The day went by quickly as the Players and Hunters were grouped together as they got on the ship. It took them a whole day for everyone to get on as the large ship chugged out of the harbor and into the open sea, heading toward their destination.

Another day had passed quietly without any trouble, allowing everyone to be at peace for the coming battle. Everyone knew that the following days to come would become hell, getting ready to deal with the monsters ahead. There were many parties, drinking, and even eating as the dungeon life ahead was not easy to scoff at. Cooking in a high-level dungeon was considered highly dangerous and, in some cases, suicidal. Many were killed when they ate that many were wary about the dangers ahead, but because they weren’t yet at the dungeon, people let loose.

Snow took her time to enjoy the day by relaxing, but she did not drink because she wanted her mind sharp. Who knew when the monsters were going to attack.

Snow was at the pier, looking out into the ocean. Her mind was quiet as the thoughts and worries that she was stressing over washed away by the sea. It was as if she was in a trance, enjoying the little moments that she had. She did not know what would happen today or tomorrow, and worrying about it was making her thoughts into a deadly spiral.

Taking in another deep breath, she stretched.

“Snow,” Dairen called out. He walked up from behind as she turned around.

“Yes?” Snow tilted her head.

“How are you feeling?”

“Calm.”

“Really?” Dairen chuckled.

“Yea, you?”

“Nervous.”

“Me too.” Snow smiled. “But, I dropped all that feeling the moments we set sail. My mind was slowly devouring me alive, making me way too nervous. I had to stop all that.”

“How?”

“Easy. Just let it go.”

“Wait, that easily?”

“Yep.”

“No techniques?”

“Nope, though, I have been doing a few breathing exercises and listening to the sea waves. It helps focus away from the constant noise that seems to run in my mind.”

Dairen thought over what she had said. “I should try it.”

“Why not. We got a lot of time, and it should help with your nervousness.”

Dairen nodded. He placed his hand on the rail, staring out into the ocean.

Snow could tell that the worry on his face and even his body was loosening up. The more time went by, the more Dairen was able to enjoy the moment. She, too, silently looked out into the distance, enjoying the moment. She reached out, placing her hand on his.

Startled, Dairen snapped his attention to her. His face turned slightly red.

Snow didn’t look back, and instead, she continued to calm her mind. She felt a slight grasp around her fingers. She took a glimpse, seeing that he was smiling and closing his eyes. The wind blew across them.

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Dairen and Snow calmly stood in presence with each other for a while until Mike and Red walked over. Both of them were talking loudly as they laughed with one another.

“Did you see that idiot make a fool of himself?” Red clapped her hand in glee.

“He got what he deserved.”

“Really, I hate those arrogant idiots. They make everyone else miserable and annoying.” Red snorted.

“Agreed.”

“Well, I'm glad for your help.”

“You know me.” Mike winked. “I’m there to back you up. I don’t like it when people mess with our team.”

“Same.”

They noticed Dairen and Snow. Snow pulled back her hand as she turned around. “What brings you guys here?”

“We wanted to catch some fresh air,” said Mike. He stopped in front of them.

“You should see what we have done!” Red was jumping up and down. “We got those bastards from the guild Hornet. What was his name?”

“Greg.”

“Yea, that name. I can’t believe he's like that. He’s a pervert.”

“Well, he has been known for creating trouble with women,” said Mike.

“Did he touch you?” Snow became cold. Her eyes became slits.

“Yea. He got his disgusting face up close, got too close, and literally reached around me.” Red gagged. “I could smell his bad breath.” Red crossed her arm. “But don’t worry. I gave him a good punch. Knocked him completely off his foot and made him eat dirt.”

“His goons came in and tried to pick a fight,” Mike replied. He smacked his hand a few times, “I wiped them all out before they could do anything to Red.” An evil grin appeared on Mike’s face.

“Well, glad that you guys are okay,” said Snow.

“They won’t be doing anything to Red any again for a while, though I wouldn’t be surprised if they plan to do something later down the line,” said Mike.

“We’ll be ready for them,” Red said with gusto.

A loud rumble could be heard from above. It brought shivers to Snow as the sky turned red.

“Rain? There was no news about it raining today.” Mike glanced up, wondering what was happening.

“Maybe it's a quick squall?” Red asked. She raised up her hand and squinted her eyes.

Mike held up his hand in the air. “No.” He put down his finger. “The air is not wet.”

“You’re right.” Snow spoke right after. She glanced up and noticed that the sun was quickly being covered by numerous black and gray clouds. Red lightning strikes started to zap around the sky. Her eyes became wide. “That’s not normal.”

“It isn’t.”

Even still, the clouds became darker, but no rain had fallen down from the sky. Instead, speckles of small dark spots appeared from above.

“Hey, look!” Red pointed out.

Snow could see whatever was coming closer and closer. They were flying bird-type monsters, cawing and roaring at their prey that they had spotted.

The alarm went off, telling everyone that monsters were coming.

“It seems we are arriving at our destination.” Snow replied. A loud thunk could be heard as her Black Box opened up as her seven swords were out on display. She reached in, taking the Twin moon blade into her hands. With a snap, the Black Box closes, disappearing into thin air.

“The birds come followed by the monsters in the sea.”

“How are you so sure?” Red asked; she was trying to figure out what Snow was seeing that she wasn’t seeing.

“There.” Snow pointed with her blade. Small waves appeared in the water.

“Wonderful.” Red sarcastically said. Magic was glowing in her hand, creating a powerful lull of power.

The others got ready to fight as they all knew that whatever was coming ahead would take up their attention.

It didn’t take long for the first monster to appear above them. It was a giant bird with a human form with a black colored body and red eyes. Horns strutted out of its head and down its back body. There were other multi-colored birds as well with twisted teeth that were razor blade sharp. Most of them were monsters that they knew and dealt with. They were harpies

The first Harpy swooped down with claws extended, but before it could do any damage, it was shot down out of the sky by Dairen.

Dairen knocked another arrow, sending more and more into the sky. Dozens of harpies fell and splashed in the water, dead. As their dead bodies float in the water. Sea creatures burst out of the water, gobbling up the dead harpies in large chunks. It was a feeding frenzy as the water was dying Red.

“We got Eel sharks in the water,” Mike said with a frown. “Don’t fall in.”

An ongoing battle against the harpies, the players, and the hunters ensued.

Snow dodged out of harm’s way from a swooping harpy. Her dagger landed perfectly onto the monster’s side, slicing a chunk off her stomach. Another followed right behind, grabbing Snow’s arm.

She was lifted a few feet off the ground as her leg dangled.

With a quick slash upward, Snow cut off the Harpy’s feet. She landed with a bit of weight, causing a light shockwave on her feet.

Another Harpy screeched, swooping downward. Snow turned around, jumping back to get a bit of distance. The Harpie's feet missed. It flapped its wings, hovering in the air.

Snow jumped up, slashing at the Harpy’s leg. Her blade cut through the legs, causing the monster to screech in pain. It fluttered downward; Snow stepped forward, stabbing the Harpy in the chest. Both Snow and the Harpy were entangled in midair as they fell onto the deck.

Magical fireballs were being thrown into the air by Red, while Mike was fighting a group of harpies that surrounded him.

More and more magical energies were thrown into the air, catching the monsters off guard. Squawks, yells, blood, and sweat could be heard from the battles. It didn’t take long for the people to overcome the group of Harpies.

Dead bodies of Harpies piled on top of each other as the stench of old socks wafted in the air.