Splash Slosh Crash
The waves smashed and crashed towards the ship, washing the foams away as they headed towards the shore. The radiant sunlight gracing the waters, creating sparkles like diamonds under the starlight, brimming with beauty and wonder.
Seagulls cawked and flapped, circling below the blue sky, diving deep underwater and resurfacing with fishes wiggling by their beaks. The winds carried their wings, soaring high and free in the sky, and perching by the nearby islands.
There weren't just seagulls. Flying fishes, squids, and dolphins skipped out of the water, playfully as one can be. Under the water were corals, starfishes, eels, tropical fishes, and many more, filling the sea with life and color. It was a very wonderful and mystical sight.
"So beautiful..." ［Yuna］
Standing alone by the taffrail, Yuna's eyes gazed upon the far distance and her hair fluttered in the wind as the wind blew past her. There was a certain calmness in her eyes, her beauty radiating, her hands reaching out towards the horizonー or so how it should have looked...
"Waah～! Shin, look! Another dolphin jumped out!" ［Yuna］
"Hey, calm down a little, alright? You're going to fall to the sea at this rate." ［Grey］
"But look! They're just too cute～!" ［Yuna］
But... reality is often disappointing... Compared to the cold, silent, and breathtaking beauty she could be viewed from afar, she was very actually just a pretty lady with the heart of a child. She was observing things enthusiastically, excited as one can be.
Yuna pointed towards these and Grey held her hand, just like a worried parent and an excited child. Though it was fortunate that neither of them were seasick, Yuna's energy was still too high, excitement filling the air.
Grey could fully understand her excitement as he himself was also the same. It was just that Yuna had completely switched to her excited and curious self, head turning towards all directions as she tried to satisfy her curiosity and her eyes the brightest they could be.
If it wasn't for the fact that Grey was holding her hand, she might already have jumped into the water to watch the dolphins up close and maybe even dive deep down to find things she can use for alchemy. It felt like babysitting rather than a date,
"Shin, should we go on a dive next time?" ［Yuna］
"Hmm... Can you even handle that? You haven't swam in deep waters, haven't you? What if you get a cramp and get in danger?" ［Grey］
"Mou～! Just what do you think of me? I'm quite confident in my swimming skills, you know? I'm sure I'll handle it easy-peasy!" ［Yuna］
There was no doubt in Yuna's voice, only confidence as she proudly puffed her chest, then looking back to the waters with a large and satisfied smile on her face. The more she looked at the waters, the more she wanted to have a go at diving.
"Hohoho. Looks like we have someone very excited over here. Are you enjoying the view so far?" ［Jack］
"Yeah, it's going good so far. The ride is smooth and the view is nice. It's a nice change of pace." ［Grey］
"Un! It's very beautiful!! The giant squids are especially funny!" ［Grey］
"Giant squids...?" ［Jack］
To Yuna's words, Jack could only tilt his head slightly. As far as he could see, there were no such giant squids in his view. Be it far off into the horizon or just near the ship, he couldn't spot a single one. He was confused.
It was only natural. After all, the giant squids Yuna was talking about was deep in the water. So deep, only those with eyes like theirs could see. Thankfully, Jack didn't question them any further, just dismissing the topic without much thought.
"Anyway, Captain, do you need something from us?" ［Grey］
"Ah, no... I just thought you were having so much fun with the view. It was a little refreshing, actually." ［Jack］
"Hahaha. It isn't everyday we see the sea, after all." ［Grey］
"Hohoho. I know, I know, but... What do you say I give you a spot with an even better view? Hm? What do you say?" ［Jack］
A sudden offer, but it wasn't one they could just simply dismiss. After all, their very purpose there was to have fun and view and appreciate the beauty of the sea. There was no way they'd decline such an offer.
Though Grey could pretty much view everything with his eyes, the same couldn't be said for Yuna. Since he planned the trip so that his beloved could have as much fun as she could, it was only natural that he looked forward to such a spot.
"Really?! There's a spot like that on the ship?!" ［Yuna］
"Hohoho! Of course, we have! And a couple few at that! It's just that... It's a little bit on the challenging side, you see..." ［Jack］
Jack uttered no more useless words. He simply ended his statement with a smile on his face and raised his index finger pointing up. As Grey and Yuna's eyes followed it, all they could see was the top sitting atop the mast. The highest point on the ship.
Sure enough, it would give them the best sight. The only problem was that there was only one way to climb up, and that was through the weaved ropes connecting the mast and the sails, something an amateur would easily fail at.
"Hey, Captain! Stop bullying the kids!"
