novelraw Chapter 55: Night Voyage
Chapter 55: Night Voyage
Chen Qi walked to the bedside, picked up the "Guide to Harvesting Sea Beasts," and began flipping through it.
Ghostfire Fish and Bullet Squids were dangerous small sea creatures that often moved in schools. Once targeted by these fish swarms, one would face attacks like a hail of bullets.
Though perilous, they were far more valuable than Moonlight Fish.
Noticing Chen Qi's intention to sail at night, Pelu warned:
"If you plan to follow fishing fleets at night, never board ships from gangs—especially the Black Rabbit Gang, Wild Dog Gang, or that suit-wearing Axe Gang.
Sure, their fees are low, and they even have maids who'll flirt while complimenting your looks!
But by the time you disembark, you'll be extorted for 'tea fees,' 'weapon fees,' 'protection fees,' and 'maid service fees.'
Always choose licensed fishing vessels—they charge around fifty thousand Shell Coins."
Pelu playfully mimicked those money-grubbing maids, batting her eyelashes coquettishly.
"Yikes..." This unexpected assault made Chen Qi's eyebrows furrow like a subway grandpa's.
Pelu would be quite attractive... if she stayed silent.
But given her notorious reputation in Moonstone City, that flirtatious glance could send people fleeing three hundred miles beyond the city limits.
She continued:
"Oh, and for night voyages, always stock up on ship lanterns and oil lamps. There've already been six tragedies from skimping on lamp oil recently."
"Don't worry, my boat's lantern is top-tier."
Chen Qi grinned confidently.
Foreseeing the need for safe night travel, he'd wisely had Damarro Town's shipwright install a waterproof, impact-resistant lantern—second only to the steam engine as his vessel's most expensive component.
"Expensive?"
Pelu glanced around his boathouse with a wealthy patron's skepticism.
Chen Qi sighed, closing the book. "It is for me." He changed subjects:
"By the way, Reporter Pelu, what do you know about the Black Rabbit Gang?"
"Oh? Got some bunnies on your tail?"
Pelu popped a peanut into her mouth.
Gangs were a defining feature of Moonstone City's commoner districts—supplementary enforcers growing bolder as the Rift Tides brought chaos.
"Something like that."
Chen Qi admitted.
His hunting ground excursion had undoubtedly drawn their attention. Worse, intel suggested connections between the Black Rabbit Gang and the Blackfin Crew.
Pelu's expression darkened:
"If they're targeting you, be careful. My sources say many local gangs are collaborating with pirates now.
The Black Rabbits have particularly close ties to the Blackfin Crew—foremost among the Four Pirate Emperors.
Rabbits don't care about reputation when leaving their warrens."
Chen Qi rested his chin on his hand, pondering.
Gangs were essentially land pirates—allying with sea brigands made sense. With Rift Tides making oceanic rifts more common than terrestrial ones, switching allegiances showed foresight.
The Black Rabbits alone weren't threatening, but outnumbered a hundred to one? He'd need caution navigating Moonstone City...
Pelu shook her head—she'd grown fond of this chef's cooking. Attempting reassurance:
"But don't overthink it. Gangs are just city rats—they'd never dare cause trouble in naval-patrolled harbors.
Maybe I'll 'interview' the Black Rabbits into behaving!"
Chen Qi blinked. "Interview"? More like intimidation—fitting for Moonstone's most brazen reporter.
Pelu stood, regretfully packing her notes:
"Pity—no time to sample your dishes today. Thanks for the intel though."
"Safe travels." Chen Qi waved.
Before leaving, Pelu pumped her fists encouragingly:
"Hey chef—earn more money!
This restaurant's too shabby and small. Get a liquor cabinet, mahogany table, maybe a live musician for ambiance?
Oh, and source some supernatural ingredients!
Here's to you becoming a five-star chef!"
She'd wanted to host friends here, but the cramped houseboat made it impossible. Some renovations would make it perfect...
"..."
Easier said than done. Chen Qi surveyed his modest vessel. Without Old Bailey's rushed sale, he wouldn't even have this. A proper liquor cabinet while maintaining speed? Ten million Shell Coins minimum.
And five-star certification from the Chef Alliance? Nearly impossible.
After Pelu left, Chen Qi planned his next moves.
The Monster Night event was two days away. Tomorrow he'd visit Moonstone's market to sell hunting spoils, then train his Breathing Technique, Body Forging Technique, and Deepsea Water Spirit.
......
......
Two days passed instantly.
At Moonstone Harbor, sunset painted the waves gold.
Chen Qi counted his coins aboard the houseboat. Life had been uneventful—just occasional Black Rabbit probes.
He'd sold rift spices and a damaged Black Rabbit steam armor (neural links fried) for 100K and 270K Shell Coins respectively. After expenses, his total reached 400K—substantial for a new sailor.
For non-supernaturals without dependents, this could last years. But for practitioners? Barely adequate.
Chen Qi secured the money in his backpack card as boisterous shouts echoed outside:
"All hands prepare to sail!"
"Someone greet our five honored Rank 2 Hunters! Cannons alone won't stop sea beasts!"
"Remind paying vessels—stay close! This is high-risk!"
"Goddess protect us..."
Daylight faded as darkness encroached.
Peering out, Chen Qi saw five large fishing ships armed with cannons, steam engines, and trawl nets nearby, plus ten medium vessels and twenty-plus personal boats like his.
"Quite the crowd..."
While Damarro's sailors dwindled during Rift Tides, Moonstone's fleets showed no decline.
Night voyages were perilous for small craft—yet staying ashore meant starvation for impoverished fishermen.
"Tough life." Chen Qi leaned against the cabin wall, savoring the breeze and bustling sounds.
Most small-boat fishermen hung their heads, clearly terrified.
From a nearby ship, the captain and first mate's voices boomed:
"Look at all these dinghies! Night fishing during Rift Tides? Suicide!"
"Suicide? One Moonlight Fish equals ten regular catches! What about your family's mouths?
Ever priced supernatural academy tuition?"
Noticing Chen Qi, the burly first mate called:
"Hey chef! That tub can't catch one fish before sinking!
80K Shell Coins—follow our Hunters! All licensed!"
"Pass. Can't afford it!" Chen Qi declined.
His targets were sea beast swarms—no interest in trailing ships for scraps.
The mate laughed heartily:
"Broke, eh? Suit yourself. But watch out—some nearby boats belong to gangs. Not as... lawful as us."
Chen Qi glanced sideways. A gaunt man from a nearby boat stared openly—malicious intent undisguised.
His aura pulsed at Rank 2 strength.
A Black Rabbit executive.
"Finally sent someone competent after days of watching..."
Unconcerned, Chen Qi entered the cabin, lit the lantern, and started the engine.
With his Deepsea Water Spirit, he could sink poorly armored ships. If they attacked? None would return alive.
Above, daylight vanished as if snuffed by a giant hand—plunging the world into darkness.
Night had come.
BOOM!
The lighthouse flared as vessels ignited lanterns and engines.
"SET SAIL!"
The fleet surged forward—small boats trailing like floating lanterns into the blackened sea.