Shrouded Seascape

Chapter 178. Hope Island

May 4, 12th Year of Crossing Over

To think I have gone mad for a startling three years. And I only found out about this from others. Why didn't Anna tell me? Or was this some dark humor of hers, hoping that I would discover the truth myself?

So much time has passed. I hope my crew is still waiting for my return. But many things could happen in these three years. I'm feeling rather insecure and uncertain. What has become of Hope Island now?

As for the leads in Newbound City, I don't feel a desperate urgency to act as swiftly as I did before. It would be good if the city held clues, but if it doesn't, then I will just sail the waters again to find the exit. I suddenly realized that my experiences over the past three years had caused a great change in my personality. I'm no longer as impulsive and impatient as before.

Charles set down his fountain pen.

After the ink had dried, he closed the rustic, brown-leathered diary. He then pulled out his pocket watch to check the time. Pushing open his cabin door, he headed toward the restaurant on the passenger ship.

The restaurant was located on the highest floor of the ship. The moment Charles set down, a waiter dressed in his crisp uniform immediately approached him with a menu.

The waiter was briefly taken aback upon seeing Charles’ missing arm, but he quickly composed himself and offered the menu before saying, "Sir, what would you like to order?"

Charles took the menu and scanned the offered selection. He then pointed at a few dishes and said, "I'll have the blackleaf fruit lamb stew, beetroot soup, royal cream chicken. As for dessert, the Isle of Whereto pudding."

"Noted, sir. Please wait for your food," the waiter responded and left with the menu.

Charles carefully tucked the white dining napkin into his collar and waited patiently. It was his first time in a setting like this. In the past, he had often preferred settling his meals quickly and had considered dining leisurely in a place like this to be a waste of precious time.

However, he had decided to take his time basking in the atmosphere, so he observed the diners around him. They were engaged in animated chatter and laughter. Charles had never felt so grounded in reality.

The whetting aroma of the scrumptious food wafted into his nostrils. As he thought about the few dishes he had ordered earlier, Charles unconsciously swallowed a gulp of saliva as he waited in anticipation.

Soon enough, his meal finally arrived. The lamb was extremely tender without even a tinge of gaminess. The creamy chicken was also deliciously sweet, and the meat was juicy.

Having eaten his way through the hearty meal, Charles felt his soul comforted by the delicious food. He had the sudden urge to visit the restaurant a few more times before he disembarked.

The entire meal stretched over an hour. With a satisfied stomach, he slowly made his way to the deck.

There was a sizable crowd on the deck, and everyone's faces were visibly excited. From their conversations, Charles learned that most of them were first-time visitors. They came onto the deck just to catch a glimpse of the mysterious light that shone down on Hope Island.

Just as Charles settled into a spot, he heard the inquisitive voice of a young man.

"Lance, I heard that it's very bright on Hope Island. Does that mean we no longer have to buy oil lamps or candles? If that's the case, we could save quite a bit of money."

"Why are you thinking of saving that little amount of money? You penny-pincher. Hope Island is a land brimming with hope and possibilities. Since we are going there, we should aim to make some grand accomplishments."

"Grand accomplishments? Angus, what do you have in mind?"

"I plan to be a farmer. The soil there is rich and fertile. They will definitely need someone like me. I'm an expert in crop cultivation."

Charles looked in the direction of the voices and saw a group of young men, all in their early twenties. Judging by their patched-up clothes, they didn't seem to be from well-off backgrounds.

"So that's the grand accomplishment you are speaking of? And here I was thinking that you'd join an exploration ship just like the Governor of Hope Island."

"I'm not out of my mind to do something as foolish as that. I'm only twenty-five! I don't wish to die that early."

"Stop talking. Look over there!" shouted one of them.

The gazes of everyone on deck turned toward the pulsating red glow in the distance. It was a mesmerizing sight even for Charles, who had already seen it before, not to mention those who were seeing it for the first time.

The people on the deck erupted into cheers, and excited chatter filled the air.

Someone even knelt on their knees and whispered a prayer.

When the sun-kissed Hope Island finally appeared before everyone's eyes, silence descended on the crowd. The island's beauty was unparalleled.

The thatched shelters that formed the shape of an octopus three years ago were gone and replaced by colorful rooftops and corridors that traversed the entire island.

In terms of architectural uniqueness, other islands boasted more exquisite structures than Hope Island. However, even the most beautiful buildings followed a dark color scheme.

Regardless, even a humble shack on Hope Island appeared vibrant underneath the radiant sunlight.

The Subterranean Seascape had subconsciously reshaped human aesthetics where high brightness equated to beauty.

It was only when the passenger ship docked did everyone snapped out of their awe. Animated chatter quickly spread across the deck.

Charles followed the crowd and descended the ship's ramp. The moment he stepped on the pier, his attention was caught by a massive signboard nearby.

It bore a simple message written in the subterranean language.

Charles chuckled to himself. He had no idea who placed the sign here.

However, if it had been here on his first visit, perhaps Kord wouldn't have died.

Trailing after the throng of people along a corridor, he had just stepped off the pier when he noticed that the changes in the surroundings were even greater than he had imagined.

Three whole years had transformed the island's landscape. The once simple, makeshift shelters were no longer in sight. Multi-storied buildings stood in their place.

As expected, a range of entertainment venues, such as taverns and brothels, crowded the vicinity of the piers. Evidently, the public security here was much better than any harbor districts Charles had visited. At the very least, he didn't spot any street urchins or beggars darting around.

"Hiring for a banana plantation! Anyone skilled in farming? Accommodations and meals provided, with a handsome salary!"

"Me! I know how to farm!" A young man beside Charles eagerly raised his hand as he darted toward the recruitment booth.

"Anyone without fear of death? Hope Island Navy is recruiting! As long as you dare to fight, owning a house in the Central District is no longer just a dream!"

"Anyone literate and good with numbers? My shop needs an assistant."

Hearing all the recruitment calls, the crowd around Charles surged forward. After all, this was what they came for—a hope for a better future.

Charles squeezed through the crowd and headed toward the island's core. Along his way, he walked past a vast, bustling square, neatly arranged residential districts, lively commercial streets and spotted an array of other structures.

What had seemed like a fledgling community three years ago had now transformed into a thriving island.

After walking for about half an hour, a grandeur building reminiscent of a royal palace appeared before him. It was the Governor's Mansion.

"Even if we have the money, isn't this too excessive?" Charles muttered under his breath as he headed toward the grand entrance.

However, just as he got closer to the gates, the two soldiers on guard immediately raised their rifles and pointed them at him.

"How dare you intrude on the Governor's Mansion. Do you have a death wish?" one of them said.

Just as Charles was about to explain himself, a slightly shaky voice called out from behind him.

"Captain?"

Charles turned around to see a familiar face.

"Dipp, it's been a while. You seem to have grown taller," Charles remarked.

"Captain! It really is you!" Dipp rushed at Charles in elation as tears of joy streamed down his face.