Chapter 12

Chapter 12

"Alright, you're right, it's too conspicuous," Tom said helplessly, putting down the iron sword, his face falling slightly. Although he liked the sword very much, he understood Evan's point. At this time, attracting the attention of the security patrol was not a good thing.

"Look on the bright side, buddy, you'll be issued a sword when you join the security patrol after graduation," Evan comforted softly. He patted Tom's shoulder, trying to ease his disappointment.

"That's not an Imperial standard weapon," Tom muttered quietly, still feeling somewhat unwilling. He turned his gaze back to the bamboo crate, continuing to search for other interesting things.

Next, Tom pulled out a small mirror. The frame and handle were made of silver, gleaming softly in the sunlight. The mirror surface was also intact, clearly reflecting the surroundings. Tom held the mirror, examining it carefully. He thought to himself that his sister would surely like this mirror if he gave it to her.

However, Tom soon noticed the pattern engraved on the back of the mirror — a winged serpent. His expression changed slightly, a flicker of doubt crossing his mind. "How about this for my sister? Her seventeenth birthday is next month," Tom asked hesitantly.

"Your sister is already engaged, right? Personally, I'd advise against it. This is engraved with the Feathered Serpent, a deity worshipped by the indigenous people in the colonies. Faith-based conflicts can sometimes be deadly," Evan said seriously, looking at the pattern on the mirror. In this world, conflicts between different faiths were common, and a slight misstep could have serious consequences.

Evan, meanwhile, took out a black notebook from the crate. Opening it, it seemed to be a sailor's logbook. The pages were somewhat yellowed, and although the handwriting was a bit blurred, some content was still legible. Evan carefully checked the dates marked in the diary and added a thought: from twenty years ago. But it seemed this sailor had been to many places. Filled with curiosity about this world and eager to learn more about unknown places and stories, Evan decided to buy it.

Tom finally picked a horn made from a giant conch. The horn had a unique shape, evoking the sea. Tom imagined himself blowing the horn, his heart filled with anticipation.

The two paid 1 silver keren and made their way home, chatting and laughing. They talked about the day's haul all the way, sharing their joy with each other.

In the evening, after dinner, Evan returned to his room. He lit the kerosene lamp, its soft light illuminating the entire room. Evan sat at his desk, opened the black notebook worth one silver keren, and began to read.

July 1, XX - Rain

Today, I, the great Hilberd, am about to become a great sailor exploring new sea routes! Who would have thought the old man would give me a notebook as a congratulatory gift?! Fine, I'll use it to record my great discoveries!

Reading the words in the diary, Evan could almost feel the excitement and longing in the heart of the sailor named Hilberd. He imagined Hilberd standing at the bow of the ship, bravely sailing into the unknown ocean, facing the wind and rain.

July 13, XX - Sunny

That damn rain has finally stopped. We finally made landfall on a small island. Those greenhorns were thrown ashore half-dead. Haha, I truly am the most outstanding sailor! By the way, here I saw honeydew melons that only nobles get to eat. Haha, they tasted really good!

Evan could almost see Hilberd happily tasting the honeydew melon on the small island. He could sense Hilberd's joy, pride, and curiosity about new things.

July 26, XX - Sunny

Today we encountered our first ship, unfortunately, it was a pirate ship! After an hour of fierce fighting, we finally repelled those pirates. Little Jack, who was with me just this morning, was killed after this battle. I, who always thought alcohol tasted bad, drank all night. I didn't get drunk, but I cried my eyes out.

Evan's mood grew heavy. He could empathize with Hilberd's pain and sorrow after losing a comrade. War was cruel, and even brave sailors could not escape the danger of losing their lives.

August 5, XX - Gale

The weather turned abruptly, and we took shelter again on an unnamed small island. Who knows when this wind will stop. Trees on the island were swept into the sky; it was truly terrifying. We hid in a cave, a pitiful bunch.

Evan felt as if he were on that storm-ravaged island, experiencing the helplessness and fear of Hilberd and his companions. The power of nature was so immense, making one feel small and fragile.

August 7, XX - Gale

That damn wind still hasn't stopped. The food we brought is almost exhausted. The Captain led a party out to risk searching for food. It's already dark, and they haven't returned yet. It's really worrying.

Evan worried about Hilberd and his companions' predicament. In such harsh conditions, food shortage was a serious problem. Whether they could survive was filled with uncertainty.

August 8, XX - Gale

The Captain still hasn't returned today. I was too hungry to sleep, so I walked alone deeper into the cave. I don't know how long I walked; even my torch went out. Just when I thought I would finally die here, I saw a glowing tree. There were some red fruits on the tree; eating just one banished the hunger. I picked all the fruits from it and brought them back.

Evan was captivated by Hilberd's experience. The glowing tree and the magical red fruits were full of mystery. He imagined Hilberd's surprise and hope upon discovering the tree in the darkness.

September 2, XX - Gale

Another gale, why are there so many gales at sea? Life at sea isn't as wonderful as imagined either. We encountered pirates again. But this time we were luckier; no one died. Although everyone was injured, the rewards were rich. I also got a gem-encrusted dagger from the spoils.

Evan felt the hardships and dangers of Hilberd's life at sea. Pirate attacks, bad weather, filled their journey with challenges. But at the same time, they were always learning and profiting.

Evan let out a small yawn, closed the black leather notebook, extinguished the kerosene lamp, changed into his pajamas, and went to bed.

Soon, Evan began to dream. He dreamed of the vast, boundless sea, its blue waters turbulent and endless. Wooden sailing ships set sail on the sea, their sails billowing in the wind, making a whooshing sound. Many masts flew "Jolly Roger" pirate flags, which fluttered prominently in the wind.

Pirates with rugged appearances stood on the deck, holding weapons like swords and small axes, singing "The Pirate's Song" loudly. Their singing was bold and passionate, full of longing for freedom and treasure.

"We are pirates, fierce pirates.

Left hand holds a bottle, right hand cradles treasure.

We are pirates, skilled pirates.

Beautiful maidens..."

Evan knew perfectly well he was dreaming, yet he couldn't control his body in the dream. And for some reason, the perspective had shifted to a third-person view; he was like an observer, quietly watching everything. He watched a version of himself dressed as a sailor, surging with passion, waving a cutlass alongside those pirates, loudly singing "The Pirate's Song." His face was radiant with excitement and bravery, as if he had truly become a pirate.

Evan even climbed the mast like a monkey, reaching the crow's nest. Standing high up, he looked down at the sea and the ships. The sea wind whistled past his face, making him feel incredibly exhilarated. Then he spread his arms wide and shouted loudly: "I am the king of the world!" Following that, without the slightest hesitation, he performed a leap of faith.

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