novelraw Chapter 160 : Chapter 160
Chapter 160 : Chapter 160
Chapter 160. To the Continent (1)
As the full moon waned and dawn began to break, the city buzzed with activity.
The kingdom’s delegation to the Empire set out early, riding toward the port.
Among them were Evan and his five chosen attendants.
“Everyone alright?”
Evan asked, scanning his group.
Jack, injured the previous night, nodded vigorously, as if fearing exclusion.
“Good. Let’s move out.”
Evan had no intention of abandoning someone he’d already decided to take.
Thus, Evan’s party, alongside the delegation, slowly left the capital.
From a palace window, Princess Anna quietly watched.
As if sensing something, Anton glanced back at the palace.
For a brief moment, their eyes met.
Please bring Evan back safely.
I’ll return, Princess.
Amid the concerns of many, the delegation reached the port without issue.
They boarded their assigned ships.
Those carrying the King’s Edict to meet the Emperor, along with key figures like the prisoner Rotman Reverk, boarded the advance ship, while less critical members, including Evan and his attendants, boarded the rear ship with more leisure.
“Prepare to sail!”
“Preparations complete!”
“Set sail!”
With the captain’s booming command, the ship left the port, heading into the sea.
As the land grew distant, the tension on deck eased into a relaxed atmosphere.
“It’s my first time going to the continent.”
“Really? It’ll be a good experience. We’re just going to see the Empire’s culture, after all.”
Forgetting the war and the Empire’s threat for a moment, people gathered in small groups, chatting casually.
Evan, too, leaned against the railing without much tension, starting a light conversation with Jack beside him.
“Did you sleep well? You didn’t stay up nervous, did you?”
“No way. I’m an adult now.”
“I know. But you still feel like a kid to me.”
“That’s the opposite for me. You’ve always felt older than your age, Young Master.”
Jack unconsciously rested his arm on the railing, wincing as his elbow touched it.
“Is your arm really okay?”
“Yes, moving like this is fine. It only hurts if I put pressure on it.”
“I think you should get more treatment.”
“I’ve had enough treatment. I still have some prescribed medicine.”
Evan had caused Jack’s injury.
Though he’d been careful not to cause severe damage, it was still an injury.
Thus, Evan had ensured Jack received the best medicine and healers until departure.
“Seeing you stubbornly follow despite your injury, your determination is something else.”
“You said you’d take me. You’re not planning to change your mind and throw me overboard, are you?”
“…No.”
Evan reflected on how Jack perceived him, wondering if he should reconsider his actions.
“By the way, is your family really okay? Won’t it be tough without you?”
“They’re fine. My younger sibling’s grown, and thanks to your support, our household lacks for nothing now.”
“Good to hear.”
As a servant, Jack earned more than most in the kingdom—perhaps all servants.
Being Evan’s close aide, Evan had set his pay accordingly.
Jack works hard for what he’s paid. He deserves that compensation.
Jack was no longer just a servant but Evan’s closest confidant.
His pay far exceeded that of any servant in the kingdom.
Thanks to this, Jack sent most of his salary to his family, ensuring they lived comfortably, even through harsh winters.
But Evan’s concern wasn’t material.
Even if his family is well-off, it’s meaningless if Jack loses his life. That’s what I was worried about…
This was why Evan had tried to exclude Jack from the Empire trip.
But seeing Jack challenge even Gaiard, Evan worried more about what trouble he’d cause if left behind.
“By the way, I heard you went after Jaina too?”
“Uh… Well…”
As Jack looked troubled, Jaina, overhearing, jumped in angrily.
“He was out of his mind! Right?”
Jaina glared at Jack, fuming.
“Following me secretly and throwing punches out of nowhere? Evan, say something!”
“I’m really sorry, my lady.”
“Hmph!”
Jaina turned away, feigning anger, while Jack fidgeted.
Evan, recalling their Academy days, smiled warmly.
Then, to resolve a lingering question, he asked Jack.
“By the way, Jack, what was that kick you used against me? Jaina said you were using your fists then.”
