Waves lapped gently against the sides of the ship, creating a rhythmic sound like the heartbeat of the ocean. Pale sunlight filtered through thin clouds, warming the deep blue surface of the sea. The vessel glided slowly, hugging the cliffs that rose like ancient fortress walls.
Molvar sat with his chin resting on a crate, watching seagulls wheel in the sky before glancing at Karl with a puzzled look.
"I still don't get it… Why not travel by land? If we're only heading to the first fortress, we didn't have to sail through this endless sea, did we?"
Karl stood nearby, one hand resting on the hilt of his sword, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. The sea breeze tugged at his black cloak. Hearing the question, he tilted his head slightly and replied:
"Valon is surrounded by towering cliffs. No trails, no passes. The only way out… is by sea."
Molvar raised a brow. "Couldn't someone climb them?"
"Many tried. None returned," Karl answered plainly. "The cliffs rise hundreds of meters high, topped by dense mist. It's not a place for the reckless."
Molvar snorted. "Hmph, another charming feature of this strange land."
Karl let out a small chuckle. "Enel is full of strange things. You'll get used to it."
The journey had been calm—deceptively so—until Karl suddenly looked up, eyes narrowing sharply. He turned toward the starboard side of the ship, his body tensing.
Molvar noticed the shift and stood up instantly.
"What is it?" he asked, hand gripping his sword.
Karl didn't answer right away. He pointed at the sea.
"I sense something... moving under the water. Fast. Strong."
They rushed to the ship's side just as the ocean began to churn, spiraling into a small whirlpool—then BOOM!
A massive column of water shot skyward. From within it burst a monstrous creature—a sea beast longer than the ship itself, its gray-scaled body glistening ominously in the pale light. Bladed fins and glowing red eyes gave it the appearance of a nightmare given form.
"A sea monster? Now that's more like it!" Molvar let out a laugh, drawing his blade.
Karl's voice was sharp. "Don't underestimate it. That's a Curse-Touched Leviathan. They only show up near cursed sea borders."
The beast roared and hurled itself toward the ship.
Molvar didn't hesitate. He leapt from the deck to the prow, sword flashing like lightning. The steel blade met the creature's tough hide with a spark—but only managed a shallow cut.
"It's hard as stone!" he snarled, dodging a massive tail swipe that nearly shattered the ship's rail.
Karl stood firm amid the deck, arms spread as gravity warped around him. The air grew heavy; pressure sank toward the sea, stalling the beast mid-lunge.
"Molvar, aim for its eyes!"
"Got it, captain-that's-not-a-captain!" Molvar grinned wide, launching forward like an arrow.
The creature let out a roar, its red eyes glowing as they fired beams of blackened sound—crushing sonic waves that shattered the rear mast.
Karl surged forward, gathering gravity into his right arm and punched the air.
BOOM! A gravity blast slammed the leviathan's jaw, making it reel back.
Molvar didn't miss his chance. He vaulted onto the monster's head, driving his sword straight through one of its eyes.
The sea beast howled in agony, thrashing wildly before diving into the depths, leaving behind a long, dark trail of blood.
Silence fell over the ship.
Karl exhaled slowly, retracting the field of force. "We can't let our guard down. Not even for a second."
Molvar collapsed onto the deck, panting. "If things like that are still roaming around Enel… this trip's gonna be a hell of a ride."
The sun dipped low on the horizon, painting the sky in brilliant hues of orange and gold. The waves lapped gently against the hull, singing a quiet, soothing melody. The breeze tousled Karl's hair, tinged with salt, yet oddly comforting.
Molvar lay flat on the deck, hands behind his head. "Mmm... Nothing beats lying down after surviving a sea monster. Especially under a sunset like this."
Karl leaned against the railing, his gaze drifting toward the horizon. "The ocean is vast. Every time I'm out here, I feel... small."
"Small? Nah," Molvar chuckled. "You just scared off a beast the size of a house. That's not small."
Karl offered a faint smile, saying nothing.
Far ahead, the last rays of sunlight shimmered on the water, sparkling like a thousand scattered gemstones. The ship glided silently, wrapped in a rare moment of serenity amidst the chaos of their journey.