Chapter 87: Just Listen

The sea was calm, the gentle waves rocking the ship as a cool breeze swept across the deck. It was a rare moment of peace, and everyone took advantage of it. Kai and Tank lay sprawled out, snoring softly, their usual laziness on full display.

Adan was near the bow, speaking quietly with Stella, who had finally ventured out of her room. The sunrise painted her face in warm hues, but the sorrow from Levi's death still clouded her eyes.

She was trying to move on, to accept the loss, but the ache in her heart hadn't yet faded.

At the helm, Julia stood with a firm grip on the wheel. She was the only one who knew their precise direction, and her sharp eyes scanned the horizon.

According to her calculations, they would reach the island by the next day, but a worried expression creased her brow. Dark, heavy clouds loomed far off, warning her of an approaching storm. She kept this to herself, not wanting to alarm the crew—yet.

Meanwhile, Elijah was at the front of the ship, fishing rod in hand, staring intently at the water below. His stomach grumbled, but he was more than capable of waiting. He just didn't want to.

Since tasting the rich, tier-4 cuisine from Miss Amy, his hunger had become an obsession. Even Ava had tried to curb this during their training, but Elijah's appetite seemed to grow faster than his restraint.

He justified it by reminding himself that his body processed food much faster than anyone else's.

"Ugh, I'm starving," Elijah grumbled, glancing back at Julia.

She met his gaze with an exasperated frown. "I just gave you food. You'll have to wait until we reach the island."

"You've been saying that for the past two days," Elijah complained.

"And I told you it would take three," Julia snapped, her patience wearing thin.

Elijah sighed, letting his fishing rod dip. He leaped over to where she stood, curiosity replacing his hunger. "What island are we even going to?" he asked.

Julia tapped a small device on her wrist, and a screen flickered to life, displaying a map. "It's an island where few return from, filled with the second most dangerous monsters in the world. You can fight, eat, and train there while we restock on supplies."

Elijah's eyes lit up. "Oh, you know me so well," he said, touched by her consideration.

Julia chuckled. "Of course. But I have to ask—what's our end goal? Wandering aimlessly wasn't what I expected when we set off."

Elijah was about to answer when Stella emerged from below deck, her steps hesitant. "We're heading toward the Sacred Continent," she declared, her voice unsteady but resolute.

Both Julia and Elijah turned to her, confused. Elijah crossed his arms. "You don't get to decide where we're going, princess."

Stella's brow furrowed, but she kept her composure. "Then what is your plan, oh great captain?" she challenged.

Elijah didn't respond immediately, and Stella pressed on. "You don't know this world like I do. Why not let me guide you?"

A slow grin crept onto Elijah's face, and he glanced at Julia, who just shrugged. "Fine, I'll humor you," he said. Turning to address everyone, he continued, "Listen up, little princess.

We saved your life because Adan didn't want to see you die back there. Now that's done, and I want to travel, find the world's strongest swordsman, maybe even fight the strongest person on this planet.

To me, this is an adventure. But you—you're trying to use us, pushing us towards your own goals, risking our lives for your plans."

His expression darkened. "Let me be clear—if you keep treating us like tools, I have no problem leaving you at the next island and letting you find your own way home."

Stella lowered her head, and Julia added, "We already risked everything once. We're not doing it again for someone who sees us as nothing more than a means to an end." She shot a glance at Adan, who wisely stayed silent.

Adan shook his head. "I have nothing to add," he murmured.

Stella took a deep breath, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry." She stepped forward, kneeling before Elijah, her eyes wet with tears.

"I'm sorry. You saved my life, and I repaid that kindness by trying to manipulate you, to use you as a way to escape. I was wrong, and I accept that."

She swallowed hard, her voice trembling. "But I don't want my father to die. I've already lost Levi, and I can't bear to lose him, too. I don't care if you help me or not—just let me get to the Sacred Continent. Please."

Elijah's eyes softened, but his voice remained firm. "And then what?"

"I... I don't know," Stella admitted. "Maybe I can convince my father to run, to abandon the empire. I just can't stand by and do nothing while he and our people are slaughtered."

Elijah studied her for a long moment, then spoke quietly. "Stella, your father sent you away so you wouldn't worry about him.

He wanted to protect you, even if it meant he had to stay behind. Levi died making sure you'd be safe. I won't let you throw that away by going back to die."

"Then give me a boat," Stella pleaded, her voice breaking. "I'll go myself. I can't just stand here while my father and everyone I care about are in danger."

Elijah shook his head. "You wouldn't survive. The only reason those sea monsters aren't attacking us is because of me, Kai, and Julia's powers. You have no idea where your continent is or how to get there safely."

"Then what should I do?" Stella's voice cracked, her tears flowing freely. "What should I do?" She slumped to the floor, her shoulders shaking. "Am I just supposed to accept this?"

Elijah paused, his expression unreadable. "Yes," he said quietly. "Sometimes, that's all you can do."

"Why?" Stella looked up, her face streaked with tears. "Why do I have to accept this?"

Elijah stepped closer, his voice calm but stern. "Your father is fighting to protect his position, and everyone else is fighting for theirs.

War isn't fair. People lose loved ones, others find hope, some betray, and some are betrayed. That's just the way it is. But I don't understand everything about your empire. So if you want, stand up and tell me more about your situation."

He extended a hand toward her, offering her a chance to explain, to be heard