Chapter 298: Ocean Travel

Chapter 298: Ocean Travel

The ocean wasnt the destination; it was only the means to reach the other side. Initially Dallion felt some slight regrethe wanted to go on an exciting sea voyage, something this world hadnt offered so far. After spending half a day zipping through the water on a firebird propelled vessel, he changed his mind.

Seasickness, as it turned out, was alleviated by the reaction attributethe one that he had neglected for some time. The worst thing was that he didnt even see how he could catch up. Even if he spent all his points on it from now on, it would take at least five levels, ten to be certain, for him to become adequate. The only solution, according to Nil, was to do the thing that Dallion had been warned againstgo achievement hunting. For that, though, he needed more information. Despite its vast selection, the ring library didnt have what he was looking for.

Sure you dont want a bite? Ezra asked.

Dallion waved his hand in an attempt to keep what little was left in his stomach from exploding outside. He could tell that the question was deliberate. Over half a dozen people had taken turns offering him food since he had returned to the pier. Also, he could see the amusement blossom within them each time they spoke.

Suit yourself. Ezra shrugged with a smile, then went back to the section of the docks where the group had made their campfire.

Eyes closed, Dallion took a deep breath. The ocean air seemed to have a slightly calming effect. At present, this was the only thing that helped. Even reciting the names of Moons did nothing to calm seasickness. Either there were some things beyond their power, or they just had a wicked sense of humor.

Unfortunately, seasickness wasnt the only concern. The series of test boosts had shown that the sea was a horrifying place. Among the calm waters were patches of decay in which a new type of cracklings had formed. Nox had felt them, of course, but that hadnt prepared Dallion for the sight of monstrous piranha squids attempting to devour the ship whole.

In his mind, Dallion knew that the size was nothing but the result of hundredsor moreof smaller cracklings merging together. However, seeing it made him think of something that came out of the Cthulhu mythos. Agnii, in contrast, had kept her full composure, summoned a crossbow, then fired everything at the crackling squid while Lux pushed the ship on to another spot.

Morning came and went. By the time Dallion woke up, it was already noon. There was no shouting, no yelling. The only thing Dallion saw upon opening his eyes was Vend.

Time to go, the elite said.

Yeah. Dallion yawned and stretched. Been waiting on me long?

Not exactly. The advantage of splitting. Vend offered a hand. Come on. Everyones waiting.

There was alarm in his voice. Possibly Vend was also afraid of the ocean trip, or maybe just from the unknown that they would find on the other shore.

Wheres Eury? Dallion asked as he stood up. He had slept for over ten hours by the looks of it, and despite that, his head felt as heavy as lead.

Getting a quick course in ships. Itll be her job to get this coffin to the other side of the ocean.

The description sounded ominous. There were a lot better ways to describe the ship, even if according to the plan, everyone except Eury were supposed to remain below deck until the end of the trip.

Never knew Vend had a dark sense of humor, Dallion thought.

Usually, he doesnt, Nil said. Must be the pressure of the expedition. Frequent expeditions have a bad effect on people.

I thought people get used to reality shifts.Upstodatee from n(0)/ve/lbIn/.(co/m

That is true to an extent, Nil said. While people get used to it, that still isnt good for most. Why do you think we have the job limits? Someone like Vend is supposed to know that, but he couldnt help himself. Working for the guild, doing tasks for March, for the nobles, for others

The conversation shift wasnt particularly subtle, making Dallion uncertain if Nil was talking to him or giving more information about Vend than he should. Something was definitely going on. Either that, or Dallion was still suffering the effects of seasickness.

Dallion yawned again, then followed Vend onto the ship. March was already there, as was Eury at the ships wheel. Given the speed at which the boat was about to go, using the wheel wasnt recommended. Dallion suspected that wasnt the point, though. The wheel was the only point that provided a perfect view of the entire sea and relatively good stability.

Wasnt that the plan all along?

Dear boy, the promise March gave was to reach the other side of the ocean. The entire expedition was supposed to be about cleaning a path, or more if possible.

I accelerated the timetable, Dallion thought.

That you did. And March is not the sort of person whod settle for the minimum. Show her the impossible, and already she starts thinking how to use it on a constant basis. When you set off this morning, her goal was to defeat the fifth guardian by the end of the festival. Thanks to what youve given her, she wants to do it on this expedition. If possible, of course.

So, Im the victim of my own success

In a way. Dealing with the vine-whale made her rethink her plans. Getting the guardian to reveal the creature was already good, but seeing Lux move the minion to the starting temple gave her an ideasomething crazy enough to work.

In that case Dallion smiled. If she wants reckless, Ill give her reckless.

Alright. Dallion made his way to the block of wood and sat down. Im ready.

March nodded.

Im counting on you. She gave Dallion and Eury a final glance, then went below deck.

Soon after, Dallion was all set. As it turned out, the point never was for him to sit on the block of wood. Rather he was to the floor, and the heavy rope was more like a safety belt, allowing him to stand up whenever he chose; it was much better than being tied to the mast, as he had imagined he would be.

All set, Vend said from the door to the lower decks. Its all you, now.

The door slammed shut. Dallion could hear that it was also barred as well.

Nervous? Euryale asked once only the two of them remained above deck.

Me? Nah. Were only sitting on a firebird powered wooden coffin. And lets not forget we have no idea whats on the other side.

Theres no chance the rest of the world has sunk to the bottom of the ocean, right? Dallion asked.

Not with the sword intact, Nil replied.

Right, right. Ready? he asked the gorgon.

Do you really want me to answer that with everyone listening? Euryale looked in his direction. Her expression made it clear that she was about to say something best kept private.

Maybe later.

Ill be telling you which way to turn in case we need to, but keep your eyes open just in case.

Gotcha.

Well, lets go.