Capítulo 17: Shadowblight Empire
Splash…
The hull of the ship creaked as it continuously collided with the choppy waves.
The salty spray mingled with the crisp morning air, creating an invigorating ambiance on the bustling vessel.
Countless sailors moved with purpose, doing their every day duties on the dock. Crates were hoisted, nets were untangled, and the rhythmic clank of metal on metal echoed as they prepared for the day ahead.
While these seamen were busy with their tasks, a young man was sitting on top of the ship's mast.
His short silver hair billowed in the wind, catching the first rays of the rising sun and casting a metallic sheen that contrasted sharply with the azure sky.
His two golden eyes gazed at the horizon, glinting in the morning light, like polished amber.
His clothes, though worn and slightly damaged, were still quite decent compared to what they'd endured. These garments hung loosely on his frame, showcasing his thin, somewhat lean physique.
Yes, this young man is, indeed, me, Ash Morningstar.
A week has passed since the pirates unsuccessfully attacked Ebon Serpent and our vessel should already be nearing the shores of our destination soon.
"Finally…"
A sigh escaped my lips.
Except for the skirmish with the pirates, the journey itself was quite boring.
Although I should've had enough duties and work to keep myself occupied during the long days at sea to pay back for the ride, Captain Marlowe had none of that.
"You've done enough already, lad. Just relax for the trip."
He laughed and walked away, when I asked to help.
So, I was stuck staring at the endless sea for the majority of the time.
Fortunately, I wasn't prone to seasickness as that would've made the voyage even more unbearable.
Suddenly, the horizon began to shift, revealing the faintest outline of a distant shore.
Excitement flickered within me as the silhouette of land grew more distinct with each passing minute.
The ship's hull groaned, pressing forward through the tumultuous waves, the sea parting before it like a curtain unveiling the next act.
The Ebon Serpent surged onward, the sails catching the wind just right, propelling us steadily towards our destination.
I glanced down from my perch on the mast, surveying the activity below.
The crew, animated by the prospect of finally reaching port, worked with renewed vigor. The shouts of commands, the laughter, and the clamor of feet on the wooden deck created a symphony of maritime life.
A grin tugged at the corner of my lips.
It was time.
『 Vanish 』
My vision distorted for a moment as I transitioned from one part of the ship to another, reappearing on the bustling dock without so much as a ripple of disturbance.
The crew, oblivious to my sudden arrival among them, continued their preparations. I leaned casually against a nearby railing, watching as the shore drew nearer.
My eyes scanned the distant port, taking in the sprawling docks, the bustling markets, and the myriad of ships anchored there.
As we closed in on the port, the air grew thick with the mingled scents of salt, fish, and the faint whiff of spices.
The cacophony of the city began to reach our ears, a stark contrast to the rhythmic, almost hypnotic sounds of the open sea.
The ship's pace slowed, the sails were furled, and the crew's movements became more calculated and precise. I could see the dockworkers readying themselves for our arrival, ropes in hand, ready to secure the vessel.
"Land ho!"
Came the call from above, a signal that echoed through the ship and quickened the already frenetic pace of activity.
With a final creak and a gentle lurch, the Ebon Serpent nudged against the dock. The gangplank was lowered, and the crew began to disembark, their faces alight with the prospect of solid ground beneath their feet.
"Welcome to the Shadowblight Empire."
I turned to see Captain Marlowe standing beside me, his broad frame casting a long shadow in the morning light.
"A fine sight, isn't it?"
He remarked, his voice carrying the rough timbre of countless years at sea.
"Indeed it is, Captain."
I replied, my tone reflecting genuine appreciation.
"Thank you for the safe passage. I wouldn't have made it here without your help."
He waved a hand dismissively, a hearty chuckle escaping his lips.
"Think nothing of it, lad. You've proven your worth on this journey."
We stood in companionable silence for a moment, watching as the crew disembarked, each sailor eager to stretch their legs on solid ground.
"I suppose this is where we part ways."
I said, extending my hand towards him.
"Thank you again, Captain Marlowe."
He grasped my hand in a firm shake, his grip strong and reassuring.
"Take care. May your journey be filled with fair winds and calm seas. And remember, the Ebon Serpent always has a place for you, should you need it."
I nodded, feeling a sense of camaraderie with the seasoned sailor.
"Fair winds to you as well, Captain."
With that, I took a deep breath and stepped off the ship, my feet landing on the solid ground of the dock. The sensation was almost alien after weeks of the ship's constant motion, and I paused for a moment to steady myself.
"Solid ground, at last…"
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