Chapter 2 - The Call to Adventure

Drake continued his rigorous training under the bright sun. He swung his steel sword with precision, practicing magic-infused strikes against the practice dummy. Each blow was accompanied by a faint shimmer of energy as he tried to combine his swordsmanship with his growing magical abilities. He alternated between sword drills and hand-to-hand combat, moving fluidly as sweat glistened on his forehead. Each strike and maneuver brought a small improvement, and despite the intensity, Drake found himself enjoying the challenge.

After a final, powerful slash that left a deep mark on the dummy, Drake lowered his sword and wiped his brow. "That's good enough for today," he said to himself, sheathing his weapon.

Just as he turned to leave, a voice rang out behind him. "Drake!"

Startled, Drake spun around to see his friend sprinting toward him, waving frantically. "Hey, Marcus!" Drake called out, recognizing his friend. "What's going on?"

Marcus skidded to a halt, panting. "Drake! You won't believe it… there's a famous pirate ship docked at the harbor! They're looking for new crew members!"

Drake's silver eyes widened in shock. "Really? What pirate crew is it?"

"It's the Crimson Tide!" Marcus exclaimed, practically bouncing with excitement. "And their ship, the Scarlet Vortex! You've heard of them, right?"

A wide smile spread across Drake's face. "Of course I've heard of them. The Crimson Tide is legendary. They're some of the best out there."

Marcus grinned, gripping Drake's shoulder. "This is your chance! You could join them and finally take the first big step toward becoming one of the greatest pirates to ever live. Your dream, Drake—it could start today!"

Drake's heart raced with excitement. "Where are they?" he asked, his voice firm with determination.

Marcus pointed toward the town. "They're down at the main docks. The captain and crew are holding tryouts right now."

Drake nodded, gripping the hilt of his sword. "Then let's go," he said, his smile growing wider. "It's time to make my dream a reality."

Without another word, the two friends sprinted through the bustling town, weaving through narrow streets filled with merchants, townsfolk, and sailors. As they neared the harbor, Drake caught sight of the pirate ship's flag fluttering proudly in the breeze—a crimson skull emblazoned against a black background. His smile widened.

"There they are!" Drake shouted, excitement bubbling over. He dashed ahead, leaving Marcus trying to keep up. When they reached the docks, a large crowd had already gathered around the Scarlet Vortex. Drake quickly slipped into the line of hopeful recruits, his silver eyes scanning the massive ship and its formidable crew.

A booming voice cut through the chatter. "Alright, you newbies!" The crowd fell silent as a burly crew member stepped forward. His weathered face and muscular build exuded authority as he introduced himself. "I'm Garrick, the ship's combat master, and this here is the crew of the Crimson Tide! If you're here thinking this will be a walk in the park, think again." He gestured toward the ship, where several other crew members stood, arms crossed and watching the crowd with sharp eyes.

Garrick then pointed to a towering man wearing an elaborate captain's hat adorned with a crimson feather. "And this," Garrick said, his voice filled with respect, "is our captain, the one and only Captain Kael Stormrider!"

The captain stepped forward, a charismatic grin lighting up his rugged face. "Well, hello, everybody!" he bellowed, his voice carrying easily over the crowd. "I hope you lazy dogs can handle what's coming because we're not looking for weaklings or fools. The Crimson Tide needs the best… or nothing at all." He laughed heartily, his presence commanding both respect and admiration.

Garrick then gestured grandly to a striking woman standing at the edge of the ship's deck. She had long, flowing black hair that shimmered like silk under the sun and piercing red eyes that seemed to hold an air of mystery and danger. Her presence was magnetic, and whispers rippled through the crowd.

"And this," Garrick continued with a grin, "is our vice-captain, Selene Ravelle, also known as the Velvet Vixen! Known for being playful, seductive, and cunning, she's earned her name as one of the most unpredictable pirates on the seas."

The vice-captain stepped forward, a confident smile on her face as she surveyed the crowd. "Welcome, everyone," she said, her voice smooth and alluring. "If you think you've got what it takes to join the Crimson Tide, then you'll have to prove it to us. And trust me… we're not easily impressed." Her gaze fell on Drake, and for a moment, their eyes locked. A playful smile tugged at her lips, and she winked at him before stepping back.

