“But well, that is the case for a normal place. There is a reason, we, Duchy of Thaddeus, is the strongest naval force in the entire world.”
Murmurs rippled through the crowd, a mix of acknowledgment and unease. Lucavion noted the flickers of doubt in some faces, contrasted with the calm resolve in others.
“The strategy is simple,” the officer said, raising his voice slightly to recapture the room. “Our mages will create stable platforms—ground, if you will—on the water itself. These constructs will serve as our battlefields, allowing our adventurers, soldiers, and knights to engage the monsters as if on land. But make no mistake—the sea is a harsh mistress. These platforms are not unshakable fortresses. They will require constant maintenance from the mages, and coordination will be key.”
Lucavion’s brows lifted slightly at the explanation. It was bold, creative, and dangerously ambitious.
[Turning the sea into land… How very human,] Vitaliara mused, her tone carrying a note of respect.
It’s audacious, Lucavion thought, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. But it just might work.
The officer continued, his gaze scanning the crowd. “You have been selected because you are among the best in your fields. Adventurers, knights, mages, mercenaries—all of you bring something invaluable to this mission. Together, we will overcome this threat and reclaim our seas.”
A chorus of cheers and raised weapons followed his words, the energy in the courtyard surging as the gathered forces rallied around the officer’s conviction.
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Lucavion remained silent, his smirk lingering as he observed the crowd’s reaction. The plan was dangerous, but it had the hallmarks of genius—and desperation.
[You’re impressed, aren’t you?] Vitaliara teased, her tone knowing.
I’ll admit, it’s intriguing, Lucavion replied inwardly, his gaze shifting toward the mages. But the question remains—will they pull it off?
[And where do you fit in all this?]
Lucavion chuckled softly as he adjusted his coat. Right where I always do, Vitaliara.
[Which is?]
At the center of the chaos.
********
Captain Edran, now standing before the gathered crowd, surveyed them with a sharp, measured gaze. His posture exuded confidence, and his voice carried over the courtyard with unyielding authority.
“All of you,” he began, his tone firm but clear, “have been assigned to specific stations as per your registration. You will report to the ships designated for your stations, where your respective captains will provide further instructions. The success of this mission depends on discipline and unity. Disperse now and proceed to your assigned areas.”
As he descended from the platform, the crowd, which had been a buzzing mass of adventurers, mercenaries, mages, and soldiers, began to shift into motion. The knights of the duchy maintained order with remarkable efficiency, their presence a reminder of the iron authority the Duchy of Thaddeus wielded. Even the unruliest adventurers, known for their aggression and impulsive behavior, complied under the weight of the Duchy’s reputation. None dared to provoke the power represented here.
Lucavion observed the dispersing crowd, his sharp eyes catching the subtle tension in some, the quiet confidence in others. A faint smirk curled his lips. An orchestra of chaos, held together by discipline. How quaint. He adjusted his coat and began making his way toward the fourth station’s ship, his gait as measured as ever.
At the ship docked for the fourth station, the atmosphere was different. The vessel was large and imposing, its sails marked with the crest of the Duchy—a golden trident crossed with a sword. Around it, personnel were busy loading supplies, checking equipment, and coordinating tasks. The hum of preparation was steady, a stark contrast to the scattered noise of the courtyard earlier.
Lucavion approached with his usual casual demeanor, yet his presence seemed to draw attention. A few heads turned, curiosity sparking in their eyes, but none lingered long. His aura of quiet intensity was enough to deter idle chatter.
[It’s impressive how organized they are,] Vitaliara remarked from her perch on his shoulder, her glowing form shimmering faintly in the sunlight.
“It’s fear,” Lucavion replied inwardly, his eyes scanning the bustling activity. “Fear of the sea, fear of failure, and fear of the Duchy’s wrath.”
[And what about you?] Vitaliara’s voice carried a teasing lilt. [What do you fear?]
Lucavion smirked, his gaze narrowing as he approached the gangplank. ‘I fear nothing.’
[Really?]
‘Yep.’
[Hmm? Is that so?]
As Lucavion stepped onto the gangplank, the muted hum of the ship’s preparations shifted subtly. Conversations dropped in volume, movements slowed, and more than a few heads turned in his direction. Their eyes trailed him—some curious, others assessing, a few openly skeptical. The air grew heavier, tension mingling with the salt and brine of the sea breeze.
