Chapter 48: Wall Creation and Bacon

Chapter 48: Wall Creation and Bacon

As the old ship bobbed over the languid waves, Astrid gazed up at the orange horizon. The sun’s haze was radiating into the air.

Her mind wandered to the events that had transpired. It became a habit to reflect on a mission. It helped her calm down and figure out where she went wrong, or made a mistake. She needed to correct everything, so she wouldn’t ever put her team in a position where they had to risk their lives for her. It was her duty as the lowest level here.

After a couple of hours, HMS Rebirth emerged into view. Gazing at it from a distance filled her with awe. The migrators, and their ancestors, built a ship for outer space and Rebirth, a ship to traverse the endless seas. They had long lost most of their technology as science classes were running out. The current engineers were only capable of repairs. The information to enhance the technology had been long lost.

Much like everyone else, she always wondered where the migrators were. In what faraway galaxy had they travelled? Were they still alive? Was it peaceful there, and was there abundant land? There were too many questions, but not enough answers.

“Hey Astrid, will you be attending the auction?” Lisa asked.

“The auction?” Astrid said. “I hadn’t even thought about it, you know, with death clawing at my throat and all.”

“We need to hand over the item.” Daniel motioned towards the chain around Rob’s wrist. “And you may find something worth spending that Sinwen coin on.”

“You say that as if my father would give me any,” Astrid pouted. “Will you be coming?”

“Afraid not. We’ll be busy with the debrief,” Daniel said.

“You’re missing the main reason,” Brett continued, “it’s cos’ we’re piss poor. Look.” Brett turned his pockets inside out, revealing two large holes.

“Well, that too.” Daniel chuckled.nove(l)bi(n.)com

“When’s the next mission?” Astrid asked.

“Not too sure, to be honest,” Daniel said. “I imagine as soon as headquarters finds out about that dungeon, all the divisions will congregate towards it like flies to shit.”

“I doubt there will be any exploration down below for a while,” Lisa said.

“You know what that means.” Losef rested his hands behind his head.

“Seafarer duty?” Brett groaned.

“It’s not that bad, right?” Astrid said. “I quite like it out on the ocean.”

“It’s a Wayfarer’s pride, my lady.” Leena said.

“She’s right. It’s alright being out here,” Rachelle said, “but it’s different when we’re being ordered around. Do this, do that.”

“We prefer our freedom.” Brett stuck the tip of his blade into the side of the boat.

“Oi. Stop doing that to old Bessy,” Daniel frowned, “or I’ll get Rob to throw you overboard.”

“Mmm,” Rob nodded.

“Sorry, just bored.”

Finally, making it to the bottom of Rebirth, Daniel hooked on the wires to the boat. With a jolt, it rose. Hopping off once it had reached the top, Astrid quickly regained her balance. It was difficult to get used to the wobbling of the little boat.

Maybe that’s why a lot of younger Seafarers look drunk most of the time.

Major Steele stood with his hands behind his back.

“Major, looking for the debrief?” Daniel said.

The other Seafarers took hold of the boat as they finished securing it.

“I am, as you can see.” The Major motioned towards the entire military corps scrambling around. “We have a lot to discuss.”

“I’ll send a letter to the Sinwen manor when I have news for the next mission, missy.” Daniel said as he walked alongside the Major. The back of his hand waved goodbye.

After saying everyone’s goodbye, Astrid retreated to the manor. A lot of things had changed in such a short amount of time, but others remained stalwart. She gazed up at the thousand stairs as the manor remained as the only building to have never fallen on HMS Rebirth. It was the emblem of humanity. An unbending, unbreakable sign that humanity was still standing. That was what the Sinwen’s represented.

She knew the sacrifices that had taken place for it to remain standing.

As they entered, Leena had to report to the head maid and so Astrid scurried back to her room. Entering the bathroom, she kick started the heating element within the boiler. She waited for it to heap up for a few moments before running the hot water. The steam hit her face. Ah, scalding. Just how I like it.