"That's right! It would take a couple months of practice to get the hang of it!"
"Yeah! It's impossible for them!"
To Jack's words, the crew quickly expressed their worries and concern for Grey and Yuna. It was only natural. After all, with their inexperience and the ship rocked by the waves, it isn't hard to make a single mistake. A mistake which could lead to a lot of pain and trouble.
"Hah! Shut your traps! I could still remember you failing all those years ago! Stop acting like you're geniuses yourselves!" ［Jack］
"""Ugh...."""
Well, it only took a few words from Jack and everyone's mouths were quickly shut close. Everyone remembered their first few tries at climbing up the ropes and all the failures they experienced. They were not pretty memories.
Though, such things don't matter to Grey and Yuna. They may be inexperienced in climbing ropes and such, but were talking about Grey and Yuna here. Challenges like such only serve to fuel their passion and excitement.
"Okay! We'll take you up on the challenge!" ［Yuna］
"Oh! Now that's the spirit! Young ones should at least have this much guts!" ［Jack］
Everything was quickly settled. With Grey and Yuna agreeing to Jack's little, silly challenge, everyone's eyes were quickly on them. Some looked at them with worry, some with curiosity, and some with doubt. It was an interesting combination.
"Then... I'll be going first!" ［Yuna］
Quickly with her declaration, Yuna didn't waste any more time and hopped from rope to rope without using much force. She didn't even use her hands to help herself, only smiling on her face ever so cheerfully. It didn't take long before she reached the top.
"Wh... What just happened..."
"Hey... Can you pinch my cheeks..."
Of course, as one would expect, there was only one reaction from the crew. All were surprised by Yuna's nimbleness and speed, speechless and frozen. Even Jack, the one who suggested it, was surprised. The only one who reacted differently was Vilma who is now giggling to herself.
"Shin, hurry up!" ［Yuna］
"Yeah, yeah, coming～!" ［Grey］
A little after Yuna reached the top, Grey moved his legs and foot too, reaching the top with only a couple of hops. They've already limited their strengths to that of F-rankers yet it was still very easy. Everyone was shocked once more.
As soon as Grey landed on top, a wonderful sight greeted him. The sea looked much bigger, the horizons extending even further, and the cold winds caressing their skins. Now, the sea looked like a jewel box, sparkling ever so brightly.
"So pretty..." ［Yuna］
Only two words came out of Yuna's mouth. She didn't say any more and simply laid her gaze upon the beauty of nature. She felt like she was a free bird, looking at the world as she high up in the sky.
Click Flash Snap
And like usual, Grey didn't miss the chance to snap another photo of Yuna. The only difference was the blue background behind her and the sparkling sea as sunlight hit the waters. Yuna looked even more gorgeous.
"Hey, Grey... Stop that..." ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. Sorry, sorry, you were just too beautiful, I couldn't help myself. And also... I'm 'Shin' right now, remember?" ［Grey］
"Uuu... That's because I was a bit flustered... You also get photos of me, but I can't do the same. It's unfair..." ［Yuna］
Pouted Yuna as she looked at Grey, trying to show her displeasure as she puffed her cheeks like a little hamster. But if anything, Grey only found such a sight adorable. His eyes were one again graced by his girlfriend's cuteness.
"Hahaha. Then, should I make you a camera when we get home?" ［Grey］
"Really?! That's a promise, okay?! No takesy-backsies!" ［Yuna］
"Of course! Anything for my adorable girlfriend!" ［Grey］
Well, it wasn't too hard for Grey to appease her with a little promise. Sometimes she is like a child, sometimes like a mother, and sometimes like an innocent, small animal. Yuna really was an interesting creature. An adorable one, nonetheless.
After a couple moments atop the top, Grey and Yuna finally went down. It wasn't because they were already bored of the sight. It was just that the fishermen were doing something even more fun and interesting.
Without any warning, the anchors were suddenly released from the left side of the ship and a couple minutes later, the crew suddenly started moving back and forth, grabbing weights, nets, ropes, and a lot more.
"Make sure the nets aren't tangled! Let's do this like the usual!" ［Jack］
With Jack's words, everyone gathered on the right side of the ship, opposite of where the anchors were released. Everyone held onto the ropes and nets whilst the others prepared the pulleys for what's about to come.
"One... Two... Now!" ［Jack］
At Jack's signal, everyone threw the nets as quickly and forcefully as they could. The sound of splashes soon echoed in the air as the nets hit the water, soon sinking down the surface and the ropes slowly slipping out of the ship.
But before all the ropes vanished into the sea, the fishermen tied down the ropes on the ship's mooring. And a couple more minutes after, things were thrown out into the sea, scattered by the waves. It was, of course, bait!
