Goblin Dependency
Chapter 909 - 454: Albatross III Type Fishing Rod
Life at sea remains as dull as ever.
Especially for adventurers.
The chores on the ship are handled by sailors, and any battles during the voyage... Indeed, there are quite a few demons in the ocean, but on such vast waters, and over the span of over ten days of round-trip time, encountering one would already be considered unlucky. Two or more encounters would make the adventurers on the ship wonder if they’ve been targeted by some cursed object. The more cautious ones might even set up an altar for divine sacrifices right on the deck.
At present, it’s been nearly three days since the Vengeance Blade set sail from Suo Yu Bay.
The journey has been smooth and uneventful.
The only sight is an expanse of blue; nothing else is visible beyond that.
Sailing on the ocean, faced with those endlessly rolling waves that seem to never stop, if it weren’t for the passing of day and night offering a sense of time, Xia Nan might not even discern how far they’ve traveled.
Meanwhile, the previously excited, restless emotions stirred by the upcoming adventure and unknown enemies began to wear down amidst the ceaseless sound of waves.
Fortunately, the adventurers on board are experienced seafarers, each having their way of alleviating boredom, even the two new members. Alton, of course, needs no further introduction, and Xia Nan has already developed a new hobby.
"Thud..."
The mellow sound of a lute floated across the deck with the sea breeze.
The Half orc Alton sat alone on a barrel by the ship’s side, swinging his delicately crafted leather boots with a four-leaf clover pattern back and forth, cradling his equally small and exquisite lute.
He was clearly not playing seriously; the breeze ruffling his slightly curly hair, his eyes narrowed, lost in thought as his fingers casually strummed a few notes, the light and carefree melody flowing from the strings.
A long rope hung down from above, stretched tightly between two masts about three meters high from the ground.
Sasha, a member of the Spotted Cat race, lay on it.
Despite his reserved nature, he exhibited a unique feline elegance and grace at that moment.
Supported by nothing but a single rope, he maintained his balance in a relaxed manner, hands tucked behind his head like a pillow, with one foot’s pad pressing on the rope, the other leg lazily draped over the knee, as if he were lying on a warm grassy field instead of a taut rope.
With eyes closed, seemingly napping, his fluffy long tail dangled like a bait, swaying gently with the musical notes in the air, a pair of sharp ears stood erect occasionally, turning to catch any anomalies on the deck.
"Thud... Thud..."
The heavy footfalls of leather boots resounded on the wooden planks, like a drum beat interspersed amidst the lute’s melody.
Akken, shirtless, his bronzed skin decorated with extravagant tattoos glistening with sweat, was squatting and lifting a massive iron anchor on the deck as part of his exercise routine.
His swelling muscles seemed like some creature hidden beneath the skin, twitching and contracting along with his breath.
The barbarian profession endowed him with greater muscle strength and power than other professionals of the same level, yet the ever-burning inner source of power, "the flame of Anger," continued to drive his body as if it were a forge, unable to settle down.
He could only consume massive amounts of stamina through repetitive training to suppress the inner fire.
A few young apprentice sailors responsible for cleaning the deck stayed far away, their eyes filled with awe and curiosity, one even mimicking Akken’s training moves with a mop in hand, amusing his companions to laughter.
"What are you doing!? Is the deck all cleaned up!?"
A reprimanding voice from the other side of the deck startled the youngsters, making them shiver and quickly bow their heads, returning to work.
Rein, usually silent and dull, stood with hands clasped behind his back, supervising the sailors engaged in various tasks on the deck, occasionally directing:
"Put away the ropes over there, don’t trip anyone!"
"Check the sails again, there might be a storm tonight."
"Who asked to bring those barrels up here? The Captain? Alright, leave them there."
"..."
His twin brother, Gordon, was in the galley inside the ship, preparing the day’s dinner with the stewards.
Ga——
A seagull with snow-white feathers flew fearlessly at low altitude, its flapping wings disturbing the white smoke of tobacco wafting from the captain’s quarters, gently landing on the ship’s figurehead embracing the sea.
This roused the Silver Ring Snake, A Yin, basking in the sun, to raise itself and hiss in dissatisfaction.
But just as it opened its mouth, baring venomous fangs, a pale hand from behind pressed down on its head.
"A Yin, don’t be so fierce!"
Hai Yin scolded in a low voice.
Fingers gently coiled around A Yin’s slender body, returning it to the crook of her arm.
In the spot where it formed a "bracelet," shielded from the sun, the cool silver-black serpent body slithered up her arm until it settled back into a slightly thicker "necklace," resting its diamond-shaped little head on the Druid’s collarbone, finally at ease.
With eyes half-closed, it nuzzled against the Druid’s neck, continuing to lazily enjoy the sunlight.
Long accustomed to A Yin’s whims, Hai Yin sat cross-legged where she was, closing her eyes once more to continue her meditation.
Meanwhile, the seagulls that had scattered due to her earlier movements gathered once more, flapping their wings and squawking continuously around her.