Published: August 13, 2025
Everyone except the crew had no work to do on the ship.
Therefore, the Royal Knight Order and others were swinging their swords around.
Ryo, as usual, created an ice desk and chair, and was fiddling with an ice tablet there.
By the way, Abel was relaxing at the same desk after a good while of sword swinging.
“Abel, I know you’re peeking.”
“No, I was just a little curious.”
Ryo said in a heavy tone, pointing this out without taking his eyes off the ice tablet, and Abel answered without any shame.
“I don’t know exactly what you’re doing, but this is from the Neil Anderson, right?”
“Eh!”
Surprised by Abel’s remark, Ryo looked up.
His expression was one of genuine astonishment.
“How did you know?”
“Just a feeling.”
“You often surprise me, Abel... but this time, it’s the highest level of surprise.”
Ryo’s gaze was almost at the point of seeing something terrifying beyond comprehension.
That was natural.
Ryo’s magic formulas were never friendly to others.
And yet, Abel, who couldn’t even do alchemy, was peering into them and somehow understanding what kind of magic formulas they were… specifically, the Kasumigaseki network automatic defense system program written in LISP without any explanatory comments.
To understand what was going on just by looking at a program like that—that was an incredibly difficult feat Abel had pulled off.
The magic formulas of the Neil Anderson, which should have been puzzlingly complex, were understood by Abel.
“Actually, the Abel in front of me might not be the real Abel but someone who swapped places with alchemist Abel somewhere…”
“Hmm, I don’t get it.”
“Because if someone’s the king, a swordsman, and also has knowledge about alchemy, that’s no longer human.”
“Right, don’t worry, I’m human.”
“No, you must be an impostor.”
Abel declared firmly, and Ryo did the same.
Each declared opposing statements.
“Well, anyway, this is about the Neil Anderson, right?”
“Yes, that’s certain.”
“My intuition was pretty good this time.”
Abel looked happy.
He just had a vague feeling from looking at Ryo’s magic formulas.
But he was pleased that the ‘feeling’ wasn’t wrong.
Ryo gave up on the impostor Abel theory and decided to explain.
“When we came, we had information that krakens were lurking. Naturally, as we head north, there’s a fair chance we’ll run into them. Of course, I’ve heard that the Fundebie Kingdom is making some preparations, but…”
“Ryo has been saying all along that we need to be able to defeat multiple krakens. So that’s the preparation.”
“Yes, yes. That’s exactly why the Neil Anderson has been upgraded.”
“I see.”
Abel nodded at Ryo’s words.
He also understood how troublesome krakens were.
One alone was tough enough, but if there were several… it would be a hopeless situation.
“Facing multiple opponents won’t be easy, right?”
“Of course not. But since we first built the Neil Anderson, I’ve gained a lot of experience. I’m applying knowledge obtained from the Eastern Nations and this dark continent. I have a plan.”
Ryo nodded firmly.
The sight of the Rondo-class first ship Rondo sinking was unforgettable.
Perhaps it spurred Ryo’s growth in alchemy.
“But that doesn’t mean I’m thankful to those monsters!”
“Y-yeah.”
The concern became reality two days later.
“The Papal Barge Archangel has changed plans and will anchor off the town of Machun.”
“Understood. Let me know when you find out why the schedule changed.”
Captain Paulina reported to Abel.
Ryo, who was listening nearby, reacted.
“Could it be...?”
“Yeah, the possibility of krakens is real.”
Abel agreed with Ryo’s concern.
After a while, Captain Paulina approached.
“Your Majesty, Archangel has contacted us. The reason for stopping is the high likelihood of a kraken group ahead on the route.”
“Just as we thought.”
“They want us to leave dealing with them to France.”
“Oh… the rumored ones, huh. Understood. Reply that we will observe.”