Chapter Three Hundred and Twenty-Eight: Mermaid Legend
On the afternoon of the fourth day, Meshif sent word that since the cargo had been sold faster than expected, the ship would officially set sail early tomorrow morning.
It was an exceptionally refreshing morning. The clear sky was free of dark clouds for miles, and a slightly salty sea wind gently blew, stirring up playful sea waves that lapped against the beach. Looking into the distance, the calm ocean was like a mirror, azure and flawless. Experienced sailors asserted that such clear weather was the perfect time to set sail. With good luck, they could enjoy a full week of the ocean's gentleness sailing with the wind. As for what would happen after a week, only the heavens knew. The ocean was always changeable; when gentle, it was like a mother, but when violent, it was more ferocious than a demon.
"Heave ho, heave ho..."
At the dock, bare-cheched, strong, and sturdy sailors were shouting in unison as they stepped onto the deck, lifting and carrying wooden boxes onto the ship. Smiles were on their faces, their mood as clear as the weather. For a sailor who spent years drifting on the ocean, nothing was more important than encountering good weather.
The entire dock was a scene of bustling activity. Everyone wanted to set sail while the good weather lasted, so they worked with particular effort. The noisy, chaotic scene, steaming with sweat, could be felt even from several kilometers away.
However, on the beach not far away, someone's mood was the exact opposite of the current weather.
"Hurricane, storm, whatever, just bring it on. Ten days, half a month, a whole year, that's normal for you, isn't it?" I squatted weakly on the beach, gazing into the distance at the calm ocean and clear sky, wishing dark clouds would immediately cover the sky and giant waves would instantly roar against the coast.
"Don't say silly things."
Little Ghost pressed her full chest against my back, playfully poking my face with her finger. Normally, I would have exploded, but I really wasn't in the mood right now.
"Ah, I really envy jellyfish," I squinted into the distance. "They can float in the water without a care."
"You envy white clouds too, right?"
"Huh? How did you know?" Damn, she could guess that? Could this Little Guy have Prophecy Specialization?
"Because your brain is even simpler than a jellyfish's, and your personality is even more scattered than white clouds..." Little Ghost leaned in, biting my ear as she delivered a conclusion I couldn't refute.
"Lord Fan. The cargo is loaded. We can depart anytime." From a distance, Meshif waved enthusiastically at me, but in my eyes, he looked like the Death God grinning ferociously and swinging his Scythe.
"If I choose the Land Route now, bypassing the entire Twin Seas to reach Kurast, I might still make it," I muttered to myself.
"But setting aside the distance, the Forest isn't much safer for you than the Ocean, is it?" Little Ghost instantly shattered the sliver of hope that had just risen within me. Yes, I'm a Directionally Challenged Person, sorry everyone.
"Is this the first time Lord has taken a Ship?"
Stepping onto the Deck behind Meshif, he asked with a smile.
"Uh... yes, yes."
I focused all my attention on my feet, moving cautiously as if the Deck below were a Trap Labyrinth that would explode if I took a wrong step.
"For someone taking a Ship for the first time, it might indeed feel a bit unsettling. Please rest assured. As long as you remain Calm, the Ocean is definitely not as terrifying as you imagine. Soon, Lord will witness its beauty. Whether it's the gentle Ocean or the roaring Ocean, both are equally fascinating..."
Meshif spoke with an intoxicated expression. Someone who doesn't love the Ocean can never truly conquer it.
Is that so? So I'm not the only one. Everyone who gets on a Ship for the first time feels this way, huh? Haha, so that's it. I breathed a sigh of relief, and my two stiff legs could finally reveal their true state at this moment—they started trembling.
"However, an Adventurer like Lord, who has been through countless battles, naturally has more Guts than those Commoners. How could you possibly fear a mere long voyage?" After a pause, Meshif, who was leading the way, subtly flattered me, completely unaware that he had hit a sore spot.
"Th-that's... that's for sure. I've seen Mountains of Corpses and seas of blood plenty of times. Haha, ahaha..."
