445. Orion Cube Fragments

Meanwhile, somewhere near Veins Peak Island...

"Damn it... They escaped again," a blonde-haired girl muttered through gritted teeth, riding her flying sword high above the waves. The sea wind whipped past her face, but she hardly noticed it— her focus remained fixed on the empty horizon. Her eyes scanned the vast ocean, but there was no trace of the Phantom Pirates.

Her grip tightened on her fist as she clenched her jaw in frustration. "They're like ghosts…"

At the same time—miles away, aboard a different vessel sailing under a black flag—a loud crack echoed through the dimly lit cabin.

Smash!

A thick wooden table shattered into splinters as Masha, flushed from alcohol, slammed her fist down. Her long coat, marked with pirate symbols and battle scars, flared slightly with the movement. Her eyes, hazy from drink, locked onto the girl across the room who sat casually playing with a glowing cube, its edges humming with faint energy.