The horizon was no longer empty.
The silhouette of Mad Treasure's ship had stopped being a distant speck and turned into something real—sails drawn tight, cannons ready. The wind wasn't on their side, and the sloop, no matter how well adjusted it was, wasn't built to outrun hunters.
—They're closing the distance —Nami said, eyes fixed ahead—. At this rate, they'll catch us before sunset.
Carina glanced back, biting her lip.
—And once we're in range… one shot and we're done.
The silence that followed was short, but heavy.
—Caelum —she added—. Can you give us more speed?
Caelum leaned against the railing, breathing slowly. It wasn't fear.
It was exhaustion.
—Maybe —he said at last—. But not for long.
He ran a hand over his face.
—If I push now, I'll burn out before this is over.
Nami didn't answer right away. She studied the sea, reading currents, wind… options.
—Two miles east, there's fog and reefs —she said finally—. If we get in there, that ship loses its advantage.
She turned to him.
—But we need them to stop focusing on us.
Caelum lifted his head, thought for a second… then nodded.
—I can distract them.
Both girls looked at him.
—I can't do anything big —he continued—. But I can make something visible.
He straightened up despite the fatigue.
—If we throw something overboard… I can make it glow. Like it's me.
A small smile appeared on Nami's face.
—Perfect.
—Carina, get the emergency raft ready. And light something that makes smoke.
—With pleasure —she replied, already moving.
The small raft was thrown into the water within seconds, with a burning barrel strapped on top.
Caelum raised his hand.
He felt the emptiness in his stomach before he even started.
He clenched his jaw.
A streak of energy leapt from his fingers, striking the raft. The air around it began to shimmer, glowing faintly—unstable, but noticeable.
From afar, it looked like a figure wrapped in light.
—Now —he said, voice tight.
—Turn! —Nami ordered.
The sloop shifted sharply, heading straight into the fog.
It worked.
At least on the main ship.
But not on everyone.
A fast boat cut through the mist and appeared right beside them.
—There they are!
A grappling hook flew through the air and slammed into the deck.
The impact echoed across the ship.
—Don't let them board! —Nami shouted.
Carina was already moving. She cut one rope cleanly and kicked a pirate straight in the face.
But it wasn't enough.
Two of them made it onto the deck.
Big men. Experienced. Armed—and not here to hesitate.
Caelum stepped forward.
He didn't think.
Didn't calculate.
He just moved.
The first pirate swung down hard. Caelum didn't block. His body simply gave way—turning into mist for a split second, letting the blade pass through him.
The pirate froze.
—What the—?!
Caelum was already acting.
He slammed his palm against the deck.
There was no explosion.
Just a pulse.
Something invisible spread across the surface.
Metal reacted instantly.
Weapons vibrated. Buckles burned. Muscles locked up under the sudden shock.
—Aaagh!
Both men dropped their swords at the same time.
Nami didn't hesitate. One clean strike to the head sent the first pirate overboard.
Carina moved faster than conscience. She snatched a pouch from the second one before kicking him off the ship.
—Thanks for the donation —she muttered.
The enemy boat pulled back soon after.
Not worth the risk.
Silence returned… heavier this time.
Caelum leaned against the mast.
Something warm ran down his lip.
Blood.
—…Great —he muttered.
Carina rushed over.
—Hey… you're actually bleeding.
—Yeah… noticed.
He tried to stay upright.
Didn't work.
—Just… tired —he said between breaths—. Nothing dramatic.
Nami looked at him from the helm.
Her expression had changed.
Not calculation anymore.
Something closer to respect.
—Carina, take him below —she said—. Water. Food.
—Got it.
Caelum tried to argue, but his legs had already made the decision for him.
Before everything went dark, he managed to mumble:
—Good job… professional thieves…
Carina let out a small laugh as she held him up.
—Get some rest, "responsible adult."
Above them, Nami adjusted their course.
The sloop disappeared into the fog and reefs.
For now… they were safe.
But not by luck.
This time, they survived because they fought together.
And that changed everything.