"Oh! You two are finally down, huh. You really surprised us back there. I didn't know you were so athletic." ［Jack］
"Well, just a little... Anyway, Captain, how long would we have to wait before we draw back the nets? Several minutes?" ［Grey］
"Hohoho. Maybe, maybe not. We just have to let it rest on luck." ［Jack］
And let it rest on luck they did. After all, there isn't always a guarantee that fish would gather around the nets every single time. There are times it would only take a couple minutes and also times they'll just have to give up and move along, trying at another fishing spot.
Splash Splash Splash
Luckily for them, it was leaning to the former. With just a couple minutes of waiting, splashes and sloshes reverberated in the air as fishes gathered around the net and feasted on the baits, unaware of the fate they just entered.
"Alright, boys! We're going drinking tonight!" ［Jack］
"""Ooohhh!!!"""
Everyone's spirits were through the roof as they cheered loudly and excitedly. It was a more abundant catch than usual with a number of large fishes in sight. Just by a quick estimate, they could earn a few dozen thousand kiels with such a catch.
"Alright, pull!" ［Jack］
At Jack's command, everyone, with all their strength, pulled on the nets and ropes. The pulleys were also turned, drawing in the nets closer and closer and making it shrink with each and every passing second.
Of course, the fishes wouldn't just let themselves be captured either. Going against e fishermen, they tried to scatter in all directions, pushing through the net and trying to break free. If it wasn't for the anchors dropped on the other side, the ship would have been rocked wildly.
"These damn fishes... You sure are a lively lot, aren't you?" ［Jack］
It was a difficult battle. As the nets were closed and drawn closer, the fishes only struggled stronger and harder. Some of the fishermen even had to plant their feet on the taffrails just so that they wouldn't fall off. Everyone was trying their best.
"Captain, should we help you out a little bit?" ［Yuna］
"Yeah. We may not be experienced, but if it's only pulling we're talking about, I'm sure we could be of some assistance." ［Grey］
"Hohoho. That would be much appreciated!" ［Jack］
There was no time to waste. As soon as they got Jack's permission, Grey and Yuna quickly headed to two sides and helped out the fishermen. Grey went to the left and Yuna towards the right, balancing things out.
"Here we... Go!" ［Grey］
As soon as Grey and Yuna grabbed the ropes, the fishes' vicious struggles were quickly dampened. And the moment they pulled at the net, everything became much easier for everyone. It was as if all their hardships were a passing lie.
But the most surprising thing at the moment was the strength of the nets. Though it was true neither Grey nor Yuna were using their full strengths, to be able to hold out perfectly even with such tension, it was nothing short of amazing and astonishing. In fact, it was the real MVP.
With the strength of a hundred men on their side, it didn't take long before the nets were pulled in completely. Splashes and ripples echoed in the air as the sea water was drained out. All that there was left were fishes needed to be stored.
"Ooh! There are so many fishes!"
"Amazing! There are even Black-finned Tunas!"
"Oh! There's an octopus too!"
There wasn't too much to say. The variety of fishes and sea creatures caught in the net was surprising and wonderful. Of course, there were also turtles and such, but they were quickly released into the water without many questions.
"Hey, what are you waiting for? Let's store these fishes already!" ［Jack］
"""Yes, Captain!"""
Still full of enthusiasm, the fishermen grabbed the barrels and crates, and stored them one after another, then putting them inside the ice storage. As for the undesirable ones, they were simply thrown back into the, never to be seen again.
"Hohoho. This takes me back in the old days. Still, you really are strong despite your age. Did you undergo some sort of special training?" ［Jack］
"Special training... Yeah, you could do that..." ［Grey］
"Hohoho, I knew it! You really remind me of my son, I wish that brat would also help me out like this from time to time. Things would have been much easier." ［Jack］
"Hmm... Maybe he's just busy?" ［Yuna］
"Yeah, he's busy alright. I just wish he would be busy with fishing work rather than being an adventurer. He shouldn't have gone back when he already retired! Really, that ungrateful brat!" ［Jack］
Jack vented openly as he talked trash about his son time after time. Meanwhile, Grey and Yuna could only feel their suspicions getting stronger the more they listened to Jack. There were just too many similarities.
"Oh? He's an adventurer?" ［Grey］
"Yeah, the kid's name is Jiro. That snotty Vice Guildmaster of the Adventurers' Guild who's still wet behind his ears." ［Jack］
They knew it! The goddam called it! Not only the face, but his smile really was similar to Jiro's. If it wasn't for the fact that Jiro was always closing his eyes and Jack does not, they would have been able to figure things out immediately.
