[Aiden's POV]
"Two Celestials warred where sky met sea,
Their fury scarred the heavens for everyone to see.
The storm above kills all who venture into the air,
The sea threatens to devour, be it a brave commoner or the foolish heir.
The people may forget their name,
But the world remembers their battle, for they fought without any aim."
I recited a few lines from the lore.
"So there's a poem for it too, fancy. Did they really fight without any reason?" Thane questioned.
"No, they had a reason. It was to find out what happened if Celestial fought in the open environment," I answered.
"They sure seem interesting guys," he stated.
"They were foolish, after they fought each other and weakened themselves. They were ambushed and killed by their rivals. Do you know the title of the lore I spoke the lines from?" I questioned back.
"I am not good at guessing games," Thane muttered.
"The Foolish Celestials—is that enough for your curiosity?" I remarked.
"For now," he spoke.
"Master, he is just saying this because he wants to scavenge the remains of powerful dead people," Seraphine interjected.
"NO! Boss...that angel spawn is totally lying," Thane exclaimed.
"Ahh...let's start our sail first; I don't want to find out how much that Nathan has spread the rumors or truth," I stated.
Focusing on my inventory, I accessed the Aeon Tidebreaker. The next second, without a loud thump, it appeared in the sea in front of us.
The design was peculiar, to say the least. The vessel was slightly long with a sleek, predatory silhouette, resembling a cross between a sky-faring airship and a sea-version ship.
"It looks fantastic, boss," Thane exclaimed.
And I have to agree; its hull was layered with darkened timber reinforced with faintly silvered metal ribs that run like exposed bones along the sides.
There was subtle glow in the ribs when mana flowed, tracing subtle geometric patterns across the ship's body.
Along its flanks, folded wing structures rest flush against the hull. Its keel was deep and sharpened, likely made for cutting cleanly through waves.
A ladder appeared from its gate. "Let's take a look from the inside," I commented.
"Yes, master," Seraphine agreed and followed behind me.
As soon as I stepped inside the boat, my senses tingled for a moment when a metallic-looking humanoid suddenly appeared in my vision.
It looked like Seraphine was just about to take action when a strange voice entered my ears: "Greetings, Master Aiden, I am the Automated Butler of this vessel. Welcome on your first journey on the Aeon Tidebreaker."
'System?' I mentally asked.
[There's no need to worry, host; it comes with the ship.]
"More underlings for you boss," Thane remarked.
"Are you sure that thing is not dangerous? Although I don't feel any threat from it, I just wanted to be sure." Seraphine shared her view.
"It's okay, it comes with the ship; I guess I should have read the instructions manual first," I stated.
"Would you like the tour of this vessel before we begin our journey?" The metal humanoid spoke.
"Ahh...A.B., is it okay to call you that? Automated Butler feels a little weird to me," I spoke somewhat hesitantly.
"Accepting A.B. as designation from Master Aiden," it spoke, almost like reiterating to itself.
"So can we start sailing while we tour the ship, A.B.?" I asked.
"Prepping the vessel for immediate departure, need destination?" A.B. spoke.
"Demon continent Kronesthion, do I need to give exact coordinates or something?" I answered.
"Destination, Demon continent Kronesthion finalized, searching the radar for destination...found. Setting sail for. Welcome aboard the Tidebreaker; we may not be the fastest, but we are the safest." A.B. was greeted again after accepting to sail.
At the same moment, I felt the slight shift, the starting push for a moment. But it became totally silent again; I doubted for a second.
"Are we really moving, A.B.?" I asked.
"Affirmative, Master Aiden. That earlier shift was our engine adjusting to the sea and starting for the first time," it explained.
"Please follow me as I give you the tour of this fine vessel." It added.
Nodding, I followed with Seraphine in tow.
"You can get off the master's body now, Evil Bones, and stay like that until we reach the other shore." She reminded.
Begrudgingly, Thane manifested in his real form beside us as we walked.
"Tsk...what a troublesome woman," Thane muttered. I ignored their chatter as I followed A.B.
We arrived at the deck of the ship first; the deck was clean and uncluttered, with recessed railings and sealed cargo hatches. At the center was a compact bridge tower capped with a faceted crystal canopy for a clear view.
A.B. explained a bit about the ship; however, it's one line that reinforced my feelings as I entered the deck.
"This ship is protected by a regular mana force field capable of withering the toughest storms and waves. It's even capable of defending itself against small attacks." A.B. explained.
"So, it was a force field tingling my senses," I muttered.
We continued the tour as A.B. showed us the empty mess hall and multiple rooms along with it. I even saw the enigmatic engine operating this ship. I gave 10 A-rank stones as fuel for the engine; it sure wasn't cheap.
After finalizing the tour, Seraphine and Thane stayed behind in the quarters for a bit. I stood at the deck of the ship as moist air caressed my cheeks while my thoughts churned.
About the confrontation with Nathan, the dangers of the tournament, and the Demon continent itself. However, I was completely unaware of the danger approaching.
– – –
[3rd Person POV]
More than 20 ships were huddled together but still at some distance, floating without bumping into each other. Among all the ships, one stood out more than the rest. It was almost twice as long as the rest of the ships.
The ship itself gave the feeling like it was the head of the ships around. It was the ship of one of the dreaded pirates of this route. He didn't rob general ships or merchant vessels, well, unless he was too bored.
He was famous for robbing and hunting nobles and rich ships. Many nobles rerouted their ships to avoid his area.
Currently, he was seated comfortably in his chair in the captain's cabin with his legs resting leisurely on the table.
Suddenly, a knock on the door disturbed his rest.
"It better be important; otherwise, you may lose a few fingers," the dreadful pirate threatened.
"We have received some interesting information from our guys on land," spoke the man from outside.
"Enter," he permitted.
The man entered with his eyes down and head bowed and put a piece of paper on the table. The pirate lazily took the paper, like he was too bored to act unless something caught his interest.
However, that changed the second he read the news in the paper. His earlier lazy demeanor was replaced by excitement, visible from his grinning face and crazy glint in his eyes.
"An Arclight, huh?" He muttered.
"Well, I never met an Arclight before. Unless it's the family head himself. I ought to greet such precious noble people myself." He spoke with a hint of fake respect.
"Ready the boys; we are hunting an Arclight for the next few days," he ordered. The man immediately bolted to comply after listening to the order.
"The skies may belong to the Storm, but the Sea is of Pirates," he stated as he reverted to his earlier position, waiting to face his prey.