Now he was more than a creature; he walked without support. Surrounded by blows from all sides, yet he stood firm to the very edge. Looking back at the vast fiery abyss, shocked and amazed, the soul of the Man known as William "Bill Oaks" Bullock surged forward.
Fourthly, let me say, through Chaos, Order arises.
Massive steps shook the floor as a man, standing no less than nine feet tall, strode across the room. Looking at his feet, no one could see the terrifying expression on his face, but everyone knew it was there.
"Vice-Admiral Aramaki, please, calm down!"
As the giant's steps slowed, the atmosphere in the room grew dark and cold.
"Calm down... what did you just say, Captain Havar? Calm down? I NEED TO GO TO SEA!"
Turning his head and shouting the last words, the expressions of Havar and the other Marines became grim. And not just because this "Aramaki" was, in fact, the most powerful man in the room and in this geographical area, but also because he was deeply respected by the men who served under his command. They knew why he had to leave, and it pained them to stand between the Vice-Admiral and his objective.
Havar: "I know, Vice-Admiral, but please wait! Headquarters have already dispatched Vice-Admiral Komil and granted you indefinite leave as soon as he arrives! "Just three days! Please, just wait three days!"
Three days?! Aramaki smirked to himself. It would already take the fastest Marine frigate a month and a half to sail to the South Blue. Considering he would only have access to his own medium brigantine, the journey could take more than twice as long. And that's assuming he could cross the Calm Belt without waking the sea kings, avoiding pirate attacks, and not needing to replenish supplies.
Lifting his gaze from the floor, Aramaki looked at those gathered in his office, causing half of them to flinch slightly.
Aramaki: "I know my duty, Havar. I know my duty." He repeated this phrase both to himself and to the men gathered around him.
Seizing the pause as if taking advantage, Havar quickly interjected: "Vice-Admiral, it's not as bad as it seems. It seems that Vice-Admiral Komil will arrive on a newly launched frigate called the 'Frontier Run.' It's just a small frigate, but it will still be much faster on the water than your 'Riff Raff.' Moreover, it appears that Vice-Admiral Komil didn't claim this ship as his own but merely used it since his own vessel was in port for repairs. After that, he was dispatched to relieve you of command here."
Hearing this news, Aramaki took a sharp breath. It didn't diminish his eagerness to reach her as soon as possible, but it was good news. Even the smallest frigates are still three-masted ships. His own vessel, the "Riff Raff," was a brigantine designed to endure damage, stay afloat, and transport captured pirates. It was reliable and sturdy; however, it was just a two-masted ship and was heavier than usual brigantines of its size due to modifications.
He instantly decided that despite all the hardships, he would set sail on the frigate named "Frontier Run." Even if it wasn't a ship designed in a renowned port or made from precious wood, it could cut his journey by at least two weeks, making the wait of a few additional days ultimately worthwhile.
Aramaki: "Is there a snail telephone installed on this ship?"
Aramaki directed the question at Havar, but another man answered. It was the base's logistics specialist, ranked as an ensign.
"Vice-Admiral, the vessel was supposed to be officially launched about four weeks before Vice-Admiral Komil took command. The accounting records state that it was planned to be relocated to the NW-BM4 base to combat candy smugglers. Therefore, it should be fully equipped."
Nodding, Aramaki sat down in his seat. His long legs crossed the room in a few strides. Once seated, he rubbed the side of his head with his left hand.
Aramaki: "Good work, ensign." Taking a breath, he continued, "Ensign, I need the snail telephone code as soon as possible. Alright, the show's over. Return to your duties; everyone except Commander Havar is dismissed.With relief, everyone left the room one by one. Havar, following the last of them, closed the door before returning to sit on the opposite side of the table from Aramaki. He noticed that his friend's anger was still present, but at least he didn't look like he was about to abandon his post.
Aramaki: "So, what are you going to do?"
Havar glanced away briefly before looking back at Aramaki: "Well, I suppose that depends on what you're planning to do."
Shaking his head slowly from side to side, Aramaki said, "Apparently, it can't be moved. Thank the dragons it was found near the SB-T base. I didn't know about this base before, but it seems to be a third-level port, and its territory covers a significant portion of the timber production in South Blue."