Chapter 39: Naming the Leviathan

Naming a warship was no trivial matter.

Conqueror, Dreadnought, Vanguard, Victory, Vengeance, Alliance.

Navigator, Voyager, Explorer, Guardian, Wanderer.

Miracle, Wind of Freedom, Destiny, Legend, Noah.

Harmony, East Wind, Hope, Fortune, Dawn.

Titan, Leviathan, Abyss, Ship of Theseus.

Ian's mind flooded with potential names, drawn from reality, myth, and games.

"Destiny" came to mind—perhaps tied to his mysterious connection with the Deck of Fate. But the thought left him uneasy, as if baring his secrets to the world.

"Ship of Theseus" brought a philosophical paradox: if every part of something is replaced, does it remain the same? It felt too personal, as if questioning his very identity.

After some deliberation, Ian decided it should be Wawa, his living ship, who chose the name. After all, it was a sentient being with thoughts of its own.

Grabbing a pen and paper, Ian jotted down dozens of names, enlisting Mierta's help to add a few more. At that moment, Wawa's attention shifted to them. Two tiny, bead-like eyes appeared on the ceiling, intently watching Ian's actions.

Sensing Wawa's curiosity, Ian grinned. Spreading the paper on the table, he said, "Wawa, that's your nickname, but for the world outside, you need something more… grand. This name will be known across the Miracle Sea, a name that will echo in history."

Wawa chirped in acknowledgment, and with an ethereal touch, lifted the paper to examine it.

Although Ian had taught Wawa to recognize most common words, it struggled with abstract names like "Leviathan" or "Titan." Ian patiently explained each option while Mierta watched, intrigued.

As they talked, Ian noticed that Wawa showed no interest in emotionally charged names like "Hope" or "Fearless."

When Ian explained "Leviathan"—a legendary sea creature often representing ultimate strength and dominance—Wawa eagerly "nodded" in its own peculiar way.

Its reason? The other names didn't sound like something a living creature would bear.

Ian couldn't help but chuckle at Wawa's logic. To Ian, the choice carried even deeper meaning. Wawa wasn't just a ship; it was becoming a manifestation of his ambitions, a reflection of his dreams. Running a hand gently over the wall, Ian thought to himself: Without realizing it, I've become your whole world, haven't I?

"Leviathan it is," Ian declared with a satisfied smile.

Preparations for Departure

The following morning, Ian handed Mierta a roll of blueprints, a detailed supply list, and a pouch of gold coins.

"Mierta, take these to Paradise Harbor. Commission several ship flags based on this design, and while you're at it, get everything on the list from the bounty hunters' guild. Feel free to add anything you think might be useful onboard."

He gave Mierta a quick once-over, noticing his companion's now-ill-fitting clothes. Mierta had grown significantly since stepping into the realm of the extraordinary, his stature exuding newfound vigor.

"Buy yourself some proper gear while you're at it," Ian added.

The pouch contained several hundred blessed gold coins. For Mierta, seeing so much money at once was both exhilarating and humbling. It wasn't just the wealth; it was the trust Ian placed in him.

"Understood, Captain!" Mierta strapped on his short and long alchemical rifles, brimming with excitement, and left on his errand.

Ian smirked. Trust was part of it, yes. But no matter where Mierta went, Ian could track him through the spiritual contract that tethered them. If necessary, he could summon a deadly projection to terminate the bond instantly.

News from the Harbor

"Is the Whalers' Guild really disbanding?" Ian asked, his tone incredulous.

"They've joined the Pordria Navy, mostly as captains," Mierta confirmed.

Apparently, Pordria had successfully formed its Fourth Fleet without much resistance. The Whalers' Guild would depart the harbor the next day.

The news caught Ian off guard. He realized just how isolated he'd been. So that explains Lya's unease the other day… She must have wanted to avoid implicating me.

Thinking of Abigail, the Whalers' leader, Ian mused, Even she had to bow her head and flee. Still, their remaining forces are nothing to scoff at. And now, we share a common enemy.

Ian let out a low chuckle. "Let's see how this plays out, Abigail. Friends we may be, but the sea has enough room for rivalries too."

Final Preparations

By early morning, two freshly made flags were delivered to the tower. With a little extra gold, the workers had finished the job overnight.

Ian and Mierta began loading the last of their supplies. Ordinary gunpowder and alchemical powder were sealed securely in the Leviathan's reinforced central hold. Two 24-pound alchemical cannons were mounted at the ship's prow and stern, while six 18-pound cannons lined the main deck, all covered with waterproof tarps.

Unlike traditional broadside layouts, Ian's cannons were installed along the ship's centerline, inspired by modern warship designs. Each cannon was mounted on a recoil-absorbing, 360-degree rotating turret. This setup allowed for simultaneous full firepower on any single target—a deadly innovation.

However, with only two cannons operable at a time due to Wawa's limitations, most of these weapons were still more for show than utility.

Ian turned to Mierta. "When will the flags be ready for hoisting?"

"By noon, Captain," Mierta replied, eager to meet Ian's expectations.

"Good. Tomorrow, December 7th, at noon, we set sail for Storm Cape. No delays."

Mierta's eyes gleamed with determination. "Understood, Captain!"