Shrouded Seascape

Chapter 651: Weapon

The colossal black wall was so astounding that everyone was left frozen in place for a full five seconds before they regained their composure.

"So this is the darkness they reported in the newspapers? If we bring it back, we will be able to save the Subterranean Sea," Grace muttered to herself as she clutched her red crystal staff tightly and adjusted her sling bag.

"Let's go. I'll bring you to Governor Charles. The moment this outpost was constructed, he has been sending us telegrams to hurry up. His patience is probably running really thin now," Leonardo remarked and led the group through the bustling street.

Being a newly built outpost, the place was small, and it didn't take long for them to find the fully repaired Narwhale.

Grace finally laid her eyes on the legendary Governor Charles for the very first time.

His face was a mix of pale white and red flesh and marred with several scars. One of his eyes appeared normal, while the other glowed a dark red. Paired with his steel prosthetic arm and towering stature, Grace felt her nervousness and unease heightening at the sight of Charles alone.

The legendary hero of the Subterranean Sea was nothing like she had imagined; in fact, it could be said that he was way far from it.

"Why are you here?" Charles asked Leonardo with an expressionless face after taking a brief glance at Grace.

Leonardo bowed slightly and answered, "This is the final outpost of the front lines. Mistress was concerned and sent me to assist in the management of this area. Also, she appointed James to oversee the Colossal Hole Fortress."

Charles nodded in understanding before taking a step forward and standing before Grace.

In front of the towering Charles, the teenage girl appeared even more petite. Out of fear, she tightly clutched her staff tightly to her chest and instinctively shrunk back.

"Why is she so young? Can't the Western Seas even send a single adult?" Charles' voice was laced with apparent dissatisfaction.

"Governor, it's not that. They said this girl has the strongest abilities and is the most qualified bait from this batch, so they sent her to you."

As someone who had fought his way through seas of blood and mountains of corpses, Charles' intense gaze made Grace feel like she could hardly breathe.

"Nevermind. It's close to the agreed time with T. We'll have to make do with this. By the way, has Anna checked her memory?"

"Mistress has already checked her out. There are no issues."

"Raise your head. What's your name? How old are you this year?" Charles' sudden series of questions sent a tremble coursing through the teenage girl's body.

"G-G-Grace. I'm fifteen this year, Governor Charles," Grace answered, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Do you know what you are here for?"

Charles' gaze swept over the crew. He wasn't too worried about the old hands; his warning was directed more at the newly recruited crew members.

Although only seasoned explorers were qualified to be on the Narwhale, it was always better being safe than sorry. After all, the presence of a delicate young girl on an exploration ship was an unstable element in itself.

"Understood, Captain!"

"Got it!"

"Aye, Captain!"

Charles nodded in satisfaction and gave further instructions. "Dipp, you'll have to squeeze in with the other sailors and give your room to Grace for now. You can move back once she's gone. Linda, help her settle in. Everyone else, dismissed. Assemble here at eight A.M. sharp tomorrow."

The crew members left in small groups, leaving Grace alone on the deck. Her heart was racing with unease until a bald woman approached her.

After a brief moment of thought, Grace gathered her courage and introduced herself, "Hello, I'm Grace."

"Linda, ship's doctor. Come with me. I'll help you get some essentials."

Climbing down the rope ladder, Grace followed Linda toward the nearby shops. Being with someone else of the same gender, she was less nervous than before. Soon, her lively nature began to show. Her eyes darted around with curiosity as she scanned her surroundings while peppering Linda with questions.

"Linda, what do we need to buy?"

"Daily essentials, things you'll need on the ship. And some stuff for you to relax and destress. A ship's a confined space; doing nothing all day can drive one crazy."

"Daily essentials? Like a washbasin?"

"There's no need for a washbasin. Freshwater is for drinking. We aren't in the Subterranean Sea; there's no seawater to use either."

"So no washing of faces? Wouldn't that be dirty?"

Linda gave Grace a sideways glance before leading her to a shop with a white door frame.

"We didn't wash our faces before. But now, a new batch of wet wipes have just arrived. You can stock up a month's supply. There's also chewing toothpaste for cleaning your teeth. These are all new inventions of Hope Island."

Grace looked at the items in the ship before peeking into her sling bag. "Can I take all of these? How much does it cost? I didn't bring much money."

Linda stared at Grace's youthful face and a hint of pity flickered across her eyes. "It's free. Just tell them what you need. You've already paid; all of us have."