[I've always wanted to set sail, to search for the whereabouts of my parents. Even if they're no longer around, I still want to find the answers.]
[But...]
At this point, Lina hesitated, falling silent.
Hearing Lina's words, Rogel felt a stirring in his heart.
This game has such a high degree of freedom, so maybe I could try inviting an NPC to become my partner for the voyage?
After all, many hands make light work. While my game character can do a lot of things, some tasks simply can't be accomplished alone.
The skilled healer Lina before me seems to be a good choice.
However, Lina seems to have her reservations.
[Perhaps we could go to sea together. I really need a ship doctor like you.]
Rogel attempted to extend the invitation.
But he felt Lina might not agree so easily.
As expected, Lina smiled softly.
[I'm glad you invited me, but I don't have any such plans right now, at least not yet.]
[If I do in the future, I think I'll consider it.]
With that, Lina shifted the topic, seemingly not wanting to continue discussing the voyage for the time being.
Rogel wisely didn't press further, as he only needed to express his willingness.
The two chatted for a while longer.
Rogel then brought up the subject of extraordinary powers with Lina.
[Extraordinary powers...speaking of which, I've heard some rumors.]
[It's said that beyond the sea fog of the Five Major Seas, some people possess powers beyond the norm. They can summon storms or control minds.]
[A few years ago, a fleet came to Sea Serpent Island, and their captain seemed to be such a person. But this is merely what I've heard.]
Discussing the mysterious extraordinary power seemed to pique Lina's curiosity.
Yet, whether in the Harmony Sea Area or other seas among the Five Major Seas, extraordinary powers remain mere rumors, seen by very few.
After chatting for a while more, Lina mentioned that it was getting late, and she had to return to the clinic. She told Rogel to find her there if needed.
Rogel agreed readily.
After bidding farewell to Lina, he headed to the shipbuilder and the blacksmith.
[A large ship that can accommodate five or six people?]
[It costs at least fifty gold coins, and we lack the materials right now. It'll take some time before we can start.]
In the shipyard of Sea Serpent Island, Boatman Felix said matter-of-factly, cigarette dangling from his mouth, hands busy, not even glancing up.
Rogel nodded in understanding.
Earlier in the tavern, he had gotten a decent grasp of this world's pricing.
First off, there are three denominations of currency in the game world: Copper Coins, Silver Coins, and Gold Coins, with an exchange rate of one hundred.
The annual expenses for an average family are typically just a few gold coins.
Rogel's wallet currently held a balance of 60 Silver Coins and 82 Copper Coins, far from being able to purchase a large ship.
Of course, Rogel didn't expect to get a large ship immediately; he just wanted to know the price, with another matter being more important.
[Mr. Felix, are you accepting apprentices?]
Rogel planned to learn skills himself to upgrade on his own, possibly saving a large sum of money.
Upon hearing this, Felix paused his work, wiped his hands with a cloth, and looked at Rogel.
Rogel originally thought he would hear something like "Want to learn my craft? It's not that easy."
Unexpectedly, Felix straightforwardly gave a price.
[Ten Silver Coins per month.]
Rogel paid without hesitation, and Felix told him to choose a time to come by tomorrow.
He then followed Lina's directions to Blacksmith Chad's shop.
Compared to Boatman Felix, Blacksmith Chad was somewhat more enthusiastic.
[Ah, a young man fresh from the sea. What would you like to buy?]
After some chatting, Rogel had a rough idea of the weapons shop's pricing.
Dagger: 3 Silver Coins, Cleaver: 8 Silver Coins, Flintlock Guns: 5 Gold Coins, along with some armor and protective gear, priced even higher, and custom weapon equipment is also available.
After a moment of contemplation, Rogel took out a rusted knife from his pocket.
[Please repair this knife for me.]
Blacksmith Chad was a bit speechless. Truly a frugal young man.
After handing over the rusted knife along with the repair fee to Chad, Rogel left the weapon shop and headed back to the small boat at the dock.
There were rooms available in the tavern, but they cost money.
Rogel had no intention of spending needless expenses. Sleeping on his small boat was much cozier.
Just as Rogel was about to board the ship, a familiar figure with hands behind his back stopped him.
[Come sleep in the house.]
Old Nelson said this and entered the room without giving Rogel a chance to refuse.
Rogel felt a wave of emotion.
"Meow~"
The little orange cat meowed, following Rogel into Old Nelson's wooden cabin.
...
The night passed, and the sun rose.
Rogel got up to find a cooked fish on the table, presumably the breakfast Old Nelson prepared.
As for Old Nelson, he must have already gone out.
Rogel didn't stand on ceremony and left the wooden cabin after finishing his breakfast.
Leaving behind a note, Rogel decided to head out to sea for fishing and treasure hunting.
"Don't keep sleeping, Big Orange."
Before leaving, Rogel chuckled and, despite the struggle, brought the sleepy little orange cat onto the boat.
Big Orange was the name Rogel casually gave to the little orange cat.
Before long, Rogel was sailing a small boat to an area not far from Sea Serpent Island.
Here was an island composed of rocks.
After tying the small boat with a rope, Rogel once again sent out a sea fish clone for underwater exploration.
Meanwhile, he began fishing on the island.
Currently, with a level 4 Fishing Skill complemented by his talents, Rogel seldom hooked trash.
The worst he got was sea fish.
He could even occasionally catch some more valuable fish.
[You caught: Sea Fish ×1.]
[You caught: White Squid ×1.]
...
Time gradually passed.
The seabed treasure Rogel longed for still hadn't appeared.
Not even those item-holding skeletons were in sight.
This left Rogel a bit frustrated.
But he understood this was entirely normal.
In the Harmony Sea Area, many people have the habit of going underwater to fish and even dive.
If there were any particularly precious treasures, they'd most likely be deep in the ocean.
However, his current game character couldn't dive very deep.
Unless he possesses a special creature clone.
Blip.
While Rogel was mulling this over, the fishing rod's float bobbed.
The little fellow skillfully released the line, reeled it in, and finally raised the rod.
Rogel hadn't been too expectant.
But to his surprise, this time, he struck gold!
["Fishing Master" Talent Effect Triggered!]
[You caught a Special Artifact: Magic Potion—Intern.]
[Fishing Skill experience increased, current level lv6.]