As the setting sun floats on the sea surface, lingering without cease, a golden path of shimmering waves reflects on the horizon where the sea and sky meet. Among the vast ocean, the ship looks like a small leaf drifting in the wind.
As the glow fades and the mist sets in, a few black dots appear in the distance, and ahead, a scattering of islands come into view, as if entering an island nation.
The students erupt in cheers, relieved to see solid land after weathering the storm.
However, the captain's announcement suddenly creates a tense atmosphere.
"Students, please listen carefully. This is the Saint Croix Archipelago, a free land and a haven for pirates, one of the most dangerous places on the continent. Half of the infamous wanted criminals from the Wagran Continent are hiding here. You must be highly vigilant.
Due to issues with the ship's storm protection system, we have no choice but to resupply here. To save time, we've decided to immediately go ashore to find alchemical components. Teacher Ibu and his team will be responsible for your safety while the ship remains anchored in the shallow waters.
I must especially caution you all - pay attention to your safety and do not cause trouble for Teacher Ibu. This area is home to ferocious man-eating fish, fish-men occupying the outer beaches, and dangerous forest and swamp creatures like goblins and ogres. Do not let your curiosity endanger everyone.
If all goes well, we will depart as soon as the repairs are complete."
As the captain finishes, Teacher Ibu appears in the hallway.
He declares in a loud voice, "The captain's words are not exaggerations. The geography of Saint Croix has been deliberately cultivated as a natural barrier for pirates. This is the domain of the Abyss Pirate King Plonk, which has evolved into an independent kingdom. The 'order' here is the absence of order, where might is right. You cannot use normal human logic to judge this realm and its inhabitants.
The captain also omitted an important reminder - in addition to the dangers mentioned, there is another type of creature to be especially wary of, though they are not commonly seen.
Nagas, ancient deep-sea serpents, are said to have dealings with Pirate King Plonk, who commands a small Naga force. Nagas are masters of mind control, particularly effective against you inexperienced children.
Due to limited manpower, I have deployed a full defense on the deck, with Henry, Mike and myself monitoring the ship's perimeter.
I demand that everyone stay in their rooms. Any unauthorized entry onto the deck will be treated as an intrusion! If you get killed by your own for violating the rules, do not blame us - I've given the warning! Remember, do not be curious!"
Seeing the teachers' grave expressions, the students feel the heavy pressure, sensing that even the ship may not be entirely safe.
Then, they notice a group entering the hallway, led by a stern-faced middle-aged man who walks directly into Charlie's room without a glance around.
"Huh? Isn't that the captain?""Is it? Do you know him?""Yeah! What's he doing in Charlie's room?"
THUD!The door closes.
Contrary to the students' speculation, as the room's occupant, Charlie has been cornered in the corner, and his roommate Blue Eyes suffers the same fate, both pushed into opposite corners, looking bewildered.
Captain Stephen's target is Xueyue. He speaks solemnly, "Xueyue, I can take two or three students ashore. Would you like to join us? It might be safer."
Xueyue looks up, but cannot see the cornered Charlie and Blue Eyes. She asks, "Can I bring some friends?"
Stephen shakes his head, "I'm afraid not. It's not that I don't want to, but I can't. Bringing more people won't just jeopardize their safety, it may also affect the entire team. We have no experience dealing with the Pirate King, so we can't take the risk.
Don't worry, the ship may not be entirely unsafe. I just promised the Prince that I would guarantee your absolute safety, so..."
Xueyue shakes her head, "Then I'll stay on the ship. That way you won't have any extra burdens, and you can resolve the issues quickly and return."
"Are you sure?" Stephen looks at her intently.
Xueyue nods firmly, "I'm sure."
Stephen ponders for a moment, then nods, "Alright! Since you've made the decision, I respect your choice."
He then turns to the person beside him and says, "Jim, you stay behind to reinforce the ship's defenses."
But the one addressed shakes his head, "No, Captain. We must trust in Ibu's abilities. We need to concentrate the best forces on the landing team. I've heard the pirates here are known for their craziness. If the shore team gets into trouble, the entire ship will be doomed. We must focus our strength for a quick resolution, and I'm confident we'll be back soon."
Xueyue also persuades, "That's right, Uncle Stephen. Focus on the bigger picture."
Stephen takes a deep breath, weighs the options, and makes a decision, "Alright, then let's depart now!"
As the last glimmer of daylight fades, the ship lowers an alchemical speedboat, fills it with magic crystals, and the alchemical turbine at the bottom activates, quickly disappearing from sight.
The ship drops anchor in the shallow waters. Under the illumination of high-energy magic lamps at the bow and stern, the underwater scenery is clearly visible - lush green seaweed and vibrant coral reefs. Setting aside the ominous warnings, the sights here are truly beautiful.
In the room, the three say nothing, not even inquiring about Xueyue's true identity. Sometimes, it's better not to expose one's identity directly.
