__________ POV Ashton__________
As soon as I landed on my sailboat I looked at the Expedition Team. Everyone was injured in some way.
Only Beyond seemed to be fine, and I think I am the one that injured Ging and Pariston... But that doesn't matter.
Usamen, the sushi chef, had been knocked out during the fight. He woke up in the middle of the flight in a panic.
"Well... That was a bit unexpected." He said as he looked around and clung to the ship like his life depended on it.
This ship isn't exactly large enough for 14 people... Well, it is, but there won't be much privacy to be had.
"We also lost all supporting members... We will definitely run into complications in the continent..." Said Beyond as he stroked his beard.
"Indeed, all of the team was necessary for a smooth Expedition..." Ging also seemed to be quite troubled.
"We could follow the Black Whale and extract the members after they reach land..." Said Muherr, the elf.
"But is this ship even able to catch up to the Black Whale? And how will we look for our people on the new continent that they're exploring?" Asked Curly as he raised his cracked glasses with one hand.
"I can use my wind Hatsu to propel the ship," I answered his first question, the second one isn't really any of my business.
I really don't like this sailboat. Even with my wind Hatsu, we will only reach the Dark Continent in around 3 weeks from our current location.
I was hoping the Expedition would have their own boat prepared. But I guess the Zodiacs ruined some of their plans.
The sails can only handle so much wind force.
" I think our best bet would be to reach the island and contact them discreetly. We will also need a bigger ship." Beyond finally steps up as the leader.
"Good, I guess I'll steer us towards the New Continent. You guys can go recover." I said as I started walking towards the steering wheel.
"Wait! Ashton, weren't you injured too? Most of us fought carefully, but you tanked a few hits..." Ging seems to be concerned about me. That's nice to see.
"I am fine, I didn't take any real damage," I said with a smile as I took off my opera mask and my hair turned back to black.
"I see..." He said as he looked at the rest of the Group, they had already taken their idle positions.
Some were applying bandages to themselves. It's a good thing this ship has two first-aid kits...
"Oh yeah! Sorry for catching you up in my attack." Ging seemed to appreciate my apology.
To be honest, it's been a while since I've sincerely said these words. But I do feel bad about it, especially after he showed some concern for my wellbeing.
Pariston also looked in our direction, but I don't really care about him. Ging also went and sat down somewhere. He isn't injured all that heavily, but some rest is still needed.
"So... How long will it take for us to reach the New Continent?" Asked Beyond. He is still filled with energy.
I guess he should be as strong as Netero was in his youth. Or at least somewhat close to that... I doubt he's had the same drive to 'become the strongest' that Netero had.
"It will take us at least a day and a half. I can accelerate us, but this ship can't really handle all that much speed..." I said as I looked at him. He's a lot less irritating when he doesn't try to annoy me.
"I see... By then the Zodiacs and the hunters should already be exploring the New Continent." He really likes to stroke his beard when speaking. I guess it's like a nervous tic.
"We can use that as an opportunity to snatch a better ship from the Black Whale. I can handle the ship stealing while you guys contact your people." I said as I kept my sight fixated on the sea ahead.
It's good to keep vigil in these waters. The Black Whale didn't really have any problems with underwater geysers sending rocks into it, but this ship will have that issue.
The waters around these parts are also really violent. Prone to constant weather changes and lightning storms.
"I see... We can take turns steering the ship. I know how dangerous the waters can be..." Ooh, he's volunteering to help. That's nice.
"Thanks, kid! It's nice to see you so eager to help." I said with a smile.
"Don't call me kid!" He said, all angry. I'm pretty sure he almost ripped his own beard off.
"Oh please. I used to call you father kid all the time when I first met him. You two have similar reactions." He scratched the back of his head in confusion.
"I-I see... Just call me if you need help." He scampered off acting all embarrassed. For all of his disrespectful talk with the Zodiacs, his father should still be an enigmatic figure.
A few sentences from him forced all the hunters and governments in the world to cease all planned expeditions to the Dark Continent. The man was highly respected and influential.
Still, his desire for adventure is too great it seems. As he decided to venture forth and plan an expedition behind his father's back.
I doubt Netero would be all that mad, but he certainly wouldn't be pleased. This is the second time this brat disrespects Netero and goes to the Dark Continent.
It's a bit funny now that I think about it. Both the son and the father were drawn to my homeland like moths to a flame.
Netero wisened up quickly and realised that there wasn't much to be had there. But Beyond seems to be looking for something there. I doubt he's the type to care for the advancements of humanity.
"Ashton! Are you hungry?!" Hmm? Has this much time passed already? A few hours flew by with me idly looking at the sea and reminiscing like an old man...
"Sure Ging! Just give me a minute." I said as I looked at the sky. The black clouds are a bad omen for all fishermen and ship captains. And they seem to be gathering quickly above us.
The rest of the passengers also noticed the change in weather. The waves were slowly becoming more violent as the wind picked up its pace.
I raised a hand and created a dome of wind around the ship. Going through this storm would be a bit annoying. And blowing the clouds away would be a bit too taxing.
So, the best solution is to submerge the ship for a bit. I dragged the ship underwater, controlling the air and generating propulsion using the oxygen found in water.
After that, I left the ship go forwards for a bit.
The rest looked at me a bit surprised, and a bit annoyed. Maybe I should've announced to them of the ship becoming a submarine beforehand...
"Well then, let us eat," I told Ging as I walked towards the group. They still looked a bit confused. I guess a small explanation would help them a bit.
"The dome of air can protect us from most threats," I said with a smile. My answer to their silent query seemed to be satisfactory enough.
I guess I need to get accustomed to working in a team. It's really been a long time, team fights don't count.
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