[Seraphine's POV]
The sudden blaring alarm disturbed my rest as I was lying on the bed. Immediately, I got up and hurried towards the Automated Butler's room. I also saw Master Aiden coming; I entered the room after him.
In the room, A.B. was speaking in a monotonous voice; the master quickly asked the questions to ascertain the situation. As I heard about ships approaching, my attention shifted as ways to prioritize master's safety started running in my mind.
After hearing from A.B., we made our way to the deck. I even asked about the ships belonging to the demon continent ruling force, which I also didn't believe much. He totally rejected this thought process.
From the deck, I could see the silhouettes of multiple ships closing in on us from three sides. We could only move forward; even with our increased speed. One ship, especially larger in size than us, was gaining on us.
The stranger markings near his eyes shone slightly in the dark as he was looking at the coming ships.
It was probably some kind of his special ability; I had noticed a similar type of marking on both his hands. But I still refrained from inquiring about them.
"It's the pirates and we are being ambushed." He stated, his fist clenched.
"Seraphine, you are our attacking personnel, so get ready. I am trying something it may turn out to be helpful or not," he added further as he looked at me.
"I am always ready Master Aiden," I enthusiastically replied.
He nodded, but I noticed his tensed body and his thoughts raging behind that silent demeanor.
"Thane, you will be on control and defence. You will defend this ship, in case a fight breaks out." He ordered bones, which was uncharacteristically accepted without his usual quips or remarks.
"Follow me to the mess hall," Master spoke as he walked with quick steps; I followed behind him hurriedly.
As we reached the hall, he turned one chair and sat opposite the table. Before I could ask him about what he said on the deck, suddenly a bright light erupted in front of us.
Unaware of the nature of the light, I shielded him.
"No need to worry about them; they are summons; they won't harm me," he spoke. I eased a little but was still attentive.
A humanoid shape appeared as the light subsided, a girl with elven ears and green eyes and green gown which was slightly covered with twigs and branches.
"Britany the dryad greets Master Aiden," she spoke bowing her head lightly.
"Welcome, please wait a moment," he answered gesturing to move besides me.
"Greetings," she addressed me.
"Hello, I am Seraphine Vaelron, his maid," I answered.
Before she could answer further, a bright line erupted again. However, this time the lights were numerous and one after one. A total of eight more glowing spots appeared before it stopped.
Suddenly, the room looked lively, and 9 people, including Britany, filled the room. All of them looked entirely different; I even noticed a spirit among them.
Now, I understood the meaning behind 'trying something' Master mentioned.
"Everyone, I know this is a bit abrupt for you guys, but we are in a situation, and I need your help. I didn't want to bring you guys into such an environment; however, I hope you guys help us to get past this storm." Master Aiden addressed the group.
"I know your names and a few abilities, but anyone who can actively fight, please step forward," he added.
"I can't fight much directly, but I will help however I can," Britany spoke first.
"Hyuu! I am excited to be alive again, too. I will freeze whoever you want, nice mister. Hehe," the tiny ice spirit floating beside Britany spoke second.
"What a tiny fly like you can do?" a taunt came from a noble looking knight with a smug face.
"Why are so mean to Felicia, mister? I am a high-level ice spirit; I am sure I could be of help to the nice mister," the ice spirit, Felicia, replied.
"I am just a chef; I don't know how to fight. Could I just stay here and wait?" a girl with a white dress and a long white hat spoke.
They all had their opinions; I noticed Master looking in the air, probably at his system screen. He didn't even focus on hearing their chatter much.
Noticing the situation, I took the reigns. I released a bit of my aura; the next moment, everyone became silent. They were much weaker than me, so subduing them was easier.
"Master Aiden asked you one question. So your answer should be 'Yes, I can fight,' or 'No, I can't fight,' or 'Yes, I can fight, but I don't want to because I have tantrums."
"If you speak anything outside these lines, be ready to receive a thorough beating from me afterwards," I slightly threatened them.
Suddenly, Master Aiden stood up. "Thanks, Seraphine," he spoke as he made his way towards the deck. "Those who are ready to fight, follow me to the deck. The rest of you guys can take it easy; I will not force you to fight." He added.
With this he exited the mess hall; I followed behind him. I remembered this scene, despite having summoned us and having some control over us. He still gave me a choice and treated me as an equal companion from then on.
The grip on my sword tightened as I remembered my vow.
"You are so cool and powerful too. Can I call you sister? I am a high-level ice spirit, Felicia," she spoke as she appeared beside me.
"Thank you for your help, and yes, you can," I answered, looking at her as she looked at me with those cute blue eyes.
However, just as we entered the deck, the atmosphere shifted. I could feel the threat approaching us; the big ship was almost at our tail.
"Reinforcements, Boss?" Thane asked.
"Yeah, you and those four will defend the ship when attacked," Master explained, pointing at the group that followed us. Almost all combatant types came; some still had that forced look on their face, but at the current time, the number mattered.
"Seraphine, Felicia, and I will be the attack force," he added.
"Hyuu! Nice mister, can I rest on your shoulder if I help?" Felicia spoke as she floated around Boss.
"Yes, and thank you for your courage," Master replied.
Suddenly, a loud, boisterous voice reached our ears: "Hand over the Arclight brat, and the White Claw group will go easy on you."
Following the voice, a man with broad shoulders wearing a loose tunic with a voice enhancer in his hand. The biggest ship, which was still at some distance, appeared near us. However, we didn't have time to think about how they reached us. What mattered now was how to deal with them.
Spreading my senses, I tried to find out the enemy strength. A few seconds later, sweat formed on my head as I counted the number. The strongest one is standing ahead, almost equal to my current strength.
However, my worry stemmed from the number on this ship; I counted at least 50 of the master rank, 20 of the grandmaster rank, and 10 of the sage rank, according to this world power system.
My thoughts were interrupted by the same loud voice, "My apologies, where are my manners? I am Redbeard of the White Claw sea adventuring group. Pleased to have your acquaintance. Now please comply with our request," he spoke in an almost mockingly polite tone.
"We have no Arclight on board; you can move ahead," Master answered.
"You see, we have been through this routine a few times already in recent days. I ask, they deny then we search a bit and then someone dies or loose few limbs. Why don't you try a little harder to convince me?" He spoke in a seemingly non-threatening way.
"Master, I think he is just talking or probing…" As I was speaking, Master interrupted.
"He is stalling, I know, Seraphine. There are probably 50-70 guys on his ship, and there are 15 more ships approaching us. I just want to see if we can really come out without a overall fight," he spoke, I could feel his hesitancy and this time I would have to agree.
"Would you believe me if I said you were deceived? There is no Arclight travelling. I am Aiden Origin, and I am travelling with my people, and I have no connection to any clan or nobility." Master addressed the pirate leader.
"Hmm…that thought did cross my mind after we raided—I mean searched—the 20th ship. But I am currently enjoying this search tour of mine, so it doesn't matter. I am still not convinced," the leader stated.
"Now that I look at your crew and even your ship. Both are peculiar; I have seen thousands of ships in my life, but not this wood and this type of design. I have never come across something like this." He added, speaking with ease as he has all the time in the world.
"Hmm… I have decided, Boys Attack!"