With the bath running, she meandered into her room and lay on the floor. Entering her System, she gazed at the new messages.

Requirements met for Illusionary Armour [ Stage 2 ]

Evolving Illusionary Armour to [ Stage 2 ]

Rare - Active Skill - Illusionary armour: Create an illusion of armour around your body. Increasing physical and magical resistance by 20%.

| [ Stage 2 ] Physical damage reduction is increased by 5% and can now be placed around one target of your choice. Can only be used on one target at a time.



Oh, that will help Rob out tremendously! He’ll be a damned impenetrable wall!

Astrid smiled. She was happy that Rob would now be better protected, alongside the rest of the squad when they needed it.

Oh shit, the bath!

Astrid leapt to her feet and bolted into the bathroom. She lunged at the knobs on the bath and restricted the flow. Her finger dipped into the almost overflowing water and quickly took back her finger.

Just how I like it.

Astrid stripped off her clothes and sank into the bath, sending the water cascading from the edges of the bath. Her thoughts moved to the auction. If she remembered correctly, it would begin later tomorrow. The auction house was a huge faction within Rebirth. They had information channels all around the world and connected most of the survivor colonies all over. Anywhere they could make money, they grabbed hold of it. Wherever that may be. They were greedy, without a doubt, but Astrid had heard of their good deeds. Whether it was providing food and clothes to the lower districts, or giving them a place to train to become Wayfarers.

I wonder if there will be any psychic equipment. Astrid hoped, but her excitement dwindled. She had no money.

Astrid sat at the dining table. Maids and servants rushed back and forth as they filled the table with delicacies. She glanced side to side and let out a sigh. Again, she would eat on her own. The new dungeon must have been keeping everyone within the family busy. Well, or not.

Astrid watched as Freya entered. Unlike the Sinwen ladies, who usually wore pieces of armour over their dress. Freya was void of the unnecessary weighted decals. Instead, she wore a long, layered dress. A corset was fastened to the point of absurdity as it pinched her waist, fully displaying her hourglass figure.

“Don’t know how you can willingly wear that thing.” Astrid’s fork stabbed into the freshly prepared bacon.

“And I don’t know how you can eat that.” Freya gracefully sat down and tucked a napkin into her dress’ collar. “Have you not gotten sick of salt from your recent mission?”

“I can never tire of salted meat.” Astrid chomped down in joy.

“I heard about your mission,” Freya said, “just as you were from young, you have a knack for creating chaos.”

“Is that why you’re dressed all prettily?” Astrid said, ignoring her later comment.

“I dress for myself, Astrid,” Freya said, “but I have been busy. The ministers have sparked to life once more. They’re gathering a lot of resources to study that dungeon you found.”

“Oh? Are they actually doing something useful?” Astrid laughed. “I thought they’d still be busy trying to take coin away from their citizens.”

“Coin?” Freya chuckled. “The Wayfarers really are making their mark on you. You fit in, that’s for sure.”

“But yes, most likely they will raise the taxes once all of this has finished.” Freya took a bite of a few leaves that were scattered on her plate.

“Shock and horror,” Astrid said.

“Now that we’re on the topic of politics,” Freya continued, “I’ve just received the position of sub-leader of the Chamber of Commerce.”

“All that sucking up worked, then?”

“Thankfully.” Freya said and stabbed at her salad with more force than usual as it screeched against the plate.

“Just don’t direct that fork to their throats.” Astrid grinned.

“I almost did.” Freya said with a smile on her face. “Anyway, will you be joining me for today’s auction?”

“With your friends?” Astrid frowned.

Freya wryly shook her head. “I suppose I can shoo them away for the day. Just for you.”

“Then I may consider it.”

“Excellent.” Freya stood up. “Let’s call it a girls' day out. Meet out at the front in an hour's time. I need to reapply my make-up.”

“Mmm.” Astrid chomped on another piece of bacon.