Chapter 377: Bubble

Chapter 377: Bubble

Nervousness stirred in Charles as he stood on the Narwhale's bridge and studied the nautical chart laid out before him.

According to the intricate markings on the chart, the current location of their ship overlapped with the coordinates of the "door." Charles turned his gaze onto the sight outside of the window. It was an endless darkness; there were no signs of life or landmarks.

This shouldn't be the case The map clearly points us to this location. Could the map be inaccurate?

Charles contemplated if he should visit the Pope to discuss their follow-up plan. However, before he could make any move, the Pope had already levitated over to his ship.

"What's going on? Isn't this the location on the chart? Why is there nothing here?" The Pope questioned with a hint of displeasure in his voice.

"Maybe there's a mistake with the map's coordinates. We could explore the vicinity. If there's an island, it won't be far," Charles replied, his eyes fixated on the inky dark expanse ahead.

"No need for that hassle. I have a better way."

Shortly after, Charles spotted several entities circling overhead the massive white battleship in the distance. They were bats, a flock of white bats.

Hovering in mid-air, the bats rapidly dispersed in every direction to scout for land.

"Why haven't I been offered such resources?" Charles asked.

The Pope cast a glance at the blind vampire, Audric, who was standing next to Charles.

"Don't you already have one?"

Meanwhile, the entire Narwhale crew had assembled on the deck. Their anticipation was intermingled with traces of anxiety as they scanned the surrounding waters.

Their fate hung in balance at this critical juncture. Would they be able to return alive to collect their wages? Or would they perish in this desolate sea?

Soon, the white bats returned. They gathered in a certain formation above the massive ship and started circling overhead.

As the Pope observed their movements, a radiant smile slowly broke out on his wrinkled face. "Quick! They've found the marked location on the chart! Fifty nautical miles straight ahead! Full speed!"

Sparks emitted from the smokestacks of both the Narwhale and the white battleship. As if in a competition, the two vessels raced forward at their fastest speed.

Standing at the bow, Charles noticed a splash of color against the monochrome sea horizon. As they slowly approached it, the colored entity grew in size. When he finally caught a full view of it, he was left in sheer amazement.

It was a bubble constantly shifting through colors. Its colossal size stretched from the water's surface to the overhead dome.

"What is that? It's gigantic. Pope, do you know what it is?" Charles asked.

All eyes, including the Pope's, turned onto Charles with apparent confusion.

Bandages hesitantly pointed a finger at the entity ahead and answered, "That is an island"

Both their demeanor and equipment showed that they were the elites of the elites within the Divine Light Order.

"Compared to your men, I have more faith in mine, even if they are mere luggage carriers," the Pope remarked.

Soon after, two landing boats were lowered into the water. The exploration teamsone led by the Pope and another by Charlesslowly advanced ahead and passed through the colorful barrier.

As soon as they set foot on the island, the fine, soft sand beneath their feet left a deep impression. The next thing that caught their eye was the array of lush greenery ahead. The flora here was distinctly unique, unlike any other species found in the other islands of this subterranean world.

However, they couldn't find the footprints and shadows the reconnaissance team had spoken of on the sandy shores.

Just then, Dipp nudged Bandages with his elbow and asked in a teasing manner, "So do you recognize this place? Have you been here before?"

Bandages remained silent as his gaze swept across the verdant landscape. Confusion filled his eyes as he tried to search his memory for any familiarity.

Meanwhile, Charles was discussing the next step with the Pope on the beach.

"Since we are embarking on this exploration together, let's make things clear first: who will be in command? I'd rather not spend our time on land in dispute," Charles said.

"If I insist on having the command, would you listen?" the Pope questioned.

"Of course."

"Really? Even if I instructed your crew to sacrifice themselves when needed, that would be alright with you as well?" the Pope asked and eyed Charles' reaction.

Seeing the hesitant look on Charles' face, the Pope let out a chuckle. "Never mind, you can take overall command for this exploration mission. Even if you were to instruct my men to sacrifice themselves, I would comply without hesitation."

Just when Charles was about to reply, he caught something in his peripheral vision and sharply turned his head toward a dark silhouette behind a dune.

"There's someone there!"

As soon as Charles pointed at the figure, it vanished into the darkness.

Woosh!

The Pope's white robes billowed behind him as he floated off the ground and dashed toward the disappearing shadow.

The twelve bald men followed suit without hesitation, dropping to all fours and sprinting after the Pope like cheetahs.

That old fart!

Fury surged within Charles. The old man had just agreed to follow his command, and yet he acted on his own accord the very next second.



Cosyjuhye's Thoughts

I take back what I said about things being chill.