Published: July 4, 2025
"Indeed, there is an island."
"There is one hill-like mountain, but it's mostly a flat island."
Standing at the bow of the flagship, Abel and Ryo are gazing at the horizon.
The island is already visible without needing a telescope.
"It's just a normal island."
"Yes... I can't believe a patrol boat overlooked such an island."
"So it means the island must have appeared recently."
"That seems to be the case. However..."
"Ah, I can't see clearly yet, but I can see greenery."
"That's probably a forest or some sort of woods."
Admiral Myun and Captain Jun Kar are also discussing the island now visible on the horizon through their telescopes.
"Even if it has appeared recently, it could be something magical or sorcerous."
"Or it might have existed before but was [concealed]."
"I see. But to conceal an entire island of that size..."
"Even mages or sorcerers from Darwei would find it impossible."
The two are discussing various possibilities, though they haven't reached a solid conclusion.
Once they return to the imperial capital, they will need to report to the emperor.
Of course, the emperor will likely ask, "Why was this island not discovered until now?"
They need to prepare an answer for that.
Those who fumble in such situations cannot rise to high positions in a massive nation like Darwei...
"That means non-human beings are involved."
"That's undoubtedly true."
This is the conclusion reached by Admiral Myun and Captain Jun Kar.
This conclusion will also influence the actions of the detached fleet.
"Lord Rondo, the detached fleet will approach the island with only the flagship, considering possible contingencies. The other ships will remain offshore."
"Understood, I leave it to you. Don't worry about us; if you feel it's bad, just retreat. The two of us can manage somehow..."
Accepting Admiral Myun's suggestion, Ryo communicates to retreat if the situation requires.
If the detached fleet suffers damage by getting involved, it would leave a bad taste.
As they approach the island, more details come into view.
"There are ships anchored on the far side of the island."
"That's the fleet of the Komakyuta Feudal Kingdom and the Sujay Kingdom."
"That's a relief. Even if they release the people, we would have to claim damages if the ships were sunk."
"...What about the two from Ruri?"
"Yes. It's common sense for a working adult to compensate if they trouble others."
"Oh, yeah... that's true for humans. But those two aren’t human, so I feel like that won't apply."
"I see, indeed. It’s quite troublesome when common sense differs."
Ryo accepts Abel's observation.
It's likely challenging to have the common sense of humans accepted by those two who seem like water attribute monsters.
Because they are not human.
"At least, regarding the contents written in the duel challenge they sent, they will keep their promise."
"That's true. The release of hostages, and winning would yield valuable information for Darwei. I'm interested in that information."
The island has a pier where the detached fleet's flagship, a considerably large military vessel, can dock.
The flagship slowly approaches the shore.
From the deck, they can see the two standing on the pier.
There seems to be quite a number of people further in the distance.
Led by Ryo and Abel, people disembark from the flagship.
Of course, it's not everyone from the crew.
Only Admiral Myun and a select twenty who seem skilled in close combat.
The rest are watching from the flagship.
"Neither of them looks blue."
"Now that you mention it, they were blue the last time we met."
Ryo and Abel whisper to each other.
This time, the two from Ruri have skin color similar to humans... tanned wheat-colored.
"Ah, Abel and Ryo... cough cough, I'm glad you came... cough."
Welcoming them are Lau and Fan from the ghost ship Ruri.
Though Fan, who appears female, is merely waving silently.
However, the greeting man Lau...
"Lau, are you... okay?"
Abel can't help but voice his concern as Lau looks unwell.
He is coughing repeatedly.
And his left arm hangs limply as if dislocated from the shoulder.