"Well, well, what a lovely atmosphere! Have I disturbed you?"
Charlie turns to see Colin standing at the door, arms full of snacks.
Charlie smiles, "Come in! No need to be so formal, did you need an invitation?"
David says, "I just saw Daniel go down with the captain."
Associating this with Xueyue's situation, it seems Daniel is also a child of similar status.
"Oh?" Charlie shows a surprised expression, then laughs, "Looks like I've gotten myself into big trouble. What's Daniel's background?"
"His father is Joshua Morgan, the superior of Sophie's father. That's why Sophie was asking some impolite questions earlier - she was asking on his behalf." Colin points out the key information.
No wonder Sophie was interested in Charlie's quick spell casting ability. It's a good thing he was cautious and didn't reveal it.
The name Joshua Morgan is not unfamiliar to Charlie. He is one of the three grand marshals of the Empire, General Morgan, who has married into the royal family and wields significant influence in the military.
"Ah, so he has a powerful background! No wonder."
Colin chuckles, "Charlie is no slouch either! If you could gain family support, you wouldn't have to fear them. The Empire has more than one marshal, and the Emperor more than one consort. General Morgan also has more than one son."
Blue Eyes applauds approvingly, "Well said!"
Charlie shakes his head, "There are no 'ifs'. Deposition is deposition, there's no turning back. Everyone must pay the price for their own mistakes, without exception."
David magically produces two bottles of wine and some cups from his pocket, commenting, "Being able to correct one's mistakes is a good thing."
Yes, that is a good thing. Charlie can humbly say that. But for a stranger to say it, it seems meddlesome and may offend the person involved.
Colin gives his brother a stern look, quickly saying, "Charlie, my brother speaks without thinking. Please don't mind him."
"No, David didn't say anything wrong," Charlie smiles slightly, taking the overflowing cup and taking a sip. "You two brothers are quite interesting. I feel like we should have met long ago."
"What do you mean 'long ago'? Come, let's drink!"
Blue Eyes giggles softly, "What about me and me? This is blatant discrimination!"
"Me too, me too!" Xueyue raises her arm, the sleeve slipping down to reveal a snowy white arm.
...
The five of them drink fruit wine in the room. It's low-proof, sour-sweet, with just a hint of warmth - enough to get a light buzz, but no real hangover.
The Gasta brothers are well-rounded and different from ordinary reckless young masters. If Charlie's performance is not up to par or their personalities don't click, they likely wouldn't have actively made friends.
As for Blue Eyes and Xueyue, their backgrounds are also not simple. Their life experiences are enriched by their upbringings.
It is Charlie's own life experience that seems a little lacking. For the past decade or so, he has never left the city of Haines, his interests limited to womanizing - not exactly admirable. But with his past life as a foundation, he surprisingly displays deep insights.
Unknowingly, they chat until midnight...
David laughs, "Speaking of Nagas, I've heard some legends about them. Nagas are serpentine sea monsters. The female ones are usually beautiful with lovely figures, with a head of snakes for hair. Their snake hair can burn any creature that sees them, and they have an innate ability to mentally assault their targets, trapping them in illusions."
"Hmm," Xueyue leans back, crossing her arms, an expression of alarm on her face. "That sounds terrifying."
"Typically, before a Naga woman appears, there will be a faint, ethereal singing on the sea. If you focus and listen closely, you'll start to experience hallucinations, slowly falling into their mental domain..." As David describes, he gestures dramatically.
Whether it's the alcohol or David's natural allure, everyone suddenly feels as if there is a faint, lingering song in the sea breeze, hovering near their ears, yet impossible to pinpoint.
The five of them start acting strangely.
"You... you hear it too?" Xueyue asks hesitantly.
Blue Eyes nods, then shakes his head, "I'm not sure, maybe it's just an auditory illusion."
Colin ruefully smiles, "David, you and your big mouth! On the sea, in the middle of the night, telling Naga stories? Grandpa said that's a taboo!"
David grimaces, "I was just joking with Grandpa!"
Xueyue pulls her legs up, quickly hugging Blue Eyes, pouting, "Don't scare me, you guys!"
Blue Eyes, being the calmest, asks, "Charlie, can you hear it?"
To be honest, she's asking the right person.
Charlie doesn't respond, just quietly pulling the window closed and making a shushing gesture, then rummaging in his backpack to produce a wand of withered wood.
Seeing Charlie's serious expression, the others immediately sense that something is wrong and immediately enter a state of alert.
David laughs bitterly, "Brother, my gear is in the room."
Colin spreads his hands, indicating he's in the same situation.
Charlie murmurs an incantation, pushing open the partially closed window with one hand, while the other releases an orange-red glow.
BOOM!It's a modified "Flame Hand" spell, emphasizing the explosive effect of the fire element, crashing into the ship's side with a loud bang. It doesn't have much destructive power, but it serves as a loud visual warning.