Chapter 56: On the Ship
As they were about to board, Xio turned back for a final glance at the island town behind them. A sudden pang of reluctance and nostalgia swept through her.
This was her first adventure at sea—and what an adventure it had been. Excitement and danger had followed her at every turn, leaving memories that refused to fade.
"Labyrinth Tower challenges, fighting countless magical creatures, exploring isolated island caves… any one of these recounted to Fors might spark a torrent of inspiration…" Xio thought, reflecting on the past few days. It all felt like a dream from her childhood.
"What are you thinking about?" Enber noticed her distant gaze and asked with a light smile.
"Ever since I met you, it seems like extraordinary things just keep happening. My life doesn't feel real anymore…" Xio admitted. It wasn't a complaint; she was simply recognizing the stark contrast between her current thrilling experiences and her formerly monotonous work as an arbitration clerk.
And this was just the beginning. When she becomes the Tarot Club's "Judgment" or rather, when she met Miss Justice through Fors then life would truly be exhilarating: investigating the offspring of dark gods, tracking king of angels, occasionally hunting demigods… Compared to that, this little trip was child's play.
Enber silently scoffed at the thought but outwardly asked, "You don't dislike adventures, do you?"
"Of course not…" Xio shook her head, then adopted a serious expression. "But I have to return to my previous life… I have to investigate… the truth!"
"Don't push yourself too hard. Our adventures aren't over yet! Maybe by the time we reach Blacklund, you'll have gathered the ingredients for the 'Sheriff' potion!" Enber reassured her.
Truth didn't matter as much as power. If the opponent were a demigod, Enber could lay out the sequence of events in minutes, but the enemies xio didn't know about were way above that, this was a conspiracy for George lll to ascend to Godhood. Not knowing who the enemy is good for her.
"I know Enmat Harbor well. It won't be much of an adventure there," Xio said, regaining some composure, teasing Enber lightly.
"Look at your ticket. Say the name of the ship we're taking, and you'll see our journey is far from over." Enber waved the ticket with a knowing smirk.
"'White Agate'… Arlean?" Xio's eyes widened. She had read in the Labyrinth Tower records that the protagonist became the captain of the White Agate at the story's end.
"This is incredible… Could the Tower really influence fate? Such coincidences aren't possible otherwise," Xio said in disbelief.
"The most likely explanation," Enber speculated, "is that when it provides information aligned with our expectations, it does so based on us. It won't give you a story about someone completely unrelated to you." This aligned with the abilities of the White Tower pathway at higher ranks.
"So… that's why you said Miss Sherman might meet me in the future? You already suspected it back then?" Xio suddenly realized.
I didn't have to guess—I knew, because you already recognized him, Enber thought silently, saying nothing aloud.
"Then, what do you think I might gain from Captain Aelran?" Xio asked, thoughtful for a moment.
"Perhaps a clue about another ingredient you need… or… information regarding your father's case?" Enber replied cautiously. Aelran was probably a peripheral intelligence officer—he wouldn't know top-level secrets. But one could never be entirely sure.
Xio seemed to have guessed this too and, was unshaken, and said, "So you do know my background!"
"Your instructor already called you Miss Diel, how could I not know?" Enber shrugged casually.
"I always felt you knew all along!" Xio said, pausing before asking, "My father's injustice… it's connected to the military, right?"
Not entirely correct, but close enough. Muttering inwardly Enber countered with another question, "Why do you guess that?"
"You hinted at it several times before, subtly enough that I didn't notice. But Aelran… I read about his early life. His only background is military, so you must have guessed he might know about my father's case!" Xio's eyes shone, feeling closer than ever to the truth.
"Could it be… my father discovered the military helping in human trafficking, so he was framed?" Xio asked, staring at Enber.
Enber didn't want to deceive her and chose to remain silent.
Xiou frowned slightly, disappointed. "Then my guess isn't correct… the truth must be far more shocking if even you can't say it…"
"That's because we're too weak…" Enber said after a pause, then added, "Become a demigod. Only then can we have any real leverage in this matter."
"A demigod… only then can we intervene?" Xiou's expression flickered thinking of the underlying meaning in Enber's words, then her face hardened with determination.
---
Upon stepping onto the deck, before entering the cabins, Enber caught a familiar figure moving through the crowd toward him.
A familiar voice called out: "Enber! From afar, I thought it was you—didn't expect it really is! What are you doing in Damir? Traveling with your 'shooting coach'? Still haven't outgrown your quirks!"
The speaker was unmistakably Aetris, the second-generation police officer Enber recognized. Though now he had run away from home, no longer a cop.
"Why aren't you speaking? Forget it—if you were going to lecture me about going back, don't bother!" Aetris's tone dropped, losing the previous warmth he had for meeting and old friend.
Enber glanced at his attire and demeanor, then said thoughtfully, "I've met Miss Gwen before. She's doing far better than you!"
Both had run away from home, but planning made all the difference.
The words stung, yet Aetris seemed energized, pouting, "I'll surpass her one day!" He exclaimed in excitement.
"What are you doing now? Adventuring?" Enber asked curiously.
"Being an adventurer isn't easy… can't even afford a ticket!" Aetris grumbled. Then he turned and pointed to another part of the deck. "I'm a temporary bodyguard for this family on their trip to Enmat Harbor."
Following his gesture, Enber saw eight people grouped together. At the center stood a middle-aged gentleman in double-breasted formalwear, a golden chain watch visible hanging by his side, a gemstone-encrusted lapel pin. Beside him, a woman with a wide-brimmed hat had her face hidden beneath navy silk, her figure graceful.
In front of them were three children: an older boy of ten, dressed in a tailored tailcoat, handsome even at his age, and twin girls, four or five, smiling with dimples.
Around them, three servants—one man, two women—handled luggage and belongings. Two of the maids' skin tones suggested they were from the southern continent.
"Just you guarding so many?" Enber asked casually.
"Short trip… and there are many adventurers on this ship. They generally have reputations, so it's safe. Regular pirates wouldn't dare," Etrisse explained.
Enber noticed many passengers dressed lightly, efficiently, all appearing to be adventurers with sharp gazes and composed poise. He had initially assumed it was a fashion trend overseas. Now, he realized—they were truly all adventurers.
"Wondering why so many adventurers are on the same ship?" a teasing voice suddenly came from behind.
Enber frowned. Too many overly friendly people today. Yet he turned.
The speaker was a young man with golden hair, green eyes sharp and attentive. He smiled warmly. "I know why, but I won't tell you!"
A perfect combination of charm and provocation. Surely a hunter, Enber thought.
Etrisse, meanwhile, marveled: "Brother, you're better than me! Since adventuring at sea, my temper's improved."
"That's because your power isn't enough… could affect your performance!" the young man replied with a grin.
Enber studied him and a faint familiarity struck—he recalled the original story. "Anderson Hood?" he asked tentatively.
"You recognized me?" Anderson first seemed surprised, then smiled knowingly. "Well, of course—among demigods, I'm the strongest hunter. Recognizing me is natural."
Enber internally scoffed at the theatrics but nodded. "Since you're Anderson, now I know why all these adventurers gathered here… someone must have summoned you."
According to the original story, the summoner was heading to explore the Divine War Ruins sea zone… but ultimately, except for Anderson, everyone else was wiped out.
(End of Chapter)