GETTING STARTED

Chapter 1

25.

Sometimes, we wonder what is our goal in the first place. There are people that find the answer along the way. Others desperately pick up the pieces in order to give a meaning to what they are doing, while some of us are blinded by the goal which makes us ignore the pathway. What category do you fall into?

A journey is unfolding, an aimless seek for vengeance now weighs more than it is supposed to be. Kane and the rest of his party pack up and leave Graspmoon. Broko and Mista bid their farewell as they swore to meet up again. They passed by Mechtown and had a little conversation with Kyap. A few moments later, they head back to Mashira riding their wagon.

"We are on good terms with Kyap right? Why didn't we ask for a steamship? That will easily pass the whirlpool last time" Ryuu curiously asked.

"I do get your point but that won't work" Reiko replied.

"It would take a lot of crew to pilot a single steamship" Akari said.

"Well we are equivalent to 300 troops or more in war, what makes it different to labor?" Ryuu argued.

"Well that is a flawed comparison. In a war, the enemy goes towards you. Due to spacing, it's like 10-15 persons can attack you all at the same time. Others have to wait for their chance to attack to avoid hitting their own troops. In piloting a ship, you need to handle everything all at the same time simultaneously, failing on one part may lead to failure in everything" Reiko explained.

"In short, it's like simultaneous attacks until you defeat them all versus tasks operating all at the same time continuously" Akari simplified.

"Then we'll ask for crewmates in Graspmoon or Mechtown, I'm sure they'll lend us a hand" Ryuu added.

"We shouldn't put others' lives at risk" Akari answered.

"We won't force them, we'll ask who's willing to join this loot hunt" Ryuu argued.

"And how are you going to compensate them? One of them might even revolt against us when they know that it's the adamant sapphire we are talking about" Reiko responded.

"We need to ride the regular ship coz its slim enough to fit between those pillars, the steamship is too wide, stop the stupid argument" Kane interfered.

Akari, Reiko, and Ryuu paused for a while and then burst out laughing. They laugh as they realize that they forgot to use their common sense due to overcomplicating things.

After a week-long travel, they finally reached Mashira.

"This place hasn't changed since the last time we came here, everyone is still busy" Akari mentioned.

"Well they are the number one supplier of sea goods on our continent, gonna pick up the pace" Reiko replied.

"I wonder if they can compete against Shihanto" Ryuu questioned.

"Shihanto?" Akari asked.

"Haven't heard of it? If Mashira is the biggest supplier of sea goods here in right continent, Shihanto is the biggest supplier of sea goods in the left continent. We only have 3 continents here; the left continent, right continent and Gilword." Ryuu explained.

"I'm sorry about him, he gets excited when we are talking about world demographics" Reiko said.

"Well he sure knows a lot of places" Akari complimented.

In the distance, a townsman noticed Kane and he immediately greeted the party.

"It's you again! Glad to see you back here in Mashira sir Kane" Marvs said.

"Who are you?" Kane asked.

"You must have forgotten hehe, I'm Marvs, I was the second in command before, now I take over the position of Captain after the incident" Marvs answered.

"You were the one who gave me the ship after Frank's death? Now I remember" Kane responded.

"I can't believe he forgot about someone who gave him a ship" Reiko whispered to Akari.

"I hope he does not forget about Mista and Broko hehe..." Akari whispered back.

"So what brings you here?" Marvs asked.

"We need a ship again" Kane replied.

"Aaaahhhmm, that would be hard coz the last time we gave you our captain's ship, it barely reached Mashira, now it's just a memento on our shore. Ships are quite pricey" Marvs said.

"I was surprised that the ship even made it back… I'll say the same thing if I'm in Marvs' position." Ryuu commented.

"We can pay, we just need a ship that we can buy" Kane added.

"I doubt that you can find someone who's willing to sell their ships, the production of sailing ships came from Mechtown, it takes a month to produce and deliver a single ship here." Marvs explained.

"I told you guys, we should have asked Kyap for a steamship or at least a modified one" Ryuu said.

"Wait, you guys are related to Kyap?" Marvs asked.

"We do, why do you ask?" Akari replied.

"HE'S THE MOST IN DEMAND BLACKSMITH IN THE MARKET! He barely makes ships now because he became the captain of the expedition and now he is the Guildmaster of Mechtown" Marvs stated.

