Trapped In Elysium: A Virtual Reality Nightmare-Chapter 54: The Sea Phantom

The next morning came with a grayish dawn and the sharp cries of seagulls echoing through the salty air. Fog still lingered low over the sea like a ghostly veil, and the distant sound of waves lapping against wood gave the entire port a rhythmic pulse.

The group, half-awake and carrying their bags and supplies, made their way back to the harbor where the Sea Phantom awaited them.

Ander stood on the dock, barking orders at his men while pointing toward the massive vessel that loomed just ahead. The ship was a beast—easily one of the largest vessels any of them had ever seen. Its thick wooden hull was reinforced with dark iron bands, designed to take a beating from both ocean and enemy. Dozens of cannons lined its lower deck, their dark barrels jutting out like watchful eyes. The sails were blackened by years of salt and sun, but still strong, held by an intricate web of ropes and masts that creaked gently in the breeze. The figurehead at the bow was carved into the shape of a screaming banshee, mouth open in a silent wail, her arms outstretched like she was reaching into the unknown.

The ship looked like it had stories—bloody ones. The kind of ship that outlived its crew and just kept sailing.

Sophia took one look at it and shivered. "That thing looks like it eats smaller ships for breakfast," she muttered.

"Yeah..." Jason replied, squinting up at the towering sails. "And buries the bones at sea."

Meanwhile, Marcus stumbled behind the others, dragging his feet and holding his head like it might split open at any second. His eyes were bloodshot, and every now and then he let out a low groan.

"I swear," he mumbled, "if I hear one more gull scream I’m gonna scream right back..."

"You did this to yourself, champ," Jason said with a smirk, slapping his back a little too hard.

Marcus winced and staggered. "Ow. Not now, man... too early for violence."

Liam stayed toward the rear of the group, eyes scanning their surroundings and the ship. His mind was already several steps ahead, thinking about provisions, sleeping arrangements, and the unpredictable nature of sea travel.

"Eleanor," Liam called. "Sophia—take some coin and get us some dry goods. Non-perishables. Pack light, but fill some canteens with clean water too. Just in case."

Eleanor looked back, raising a brow. "We’ll be fed on the ship, right?"

"Yes," Liam replied, "but we never know what might happen. Pirates, storms, gods-forbid sea monsters... anything could delay us. I’d rather not depend solely on Ander’s kitchen."

Sophia nodded immediately. "Got it."

The two girls quickly slipped away into the crowds of the bustling dockside market, disappearing between stalls filled with dried meats, salted fish, biscuits hard as rock, and bottles of fresh water.

As they left, Liam turned back to the ship. He narrowed his eyes at the Sea Phantom, feeling a sense of unease creep up his spine.

The journey hadn’t even begun... and already it felt like the sea had secrets waiting for them.

While the group busied themselves around the docks, the dwarf had already disappeared into the bustling crowd. He had informed them earlier in his gruff tone that he’d be heading off to find a reliable guide—someone who knew the lands they would be traversing once they docked at their destination.

"Won’t be needin’ me much till we hit solid ground again," he’d said with a wink, tugging at his belt as he adjusted the small axe hanging there. "But when we’re back on land, you’ll want someone who’s walked those roads more than once. Leave that to me."

With that, he’d vanished with the ease of someone who knew how to disappear in the chaos of a busy harbor.

Meanwhile, about half an hour later, Sophia and Eleanor returned from the marketplace, their arms loaded with satchels. They looked relieved, the market stalls had been crowded and haggling had been intense, but they managed to get everything they needed. On their way back to the ship, Sophia’s eyes caught something out of the corner of her eye—a wooden sign swinging lazily in the sea breeze, etched with a bow and arrow insignia.

"Wait," Sophia said suddenly, pulling Eleanor’s arm. "That’s an archery shop."

Eleanor turned, brows furrowed. "We’ve got arrows." 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"Not enough." Sophia’s tone was sharp and decisive. "What if we run out mid-battle? We don’t know how often we’ll get to restock."

Eleanor didn’t argue. She followed Sophia into the small shop, where the scent of freshly carved wood mixed with the faint tang of oil and metal. Sophia moved quickly and expertly through the rows, picking out a quiver of balanced arrows for herself. She even asked the grizzled shopkeeper if he had bolts suited for a crossbow—and to their luck, he did.

"These’ll fit Jason’s," Sophia said, holding up a leather bundle of bolts and passing some coins across the counter. "He’ll thank me later."

They left the shop with heavier packs but lighter hearts. There was something about being prepared that gave a strange comfort amidst the uncertainty.

Back at the harbor, the Sea Phantom loomed like a sleeping beast. Ander was standing at the base of the gangplank, arms folded, his peg leg tapping rhythmically on the wooden dock. When he saw them approaching, he gave a toothy grin.

"Finally," he barked. "The lot of you move slower than my grandmother’s funeral cart."

Sophia rolled her eyes while Eleanor muttered under her breath, "Charming as ever..."

"Let’s get goin’. Don’t want the tide changin’ on us."

Ander led the group aboard the ship. The salty wood creaked under their boots as they crossed the gangplank. The smell of seaweed and salt mixed with tar was overwhelming at first. Sailors were yelling and moving barrels and crates. Seagulls danced overhead, occasionally diving down to snatch a piece of bread or fish guts from the dock.

Onboard, the ship was more organized than expected. Despite its intimidating exterior, everything seemed to have a place. Ander moved confidently, shouting out orders to his crew who moved quickly, clearly used to his rough leadership style.

"You lot," Ander said, turning to them after a few minutes. "This way. Got your rooms set already."

One of his servants—a tall, lanky man with sun-darkened skin and a single braid down his back—stepped forward and motioned for the group to follow.

He led them below deck, down a narrow staircase that creaked with every step. The corridor below was dimly lit by small lanterns hooked to the walls, and the gentle sway of the ship was already noticeable. The scent of salt and wood mixed with faint traces of old smoke.

The servant stopped at two heavy wooden doors across from each other.

"Boys in this one. Girls in the other. Including her." He pointed a crooked finger at Sera, who had been silently walking behind them the whole time, her eyes watching everything but saying nothing.

The servant turned on his heel and left, leaving the group in the quiet of the lower deck.

Marcus pushed open the door to their room first. It was surprisingly neat, with hammocks on each side of the small cabin, a single lantern hanging in the middle. A small table was bolted to the floor, and a barrel of clean water sat in one corner with tin cups stacked neatly on top.

"Well," Jason said, dropping his pack, "I’ve stayed in worse."

Across the corridor, Eleanor opened the door to their own cabin, inspecting it with cautious eyes. It was nearly identical—modest but functional. Sera stepped inside without a word and went straight to one of the hammocks, dropping her pack beside it.

Eleanor and Sophia exchanged a look before following her in, their unspoken tension still hanging heavy in the air.