The city was alive with the sounds of rebuilding. Rodensky and Emmanuel stood at the bustling docks, watching ships come and go. Colossus lingered in the waters nearby, its massive form a silent guardian. Despite the city's progress, their eyes were fixed on a new goal: the second continent.
"Are you sure about this?" Emmanuel asked, clutching the letter detailing the dangers of the ocean. "The beasts out there aren't just rumors. Some could rival even Colossus."
Rodensky nodded. "If we stay here, we stagnate. The second continent holds answers and power we can't ignore. The system said so itself."
He opened his interface, summoning the familiar blue glow of the system panel.
System Notification
Quest Update: Journey to the Second Continent
Objective: Secure transportation to the second continent.
Warning: The ocean is infested with beasts ranked transcendant first Order and above.
Reward: Access to new regions, potential class advancement's material for your beasts.
"See?" Rodensky said, showing Emmanuel the notification. "It's not just a choice—it's part of the bigger picture."
Emmanuel sighed, rubbing his temples. "Fine. But how are we supposed to find a boat with all these warnings?"
---
The Hunt for a Captain
The port was crowded with sailors, merchants, and adventurers, all swapping tales of danger and triumph. Rodensky and Emmanuel moved from one docked ship to another, asking captains if they would sail to the second continent. Each answer was the same:
"You're crazy!"
"No amount of gold is worth risking those waters."
"Colossus or not, you won't make it past the first wave of monsters."
Frustrated, the duo sat on a bench overlooking the harbor. Rodensky leaned forward, scanning the horizon. "There has to be someone willing to take us."
Just as he spoke, a system notification popped up.
System Notification
Hint: Not all who sail fear the ocean. Seek the one marked by the sea.
"The one marked by the sea?" Emmanuel echoed, reading the prompt. "What does that even mean?"
Rodensky furrowed his brow. "Maybe someone with experience handling these waters. Let's ask around again, but focus on experienced sailors."
---
Meeting the Mysterious Captain
After hours of searching, they found a weathered sailor sitting in a quiet corner of the docks. His skin was tanned from years under the sun, and a deep scar ran from his temple to his jaw. He leaned against a crate, carving intricate designs into a piece of driftwood.
"Are you the one marked by the sea?" Rodensky asked directly.
The man looked up, his sea-green eyes glinting. "Who's asking?"
Rodensky opened his system panel, letting the notification hover in the air for the sailor to see.
The man's expression shifted. He set the driftwood aside and stood. "You've got guts, boy. Name's Captain Kael. I've sailed these waters for decades, and I've seen things that would make your Colossus there shiver."
Emmanuel crossed his arms. "If you're so experienced, why aren't you out there now?"
Kael chuckled, a deep, gravelly sound. "Because most folks can't afford my price. But you've got something different—potential."
Rodensky straightened. "Does that mean you'll take us?"
"Depends," Kael said, leaning in. "What's in it for me?"
Rodensky pulled up the system panel again, navigating to the quest details. He highlighted the rewards for reaching the second continent: access to new regions, rare resources, and potential class advancements.
Kael's eyes widened slightly. "You've got the system on your side? Now that changes things."
---
Negotiating the Journey
The trio sat down to hammer out the details. Kael agreed to take them across the ocean, but he had one condition: they had to help defend the ship from any attacks.
"Those beasts out there don't care about your dreams," Kael said. "They'll sink us the moment we're vulnerable. If you can't fight, you're not coming."
Rodensky glanced at Emmanuel, then back at Kael. "We can handle it. Between my beasts and our skills, we'll protect the ship."
Kael grinned. "Good. We leave at dawn. Bring your Colossus—it might just give us the edge we need."
---
Preparing for the Journey
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Rodensky and Emmanuel prepared for the voyage. Rodensky summoned his beasts, each of them glowing with the power they had gained. He addressed them one by one, ensuring they were ready.
"Colossus," he said, placing a hand on the Behemoth's massive head. "This journey will test us all. Stay close and watch the waters."
The Behemoth rumbled in response, its eyes glowing with determination.
Rokura, Abaddon, Hikaru, and the Fanglord gathered nearby, their energies crackling in the night air. Even Arcturus stood proudly, eager to prove itself despite its lower rank.
Emmanuel watched with a mix of admiration and resolve. "Your beasts are incredible. Let's hope they're enough."
Rodensky smiled. "They will be. And if not, we'll find a way."
---
Setting Sail
The next morning, the ship was ready. Kael stood at the helm, barking orders to his crew. Rodensky and Emmanuel boarded with their beasts, drawing stares from the sailors.
"That's quite the entourage," one of them muttered.
As the ship left the dock, the system chimed again.
System Notification
Quest Progress: Journey to the Second Continent
Status: In Progress
Objective: Survive the journey. Defend the ship from any threats.
Bonus Objective: Discover hidden ocean treasures.
Rodensky gripped the ship's railing, his heart pounding with anticipation. The open sea stretched before them, vast and mysterious. Somewhere beyond the horizon lay the second continent—and the challenges that awaited them.
"Ready for this?" Emmanuel asked, standing beside him.
Rodensky nodded. "Let's rise to the challenge."
As the ship sailed into the unknown, Colossus swam alongside it, a guardian and ally. The ocean was vast and full of danger, but with their resolve—and the system guiding them—they were ready to face whatever lay ahead.