Chapter 27 Boarding the Ship

"Are you one of the wizard apprentices boarding this ship?"

The hooded man's voice was deep, emotionless.

"Yes, sir."

Hutson could feel the sheer intensity of the man's magical aura, even though it was deliberately restrained.

"Do you have a sigil?"

"I do."

Hutson retrieved his ring, presenting it to the hooded figure.

Taking the ring, the man examined it briefly before nodding. "Moonlight Grove's sigil… This is the second time I've seen this particular one." He handed it back. "Follow me. We're only staying here for a day due to previous delays."

The second time?

Hutson's mind quickly pieced together the implication—the first time must have been with the red-haired apprentice's master.

Which meant… this man had likely been aboard this ship for years, if not decades.

Turning back, Hutson met the gazes of Melissa, Emil, and Claude.

"I'm leaving."

Emil pulled him into a firm embrace, clapping his back with a rough but familiar force. "Take care of yourself."

Melissa followed, wrapping her arms around him briefly, her touch light yet filled with unspoken emotion.

"Let's go."

The hooded man—Dino—had already begun walking toward the ship, his patience wearing thin.

Hutson slung his backpack over his shoulder, took the bundle from Emil's hands, and quickened his pace to follow.

"I am Dino, a First-Class Wizard from Dream Isle."

As they walked, Dino spoke in a measured, clipped tone, relaying information as though reading from a script.

"This ship has five levels. You apprentices will stay on the third and fourth decks. They are not luxurious, but they are safer than the upper levels. The open sea is dangerous—do not wander where you do not belong."

Hutson absorbed the details, his mind already mapping out the ship's layout.

"How many wizard apprentices are on board?" he asked.

"Including you? Eleven." Dino's tone remained indifferent. "Only two from the Colson Continent—including you. We'll wait here for the remainder of the day in case others arrive."

As they reached the main deck, Hutson was struck by its sheer size. What had looked large from the outside felt even more vast beneath his feet.

It was as wide as a town square, bustling with sailors moving in coordinated efficiency.

At the edges of the deck, five or six figures stood scattered, gazing at the sea.

Apprentices.

All close to his age, all following the same path.

They barely acknowledged his arrival—a brief glance before returning to their solitude.

They had seen this before.

Every stop brought new passengers, and every new face would eventually disappear into the ever-changing tide of fate.

Dino's voice cut through the moment.

"Do not start conflicts on the ship. Do not disrupt operations. Do not damage the ship itself. If you do…"

His tone darkened. "…I will personally throw you into the sea."

Hutson met his gaze and nodded. "Understood."

"Good. Follow me."

Dino led him below deck, the aged wooden stairs creaking with every step.

As soon as they entered the ship's interior, the light dimmed, the world narrowing into tight corridors lined with flickering white lamps.

Each lamp contained a single pale stone, glowing with a soft, steady luminescence.

The air smelled of salt, wood, and something faintly metallic.

Hutson ran his fingers along the walls, noticing something unusual—the wood had a metallic sheen.

Pressing against it, he found it remarkably solid.

Dino, without even looking back, spoke.

"It's wood from the Anti-Magic Forest. The hardest wood known to man. Highly resistant to magic."

"Anti-Magic Forest…"

Curious, Hutson channeled a small amount of mana into the wood—only to feel it instantly suppressed, blocked entirely.

A ship made of magic-resistant materials—a fortress against the unknown perils of the open sea.

Dino didn't linger. They passed through the first deck without stopping, descending further until they reached the third level.

"The third deck is full. You'll stay on the fourth."

Hutson cast a glance down the narrow corridor of the third level.

Through the slightly open doors, he could see flickering candlelight—some rooms occupied by silent figures, others dark and empty.

The fourth deck was even smaller, its layout tighter, more cramped.

Hutson counted only five occupied rooms.

Dino stopped before a door, pulling out a keyring and unlocking it.

"This is your room. The fourth deck may be rougher, but at least it's quieter. Fewer conflicts." He studied Hutson briefly. "You're a First-Class Apprentice, correct?"

"Yes."

According to the Starry Sky Meditation Technique, he needed to meditate on six stars before reaching the next rank.

Most apprentices began with only one or two points of mental power. Based on his estimates, a Second-Class Apprentice would need at least seven to eight points.

Dino nodded at the confirmation. "Then this deck suits you. The third deck has Second-Class Apprentices. More than one. Be careful."

At that moment, a light flickered from the room across the hall.

Dino gestured toward it. "Your neighbor is also from Colson. He boarded at the last port."

His tone shifted back to disinterest. "That's all. Don't cause trouble. Stay quiet until we reach land. Second deck has food—go there when you're hungry. Stay off the main deck unless necessary."

"Understood, Dino." Hutson replied, polite but firm.

Dino gave no response, already striding back down the hall, his presence fading into the dim glow of the lamps.

Hutson stepped into his new quarters, met with darkness.

Feeling along the wall, he found a lamp—similar to those in the corridor.

It was simple: a white stone encased in glass, attached to a lever.

Sliding the lever up, the stone flickered to life, bathing the small room in a soft white glow.

Sliding it down, the light vanished.

Fascinated, he examined the lamp more closely.

"What kind of stone is this…?"

The construction was simple—a base, a lever, a stone, and glass.

But within the base, he felt a faint pulse of magical energy.

"The mystery is in the foundation."

He was tempted to disassemble it, to study its internal workings.

But he also wasn't eager to be thrown overboard.

For now, he let it be.

He had a long journey ahead.

As the soft white glow filled the small cabin, the once-cramped space took on an unexpected warmth.

The room was narrow, yet functional—a single bed pressed against one wall, leaving just enough standing space between it and the opposite wall. The wooden planks felt sturdy, utilitarian.

Mounted on the far wall, a foldable wooden board was secured with ropes—a makeshift table that could be pulled down when needed.

Above, two overhead compartments provided storage, just spacious enough for essentials.

Hutson placed his belongings inside. Emil and the others had packed him preserved meats, dried rations, and other long-lasting provisions—essentials for the voyage ahead.

With everything settled, he sat on the bed, then laid back, staring at the wooden ceiling.

The mattress was firm, nearly rigid, yet not unbearable. A thick blanket covered the bed, and as he reached under it, he felt the dampness in the fabric.

A ship on the sea—of course it would be damp.

Then—

Knock. Knock.

The sound was measured, neither urgent nor hesitant.

Hutson's gaze flicked to Ai chip's minimap—a single figure stood behind the door. Judging by the silhouette, it was a woman.

He pulled the door open.

Standing before him was a young girl, no older than sixteen or seventeen.

Her long golden hair shimmered faintly in the lamplight, framing delicate features sculpted with a noble refinement. A gentle smile played on her lips, her expression carrying an air of effortless grace.

Hutson's eyes swept over her attire—a pale gold dress, layered beneath a silver-gray coat adorned with golden tassels.

A noble.

And not just any minor noble.

Hutson narrowed his eyes slightly.

Who was she? And what did she want?