My legs instantly stiffened again, and I resumed my robotic, awkward gait. You old bastard, why didn't you explain yourself clearly all at once? You almost made me look foolish. Be careful, or I'll burn down your Ship.
"Alright, Lord, this is your Room. Are you satisfied?" Entering the first floor of the Ship through a separate Entrance, Meshif opened the door to the first Room and made an exaggerated gesture of invitation.
"Not bad. Thank you for the trouble."
I looked inside. It was quite clean and even had a Wooden Window that could be opened.
"Is this Lord's Pet?" Meshif pointed at the Dead Dog that had followed me in.
"Uh... yes. Pets aren't allowed on the Ship?"
I covered my forehead, saying with a headache. It wasn't that I wanted to bring it, but for some reason, as soon as I got far from the Dead Dog, it would automatically Teleport to my side. Damn, is my future Life going to be entangled with this Dead Dog? Maybe I should just make it into Dog Meat Soup and eat it.
"No, that's fine. It's just that Lord should keep a close eye on it. You know, the Sailors on the Ship are rough people. If they catch it, well..." Meshif trailed off, but his meaning was clear: if they caught it, you could look forward to collecting Dog Bones.
"Okay, I understand. I won't let it run outside. Oh, right, there are a few Rooms next to mine. Are they occupied?"
"No, Lord. These Rooms are specifically prepared for Adventurers like you. However, this time, Lord is the only Adventurer, so the others are empty."
I nodded. So this was the so-called VIP Room. When I passed by earlier, I saw another Entrance where Sailors occasionally went in and out. That was probably where they lived. It was said that the Sailors' Rooms had terrible Environments, humid, dark, and stuffy.
Meshif had other things to do. After briefly explaining the Ship's Layout, he quickly took his leave. I walked around the Room a few times and felt I was getting used to it. Unable to sit still, I went outside and came up to the Ship's upper Deck. At this time, the Sailors were raising the anchor and hoisting the sails, preparing to set sail. I stood at the Bow, spreading my arms. The Sea Wind blew towards me. Facing the vast, boundless Sea Level, I just wanted to Shout out loud.
Ha, actually, the Ocean isn't as terrifying as I imagined, especially for an Adventurer with my Strength/Power.
A few hours later...
"Ugh..."
Lying on the Bed without any regard for my Image, I was like a dehydrated sea fish, opening and closing my Gills constantly. I felt my internal organs churning with the gentle rocking of the Room. It felt like something was flowing back up from my stomach, stuck in my Throat, but I couldn't vomit it out, only dry heaving repeatedly.
"Al... Alice, I... I'm about to die. You... you have to take good care of yourself from now on..."
I weakly reached out to the Little Ghost beside me, as if I were a dying person in a critical condition Room giving my last will.
"Didn't you say you were used to it? Besides, it's not that exaggerated, is it?" Little Ghost's silver Eyes were full of confusion as she placed a cold Wet Cloth on my forehead.
"How could a guy like you, who floats in Mid-air all day, understand the terror of Land?" I sat up from the Bed abruptly.
"Exactly. It's like someone who has never been on a Battlefield can only play with pistols, and someone who hasn't experienced interstellar war can only fly airplanes their whole Life."
"Although I don't know what pistols and airplanes are, your Spirit seems to be doing well. That reassures me." Little Ghost yawned and zipped into my Necklace with a whoosh.
Wait... wait, I'm really about to die, truly. That was just a brief moment of lucidity. Don't leave me! I groaned in Pain and fell back onto the Bed, shifting my Gaze to the Dead Dog.
This guy was even more exaggerated. His four furry short legs were splayed out, his belly pressed to the Ground, constantly panting. He looked half-dead, as if he was going to kick the bucket a few seconds before me.
