Vol. 1 - Ch. 1 - Dural Island

"Why did he decide to go to that island?" the boatman wondered aloud as he shifted his body back and forth, rowing the oar.A small wooden boat moved swiftly along the tranquil surface of the sea.

"If you're going there, then you must be headed for the Tower of Trials, right? With your title and skills, you could've easily made a fortune as a mercenary or even been hired by a noble. Hell, depending on the country, you could've even become a knight. So, why?"

(Why are you doing something so stupid?)

Was what the boatman wanted to ask.

He spoke in a familiar tone, which was strange given he'd met his passenger not a while ago.

Ash Brave chuckled involuntarily and remarked,

"You're a very accommodating boatman. I thought it would be a quieter voyage." Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ ɴovᴇlꜰirᴇ.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

"Unfortunately, I've spent most of my life at sea," the boatman replied. "The people I talk to feel like family to me."

"Is this what you always talk about when you send them off?"

"Yea. Well, they're all so crazy they won't even listen to me," the boatman said as he increased the force of his oar stroke, revealing numerous wrinkles etched into his blackened skin that seemed to deepen even more.

"Have you never wanted to test yourself, old man?" Ash asked.

The boatman's face twisted bitterly.

"What's with that sudden question? Ever since my wife beat me up... 30 years ago, my position has been under her thumb. And an oversized one at that," he confessed.

It was a part of his daily life that he didn't wish to remember.

"Don't be like me, son. The beginning is the most important part."

"I'll keep that in mind."

Ash nodded and responded noncommittally.

The boatman's life situation appeared to be complicated, and while Ash was a bit intrigued, he decided not to pry further.

"So, what's your reason, son? Why are you going to the island?"

"I want to test myself. That's all."

Ash replied, forming a fist with his right hand.

The boatman stared into Ash's eyes.

They were dark, but shone with various hues, most likely due to the countless years of experience he'd amassed.

"I have seen off many challengers. Many of them, knights or mercenaries.  Some were even well-known to me, and there were many who appeared stronger than you. But still, none has yet to pass God's Challenge."

"Well, then, I guess I'm first in line,"

Ash said brazenly.

The boatman blinked several times, his expression showing dismay and surprise.

"You're quite the confident one, aren't you?"

"Confident enough to travel all the way here."

"You might die; you know?"

"Everyone dies eventually. Still, that's fine with me. At least I'll get to lie on a soft bed after I complete God's Challenge."

Ash remarked, causing the boatman's mouth to drop open in surprise.

He appeared to have momentarily forgotten how to row an oar, and as the boat began to slow down, the boatman burst into hearty laughter.

Ash wondered if he was being ridiculed for a moment, but apparently, that wasn't the case.

"Let me add to what I said earlier. I've seen many challengers in my life, but I've never encountered someone as foolish and straightforward as you. I'll pray for your success."

"Thank you. I'll be hoping for your quick retirement as well, old man."

"Then help me dig up some buried sea treasure or something. Haha."

As they exchanged these light-hearted remarks, a massive shadow appeared in the distance.

Ash slowly stood up, squinting his eyes while maintaining balance on top of the swaying boat.

"Everyone that walks the same path as your son can't help but admire that island."

Perhaps due to his experience of sending off countless challengers to the island, the boatman could clearly sense the proximity even with his back turned.

A massive island, teeming with nature, came into view.

There, five towers stretched into the sky.

"That's Dural Island. The place where those who wish to challenge god gather."