novelraw Chapter 118 : Monster Hunter
Chapter 118 : Monster Hunter
Chapter 118: Monster Hunter
After a night passed,
By early morning the next day, the storm finally subsided. The Arctic Star set sail once more, heading toward its destination.
However, at this moment, the rear deck of the Arctic Star was packed with people. Passengers from first class, second class, and even third class had all crowded over.
The reason was simple—the massive monstrous fish now lying on the deck.
The creature occupied nearly the entire rear deck. Its head alone was as large as a bus. Even seasoned sailors had never seen such a fish, let alone those who were sailing for the first time.
“To be honest, I really thought you were drunk before, Mr. Levi.”
Standing on the deck and looking at the corpse, the captain couldn’t hide his excitement and astonishment, even with a pipe in his mouth.
“I’ve sailed all my life and never seen such a large fish.”
“That makes it sound like I’ve seen one before. If possible, I’d rather never see this thing again in my life.”
Levi rolled his eyes.
After killing the sea monster last night, he had asked the First Mate to gather people. In the end, nearly all the sailors were mobilized. Many even abandoned their posts just to see the creature.
Of course, hauling such a massive body aboard wasn’t easy. Ordinary nets were useless. Fortunately, the Arctic Star had cargo cranes. Dozens of sailors went into the water, tied the creature securely, and carefully hoisted it up.
Even then, two cranes were damaged, and the deck was nearly smashed.
But the captain didn’t care at all!
After all, hunting a sea monster was enough to become the highlight of his life. Even if he wasn’t the one who killed it, he had still contributed!
Compared to that, what were a few damaged machines?
“What are your thoughts now?”
“Me?”
Levi looked at the sea monster and stroked his chin.
“I’m thinking… can we eat this? And would it taste good?”
“…………… You want to eat it?”
“If not, what’s the point of keeping it? That head alone could make a huge pot of chopped chili fish head.”
Levi almost drooled.
After the storm, he had finally seen its true form. It resembled a fish, with two pairs of fins on each side, a crocodile-like head—only larger and fiercer—and a shark-like tail.
At its size, it had few natural enemies in the ocean.
Rough measurements put it at about 25 meters long, 3 meters wide, and weighing over a hundred tons.
Thankfully, the Arctic Star was the largest passenger ship in the world. Otherwise, Levi might’ve ended up reenacting The Old Man and the Sea.
“You’re not excited at all, Mr. Levi?”
The captain was surprised. Even he was thrilled, yet Levi looked completely indifferent—as if the monster had no value beyond being food.
And for Levi… that was basically true.
So what if it was a monster? He had seen even stranger things before.
Besides, being chased by it in the ocean wasn’t exactly a fond memory.
“I’m just extremely sleepy…”
Levi yawned.
After killing the monster last night and confirming there was no danger, he had gone back to sleep. He had planned to sleep in—but at dawn, the excited captain dragged him out to see the corpse.
“No matter what, this is a great achievement.”
The captain still tried to emphasize its importance.
“Sea monster legends are everywhere, but you’re the only one who has actually hunted one! Once we bring this corpse to the Melisia Region, your fame will spread across the Empire. You might even receive a reward from the Queen!”
Levi silently complained in his mind.
He already worked for the Queen.
And honestly, killing this monster had brought him little benefit. No system rewards, no treasure chests—only the upgrade of the 【Ghost Ship】 core to LV2, unlocking a new ability 【Intangibility】 in addition to 【Mist】 and 【Water Movement】.
Not bad—but not useful for himself.
In fact, Levi didn’t even want too much recognition.
In the Empire, the most stable positions weren’t the flashy ones—they were the bureaucrats. The more prominent someone was, the more dangerous their position.
Levi’s goal was simple—earn money, extend his lifespan, and enjoy life.
Drink tea, eat snacks, spend time with beautiful women, and occasionally witness strange events—wasn’t that better?
Compared to that, risking his life for fame made no sense.
Meanwhile, someone else was far more excited.
“Mr. Levi.”
When Annie Branson crawled out of the monster’s belly, covered in blood, Levi was startled.
Anyone else might think she had been eaten.
“You’re really allowing me to dissect and study this sea monster?”
“Of course, Miss Branson.”
Looking at Annie—who looked like she had just stepped out of a horror film—Levi smiled.
“You’re the most knowledgeable expert in biology on this ship. I trust you’ll make good use of it.”
“I understand. I won’t disappoint you.”
Though her expression remained calm, her flushed cheeks and quickened speech betrayed her excitement.
“Of course, don’t forget our agreement.”
“I won’t.”
Annie nodded.
“I’ll conduct a full examination and write a detailed report as soon as possible.”
“Good. I’ll leave it to you.”
Levi had agreed to her request—but on one condition: after completing her research, she had to submit a report to the Exploration & Mystery Editorial Department.
This was Levi’s idea.
If research and “debunking” could weaken monsters…
Then maybe humanity could reduce their threat.
It was just a hypothesis—but worth testing.
Perhaps not only sea monsters, but even land monsters could be weakened this way.
After greeting Levi, Annie returned to the monster’s belly to continue her work.
That… was true professionalism.
“Alright, Captain, let’s put the sea monster aside for now.”
Levi shifted his attention back.
“Let’s talk about last night’s mechanical failure.”
“I’ve already ordered an investigation.”
The captain’s expression turned serious.
“For now, the preliminary conclusion is operator error.”
“Operator error?”
“Yes. Someone accidentally shut down the pressurization system early, causing the engine to stop.”
“I see…”
Levi narrowed his eyes.
To others, it might look like a mistake.
But Levi knew—it wasn’t that simple.
The moment the ship stopped, the monster attacked.
And that was just a coincidence?
Too coincidental…
“What about that crew member?”
“He’s been confined for punishment.”
“Heh…”
Levi chuckled.
“Mind if I have a talk with him?”
Compared to the dead monster—
This living person was clearly the bigger problem.