After things calmed down on the ship and everyone had caught their breath, they all became busy rearranging the cargo they had recovered from the pirates.
The merchant continued scolding Basil, who appeared indifferent, smiling faintly as if everything that had happened did not matter to him.
While the merchant was occupied organizing the goods, Hamza approached him and said in a calm voice, filled with curiosity,
"I want to ask you a question."
The merchant raised his gaze and smiled, saying,
"Go ahead."
Hamza said,
"Have you heard of an island that once housed an ancient kingdom called Estlazon? Do you have any information about it?"
The moment Hamza uttered the name "Estlazon," Basil's features changed noticeably, and he suddenly stopped moving.
His face shifted from a playful expression to silent seriousness. He did not show this to the others; instead, he continued working slowly, listening with great attention to the conversation between Hamza and the merchant.
The merchant realized the importance of the question and replied,
"Estlazon? Yes, I have heard of it in old tales. It is said that hundreds of years ago, in the far north, there was a prosperous kingdom, rich in wealth and knowledge."
The merchant continued, saying,
"And it is said that a mysterious catastrophe brought down that kingdom, causing it to vanish suddenly without a trace. As for the island that once embraced the Kingdom of Estlazon, it became remote, surrounded by dense forests filled with secrets. It is said that a massive creature guards it, a terrifying beast that shows no mercy to those who approach."
Then the merchant went on to say,
"Many have tried to reach that island, but none returned to tell what they saw. Thus, Estlazon became a symbol of fear and mystery, and a warning to anyone who dares to venture down its paths. Since then, it has turned into a legend passed from mouth to mouth."
While the merchant was telling this story, he did not realize that Basil, who appeared busy with his work, was listening with deep focus.
After Hamza, Travis, and Basil managed to recover the goods from the pirates and return them to the merchant, everyone sat down to take a moment of rest. The atmosphere had begun to calm, and the ship was sailing peacefully toward the harbor.
Travis, who was thinking out loud, suddenly said,
"Since the ship is now without an owner, I will take the pirates' ship with me."
Everyone looked at Travis in surprise, wondering what he intended to do with the ship, but he quickly clarified his intentions and said,
"When we reach the harbor, I will sell the ship. The proceeds from selling it will be used to help people in need."
After they arrived at the city's harbor, the merchant sincerely thanked Hamza and Travis, deeply grateful for the return of his cargo, and wished them success in their journeys. Hamza and Travis exchanged smiles with him before departing.
At that moment, something unexpected happened.
Basil, who had disappeared for a short while, suddenly appeared and approached the merchant, extending his hand with money and saying,
"This money is for the food I ate on the ship. It was not right to take something without paying for it."
The merchant looked surprised by Basil's action and tried to refuse the money, saying,
"It's alright, my boy. We have all gone through difficult times."
But Basil insisted with a smile, then hurried to catch up with Hamza.
Before he went too far, the merchant called out to him with a voice full of curiosity,
"Basil, wait a moment!"
Basil stopped and turned toward him, seeing the merchant's questioning look as he approached and said,
"Where are you going now? Weren't you working here?"
Basil smiled lightly and said with confidence,
"My work here is finished. I was searching for something, and I found what I was looking for. It is time to set off toward a new destination."
The merchant raised an eyebrow in surprise and saw a different glimmer in Basil's eyes. There was no hesitation or doubt—only determination and the desire to move forward.
The merchant nodded in understanding and patted Basil on the shoulder, saying,
"Then travel carefully, my boy, but most importantly, return safely."
Basil thanked him, then turned and ran after Hamza, shouting loudly,
"Hamza! Wait!"
Hamza turned to see Basil approaching quickly, stopped, and said to him,
"What is it, Basil?"
Basil, catching his breath, said excitedly,
"I want to come with you! To the island, to Estlazon. I know I might be a burden, but I want to be part of this journey."
Hamza hesitated for a moment before responding seriously,
"Basil, this journey is not an ordinary one. It is full of dangers, and what I may face there is no joke. I do not want you to get hurt."
Determination appeared on Basil's face as he said in a voice full of resolve,
"Hamza, I may seem like someone who does not take things seriously, but I want to prove to you and to myself that I am capable of facing challenges. I need this opportunity, and I promise you that I will not be a burden."
Hamza looked into Basil's eyes and saw seriousness and determination within them.
After a moment of thought, he sighed and said,
"Alright, Basil. If you are determined to go, then you will come with me. But you must be ready for anything that may happen."
Basil smiled with joy and said,
"Thank you, Hamza! You will not regret your decision."
After their agreement, the two began searching for a ship that would take them to their destination.
As they wandered through the crowded harbor, they heard a man's voice calling out to them from afar,
"Hamza! Basil! Come over here!"
When they approached the source of the voice, they found Travis sitting on a small wooden boat, smiling at them.
Hamza asked curiously,
"What are you doing here?"
Travis replied,
"I decided to buy this small boat. It is enough for short journeys, and now I am thinking about a new adventure."
Basil, who seemed excited, said,
"Will you join us on our journey?"
Travis smiled and said,
"If you want me to, I would be happy to accompany you. The boat may be small, but it will be enough for us."
And so, the three gathered on the small boat and began their journey toward the mysterious island, excited for what the future might hold in terms of adventures and dangers.