"So the news quickly spread" Reiko said.

"HE IS THE ONE WHO MADE HIS OWN METAL ARM! HE IS SO COOL!" Ryuu excitedly said.

"Let's go to my place first, I don't want to have a competitor" Marvs whispered.

The party followed Marvs into his house and continued their discussion earlier.

"Sorry for the mess, you can sit anywhere, make yourself at home." Marvs said.

"Well a lot of things are actually sitting, I guess we'll just sit on the floor" Reiko replied.

"Hehe, Okay here's a deal, I will assist your sail using our ship but you need to make sure that Kyap will make a ship for me after our trip! How's that sound? My crew will help for free if they'll know about this" Marvs offered.

"Sounds like a good deal, I'm sure Kyap will agree as well" Akari said.

"I never knew that Kyap is that famous" Reiko mentioned.

"Anyone with a robotic arm can be that famous!" Ryuu responded.

"Deal, You'll be the helmsman but don't bring your crew" Kane answered.

"Yosha! When do you want to sail?" Marvs asked.

"Tonight" Kane answered.

"Yosh, on it! I'll prepare everything immediately, you can all stay here or wander around, your choice. We'll sail at 6!" Marvs enthusiastically said.

"He's definitely fired up" Reiko commented.

"Well it is still early, we have a lot of hours to prepare before 6pm" Akari added.

*Marvs sprinted out to prepare for their sail*

26.

The party uses their remaining time in their own preference. Akari and Reiko wander around the town, Ryuu follows Marvs to assist him in the preparation, and Kane sleeps at Marvs' house.

A couple of hours have passed. Afternoon came and they were finally ready to sail.

"I hope this doesn't end like the last time" Reiko worriedly said.

"Yeah, I am actually surprised that you flew, given that you are heavy" Ryuu replied.

*Reiko punches Ryuu on his stomach*

"Gomenasai…" Ryuu mumbled.

"I'm sure we'll get there this time!" Akari optimistically said.

"The ship is ready! Aaallll aboaaard!" Marvs yelled.

"So Kane, where are we heading?" Marvs asked.

*Kane pointed a certain location on the map*

"WHAT? ARE YOU INSANE? THAT PART IS WHERE THE BIGGEST WHIRLPOOL THAT WE EVER KNEW!" Marvs reacted.

"That reaction is quite reminiscing…" Reiko commented.

"Well we do have the same reaction hehe…" Akari added.

"Don't worry, we've been there! Trust Captain!" Ryuu said to Marvs.

"I know that there's a rumor about the hidden underwater cave but that is a myth!" Marvs argued.

"It exists, We've seen the entrance" Kane said.

"At first we couldn't believe it as well but it is legit, we saw it with our own eyes, but unfortunately, we failed to enter last time" Reiko added.

"Don't worry Marvs, Kane has the ability to get us out when things get dire" Akari mentioned.

"I want to see that move again! That was insane!" Ryuu responded.

"Well, if you say so…" Marvs doubtfully replied.

"We are going there no matter what happens this time" Kane stated.

"LEZZGO!" Ryuu shouted.

"OOOOY! I DON'T WANT TO DIE!" Marvs panickedly said.

"Haha, Don't scare him like that, Kane" Akari replied.

"I'm serious" Kane answered.

"Why does Reiko tie herself to the pole of the mainmast?" Marvs curiously asked.

"I had a traumatic experience, but we can do this! Hehe… yooossshh.." Reiko sarcastically said.

"This is going to be insane…" Marvs murmured.

The party heads towards the same destination they had been before. Everything is reminiscing but the feelings aren't the same. They are way more cautious now even though the night is soothing.

The calm sea changed, the tides began to move as if their ship was being pulled. The whispering wind started to roar and the clear skies luminated by the moonlight were converted into thick haze. Once again, they have reached their destination.

They did the same thing they did a couple of months ago. They folded the mast to at least lessen the momentum but due to the outrageous pull of the whirlpool, they coursed down at an accelerated speed. With an experienced sailor on board, Ryuu and Kane focused on finding the entrance. Things are getting quite dire as they proceed because they couldn't find the entrance. In that instant, Akari had an idea. Using her light magic, she created an orb-like figure and sent it to the middle. After reaching the desired distance Akari channels her mana into the orb, fully lighting up the surroundings.

"Luminous orb!" Akari casted.

