On the Ship 3

The story William told me was about his hometown.

William's hometown was said to be a major source of fiery gemstones.

However, due to years of mining, the extraction volume has declined, and consequently, the town's finances, which once thrived on mining profits, are slowly deteriorating.

"That's why, as the lord, my father was actively working to establish a new industry across the entire town. Fortunately, a large river flows near the town, and water crystals have been mined in the surrounding area."

Water crystals...

"But this created a problem. The water crystals weren't very pure. Plus, we'd been mining fire crystals all along, so we didn't know how to extract water crystals. Still, we knew the town's economy would suffer if we didn't keep going. So we kept trying, experimenting blindly, pushing forward despite the difficulties. But so far, we've seen no real results."

Something about this feels off.

That's when it started. As if mirroring the town's changing appearance, my older sister fell ill with a condition causing faint blue crystals to form on her body. The illness steadily grew worse, eventually leading to exhaustion and death within a few years. My mother also died from the same illness.

The situation in Akau Village is eerily similar.

"Are the monsters and sub-beasts increasing?"

"Monsters...? No, I haven't heard anything specific about that..."

If it's the same as Akau Village, monster attacks should be increasing. The fact that it takes years to weaken is a different point. Something else must be happening.

"My older sister will pass away in just a few more years. That's why I want to solve this. I just wish she could return to being the cheerful, energetic sister she once was."

At that moment, I heard a story about a strange illness that had struck Akau Village. A sorcerer who used unusual magic had discovered the key to a solution, saving many people... and that sorcerer was you."

I couldn't utter a single word, gripped by desperation.

"Things are different from before, aren't they?"

Alek spoke softly, as if to himself.

Indeed, it seems Alek too has realized this situation is unlike anything we've faced before.

"I can't say for certain without seeing the situation firsthand. But I can certainly explain the issues we've encountered. I'll prepare some documents—I can hand those over. Given that you've shared your personal story, I'd like to return the favor. What do you think?"

William pondered for a moment.

"Yes, I'd like to accept that. If possible, I'd also like your help saving my sister."

It was strange to be asked for help by a younger boy. The noble boy bowed his head—though he must have pride, even as a boy...

It was inevitable, really.

As we returned from William’s room to our own, I asked Alek to tell the guild headquarters that we’d be coming back late.

Alek made another surprised expression, but immediately agreed. There were several guild branches at the destination, and he would send a messenger ahead.

Several days had passed since our experience in Akau Village.

As we grew accustomed to life on the ship, the crew members we’d become close to told us we’d reach our destination in one or two more days.

It seemed we’d finally arrive.

The sea journey had been quite difficult. Since then, William had persistently asked me questions about magic.

Overwhelmed by the sheer number of inquiries, I ended up giving advice on how to control magic and even explaining what fire was like through imagery, pretending to be a proper teacher.

Every time, I was glared at by the maid assigned to me, making my stomach ache, but I had no choice.

Even on that day, after spending time practicing magic, I stepped onto the deck for a brief rest, letting the wind brush against me.

"Could it have been a storm? I wonder..."

One of the crew members I'd grown close to remarked while examining debris floating in the sea. Indeed, there were many man-made objects among the flotsam—wooden fragments and pieces of cloth.

"Something happened, perhaps?"

Alek came over, curiosity piqued.

"There are unusually many wooden fragments here. I thought maybe a storm had happened, but the sea's been calm for the past few days...?"

It looked as if something had been broken off.

At that moment—

The sea surged upward, spewing water like an eruption. A submarine volcano!?

But from within it, a massive creature suddenly burst forth.

A deafening sound echoed throughout the area. The creature's body was over twenty meters long, with magical stones sprouting all over it. Magical stones also adorned the front edges of its fins, resembling blades.

It was a magical beast shaped like a shark.

"What was that!?"

William rushed forward.

"Please, young master, go back inside!"

The maid tried to stop him.

"Alek, do you know what that thing is!?"

"I don't know! I never thought something like that could exist. But now that I think about it, it's not surprising that sea creatures could turn into monsters."

"Now's not the time to be curious— we have to drive it back!"

Alek raised his battle axe.

And muttered, "How do we even attack it?"

That musclehead!

He won't be any help this time. But honestly, my magic would cause too much collateral damage— I'll save it for last.

As I hesitated, the crew of the ship scattered and sprang into action, quickly assuming a defensive formation.

"Even if you die, you'll deliver the passenger. Turn that giant shark into shark fin."

True to form, this was a ship and crew prepared by the guild.

They clearly knew how to fight at sea.

The shark monster circled the ship, as if waiting to strike. Only its dorsal fin was visible, then it sank beneath the surface, vanishing completely. An eerie silence settled over the vessel.

A sharp, solid clanging sound echoed through the air.

The ship tilted sharply, tilting everything toward one side. The shark beast had launched a massive charge from below, ramming the hull with its immense body.

I thought the ship had snapped from the force of the impact. But...

The ship's captain activated the built-in magic stones, boosting its strength, and equipped with high-purity water magic stones, it created an unprecedented flow of water, protecting the vessel.

Yet even with such a force, the impact was too great to stand against.

"Uoohhh! Gah!" "Kk..."

People and objects alike slid uncontrollably. Alek drove his axe into the floor to brace himself. I was luckily caught on the mast—more accurately, I collided with it.

"Uaaaahhh!"

One crew member tumbled into the sea, grasping at nothing.

As the ship's rocking settled, I looked out at the sea—and found the surface stained blood red.