The coastline is a thriving seaport, facing the vast South China Sea, a sea whose end has never been seen by anyone.
They arrived at the nearest dock, the one from which the men had left, according to the hounds' tracking.
They dismounted, and Viscount Ward took out his tobacco. "Now that they've escaped back to the island, let's not rush things. Let's all rest for a bit."
Phil Gray was worried about Patrick, but he was indeed quite tired, and the knights that Viscount Ward had brought were mostly ordinary people, so they needed to rest even more.
If they leave on their own, where can they find traces of that group of people on the vast ocean and the expansive island of Malu?
“It’s alright, that guy should be able to protect himself,” Eli said to Phil Gray, looking at the endless sea before him.
“Oh, don’t worry. If your partner has been killed, it’s too late now. But if he’s still alive, I believe he can live to see tomorrow.” Viscount Walter chuckled and exhaled a smoke ring.
His knights had already arranged inns at the docks.
"With so many of us, we need a large ship."
At dinner time, Viscount Ward wiped his mouth, adopting an aristocratic demeanor, while standing before him was the official from the Kingdom of Puna in charge of managing the dock.
After all, this coastline still belongs to the Kingdom of Puna, and it is precisely because it controls this most convenient port for entering the western continent from the South China Sea that the Kingdom of Puna has an advantage in maritime resources and generates nearly one-tenth of the empire's revenue.
"Well, as you know, these boats are all booked in advance, and these days are the peak season for fishing. Where am I supposed to find such a big boat just for you on short notice?" The person in charge smiled, but a troubled look appeared on his fat face.
"You go out to sea to fish in the winter?" Viscount Ward asked fiercely, his pale face contorted with rage.
"Ah, spring is almost here, and we'll be delayed at sea for a while, so now is the perfect time to set off." The person in charge smiled and pulled out a chair to sit down.
Unexpectedly, Viscount Ward slammed his fist on the table, "Then why are you letting those people from Malu Island leave?"
“They have their own boats, and how would I know who they are? There are so many people coming and going at this dock every day. As long as the money is enough, we don’t care who they are. Isn’t this something that’s been tacitly understood since the port was built hundreds of years ago?” The person in charge looked aggrieved.
"Enough with the nonsense, just tell me if you have any ships. Although I can't interfere in the affairs of this port, it wouldn't be difficult to exchange you, a mere dock manager, for the crime of obstructing my pursuit of fugitives," Viscount Ward threatened.
"Oh dear, you are... Alright, I heard that the Commercial Church has a large passenger ship going to Malu Island early this morning, which should be enough for your large group. I'm afraid you'll have to make do..." the person in charge stammered.
"Hmph, let's arrange it this way." Viscount Walder took out his tobacco again and chewed it, looking somewhat irritable.
During their few hours at the dock, Phil Gray and Eli rested and bought some necessities and changes of clothes, since they were heading to an island and didn't know how much longer they would be at sea.
The stars hung in the night sky, and the sea shimmered with light.
A large passenger ship docked at the shore.
The passenger ship had three decks and bore the insignia of the Commercial Church, so it looked like the ship they were waiting for.
Waiting at the dock were not only Viscount Ward and Phil Gray, but also some nobles carrying luggage and people dressed in religious attire.
"This is the Gold Coin No. 3 passenger ship. It is said that there are various resources on board. As long as you bring money, you can buy anything."
"As expected of a passenger ship belonging to the Commercial Church."
Several nobles dressed in black formal attire were discussing the matter nearby.
Viscount Ward and his knight gazed at the ship's hull, lost in thought.
Once aboard, the other passengers seemed to be deliberately avoiding the viscount, who looked intimidating, and his knight.
Phil Gray and Eli arrived at the restaurant on the second floor, and accompanied by music that seemed to come from nowhere, the ship slowly set sail.
How long does it take to get to Malu Island?
The ship's waiters brought them supper, and Phil Gray asked.
"Honorable guest, our church's ships are powered by the purest blue crystals, and it will only take six days to reach Malu Island," the waiter replied politely.
“Okay, thank you.” Phil Gray handed him a silver coin.
Eli gazed at the dark sea outside the window. "Patrick was saying he wanted to go sailing last time. Now that's perfect."
“If those people really killed Patrick, I will never let them get away with it.” Phil Gray frowned and slammed his water glass down.
"certainly."
The atmosphere fell silent, and they returned to their respective rooms.
After several days of travel and worrying about his companions, Phil Gray fell into a deep sleep.
In his dream, Phil Gray was floating alone on the sea in a small boat.
At first, he didn't realize he was dreaming; he was just mechanically holding a fishing rod and fishing for things in the sea.
Several times the fishing line was pulled up, but not a single fish took the bait.
"Damn it, where are the fish? Tomorrow and the day after, I'll be starving!" came the furious voice.
Phil Gray suddenly realized what he was saying.
The fishing rod in my hand suddenly moved, as if it had hooked something!
His mood brightened, and he gave a sharp tug, only to be dumbfounded by what he had caught.
That wasn't a fish; it was clearly a hideous head.
The fishhook was stuck in the eye socket of the skull.
The shock threw him into a panic, and at that moment the waves began to roll, making the small boat utterly vulnerable in the spray. Phil Gray was immediately submerged by the seawater.
Phil Gray snapped out of his daze and instantly realized he was dreaming.
Is this another trick by the Dream Cult?
Seawater kept rushing into his mouth and nose, and he kept telling himself to wake up quickly, or he would suffocate.
Just then, he heard a clear yet deep voice in his ear, "Seek the truth about death, and bury the lost souls."
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