"That's a life saver Akari-chan!" Reiko praised.

"Aaahmmm, guys we are getting near the center, we might die any moment" Marvs worriedly reminded.

"There it is! Marvs on your right!" Ryuu shouted.

"So that's the entrance, but I think the tides there pull stronger, we might miss the entrance if we head straight". Marvs stated.

"Don't worry, hold onto something and make sure the steering wheel is directly towards the entrance" Kane instructed.

"3, 2, 1, SMOKE!" Kane concentrated the smoke on a certain angle at the back of the ship, using the wind force of the smoke while he's casting it created a booster at the back of the ship.

"Woah woah woah!! WE ARE DEFYING THE CURRENT PULL NOW!" Marvs yelled.

"I'm willing to go to this place again just to witness that move again. THAT IS SOOOO AWESOME" Ryuu complimented.

Everyone's heart pumps louder as they go near the entrance. The motion is too quick but the scenario feels in slowmo due to the intensity. Every heartbeat is a meter near to the entrance, and finally, the party managed to enter the center of those 2 giant pillars. Everyone yells as the ship slowly loses its momentum.

The cave is the polar opposite of what's outside. Compared to the ravaging tides of whirlpool, the water is still and peaceful inside the cave. The cave is quite dark but the lack of light is suffice by the glowing planktons. Some of them are at the walls while the rest is under the water, glowing in different colors. After reaching the shoreline, they went down from the ship and walked towards the surface.

"WE FINALLY MADE IT!" Akari joyfully said.

"THIS IS AWESOMEEE!" Ryuu astonishingly said.

"This feels like a different world…" Reiko stated.

"I might cry, I'm glad to see this mythical cave before I die" Marvs dramatically said.

"Be on guard, we don't know what's lying beneath the area" Kane warned.

"MAY I TAKE SOME OF THIS PLANKTON! I WANT TO HAVE THIS ON AN AQUARIUM!" Ryuu said.

"Reiko-chan, please stop Ryuu from collecting those, he might kill them" Akari requested Reiko.

"On it" Reiko pulled Ryuu's ear.

"AAAAAHHH… JUST.. AT LEAST… 10??" Ryuu bargained.

The party goes deep into the cave. As they go further, different harmless species are sighted along the way. All of them are glowing in different colors, keeping the place luminated in a mellow way. Upon reaching the depths, A voice welcomed their expedition.

"Welcome, I am the Sapphire entity, it's been a millennium since humans visited my throne" Sapphire said.

"Wooooahhhh, a speaking blue shroud, that's so cool!" Ryuu said.

"So the adamant Sapphire is alive?" Reiko asked.

"Not exactly, we, entities, create those stones every 5 decades" Sapphire said.

"If you create one every 5 decades, where are the other stones?" Akari asked.

"It's been a thousand years but I'm still getting the same question, do people out there do not spread any facts?" Sapphire disappointedly asked.

"Well we have stories in our books that go around, we all consider it as a myth" Marvs answered.

"YOU CONSIDER US AS MYTH? WE WERE ALIVE WAY MORE THAN EVERYTHING IN THIS WORLD! The other entities will be disappointed about this… anyway, Stones lose its powers after 10 years, making it an ordinary stone" Sapphire said.

"Well that's the reason why our species tends to treat it like a myth. The gap between the creation and its durability is too far. Not to mention, it's really hard to go in here" Kane argued.

"Fair point, we, entities, decided to hide ourselves because some dude a hundred-thousand years ago tried to harness all of us and put it inside of him, that could have ruined the entire multiverse if he had succeeded." Sapphire said.

"WAIT… THERE'S A MULTIVERSE?!" Ryuu shockingly asked.

"Pfft.. Of course! How do you think everything works?" Sapphire sarcastically replied.

"What happened? How did you stop him?" Akari asked.

"All of the other entities were already captured, except me and Ruby. When they got here, his friend couldn't take it anymore and tried to stop him. That fight was between the Legendary Sacred sword versus the Demonic Black Scythe" Sapphire answered.

"So the one who's using the Demonic black scythe is the evil one? We have a tale about a hero who stopped the villain using his Legendary Sacred Sword" Reiko said.

"What? You humans are messed up. The hero you were talking about is the one who wants to harvest us all in order to get back from his old world and control it. The one with the scythe is his friend who stopped him from the idea. They both hate their previous world but the scythe user doesn't want other people to perish the same way they did, he still has faith in humanity while the hero you mentioned does not. In the end, they both kill each other. I can't comprehend how you guys mislead the past." Sapphire said.