Lucavion’s smirk didn’t falter as he met their stares, his gaze unflinching and laced with his signature mixture of amusement and calculation. Sizing me up, are we? Fair enough. He casually adjusted his coat, letting his posture exude a confidence that was neither overstated nor easily ignored.
But Lucavion wasn’t one to merely accept scrutiny without returning it. His sharp eyes swept across the gathering, cataloging every detail with clinical precision. The first group he noted consisted of adventurers, their mismatched gear and hardened expressions betraying lives lived on the edge of danger. Despite their rough appearances, he sensed a practiced discipline in their stances—a readiness that hinted at battles survived and lessons learned.
Then came the mercenaries, clustered in tight-knit groups. Their leather armor and well-worn weapons bore the scars of countless skirmishes, and their eyes carried a weight that only came from seeing too much. They exchanged low words, their hands never far from their blades.
Lucavion’s gaze narrowed slightly as he picked out individuals who stood apart even in this crowd. Among them were several figures whose aura was undeniable—Awakened warriors, their presence like steady flames amidst a gathering storm. Most hovered around the level of 3-star and 4-star, their power evident in the way their mana resonated, a controlled force waiting to be unleashed.
But it was the two figures who stood slightly apart, their calm demeanor and quiet confidence distinguishing them, that caught his attention. He felt their strength like a weight in the air—5-star Awakened.
‘Interesting…..To be able to even command the 5-star Awakened into this place…’
One was a towering man clad in darkened plate armor, a heavy axe resting against his shoulder. The other was a lithe woman. Her twin blades glinted in the sunlight, and her sharp eyes betrayed an intelligence that matched her skill.
‘These people….Hmm?’
Lucavion felt a weird sense of something, as he looked into the two.
‘They are the ones from the inn, aren’t they?’
[Indeed,] Vitaliara confirmed, her tone tinged with curiosity. [And it seems they’ve found themselves another stage. Or perhaps, this stage has found them.]
Before Lucavion could dwell further on the thought, a shift in the air signaled the arrival of new figures. The murmurs of those on the deck quieted, heads turning to the gangplank as two individuals made their entrance.
The first was a young woman, her beauty striking yet understated. Her blonde hair cascaded in soft waves to her waist, catching the sunlight like spun gold. Her piercing blue eyes swept across the deck, calm yet curious, as though taking in every detail. Despite her youth, there was a depth to her gaze, a quiet gravity that spoke of experience beyond her years.
Beside her stood a young man, tall and broad-shouldered, his stance confident and grounded. He held a sword with practiced ease, the weapon resting against his hip as though it was an extension of himself. His expression was neutral, but his eyes carried a quiet intensity that suggested he was more than capable of holding his own among the seasoned warriors gathered here.
[Your little crush is here,] Vitaliara commented dryly, her tone laced with sarcasm as her tail flicked against Lucavion’s neck.
Lucavion didn’t bother to hide his smirk. ‘I don’t have a crush.’
[Hmm.] She let out a low hum, clearly unconvinced. [Your heartbeat spiked a little. Just saying.]
Lucavion waved her off with an exaggerated air of indifference. ‘It was probably the salt in the air. Very distracting.’
The woman’s gaze swept over the deck, pausing briefly when it landed on Lucavion. For a fleeting moment, their eyes met, and in that instant, he felt the weight of her scrutiny. Her gaze wasn’t hostile, but it was searching—assessing, as though she was peeling back layers in search of something unseen.
Lucavion held her stare with his usual ease, the faint smirk still playing on his lips. After a heartbeat, she gave a brief, almost imperceptible nod before moving her attention elsewhere. It was a small gesture, but one that carried a quiet acknowledgment, leaving an odd, lingering impression.
[She noticed you,] Vitaliara observed with a hint of amusement. [Not bad, Lucavion. Not bad.]
‘You are not helping you know.’
[Heh.]
However, the man beside her didn’t share her composed demeanor. As the woman’s gaze moved on, his eyes remained locked on Lucavion, narrowing slightly. His stance shifted, just enough to be noticeable, and there was an edge to his expression that was difficult to mistake.
Lucavion met the man’s glare with an arched brow, his smirk curving into something faintly amused. Jealousy? Or just territorial? Either way, that gaze makes me feel like gouging it out. Should I just do that?
His head was filled with intrusive thoughts.
Though of course, he didn’t act upon them.
CREAK!
Just then, the captain of the 4th station made his appearance.