Shame, what a Shame. At this moment, Leona was also feeling depressed. She, the dignified Dragon Princess, was seasick. If this got out, where would the Dragon Race's Face be? No, that's not right. As the noblest Princess of the Dragon Race, how could such a thing happen? According to the Ancient Tome of the Blue Dragon (a Dragon species that dominates with unparalleled Mid-air Speed Advantage), Land is the Dragon's natural enemy. That must be it. It's not because The Princess is weak, absolutely not...
"Haha, Dead Dog, look at you now. Weren't you very arrogant before?"
Seeing the Dead Dog's Stance, I immediately felt much more balanced, and even my Strength/Power seemed to recover a bit. I couldn't help but grab its rabbit-like Ears and shake them in the air. See how good Master is to you? Knowing you're seasick, I specifically lifted you up. Hurry and be grateful to me, say you want to be stewed into Dog Meat Stew to reward Master.
"Gak... Gak-oh—"
Leona felt a world-shaking tremor. Her already churning internal organs felt like they were about to turn inside out. Her stomach violently heaved. Anger surged in her heart, a Golden light flashed in her Eyes, and her front paw stabbed into a certain person's Throat with lightning Speed, digging fiercely.
"Ugh—"
One person and one Dog fell back down. After the recent ordeal, the churning, nauseous Feeling seemed to have expanded tenfold.
"Today... ugh—... tem... temporarily truce... ugh—"
"Gak... Gak-oh~~"
Thus, the person and Dog reached an Agreement, and Sanctuary finally returned to Peace...
A few days later, I finally got used to it and could bounce around on the Ship's Deck. The Dead Dog also seemed unwilling to be outdone and came back to Life, running to the Bow and barking "Gak-oh, Gak-oh" at the Ocean, as if demonstrating. As a result, a Breaking Wave hit it, almost sweeping it into the Ocean. This Dead Dog had some of my stubborn streak. So, facing the Ocean and barking "Gak-oh, Gak-oh" twenty times or more every day became its fixed Course.
Just as the experienced Sailors said, more than a week after leaving Lut Gholein, the Weather was still sunny and calm, and it was rare to even see a White Cloud. Estimating this situation, they again predicted that the cloudless weather would continue for at least five more days. This was like rolling snake eyes repeatedly; it was rare to see it even once a year.
And after five days, even if a Gale and Heavy Rain came, it wouldn't matter, because by then we would have reached the first stop on the Shipping Route, Kodorvis Island.
Speaking of Kodorvis Island, the Sailors were quite excited. Many of them were born there. Not just them, but even a large portion of the Sailors on Ships traveling between Lut Gholein and Kurast came from Kodorvis Island. Therefore, Kodorvis Island was called the Sailor's Home by many.
The Ale there is the best in the world, the Seafood there is the most delicious in the world, and the people there are the most enthusiastic in the world, the Sailors told me, spitting as they spoke, as if Kodorvis Island was the only true Paradise in the world. But objectively speaking, there are fewer Monsters there, so it is indeed a pretty good place to settle.
However, what truly made Kodorvis Island famous was not its reputation as the Sailor's Home, nor was it some Paradise. It was the widely circulated Legend of the Mermaid on Kodorvis Island. No less than a thousand people claimed to have witnessed the appearance of Mermaids on Kodorvis Island, many of whom were Outsiders, which dispelled the Rumor that it was spread by local Islanders to boost Kodorvis Island's popularity. Mermaids truly exist there.
As for why Mermaids attract so much attention, on one hand, of course, they are Beauty, which is an undeniable Fact. Otherwise, they wouldn't be called Mermaids. However, I think no one who wants to obtain a Mermaid is after their Beauty. This is different from fairy tales; the purpose is more inclined towards cruel Reality—according to Legend, drinking a Mermaid's Blood can grant Immortality.
Immortality is a lie. Even Angels and Demons have Lifespans, so how could a mere Mermaid's Blood grant Immortality? However, while it cannot grant Immortality, it is indeed true that it can cure all illnesses and Prolong Life. This is enough to drive people to Madness, and even some Adventurers cannot resist its Temptation—of course, they are all just worthless Adventurers.
