CHAPTER 68: SHIPWRECK

Shaan’s frown became even more visible when he heard the courier’s words. He had no idea what the courier was talking about and decided to walk closer to the courier, who was hiding behind one of the large boulders there.

"Wait, that... That’s..."

Shaan’s face turned pale right away when he noticed four Zerawulfs circling the ship. Damn it. He never expected to find this many Zerawulfs here, and he knew it would be nearly impossible to defeat them all by himself.

"Mr. Courier, I think we should discuss this with Nalira and Chelsie first before taking action," Shaan suggested. "Maybe they have an idea on how to deal with all these Zerawulfs."

"Alright, I agree."

Shaan and Mr. Courier hurried back to the wooden house and told Nalira and Chelsie that they had found a ship that might be able to take them across the Tansel Swamp. The news instantly brought smiles to the two women’s faces as they realized they wouldn’t have to stay in this place much longer.

"Uhm... then show us where it is," Chelsie said enthusiastically. "We need to go there now and make sure no bad gang tries to steal the ship again."

"Alright, we can take you there, but..."

"But what, Shaan?" Nalira furrowed her brow, hearing Shaan’s hesitant words. "What do you want to say?"

"However, there are several dark creatures around the ship that are trying to kill us while we are in the Silence Forest."

"He says the truth. Those creatures aren’t just one or two, but four dark creatures circling the ship," the courier added to Shaan’s words. "I think it’ll be very difficult if we just attack all four Zerawulfs at once because our attack might risk destroying the ship."

"Wait, what?" Chelsie widened her eyes after hearing the courier’s words. "Oh no, this is bad... How can we even get close to the ship if those creatures are right there?"

Nalira fell silent for a moment. Then she said, "I have an idea. If we can lure the four Zerawulfs away from the ship, we’ll have a clear chance to get closer."

"Agreed. In that case, Nalira and I will draw them away. While the four beasts are distracted, Chelsie and the courier can sneak aboard and check whether the ship is still in working condition."

Nalira immediately shook her head at Shaan’s suggestion. "No, Shaan. I’ll lure the four beasts away from the ship myself."

"Huh? Are you sure about what you’re saying?" "...Of course. Why not?" "Nalira, listen to me. Zerawulf is a creature that moves very quickly, and I’m overwhelmed just dealing with it. It will be difficult for you to handle those four ferocious wolves on your own. Just let me help you." "Uhm... what Shaan is saying makes sense," said Chelsie. "Lira, it’s best to let Shaan help you lure all the Zerawulfs. I think that’s a good idea." "...No. We have no idea if the ship is safe or not. There might still be dark creatures hiding inside the ship, right?"

"Hmm... I agree with him." Mr. Courier nodded. "Besides, if Shaan is there, at least he can protect me and Chelsie from any dark creatures trying to attack."

’Damn, I don’t think I thought of that. Amazing. Nalira’s way of thinking is different.’

"Alright, then it’s time to move," said Mr. Courier, walking at the front of the line. "I’ll take you all to the location of the ship."

After walking for a while, they finally arrived at the location of the ship. Just like before, the four Zerawulfs were still circling the ship and hadn’t moved from their positions at all.

"...Alright, then it’s time to move."

Nalira slowly drew her sword and walked straight toward the Zerawulfs. Her sudden movement immediately attracted the attention of those creatures, which began chasing her as she ran into the forest.

"Good, this is our chance." Mr. Courier slowly emerged from his hiding place. "Come on, we need to check the ship before it’s too late."

They hurried their pace and finally reached the front of the ship. At a glance, the vessel looked similar to the one Shaan had seen earlier, except it was smaller and covered in thick vines. Without wasting any time, the courier pulled the vines aside and opened the door.

"I think we can still use this ship," he said, turning the wheel inside the control room. "And the fuel looks like it’s enough to carry us through the dark Tansel Swamp."

"Thank goodness. That’s great news," Chelsie said with a deep breath. "So, can we set sail now?"

"Hmm... unfortunately, not yet," the courier said, shaking his head. "I can’t say for sure so quickly because there’s no key to start the ship’s engine." He looked around the room. "Damn it. I don’t see the key anywhere. We can’t start this thing." Frustration spread across his face. "The key’s missing. Where is it?"

"I’ll search around the outside of the ship. Maybe I’ll find the key somewhere out there," Shaan said as he stepped out of the room. "Chelsie, stay here and keep an eye on the courier. Make sure he’s alright."

"Uhmm... Alright. I understand."

Shaan began to walk around the ship, checking every corner carefully, but he found no sign of the missing key. He kept searching for a while, but the key was nowhere to be found. Strange. Where is the ship’s key anyway?

[Hey, Shaan, look over there.] Robin Hood pointed at a fresh corpse slumped against the hull of the ship, still dressed in an intact uniform. [It seems like there’s something in the pocket of this corpse’s uniform. We need to check it immediately.]

"Uhm...." [What’s wrong? Why are you—] Robin Hood paused for a second, then gave Shaan a sly grin. [Oh... so you’re scared of this corpse, huh?]

"Huh? No, no. I’m not scared at all," Shaan denied quickly.

"Huh? No, no. I’m not scared at all," Shaan denied quickly. "It’s just...hold on, are you sure this corpse and it’s not going to attack us, right?" he said with a dry laugh.

[Hey, it’s just a corpse, not some kind of freaking zombie, okay?] Robin Hood furrowed his brow. [Shaan, your words sound very unconvincing.]

"Really? But, I don’t think so."

[Okay then, if you’re not scared, show me. Just go ahead and check the uniform pocket.]

’Damn it, you, Robin Hood. You are such an annoying guy.’