onto the ship. The massive engines on the ship’s bottom burned through a lot of energy to keep it stabilized within the storms.

Soon the public ship stopped at the other side of the platform. A part of its hull opened, signaling everyone to leave.

The excited crowd was quickly welcomed by a few stern looking warriors. All of them wore the insignia of the Lirane Minerals Group.

While the warriors leaving the public ship were welcomed warmly and led away immediately, the commoners were treated like a flock of sheep and told to gather at a certain spot.

Watchful eyes stared at them as if these commoners might steal the precious goods at any second.

A while later the platform was gradually emptied when a guard approached the commoners.

“Listen up. I represent the Lirane Minerals Group to welcome all of you as our new workers. You have all signed the contract and know what will await you.

Now, please form a line and enter the cargo ship, the Storm Blockade.”

Hastily all the commoners followed the order. Although there was some pushing and pulling but under the guards’ stern gazes the commoners quickly fell in line.

Tepo deliberately stayed towards the back, observing the process. As he saw the first people stepping on a wooden gangway and entering the ship, he frowned faintly, cursing the Lirane Groups surprising meticulousness.

A few warriors stood at the entrance. They had a long list in their hands, scrutinizing the new arrivals. Tepo realized that he quickly needed to improvise, or his plan would fall flat.

The young man’s thoughts raced rapidly. He scanned his surroundings, looking for any opening. Suddenly his eyes lit up as he noticed something in the distance.

A few flying beats were passing by the wind channels. They kept their distance, knowing that the massive cargo ship was not something they could break open. They only hoped that something or even someone might fall off the platform, delivering themselves as an easy meal.

But now Tepo had a different plan. He put his hands into his large pockets where his storage bag was hidden. With inconspicuous movements he took out a small metallic trinket provided by Anvil.

It looked very much like a whistle, and it had a similar effect. Tepo carefully injected a little bit of force. Immediately the whistle let out a shrill sound which wasn’t noticeable by the human ear.

Only higher ranked warriors might’ve been able to hear it, but naturally none of them worked for Lirane. Thus, the sound spread undetected until it finally reached the beasts’ ears in the distance.

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Suddenly the flock of beasts let out high-pitched screeches. They shook their heads, their eyes turning red, their minds spinning in pain.

The humans on the platform grew anxious.

“Hey guys, what’s up with those beasts?”

“Why do they look… angry?”

“Are they flying towards us?”

Quickly a guard did their best to control the situation, but his rapidly moving eyes betrayed his own restlessness:

“All of you! Stay in… stay in line! Those beasts have never attacked us! Keep calm!”

A strange atmosphere settled on the platform. Fear slowly crept in the commoner’s minds as they began pushing to get onto the ship faster.

Meanwhile, Tepo watched closely, waiting for more chaos so he could use his [Minor Stealth] as everyone was distracted.

“Sccreeee!”

Suddenly Tepo’s head shot around abruptly as his eyes widened in surprise. A big silhouette emerged on the horizon. Its black skin swallowed the orange evening glow. It’s four sharp claws glinted threateningly.

Even Tepo had to gulp now. His whistle only worked against weaker beasts. It served to make their mind chaotic and let them wildly attack their surroundings.

The young warrior only meant to cause a small commotion.

But who would’ve thought that this flock of beasts had a leader? And even a rather strong one? One which managed to get their flock under control again and now stared at the platform with its slit-like, yellow, dangerous eyes.

“Ahhh!”

Suddenly frightened shouts rang out on the platform. Some commoners froze in shock while others pushed frantically through the crowd.

Fortunately, the warriors reacted quickly:

“All of you! DON’T panic! Calm down! Enter the ship in an orderly manner!”

Tepo watched the commotion calmly. He saw a rowdy commoner trying to break out to the side, quickly receiving a fist to his face. The warriors used all means to keep the crowd in check.

But very much to Tepo’s delight they even delayed the control at the ship’s entrance. The warrior was surprised that the guards cared this much for a few workers as they did their best to hastily get them on board.

This measure proved to be very effective. Everyone could tell that the safest place right now was on board the ship. Thus, even the most terrified commoner did their best to reach this saving grace.

As it was finally Tepo’s turn, the flapping of wings gradually drowned out even the loud storms. The young warrior turned his head upwards. Behind the ship he barely made out a few streamlined heads with sharp teeth glinting within their opened maws.

Thus, even Tepo sighed in relief as he finally entered the ship.

But from the guards’ reactions the danger wasn’t over yet. They moved immediately, even leaving some goods behind as the ship’s hull closed behind the last guard.

“All workers, follow me!”

While the ship’s engines let out loud hissing sounds, carrying the massive behemoth as fast as possible, the commoner were led into another room.

Tepo looked around. Most of the guards had anxious faces as they scurried through the ship, manning weapons and maintaining engines. Thus, only two guards were left to lead the commoners.

This was the perfect chance for Tepo! As the guard not far behind him nervously looked out of a window, the young man suddenly hid behind a corner and activated his [Minor Stealth].

When the guard looked towards the front again, they felt like something was off but simply let it go. Their mind was too occupied with the dangerous situation.

Tepo took a deep breath as the group of commoners disappeared through another door. Finally, he had avoided detection. Now he only had to hope that the ship could escape the flock of beasts, or he might have tricked himself to death.