Daphne in the Brilliant Blue

Synopsis

In a world where rising sea levels have reshaped the planet, fifteen-year-old orphan Maia Mizuki has just finished middle school and hopes to join the elite Ocean Agency, a paramilitary force under global government control. The entrance is extremely competitive, accepting only the most intelligent and physically fit candidates, and Maia is determined to succeed. Yet her plans collapse when she fails the exam. Her situation quickly worsens as she loses her home, gets robbed, is kidnapped, and even shot. Rena and Shizuka, members of an unconventional private security group named Nereids—after the Greek sea nymphs—rescue her. With nowhere else to turn, Maia decides to join the Nereids, taking on various jobs from chasing criminals to finding lost pets, which frequently lead to unexpected results. Later, Gloria and Yu also become part of the team. The title's mention of "Daphne" points to a secondary plot that becomes more important halfway through the series and grows increasingly significant for Maia. "Brilliant Blue" describes the largely aquatic world, filled with vast oceans, scattered islands, and floating cities instead of traditional landmasses.