"So, has anyone obtained a Mermaid's Blood?"
"I don't know," Meshif shook his Head.
"Those who haven't obtained it naturally can't say anything definitive, and those who have obtained a Mermaid's Blood certainly wouldn't make it public."
"Oh," I nodded. After all, Possessing a Treasure Invites Trouble.
Four days later, we finally saw the outline of Kodorvis Island in the distance, a Small Island of a few dozen square kilometers, inhabited by about thirty thousand Islanders, and a large number of Outsiders. Of course, most of them came for the Legend of the Mermaid. If they could get just one drop of Mermaid's blood, they could live the rest of their Lives lying on piles of Gold Coin. The huge Interest attracted Treasure Hunters from all directions, making Kodorvis Island a mix of people and no longer possessing its former Calmness.
The Ship was scheduled to stop here for three or four days, giving me enough Time to explore the entire Island and even try my Luck to see what the legendary Mermaid looks like.
Meshif told me with a smile: "If it's Lord, perhaps you might encounter the legendary King of the Mermaid Race, the Golden Mermaid. That is the noblest and most beautiful Existence. Of course, most importantly, her Blood is the most precious of all Mermaids."
Looking at the crowds of Treasure Hunters, I shook my Head and immediately lost Interest—even if there were Mermaids, they would have been scared away by these people long ago.
I didn't stay at the Inn in the Market. It was too chaotic. The entire Tavern was filled with the Sweat Smell and Fishy Smell, and with poor ventilation, it felt like a Pickled Fish Can.
Guided by a Sailor named Jack, I came to a relatively secluded Forest and stayed at an Old Woodcutter's Home. The Old Woodcutter initially thought I was a Treasure Hunter and refused to let me stay no matter what, until Jack heard about it and rushed over to explain. Only then did the Old Woodcutter show a panicked Expression—in the eyes of Commoners in these small places, Adventurers were Existences who could crush them with a single finger, and no one would dare interfere even if they killed someone.
"Lord, please come in, please come in."
This Old Woodcutter seemed afraid that I would kill his entire Family if I became Unhappy, so he quickly tidied up the best Room for me and prepared the best Food/Meal. Turning back, haha, it turned out his Family had quietly left, leaving only him to serve me. Do I really look like such a cruel and violent person? Well, whatever he thinks. I'm not so idle as to care about a stranger's Feelings. I'll just leave some Money when I leave.
While eating, I curiously asked the Old Woodcutter why he was so against Treasure Hunters. Wasn't Kodorvis Island trying hard to develop? While Treasure Hunters brought a lot of trouble, they also created more Interest for Kodorvis Island.
"Those people are truly crazy. They've been confused in their Mind by Money," the Old Woodcutter stomped his foot fiercely, answering indignantly.
In the past, Kodorvis Island was a calm little place. Although poor, the people were exceptionally content. Back then, on quiet nights, you could even hear the distant, melodious Song of Mermaids. But all of this changed with the arrival of Treasure Hunters. The Mermaids disappeared, and the Islanders became greedy. The current Kodorvis Island is practically a giant Junkyard.
Oh, so the Old Woodcutter is a conservative. I neither oppose his Statement nor deliberately agree. Those Islanders who gained a lot of wealth after the arrival of the Treasure Hunters might also have their own set of Statements. Ultimately, it's just a difference in Viewpoint. There's no clear right or wrong, but if I had to choose, I'd still lean towards the Old Woodcutter. Peace and quiet are a blessing.
Seeing me show a slight Expression of Recognition, the Old Woodcutter immediately became energetic. This was incredible; even Adventurer Lord thought his Idea/Thought was right! People have this kind of thinking. For example, if you're determined to become a salted fish seller, and a Beggar comes over and says you have a future, you'll most likely chase him away. But if a national Leader personally comes over and says you have a future, the effect is different.