"SO THEY BOTH CAME FROM A DIFFERENT WORLD? HOW DID THEY GET HERE?" Ryuu questioned.

"Eee.. can't remember." Sapphire answered safely to avoid explaining them the origin of the world.

"But… Who would want to change that story?" Akari asked.

"It might be related to the item? I mean the Legendary Sacred Sword is said to be the hero's weapon. Maybe due to lack of witnesses, they just formulate a story that could explain everything?" Reiko hypothesized.

"That would actually make sense since we don't have that much evidence" Akari responded.

"Where are the weapons?" Kane asked.

"Oh that thing? I believe that is also alive, we can sense life form inside but they don't actually move and talk, more like controlling fate. To answer your question, you wouldn't find the weapon" Sapphire answered.

"Then how did they acquire it?" Kane questioned.

"The weapon finds its owner. The Sacred sword is on the holy capital while the demonic scythe lingers around" Sapphire answered.

"Hmmm… Can we have the adamant sapphire tho?" Ryuu asked.

"Yeah , I totally forgot, just pick it up there, we tend to give the stones for those who find our place, in return, you all will forget our place" Sapphire said.

"That could actually add to the reasons why people consider you guys a myth" Reiko commented.

27.

The party finally claimed the prize that they have been longing for. Adamant Sapphire drastically boosts the mana of the wielder, making either more agile or can cast more magic, depending on the magical aspect. After that, Sapphire showed them the exit where they sailed back to Mashira without being sucked by the whirlpool.

"It's nice meeting you all, goodluck with your journey and be responsible with your powers" Sapphire said.

"Mind telling us where the other entities live?" Reiko asked.

"HAHA! I should not, but I can give a clue. The other one is way closer than you think, YOU'VE BEEN THERE HAHAHA!" Sapphire teases.

"Well that is bothering" Akari responded.

"Anyway you 6 should be careful" Sapphire said.

"Does he have a problem with counting?" Ryuu whispered.

"SSsshhh Don't make him angry" Marvs whispered back.

-So it chooses him? Interesting… Sapphire said after the party left.

Going back to the ship, the party followed the direction that Sapphire gave them. Turning left, there's a narrow way which leads to the exit. The waveflow pushes the ship back to the weak part of the whirlpool, enabling their escape from the intense pull. Everything is pitch black when they manage to get back to the calm sea. The clouds cover the moonlight, removing any reflection to the water. The ship sails slower due to some damage it took from the whirlpool, going faster will make the ship sink. Nonetheless, they are not going back empty handed.

After the whole night, at 4 am, they reached Mashira's dock. Exhausted from the journey, the party went to an inn to rest while Marvs went straight to his home. They've decided to meet at Marvs' house later in the afternoon.

*After a couple of hours*

"Yow Marvs!" Ryuu greeted Marvs from a distance as they approached Marvs' house.

"Oy! Heading to Mechtown?" Marvs replied.

"We just came here to passby" Akari said.

"So what's the plan? What are you going to do with that stone?" Marvs asked.

"We decided to show it to Kyap first, then we'll figure it out from there" Reiko responded.

"Don't forget about my new Ship! My previous one won't sail that far after what happened last night" Marvs mentioned.

"Sure sure, we'll make sure that Kyap will build one for you! If you want, come with us! Let's head to Mechtown!" Ryuu offered.

"That's a great idea! I can help Kyap in building my new ship!" Marvs excitedly said.

"Captain what do you think?" Ryuu asked.

"No. not enough space on the wagon" Kane answered.

"We can ride Marvs' ship then travel to mechtown, let's just bring Taurus and the wagon on it" Akari suggested.

"Travelling by sea is faster if we are talking about Mashira to Mechtown and vice versa" Marvs added.

"I thought your Ship is in bad condition?" Reiko questioned.

"Well it is but it can still travel from Mashira to Mechtown, I wouldn't advise it if it's Mashira to Gilword. Maybe we can get some spare parts on my ship and use it for the new one" Marvs said.

"Fine, If it's faster, we'll head there right now"

"YOSHAAAA!" The rest shouted.