Well, rather than shock, Grey and Yuna could only feel a little conflicted. Though they are happy that their suspicions were correct, they don't exactly know how to feel. After all, they promised the children to visit again. It would only be awkward if Jack happens to be there at that time.
"Hahaha! Captain, you always say that but aren't you really proud of Lord Jiro?"
"Right, right, you were just bragging not long ago when Lord Jiro became the Vice Guildmaster. There's no need to be shy!"
"Right! Especially with your daughters! You really are a doting father!"
And a complete contradiction to his previous words, it seems that Jack was actually quite proud of his children. So much so, in fact, that he brags about them every time they go out drinking. In other words, he was a tsundere.
"Oi! You all, shut up! Do you want a deduction on your pay?!" ［Jack］
"Boo! Captain, you're no fun!"
"Hey, who said that?!" ［Jack］
Face red and flustered, Jack was fuming with anger as he shouted against his crew. Despite that, they only laughed even harder as they carried the barrels towards the ice storage. It wasn't the first time such a thing happened.
"Fufufu! Having so much fun, are we?" ［Vilma］
"Ah, Your Excellency. I apologize for the rowdiness and ruckus just now. I hope that you overlook it." ［Jack］
"No, no, it's fine. It's better this way. This feels more natural and I like it." ［Vilma］
There was no lies in Vilma's words. Though she doesn't know Lista very much unlike Gilm, she was happy that their subjects were living a comfortable life where they could easily laugh together. It was a peaceful place.
"But about the fishes... Are you all going to sell these? As I can see, there are still some which haven't grown big yet. What are you going to do with these?"!［Vilma］
"Ah, yes... We get quite a lot of these small ones, but we usually just throw them back to the sea along with the others." ［Jack］
"Then, how about the excess which you can't store in the barrels?" ［Vilma］
"For those, we..." ［Jack］
After the fun, it was finally time to get the work. Vilma quickly whipped out her notes and pen and carefully wrote down her observations along with words from the Captain and crew themselves, making sure all details were taken care of.
It was a peaceful time and the crew continued their work without any complaints. The sun climbed even higher and before they noticed it, it was almost time to head back. The journey was smooth sailingー or so how it should've been.
"Shin, is something wrong?" ［Yuna］
"Elena, brace yourself... A big catch is coming." ［Grey］
On the corner of his eyes, the sea was in turmoil. Unnatural waves formed and soon disappeared over the horizon. Roars and screeches echoed in the air, blood and guts splattering across the water's surface. A deathly scene unfolded.
...
There was no peace, calmness, nor tranquility. All there was was violence and death as the beasts ripped each other apart. The waters were dyed red with every wound and accompanying it was a shriek full of pain and misery.
The battle continued and the currents only became more violent with the aggressive waves cruising atop the water's surface. Blade and booms rocked the seas and there was no window for escape to be seen. Death was around in all corners.
『Everyone, are you alright?』 ［Sirius］
『We're doing just fine, but Eldest Sister, it seems that the number of enemies are only increasing.』 ［Arcturus］
『I agree! There's too many of them!』 ［Vega］
『H-Here too! They aren't stopping!』 ［Capella］
Just as Grey ordered them to, the familiars are staying a few hundred meters from the ship and guarding it, making sure nothing goes wrong and defeating any beast of monster which looked hostile and posed a threat to them.
At first, it was quite and peaceful, but such peace didn't remain forever. Not long ago, the beasts suddenly started a stampede, rushing towards the ship's direction without regard to what was in front of them.
Though many bore no ill intentions, the way they are stampeding, they would surely destroy any ship they come across to. There was no way they could just sit still, but even when a number of minutes had passed, their numbers didn't dwindle a little bit. There was still no end to them.
Of course, the familiars could just go all out and use magic, but doing so would destroy not only the swarming enemies, but also the wonderful coral reefs underneath and harm the nearby sailors and fishermen. It was something they wanted to avoid at all costs.
『Ah! Eldest Sister, some passed through!』 ［Canopus］
『Same here! There's just too many of them!』 ［Kentaurus］
But in the end, they still couldn't win with numbers. They may be overwhelmingly powerful, but keeping watch over such a large area was still too much. They could only wallow in failure as they continued to battle.
'Sorry, Master, Mistress... We failed you...' ［Sirius］
The waves turned and twisted, and soon, a number of fins emerged out of the water, parting the seas and painting the waters red. Danger loomed from all directions, not a single one in their right mind. Trouble was coming.
CHAPTER 222 END