Shrouded Seascape

Chapter 201. Southern Seas

The solitary sound of the Narwhale's horn cut through the silence as the ship navigated into the docking area of the ashen island ahead.

Ships from the Southern Seas displayed a striking contrast to their Northern counterparts. Amidst steel and steam, they carried an archaic charm; their chilly metallic shells were enveloped in a structure of ivory-like whalebone.

"Mr. Charles, what are those white things on the ship?" Lily asked as she perched atop Charles' shoulder.

"If I'm not mistaken, they're likely Leviathan whale bones. Conor had once mentioned that those creatures are representative of the Southern Seas."

"I see..." Lily stared in wonder at the ships that were entering and leaving the docks.

The anchor chain rapidly cascaded down with an occasional spark dancing in the air.

When the ship was properly anchored, the crew finally disembarked.

"To save time, we shouldn't spend too much time on this island," Charles began. "Cooks, gather fresh water and provisions. Engineers, replenish fuel and engine oil, and the boatswain should take the sailors to replace all the ropes on the ship. We'll set sail as soon as everything is completed."

"Aye, Captain!" the crew echoed in affirmation and dispersed to carry out their tasks.

Amidst the flurry, Charles' gaze landed on Dipp and found something off about the latter. His usual zest was nowhere to be seen; instead, he looked rather listless and drained.

"What happened? Did you not sleep a wink last night? Get a hold of yourself," Charles said as he grabbed Dipp by the shoulders and shook him gently.

"Captain...I think I dreamt of my mother," Dipp mumbled with a look of confusion on his face.

"Aren't you an orphan? How would you know what she looks like?"

With a hint of longing in his voice, Dipp answered, "Although I couldn't see her face clearly, the warmth and comfort she gave me in the dream.... That must be what a mother feels like."

The corners of Charles' eyes twitched slightly as he thought to himself, What in the world is this lad talking about? Has he never felt the touch of a woman?

"Alright, get back to work. We can continue deciphering your dreams once we’ve returned to the ship," Charles said half in jest and gently prodded Dipp onward. He then turned and made his way toward the building of the Explorers Association that was located nearby.

The crew had their duties, as did the captain. For all these years, Charles had remained in the Northern Seas and had never acquainted himself with the South. To truly gain a grasp of these waters, he would have to seek information from the locals.

Compared to the spaciousness and emptiness of the Coral Archipelago branch, the local branch of the Explorers Association was a hive of activity. The room was crowded with seven or eight low tables. Captains with tricorn hats atop their heads huddled around the tables, either engrossed in their card games or leisurely enjoying their beers.

The arrival of a new face attracted everyone's attention and drew inquisitive gazes from every corner.

Adjusting his collar slightly, Charles briskly made his way to the counter.

He presented his Explorer's badge to the uniformed woman and requested, "I need a detailed nautical chart of this region."

"Alright. Just a moment, please."

Soon enough, stacks of maps were piled before him. Charles quickly scanned through them and compared the information against his knowledge of the Northern Sea maps. Apart from some minor discrepancies, there were no significant differences.

Charles failed to spot the Sea of Mist that the towering beings had told him about.

"Hello, may I ask where the Sea of Mist is? Why isn't it marked out on these maps?" Charles asked.

The Association employee then pulled out Map E from the pile and pointed out, "Take a look at Map E. This large forbidden area marked out in red is the Sea of Mist. Because of the Haikor Tribe's exclusionary nature, coupled with their claim over the islands in that area, the Association has no records of the information within."

"So, does that mean that there's no Explorers Association on those islands as well?"

"Correct. Before the Association was established, the islands within the Sea of Mist had already been claimed by the Haikors. We had tried sending people to negotiate with them, but they've shown no interest in any cooperation."

"I see." Charles nodded in understanding. Previously, he was still confused as to why he couldn't locate the so-called Sea of Mist on the maps from the North. It turned out that the Association had no records of it at all.

The employee seemed to have picked up Charles' intent, and with a knowing smile on her face, she suggested softly, "Governor, if you want to find out more about the Sea of Mist, perhaps you can talk to the other captains. They tend to know far beyond our records."

Charles turned around to survey the captains behind him, each clad in various attire. He then decided on one of the tables and approached it directly.

"What game is this?" Charles feigned curiosity as he took a seat by the table.

"Fish Cards. Ain't seen it before, kid? You're not from around here, huh?" the woman with a silver nose ring grumbled as she placed down a pair of cards with the same shark image on them.

Sensing the mood was still alright, Charles then got straight to the point, "Excuse me, but would any of you know the location of Shattered Isles within the Sea of Mist?"

"Shattered Isles? You mean Shattered Heart Isles? Why are you asking? It’s not a place an outsider like you should barge into."

"Why so? Is it dangerous?" Charles pressed on.

While placing down another pair of cards, the nose-ringed woman replied, "The danger is relative to your intentions. The trade dealings with the Haikors have already been divided up. If you're there just for leisure, it's safe. But if you're after someone else's livelihood, then it's truly dangerous indeed."

Just then, the image of Elizabeth's unusually anxious face flashed across Charles' mind. After some deliberation, he voiced his question, "By Haikor Tribe, are you referring to those towering figures over three meters tall? Are they dangerous?"

Hearing Charles' question, the few at the table exchanged bemused glances.

"Dangerous? Them?" they echoed.

Doubt welled up within Charles. Why were their words so different from Elizabeth's fervent warnings? Who was speaking the truth?

However, Charles soon cast aside these doubts. His purpose here wasn't to find out more about those towering beings. Even if they enjoyed mating with the natives, it didn't concern him.

"I need a map of the Sea of Mist. Name your price."

The moment Charles' offer left his lips, he could feel the intense gaze from around him. No one disliked Echo.

Seated right in front of Charles, the burly man with a flowing beard was the first to stand up. "I have the map. And I've also been there; if you—"

As he was about to elaborate, he stopped short. From his elevated vantage point, he spied the strange mark on Charles' neck. Instantly, his previous cheery expression chilled to an icy stare.

He then whispered urgently to his neighbor. And soon enough, hostile and guarded stares circled Charles.

"Please leave. The servants of the Giant Bird of Suffering refuse to deal with Fhtagnists," the woman with the nose ring spoke icily. All traces of her previous amiability were gone.

Giant Bird of Suffering? What religion is this now? Do they have a feud with the Fhtagn cult?

Charles contemplated for a brief moment and attempted to clarify, "There seems to be some misunderstanding. I'm not a disciple of the Fhtagn Covenant."

However, the group before him seemed intent on not listening to his explanation.

In fact, it wasn't only the table he was seated at. Word spread quickly throughout the hall, and soon, all eyes were on him.