Chapter 136: The mission continues
Scene: With Captain Moro defeated, the group of South Nation heroes stands victorious on the battlefield. The flames from Commander Elara's powerful final attack still flicker in the distance, but the air is now calm, heavy with the aftermath of the battle. The group, though tired, remains focused on their mission—Zisteria still awaits, and their journey is far from over.
Narrator: Captain Moro, once feared across the seas, lies defeated and broken. The heroes of the South Nation have proven their strength once again, but their mission to reach Zisteria is not yet complete. First, however, there is unfinished business—Captain Moro's captives still need to be freed, and more questions remain about the Aquarians who threaten the world.
Commander Elara steps forward, her eyes fixed on the injured and weakened Captain Moro. She stands tall, her presence commanding as she addresses him.
Commander Elara: (firmly) Before we leave, you're going to release all the people you've kept captive. Now.
Captain Moro, still in pain from his injuries, winces as he nods weakly. He no longer has the strength or will to resist. His once-proud demeanor has crumbled under the might of the heroes.
Captain Moro: (groaning) Fine… fine. I'll release them.
Commander Elara turns to Kirito and Ryu, her voice steady as she gives the order.
Commander Elara: (calmly) Kirito, Ryu—head to his cellars and free the prisoners. Make sure they're safe.
Kirito and Ryu nod, immediately setting off to carry out the task. Meanwhile, the group takes a moment to rest, catching their breath after the intense battle. The wind blows gently across the shore as they gather their strength.
Narrator: As Kirito and Ryu head to the pirate cellars to free the prisoners, the group takes a moment to regroup. The path to Zisteria is still long, and they need to be ready for whatever challenges lie ahead. But for now, there is a brief, hard-earned moment of peace.
Eren, sitting on a rock near the shore, glances over at Commander Elara as he catches his breath.
Eren: (thoughtfully) We've dealt with Moro… but the Aquarians are still out there. We need to be ready for whatever they throw at us.
Commander Elara, always the leader, nods in agreement as she looks over the group. Though the battle was tough, none of them seem to be seriously injured.
Commander Elara: (calmly) Agreed. But we need to gather more information before we face them. We still don't know what we're up against.
As they continue discussing their next steps, Kirito and Ryu return, guiding a group of freed prisoners out of Moro's cellars. The prisoners, many of them weary and malnourished, step forward, their eyes filled with gratitude.
One of the prisoners, a woman with tattered clothes and a scar across her face, steps forward and bows deeply to the heroes.
Freed Prisoner: (softly) Thank you… thank you for what you've done. We thought we'd never escape.
The rest of the prisoners follow suit, bowing their heads in gratitude, their voices filled with emotion as they express their thanks.
Commander Elara: (reassuring) You don't need to worry about Moro anymore. He won't be threatening anyone again.
The prisoners, still in awe of their rescue, nod gratefully. As Kirito and Ryu guide them to safety, the group turns their attention back to Captain Moro, who remains bound and at their mercy. Now, there are more pressing questions to ask—questions about the Aquarians.
Narrator: With the prisoners freed and the battle behind them, the group prepares to interrogate Captain Moro. They need answers about the Aquarians—the mysterious, powerful group threatening the world from the seas. But even Captain Moro, feared as he once was, seems shaken by the mention of their name.
The group boards their vessel once again, this time with Captain Moro in tow. They gather around him, their expressions serious as they prepare to interrogate him. Commander Elara is the first to speak, her voice sharp.
Commander Elara: (demanding) Tell us what you know about the Aquarians. Who are they, and why are they threatening the world?
Captain Moro, his once-proud demeanor shattered, hesitates for a moment. His eyes flicker with fear as he recalls the power of the Aquarians. After a tense pause, he finally speaks.
Captain Moro: (nervously) The Aquarians… they're not like anything you've faced before. They've ruled the seas for centuries—masters of the oceans and the water. They're powerful… skilled in Elemental Mana, but they've taken it further. They've learned how to twist it… use it in dark ways.
Zarek, standing with his arms crossed, narrows his eyes as he listens.
Zarek: (coldly) What do you mean, dark ways?
Captain Moro shakes his head slightly, his voice trembling as he continues.
Captain Moro: (quietly) Their mastery of Elemental Mana goes beyond anything normal. They can manipulate water, create storms, drown entire cities. And they've… found ways to corrupt the elements, turning them into weapons. But I don't know why they've started attacking the world. I've kept my distance from them—no one crosses the Aquarians and lives.
Commander Elara steps forward, her eyes narrowing as she speaks again.
Commander Elara: (sternly) You're scared of them. You've kept your distance because you fear their power. But that won't stop us. Do they have a leader? Someone controlling their attacks?
Captain Moro shakes his head, his voice low and defeated.
Captain Moro: (shaken) I don't know… I don't know who leads them. All I know is that they're unstoppable. They've taken over countless lands using their power, drowning anyone who stands in their way.
Narrator: Even Captain Moro, once feared across the seas, is terrified of the Aquarians. The information he provides only deepens the mystery of their true motives and power. But the group remains determined—they will face the Aquarians head-on, no matter the cost.
After the interrogation, Commander Elara releases Captain Moro, her voice calm but commanding as she gives him a final warning.
Commander Elara: (coldly) You're free to go, Moro. But if we hear of you threatening people again, we'll come back for you. And next time, you won't be so lucky.
Captain Moro, still shaken, nods weakly. He knows he has no choice but to comply.
Captain Moro: (quietly) I… understand.
With Moro dealt with, the group prepares to resume their journey. The ship, now filled with renewed determination, sets sail once again. The path to Zisteria awaits, but the threat of the Aquarians looms larger than ever.
Narrator: The group, now armed with more information about the Aquarians, continues their journey to Zisteria. The path ahead is fraught with danger, but the heroes of the South Nation are ready. They know that whatever awaits them beyond the seas, they will face it together.
As the ship sails into the horizon, the group gathers on the deck, each of them reflecting on the battles they've fought and the challenges that lie ahead.
Commander Elara: (calmly) The Aquarians may be powerful, but we've faced worse. We'll stop them—no matter what it takes.
Eren nods in agreement, his eyes focused on the horizon.
Eren: (determined) We're ready. Whatever they throw at us, we'll be ready.
Narrator: With Captain Moro behind them and their eyes set on Zisteria, the group sails forward, their resolve unshaken. The seas ahead may be dangerous, but the heroes of the South Nation will not be deterred.
The chapter ends with the ship cutting through the calm waters, the horizon stretching out before them. The journey to Zisteria continues, but the true battle is only just beginning.