The sun hung high in the sky, an unforgiving orb of heat casting its golden rays over the vast, shimmering expanse of the sea. The noon light glared off the water's surface, creating blinding flashes that made it difficult to look directly at the horizon. The sea seemed endless, stretching out in every direction with only the faintest hints of distant islands, barely discernible under the haze of heat.
A colossal ship sailed steadily through the mid-ocean waves, its massive sails catching the hot breeze that did little to ease the sweltering temperature. The deck was alive with activity as the crew members—sweat glistening on their brows—cast lines into the water, their hopes pinned on the chance of catching something worthwhile. Above them, seagulls and frigatebirds circled lazily, their cries echoing faintly against the rhythmic sound of the waves lapping against the hull.
