At sea.
The Fischer family's fleet sailed on grandly, soon to transition from the relatively safe White Sea into the Aphotic Sea's bounds. Behind them, the sky and the sea were still a beautiful azure, but ahead, the world was already shrouded in darkness, resembling the terrifying, mad abyss from the stories.
Theo stood at the fore of the flagship, gazing into the Aphotic Sea's waters, observing his surroundings, staying alert.
He took a deep breath. He had sworn never to return to the sea, yet now he found himself commanding a large fleet.
"Indeed, fate is unpredictable."
Just then, Theo's complexion suddenly changed drastically.
Despite his age, he moved swiftly and immediately found Chris and Madam Vanessa in the cabin, speaking to them very seriously:
"Mr. Chris, Madam Vanessa, something very bad has happened."