Drake's cheeks flushed as he stared at her, mesmerized. He'd heard the tales of the Velvet Vixen, but seeing her in person was something else entirely. "She's… incredible," he muttered under his breath, his resolve hardening even further.

Garrick stepped back in, his tone sharp and precise. "Now, here are the rules for the tryouts. Listen closely, because if you don't, you'll be tossed back into the sea where you came from."

The crowd listened intently as Garrick laid out the details. "There will be three trials. First, you'll prove your strength and endurance. Second, we'll test your wits and navigation skills. And finally, you'll face a one-on-one combat test to see if you've got what it takes to stand alongside us."

Drake stood still, absorbing every word. The energy in the air was electric, and he felt a surge of determination. This was it—his moment to step forward and prove himself worthy of joining the legendary Crimson Tide.

Garrick stepped forward, his commanding presence silencing the murmurs among the crowd. He crossed his arms and surveyed the hopeful recruits, his sharp gaze lingering on a few before speaking.

"Alright, listen up! The first trial will test your strength and endurance," Garrick announced, his voice booming across the docks. "You'll be tasked with hauling barrels from the ship's hold to the far end of the pier. Each barrel weighs about as much as a fully grown boar, so don't think this will be easy."

The crowd exchanged glances, some nodding while others looked nervous. Garrick continued, his tone unwavering. "Not only will you carry them, but you'll also have to stack them in a specific order without damaging the contents. We're not just testing brute strength—we're looking for precision, focus, and the ability to follow orders."

Drake stood at attention, absorbing every word Garrick said. He clenched his fists, determination radiating from him. "This is it," he thought. "I can do this."

Garrick smirked as he scanned the group. "If you drop a barrel, spill its contents, or fail to complete the task within the time limit, you're out. And trust me, the captain doesn't tolerate slackers on this ship."

A few nervous chuckles rippled through the crowd, but Drake's blue eyes remained focused. He glanced toward the Scarlet Vortex, its massive frame casting an imposing shadow over the docks. The thought of joining the legendary Crimson Tide filled him with both excitement and resolve.

"Form up into lines," Garrick barked. "We'll call you in groups to begin the trial. And remember… no excuses. Show us what you've got!"

Drake took his place in line, his heart pounding with anticipation. He was ready to prove himself, no matter what it took.

Captain Kael watched from the ship with a knowing grin. "He's got potential," he said, his voice loud enough for the nearby crew to hear.

"Not bad for a newbie," one of the crew members muttered.

"Not bad?" another said. "He's doing better than half the crew did during their tryouts."

From her vantage point on the deck, Vice-Captain Selene Ravelle leaned against the railing, her red eyes fixed on Drake. A playful smile danced on her lips. "He's got spirit," she mused aloud. "And those looks don't hurt either." She winked at a nearby crew member, who groaned and rolled his eyes.

"Focus, Selene," Garrick growled, though a smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth.

Selene shrugged, her flirtatious smile unwavering. "Just stating facts, Garrick."

As the crew exchanged their opinions, Drake remained unaware of the commentary, focusing solely on completing the tasks. The approval of the legendary crew was an honor he couldn't take lightly.

Finally, Garrick called the group to attention again. "Alright, recruits," he barked. "You've done well so far, but the hardest part is still ahead. The third and final trial is one-on-one combat."

Drake's blue eyes narrowed with determination. He tightened his grip on his sword, his posture straight and ready.

Garrick continued, "In this trial, you'll face off against one of the Crimson Tide crew members. Your goal isn't just to win—it's to show skill, strategy, and heart. We want to see if you've got what it takes to fight alongside us."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "Your opponents will test you. They'll push you to your limits. And if you're not ready for that, step aside now."

No one moved, the tension in the air palpable. Garrick smirked, clearly pleased. "Good. You'll fight one at a time. I'll call your names and tell you who you're up against."

Drake listened intently, his heart pounding in his chest. The idea of combat against a seasoned crew member didn't intimidate him—it fueled his resolve. He knew this was his chance to truly prove himself.