Chapter 16- A New Course Set
The scent of roasted meat and spiced ale filled the grand hall of the Stormfang Inn, where Helios, Bow, and Prometheus sat around a massive table, indulging in a feast fit for kings. The past few days had been brutal, but the gold they had won from the arena tournament now ensured they had no financial worries for the foreseeable future. Plates piled high with smoked boar, fresh seafood, and exotic fruits decorated the table, while tankards of ale clashed in celebration.
Bow leaned back in his chair, patting his stomach with a satisfied grin. "I could get used to this. We eat like kings, drink like warlords, and don't have to worry about a single bounty hanging over our heads… for now."
Prometheus took a measured sip from his cup, his eyes scanning the lively inn. "We earned this," he said simply. "But wealth won't protect us forever. I have no doubt there are already whispers of our strength reaching the wrong ears."
Helios, his body still aching from the battle with Atlas, cracked his knuckles and smirked. "Let them whisper. If anyone comes looking, I'll be ready."
As the three continued their meal, a voice interrupted them. "Mind if I join you?"
They turned to see Ariadne standing there, arms crossed, her piercing gaze fixed on Helios. She was dressed in a flowing deep blue cloak, her silver hair cascading over her shoulders. Though she had been a formidable opponent in the tournament, there was something different in her demeanor now—less of a rival, more of a warrior with purpose.
Helios raised an eyebrow. "Didn't expect to see you here."
Ariadne pulled up a chair without waiting for an invitation. "I've been thinking about our fight. About you. About the way you and your crew operate." She leaned in slightly. "I want to join you."
Bow nearly choked on his drink, while Prometheus narrowed his eyes. "Join us? Why?"
Ariadne smirked. "Because I need to grow stronger, and traveling with you is the fastest way to do that. You all push past limits no one else dares to. I want to be part of that."
Helios leaned back, studying her. She was powerful, cunning, and undeniably skilled. More importantly, she wasn't afraid to challenge them. He glanced at Bow and Prometheus, silently gauging their reactions.
Bow shrugged. "She's strong. And she's got guts. Could be useful."
Prometheus exhaled through his nose. "As long as she pulls her weight."
Helios grinned. "Then it's settled. Welcome aboard, Ariadne."
She nodded, satisfied. "Good. Now, I have an idea on where we should go next."
The group gathered around a map, spreading it out over the now half-cleared table. Ariadne tapped a specific location—an island known for housing the greatest shipwrights in the universe.
"We need our own ship," she explained. "One powerful enough to handle anything thrown at us. We can't keep relying on hired transport. It's too risky."
Helios grinned. "Makes sense. And with all this gold, we can afford to have something custom-made."
Prometheus traced a finger over the map. "This island… I've heard of it. The shipwrights there are independent. No guild, no shared allegiance. Each one is unique—some are brilliant craftsmen, some are unhinged madmen. You never know what you're going to get."
Bow chuckled. "Sounds fun."
Ariadne stood. "Then let's not waste any time." She raised her hands, her magic humming in the air. A shimmering portal began to form behind her, crackling with energy. "I can teleport us straight there."
Helios, Bow, and Prometheus exchanged glances before stepping through.
The moment they landed, they were greeted by the clamor of industry. The island was a sprawling city of shipyards, massive wooden and steel skeletons of vessels towering above them. The air was thick with sawdust, oil, and the unmistakable scent of salt from the nearby ocean.
Shipwrights moved about with purpose, each one radiating their own unique energy. Some scowled deeply as they hammered away at their work, constantly grumbling under their breath. Others laughed boisterously, exchanging jokes while sawing through massive planks. A few worked in eerie silence, eyes shadowed with deep melancholy. And then there were the oddballs—one particularly eccentric shipwright wore nothing but clothes adorned with dog prints, whistling a strange tune as he worked.
"Alright," Bow said, crossing his arms. "This place is... something."
Helios took a deep breath, a smirk playing on his lips. "Let's find the best of the best."
Before they could take another step, a sudden commotion erupted nearby. A group of men gathered around a bulletin board, murmuring anxiously. One of them, a grizzled old sailor, turned with a pale face.
"Trouble's coming," he muttered. "The Supreme Order has declared you all dangerous criminals… and pirates."
Silence fell over the shipyard as all eyes turned toward Helios and his crew.
Prometheus' hand instinctively went to his swords. "Looks like we made the wrong kind of impression."
Ariadne narrowed her eyes. "What now?"
Helios grinned, fire glinting in his golden irises. "Now? We get our ship."
The weight of the Supreme Order's decree settled over the shipyard like a storm cloud. Whispers spread like wildfire, shipwrights and laborers glancing at Helios and his crew with a mix of fear, curiosity, and opportunistic greed. Some looked ready to flee, while others eyed them like bounties waiting to be claimed.
Bow cracked his knuckles, his grin widening. "Well, that didn't take long. Guess we're famous now."
Prometheus tensed, hands resting on the hilts of his twin blades. "Fame like this usually comes with a price."
Helios stepped forward, unshaken. "Let them come. But first, we need to find a shipwright who isn't scared of a little heat."
Ariadne scanned the gathering crowd. "We might have a problem. If word gets out that we're here, the Order will send enforcers."
Before Helios could reply, a deep, gravelly voice interrupted.
"If you lot need a ship, you'd best follow me. Now."
The voice belonged to a towering figure, his face hidden beneath the shadow of a wide-brimmed hat. His arms were thick with muscle, his skin darkened by years of working under the sun. He wore a long coat, its sleeves rolled up to reveal scarred forearms—evidence of a lifetime in the shipbuilding trade.
"And who are you?" Helios asked.
"Name's Kaine," the man said, not bothering to look back as he walked away. "If you want the best ship on this island, you're talking to him."
Helios, Bow, Prometheus, and Ariadne exchanged glances before following.
Kaine led them through the maze of shipyards, past massive vessels in various stages of construction. Sparks flew as metal was welded, saws buzzed as they cut through lumber, and the scent of oil and saltwater grew stronger.
"You're either bold or stupid for coming here," Kaine said over his shoulder. "The Supreme Order keeps an eye on this island. Not officially, but we know they've got informants lurking around. You lot showing up like this? That's just asking for trouble."
Helios smirked. "Trouble follows us anyway. Might as well get a ship out of it."
Kaine chuckled dryly. "Fair enough."
They arrived at a secluded dock, where an unfinished ship rested on scaffolding. Unlike the traditional galleons and warships surrounding it, this one had a sleek, almost predatory design. The hull was reinforced with dark metal plating, and the frame suggested both speed and durability.
Bow whistled. "That's a fine-looking ship. She yours?"
Kaine crossed his arms. "She will be. But if you want her, you're going to have to earn her."
Prometheus frowned. "Meaning?"
Kaine finally turned to face them fully, his eyes sharp. "The shipwrights here don't work for just anyone. You want this ship, you prove you're worth it."
Ariadne raised an eyebrow. "And how exactly do we do that?"
Kaine smirked. "Simple. You fight."
Before they could respond, a loud explosion rocked the shipyard. Smoke billowed from the far side of the island, and the sound of shouting filled the air.
Kaine's expression darkened. "Looks like you won't have to wait long to prove yourselves. The Order's already here."
Helios' eyes gleamed with excitement. "Good. Let's give them a warm welcome."