Evan had never taught Jack leg techniques, nor were they part of the Executor program.
“Actually, the Chief Instructor gave me a hint.”
“The Chief Instructor?”
“Yes. After losing badly to Lady Jaina, I ran into him by chance…”
Chief Instructor Everhart’s simple question—“Why don’t you use your legs?”—was the trigger.
Jack had reflected deeply, training tirelessly for days to create his current leg techniques.
“That’s all.”
“Truly… impressive.”
Evan couldn’t hide his astonishment.
That level of martial art, created in just a few days? I knew Jack was talented, but this is beyond imagination.
Jack had achieved remarkable growth, earning Evan’s approval to join.
That it happened in mere days left Evan unable to gauge his potential.
“Amazing. To make such a technique your own in just a few days.”
It wasn’t perfected, but at this rate, his growth’s limits were unpredictable.
Evan even thought this Empire trip might give Jack wings.
At this level, I don’t need to worry about Jack. He’s not inferior to anyone in our group. In terms of potential, he might surpass them all.
Of course, the other attendants were no slouches either, each a top-tier expert in their field.
“I’ve got a good eye for people.”
For a moment, Evan felt hope that his team might survive the continent.
“Now that I think about it, there’s a departure party tonight. Let’s enjoy ourselves for once!”
Though he didn’t know how long this hope would last, for now, he wanted to savor the moment.
“Where’s that Gaiard guy? Let’s drag him out to bask in the sun!”
“Huh? Is that okay?”
“Of course not. But if it’s not allowed, will you stop?”
“No way.”
“Haha! Let’s find him and make him sunbathe.”
Evan scanned the deck, laughing, and added,
“There’s nothing to do on the journey anyway, so let’s have fun.”
***
Evan’s brief hope for peace shattered.
Three weeks.
A journey that could be long or short neared its end.
With the continent’s port in sight, a massive storm engulfed their ship.
The captain shouted desperately, warning those who came outside.
“Everyone, grab something tight! Stay away from the rails!”
The ship rocked like a toy in the ferocious waves and wind.
—Crash!
“Aaah!”
“Eek!”
People screamed, dizzy and nauseated.
Even seasoned sailors clung to each other, struggling to hold on.
Amid this, someone gripped the rail, watching something.
“Young Master! What are you doing here? Get inside now!”
Jack, holding steady with strong legs, approached Evan.
He tried to pull him to the cabin, but Evan refused.
“…”
Soaked by the rain, Evan sharply scanned the storm’s darkness.
Then he turned, surveying the chaotic deck.
“Jack, gather all the attendants now. This ship’s going to wreck.”
“What? What do you mean? The captain’s holding the helm fine.”
“I know. But there’s a limit to what the ship can withstand.”
“Huh?”
As Jack looked puzzled, Evan pointed into the storm.
“Look closely, Jack. Something’s coming.”
Jack squinted in that direction.
At first, he saw nothing, but then his face paled.
“Good heavens…!”
A wave as tall as a mountain slowly emerged from the darkness.
It wasn’t just a storm wave—it was an overwhelming force ready to swallow everything.
“See? Get everyone now! Grab your things and get out! Hiding in the cabins will get us all drowned!”
“Y-Yes, sir!”
Jack ran frantically to the cabins without further questions.
Soon, Evan’s chosen attendants rushed out with minimal belongings.
“Brace for the wave!”
Before Evan’s warning finished, a massive wave crashed over the ship.
—Rooaar!
No matter how large the ship, its wooden hull couldn’t withstand the weight of the water.
—Crack!
With a deafening sound, the ship split in half from the center, water flooding in as it began to sink.
“Aaaah!”
“Save us!!!”
The sailors’ desperate screams were drowned in the storm.
“Another’s coming!”
“Damn it!”
An even larger wave crashed mercilessly over the shattered ship.
—Rooaar!!!
With that wave, everything vanished into the darkness and the sea.
The ship, the sailors, and Evan and his attendants.