Chapter 24: The 24th is Coming

Chapter 24: Something Big is Coming

Back on the ship, Dakus washed his hair and soaked in a hot bath.

Looking at the crack in the webbing of his right hand, Dakus mused to himself, "I'm still too amateur. Look at the Heil brothers next door—they could take down a Greater Daemon of Slaanesh at sixteen, while I can't even beat a mere Knight. I need to practice more diligently and experience more battles of life and death."

His whole body ached. After confirming that Flanes was no longer in life-threatening danger, he ate something and went to sleep.

The following days were simple: stewing geese and ducks, and frying eggs to his heart's content. Every morning, he woke up early to spar with Rain, Dustan Cold-Eye, Edmond, and Calion, experiencing different martial arts techniques and combat styles. He had previously thought that dual-wielding was brainless—possessing only aesthetic value without practical combat significance—but after sparring, he realized that wasn't the case.

In the evenings, he practiced archery. As an elf of Nagarythe blood, it was only logical that he would be proficient with a bow, especially with the blessing of Moraiig Heg. There was no need to practice repeating hand crossbows; even a child in Druzhic society could use one. Repeating crossbows were nothing special; longbows offered much better value.

Taking the opportunity, he raided two nearby islands. Learning that one of the local Knights was a registered strategic partner of the Druzhic, Dakus decided to bring him back to experience the hospitality and superb skills of the Naggaroth people.

They were chased by the Bretonnian navy for another day, but the opponents gave up once they realized they couldn't catch up.

The ship was packed to the brim, and the monsoon had arrived! Time to head back—home!

If there was any regret, it was that he didn't get to see Hepans and her Lion Knights. Barring any accidents, he likely wouldn't have the chance to see them again.

As they approached the waters near the Isle of Albion, Dustan Cold-Eye informed him that a mysterious island had suddenly appeared on the horizon. Aside from the immobile Flanes, everyone else came out to watch. They even brought out the Dark Pegasus and prepared the small boats, waiting only for Dakus's command.

Facing this sudden, massive opportunity!

Dakus didn't want to look for trouble. He expressed no interest and suggested they just observe. Sure enough, three hours later, the mysterious island that had suddenly appeared suddenly and mysteriously vanished, just like a mirage.

In the cabin, Flanes lay on the bed staring at the ceiling; his sister had just finished changing his bandages. Rain had borrowed a few sheets of paper from Dustan Cold-Eye and was sketching something alone. Alissa, having finished the medical care, leaned beside Rain, watching him draw.

Rain glanced at her and asked, "What do you think of my drawing?"

"It's very good. Can you teach me?"

At those words, Rain stopped his pen and looked at her seriously. Flanes, lying on the bed, also turned his head to look at her.

Rain sighed and said, "Sister, I understand, but..." He trailed off halfway, looking at his older brother, implying that he couldn't say the next words himself and that it was up to the eldest brother to speak.

Flanes weighed his words and said earnestly, "My dear sister, don't even think about it. It's impossible." He then sighed and added, "Don't you feel that the Master is constantly avoiding you? He is from the House of Hell's Calamity; he cannot decide such things. He is destined to marry into a powerful noble family."

Rain added at that moment, "Sister, it's just that your brothers are too weak. I'm sorry."

Alissa said nothing; she lowered her head and walked out of the cabin.

"Sigh."

Flanes said coldly, "It's better to break her hopes now. Otherwise, it would only lead to the tragedy of the Black Blade. I always felt that when the Master was speaking during dinner that night, he was actually speaking to me."

On the sea, an Empire Galleon was sailing against the wind.

These Imperial explorers had set out from Marienburg in the Empire, heading toward Lothern in Ulthuan. The current Phoenix King was Bell Hador, not Finuvar, who was likely still in the Old World tasting Burgmann beer.

Due to certain decrees, the Asur forbade them from landing, but they did provide some supplies. Unwilling to return empty-handed, the explorers continued with the monsoon, sailing to the continent of Lustria and landing at Raider's Port.

They ventured deep into the jungles of Lustria. After losing half their men, they discovered an abandoned city. In the city, they found vast amounts of gems, gold, and several mysterious gold-inlaid stone tablets.

On the return journey, strange-looking creatures pursued and attacked them. Relying on the advantage of their firearms, and despite losing more men, they repelled the monsters' assault and even captured one.

Upon returning to Raider's Port, the local administrators and pirates demanded half of the treasure. Unwilling to part with their hard-won spoils, the explorers engaged in a series of deceptive negotiations, then took advantage of a lapse in security to force their way out of the port, fighting off the pursuing pirates.

The ship sailed toward Ulthuan, resupplied in Lothern, and then began heading north toward Marienburg. They were almost home; the treasures on board were enough to ensure they would live in luxury for the rest of their lives and be famous throughout the world.

One day, just as dawn broke and the ship was sailing normally, the lookout on the mast suddenly spotted a black three-masted sailing ship on the horizon.

What a coincidence—that black sailing ship was exactly the one Dakus was on, and the lookout on his mast spotted them as well.

Dakus was still sleeping when a series of urgent, heavy knocks on the door startled him awake. He grabbed the repeating hand crossbow beside him, disengaged the safety, and aimed it at the door.

More heavy knocks came from outside, even more urgent this time.

Roaring with morning irritability, Dakus yelled, "Dammit, who is it?"

A voice came from outside: "Sorry, Young Master, it's me, Dustan! We've spotted an Imperial Galleon coming from the south!"

Hearing this, Dakus snapped awake. He put down the crossbow, rubbed his eyes, and said, "Chase them down. I need to get armored first."

The ship's alarm bells rang. Aside from the incapacitated Flanes, all the Druzhic crew took their positions. The canvas covering the Reaper Bolt Thrower was stripped away, and they rolled up their sleeves, ready for their favorite part.

Once fully dressed, Dakus walked onto the deck and took the monocular from Dustan Cold-Eye to observe for a while. After scanning through various maneuvers without understanding a thing, he handed the telescope back.

"What's the situation?"

Dustan Cold-Eye's face was filled with joy as he smiled and said, "Young Master! Look at that ship's waterline. If I'm not mistaken, that should be a treasure ship!"

Hearing this, Dakus's spirits rose. This wasn't some strange ghost ship or a mysterious island; who wouldn't want a windfall like this?

"Good heavens, it really is 'seize rather than sow.' Let's get them!"