This Old Woodcutter seemed to immediately regard me as half a Confidant. The respect and fear he had at the beginning faded considerably. He spoke voluminously about his Opinions for a long time. Since I was bored, I listened, treating it as a way to gain a deeper understanding of a Commoner elder's Worldview. Meanwhile, under the table, I was wrestling with the Dead Dog. Ah, it bit my Thigh again. Watch me twist your Ears into a knot.
After venting for over two hours, the Old Woodcutter felt refreshed. How long had it been since someone was willing to listen to him ramble like this? If he hadn't still remembered my Status, he probably would have immediately opened a jar of Inn and sworn brotherhood.
He licked his dry lips, still not having had his fill. Before leaving, the Old Woodcutter kindly gave me a piece of News: crossing the Forest over that mountain ahead, about an hour's Distance, would lead to the Island's Edge/Rim. That Beach was exceptionally desolate, and there would be Monsters in the Forest, so few Treasure Hunters dared to go there. Therefore, Mermaids might appear there.
The Old Woodcutter told me that when he was young, back when Kodorvis Island was still calm and peaceful, he could occasionally hear the Mermaid Song from that area at Home. However, he hadn't heard it for over ten years now.
Initially, I didn't take the Old Woodcutter's words to heart, but after wandering around the Island for two days, Meshif told me we wouldn't set sail until the day after tomorrow. Disgusted by the greedy Aura of the Treasure Hunters filling Kodorvis Island, I suddenly had a touch of refined taste—finding a quiet place to take an Afternoon Nap wouldn't be bad. Soon, I thought of what the Old Woodcutter had said, that desolate Beach he mentioned.
Thinking of it, I did it. Following the Direction the Old Woodcutter pointed out, I traveled through the Forest. Perhaps some might say I was going to get lost again, but you're wrong. I've learned my lesson now and have even summarized some Experience. When walking in the Forest, never go around Trees; go in a straight line. Whatever is ahead, destroy it all.
Thus, after a series of crashing Movements/Activities in the dense Forest, a Trail appeared. This Trail looked as if it had been trampled by some enormous Creature. Along the way, even Giant Trees that three people couldn't wrap their arms around were forcibly broken. For a while, this Mysterious and terrifying Trail became a Topic among the Islanders, and it was even rumored that a Dragon had appeared on the Island. Panic spread for a time, and even the most fearless Treasure Hunters didn't dare step onto this terrifying Trail.
The Old Woodcutter was right about there being Monsters in the Forest, because I saw many Corpses along the way, including Human ones. They were probably those fearless Treasure Hunters. Causing such a big Movement/Activity, these Monsters naturally wouldn't fail to hear it. With a rustling sound, dozens of Little People holding various Cleavers and Spears emerged from the Jungle. If it were an ordinary Adventurer, they might truly be caught off guard in this Environment, but...
I'm not an ordinary Adventurer.
After clearing out the Dwarf Tribe along the way, I finally arrived at the desolate Beach the Old Woodcutter had mentioned. Strange-shaped Boulders stood on the Beach, letting the Waves gently push against them. It really did look like an Environment where Mermaids might appear.
I casually found a flat Boulder, stretched lazily on it, and kicked the Dead Dog, which was trying to climb up, back down. I closed my Eyes, basking in the afternoon Sunlight.
In my dream, a beautiful Girl with gorgeous purple Long Hair, an exquisitely delicate Face, and an incredibly noble Temperament fiercely pounced on me and bit my Thigh. Naturally, I wasn't willing to be outdone, but this Purple-haired Girl was terrifyingly strong. I was actually beaten soundly and fled with my Head in my hands.
"Wow..."
Waking up from the dream with a start, the Sun had already set halfway. I wiped the Cold Sweat from my forehead—dreaming of a Beauty was nice, but dreaming of being beaten by a Beauty was Unhappy.
Turning my Head, I found the Dead Dog lying next to me in a spread-eagled pose. It seemed to be having a good dream; its Dog's Mouth was curled up, looking cute yet a little strange...