Chapter 168: The Lost Arc

Chapter 168: The Lost Arc

The harbour was protected by a gargantuan wall. It would have surrounded the entire island, but there was no need for it. The wall stopped where the mountain of the island loomed upward. It was a natural defence that enabled the residents to survive against the countless Spawn and monsters that threatened them.

Astrid was about to fly over the top, but she stopped when dozens of ballista mounted on the top of the walls aimed at her. She looked at Daniel.

“Take us down, they need to inspect us first.” Daniel said.

Their legs bent as Astrid brought them down to the water's surface and plopped them into the ocean.

“Halt, we’ll begin inspection.” A grizzly voice said from high up on the wall. As his words ended, four men leapt from the top of the wall. A line was attached to a harness on their body, slowing down their descent. It was a good thing too. If it didn’t, the impact from hitting water at such a height would most likely scramble their insides.

In a matter of seconds, the four tower watchmen descended. They took off a black board from their back, and placed it on the water.

It’s like a surfboard. Astrid thought in amusement. She had seen the noble children use them on the surface of the water once a year in the summer when the threat of monsters was the lowest. But the nobles' surfboards were equipped with a small engine, while the watchmen’s ones didn’t.

Nevertheless, the water was kicked to the side as the board brought them toward Astrid’s ship. A man in a long coat and a ruffled white beard approached them from the front, while the others flanked the ship to inspect it.

“Business or pleasure?” The grizzly man said.

“Business.”

“Pleasure.”

Daniel and Brett said at the same time, only for Leena to jab her elbow into Brett’s side once more.

“Ah it’s Daniel and the gang, It’s been a while since you were chased out.”

“Craig, it’s nice to see you again,” Daniel chuckled, then glanced at Brett with a helpless look. “Yes, well that won’t be happening again, that’s for certain. Right Brett?”

“Oh c’mon, how was I meant to know who that mutt belonged to.”

“Huh?” Astrd tilted her head, confused as to what they were talking about.

“The Pyre Mage Yursa,” Lisa said.

“Ohh!” Astrid remembered. It was a while ago since they were talking about it. Thinking back, it was on her first mission during the subjugation where Brett was being teased about saying something to Yursa’s beloved pet dog.

It couldn’t look that bad, right?

“Well just don’t be going around offending people this time,” Craig rose his brows, then slumped his shoulder with an exhale. “The seas aren’t the same as they used to be. Just look at the walls now.” Craig nudged his head toward the large chunks gnawed into the gigantic stone walls.

“Damn.” Daniel said, shocked. “First time I’ve seen the walls damaged to this extent.”

“Of course,” Rachelle was about to turn around, but her vision latched onto Astrid. “Did you bring back any goodies for us?”

“Not this time.” Astrid admitted. She felt bad. Everything she had gained was for herself. Truthfully, she hadn’t gained anything else. It was a rather bland dungeon for equipment all things considered.

But it seemed that the others had managed to find a fair few items. Rachelle sported a new staff, Lisa a cool looking bow, and Losef some new armour. The same went for Daniel.

“Well, it doesn't matter.” Rachelle shook her head, displaying her unhidden disappointment in the lack of loot. “There’s always next time, besides, we managed to get everything from that town thanks to the everyones disappearing act.”

“Did you manage to find whatever forced you into the dungeon?” Daniel said, curious.

“Nope.” Astrid shrugged. “It’s not in that town. The moment I escaped from its domain, I could feel its energy far away.”

“It managed to control our minds from... how far away exactly?” Brett asked.

“I don’t know.” Astrid continued. “It could have been from the next town over, or–” Her thoughts trailed off. If it was a psychic of such great strength, then surely it wouldn't come from a town.

Astrid recalled where they were during that town expedition. It was close to a city.

“Or Acrophia?” Daniel said exactly what Astrid was thinking.

She nodded. “It’s the only place I can think of. It was one week away, right?”

“Yeah, and it’s the one we are scheduled to face at the end of the year.”

“Right, Rebirth should be laying her anchor soon.” Astrid said.

“Yep, anyway, we’ll talk later.” Rachelle leapt off the ship and onto the pier, she turned to Daniel. “Oh, and make sure to buy some good stuff. Don’t skimp on the food, and especially the drink!” Her words only became more excited at the mention of drink.

“Yeah yeah.” Daniel waved his hand.

Astrid and the others quickly followed Rachelle. As her boots struck the pier, she gazed at all the other ships around her. The vast majority of them were damaged, some were even completely shattered. Only the main parts were scavenged from the seas such as the engine, and the propellers. It seemed the Spawn were out in full force, just like Pierce had said.

First up was buying the supplies. Thankfully, Losef knew exactly where to go. It seemed the duty of gathering supplies had also fallen on him last time they were here. Well it made sense since alongside Lisa, Losef was the mature one of the team.

As they entered, it was clear the houses were built on top of the mountain. The streets wound everywhere like a labyrinth, and many of the buildings loomed overhead.

They were making the best of the environment to make sure that there were as many buildings as possible.

But instead of going to the shops, they bypassed them without a second glance. Astrid was about to guess why, until she passed a highrise house.

The gigantic ship came into view. It had similarities to HMS Rebirth, but the style was a little different.

Rebirth had long built houses on top, but this one didn’t have them. It was unfurnished. It was a second arc.