuinely encouraging. It reminds us about the power of love and how far we can go to safeguard our loved ones. This intense incident was later soothed with the sweet kiss in Castle Swimmer Chapter 41.

Have you read this fantasy webtoon? What do you think about Kappa and Siren’s budding relationship? How do you view destiny and self-sacrifice in these stories? Share your thoughts below by commenting on them, or even better, let us talk about the “Castle Swimmers”‘ complex universe together!