Heading to Mechtown, Everyone Immediately boarded the ship once more. The week-long travel is shortened by 2 days when they traveled on the sea. Upon reaching Mechtown, they introduced Marvs to Kyap. Marvs almost burst into tears when he skaked Kyap's new robotic arm. As they expected, Kyap agreed to make a new ship for Marvs in return for Kane's help. He called his crew and handed them one of those blueprints he designed, to be able for them to start working while he discussed things with Kane.

"So what's the deal now?" Kyap asked.

*Kane showed the Adamant Sapphire*

"Woah, so the myth is true… That's one of those mythic items. Your party never fails to impress me. HAHA" Kyap complimented.

"We were thinking if you could make this as an accessory? If possible for the 4 of us?" Reiko requested.

"I don't know if I can but I'll take the challenge! HAHA!" Kyap answered.

"How much for this?" Kane asked.

"For this once in a lifetime opportunity, I'll do it for free! Just let me keep a small portion of it as a memento! HAHA" Kyap said.

"Deal" Kane replied.

"You can all stay here at Mechtown while I study about this Gem, though I don't know how long it would take" Kyap offered.

"Hmmm… Do we have a place that we immediately need to go?" Akari asked Kane.

"Before, I just randomly went to different places to investigate. My next target is either Gilword or the latter of the Right continent" Kane responded.

"But… Is leaving the stone here advisable? I mean given that it's a mythic item, it could attract bandits" Reiko mentioned.

"We might put Kyap's life in danger" Akari added.

"We can visit the Mystic forest again, it's near and Mych might have an idea about the other Adamant stones" Ryuu suggested.

"I think we should go there after we have the crafted adamant sapphire, she might not believe us if we tell her we have it but without a proof to present" Reiko argued.

"Saaad… I really miss her" Ryuu murmured.

"I can defend myself but everyone's eye is on me right now due to what happened" Kyap said.

"Fine, We'll stay here until Kyap finishes working with the stone. Everyone is free to do what they want while we are here" Kane said.

Kane's party used their time individually, they all took a quest to earn money separately. Growing and not fully depending on each other.

Days have passed and everyone is taking their own pace, keeping themselves occupied but productive while they are waiting for the result. On the fourth day of their stay, Marvs went to the Guildmaster's room where everyone stays. He's carrying a rectangular box, believing that the party left an item on the ship.

"Yow Marvs, what brings you here? And what's with that box?" Ryuu asked.

"Good thing you guys are here, we are actually getting some items from my ship, like woods that we could still use then we saw this box, this might belong to you" Marvs said.

"A box? I can't remember we have an item that big" Akari said.

"LET'S OPEN IT!" Ryuu suggested.

"I guess that's one way to find out" Reiko responded.

The party opened the box and saw a long black scythe with a skull on its blade.

"HOOOLLYY SHIII.. Well that's anti climatic, it looks like a weapon you can purchase for 40 silvers" Ryuu said.

"That's not ours, have you had any other passengers before?" Akari asked Marvs.

"No, we are actually a fishing vessel, it was the first time we let others rent our ship" Marvs said.

*Ryuu lift the scythe*

"It is surprisingly light to be honest, this is well crafted to be fair. Though this is too long, almost the same height of a person. Here captain, try it!" Ryuu said.

*Ryuu handed the scythe*

The moment Kane touches the Scythe, The eye of the skull emitted a black mist and the rest of scythe glows in violet

"HOOOOOLLLY SHIIIIT! WELL THAT'S WHAT I'M ANTICIPATING!" Ryuu shouted.

"Try giving it back to Ryuu" Reiko said.

*Kane handed back the scythe and the aura fades*

"This is no fun..." Ryuu said.

*Ryuu handed it back to Kane and the scythe glows again*

"HOOLLLY SHIII" Ryuu said.

"So Kane is like an activation switch?" Reiko hypothesized.

"I remember Sapphire said that the weapon chooses its owner… could it be… That might be the Demonic Black Scythe..." Akari mentioned.

"Feels like this weapon is communicating with my head" Kane said.

"OOOOH IT CHOOSE CAPTAIN! THIS IS AMAAAZIIIING!" Ryuu said.

"I never have seen such a weapon…" Kyap stated.

The party loses their mind as they are filled with queries on what's happening right now. They couldn't deny the fact that it could be the Demonic Black Scythe.

-I cannot understand why, but I'm sure that our journey is just getting started...