Ocean
....
The sea was calm.
The 28th Patrol Fleet of the Indiana Empire moved steadily across the northern waters. Hundreds of ships sailed in formation—row after row of galleons, hybrid war barges, and coastal sentries. Their hulls were built from dense sacred wood, reinforced with iron bands and engraved with old symbols of protection.
It was routine. This patrol had watched these waters for decades.
But today felt different.
Captain Varun Sen stood at the front of his flagship, the Vaishra Dawn, a heavy war barge with three decks and twin spirit cannons. He had commanded the 28th Fleet for seven years. He knew this sea.
But now, something unnatural stirred.
"Captain," an officer called out. "Sightings, westward. Multiple vessels. Far distance—but approaching."
Varun raised his spyglass. At first, he saw only mist and light.
Then—shapes. Dark, massive, unnatural shapes.
He frowned.
