As the group continued toward the seaport’s edge, the noise of the docks began to shift. The chaotic chatter of merchants haggling, sailors barking orders, and the general hum of trade and travel gave way to a more organized stillness. The banners of provincial authority fluttered in the salty breeze, marking the area reserved for official vessels.
“There,” Oswin said, nodding toward a sleek ship docked at the far end of the harbor. Its hull was a deep, polished black, with silver trim that glinted in the sunlight. A proud provincial emblem was emblazoned on its sails, a golden phoenix rising from the waves. The ship was larger than most around it, its lines sharp and elegant, clearly built for both speed and endurance.
“That’s it,” Vesper said, her sharp eyes narrowing. “The one with the singing mermaid in the front. It’s the ship.”
Erik followed her gaze, his expression unreadable as he took in the vessel. Unlike the chaotic merchant ships or the weathered fishing boats lining the other docks, this ship carried a distinct air of purpose. Uniformed sailors moved with precision, their movements efficient and disciplined as they prepared the vessel for departure.
“Fancy,” Berndhardt muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. “Guess it pays to travel with a seal of authority. Oswin raised an eyebrow. “It’s not just about the seal. This ship carries provincial orders, supplies, and passengers deemed important enough to justify the expense.
As they neared the dock, a man in a crisp uniform stepped forward, his boots clicking sharply against the wooden planks. He was older, with a sun-weathered face and a no-nonsense demeanor that matched the ship’s aura. His eyes swept over the group with practiced efficiency, lingering a beat longer on Erik and his sword and finally resting on Oswin prompting a stiff salute and a greeting.
“High Magus,” the captain said formally. “The ship is ready to depart at your command.”
“Excellent,” Oswin replied with a slight nod. He gestured toward Erik and the others. “These are my companions for the journey. Ensure they are treated as such.”
The captain’s gaze flicked over Erik, lingering briefly on the sword at his side, before moving to Vesper and Berndhardt. He inclined his head, his tone polite but reserved. “Welcome aboard.”
“Friendly,” Erik said under his breath, earning a small smirk from Vesper.
The captain straightened. “We sail at dawn, High Magus. If you have any additional preparations”
“They’ve been made,” Oswin interrupted. “We’ll board immediately.”
The sailors at the gangplank stood aside, allowing the group to ascend. Erik glanced back at the docks one last time, the noise of the town fading as the ship’s presence enveloped him. There was something grounding about its precise order, its sense of purpose a stark contrast to the chaos they had left behind.
Below deck, the quarters were well-furnished, though compact. Erik’s bunk was simple but comfortable, with enough room for his gear and a small porthole that looked out over the water. The gentle creak of the ship and the faint sound of waves added a sense of calm, though the hum of the orb in his pack remained a subtle reminder of the power he now carried.
Berndhardt flopped onto his bunk with a satisfied groan. “Not bad for a ship that runs on magic. What’s the catch? Is it haunted?”
“Haunted ships are a myth,” Oswin said flatly, leaning against the doorframe. “Mostly.”
“Mostly?” Berndhardt repeated, sitting up.
Vesper chuckled, shaking her head. “He’s messing with you. I think.”
Erik sat on the edge of his bunk, adjusting the strap on his sword. “So this is your ship, Oswin. What’s the plan? Just sail us back and hope no one decides to chase us down along the way?”
Oswin crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful. “This vessel is faster than most and can outrun almost anything on the seas. But it’s not just about speed. The route we’re taking is secure at least, as secure as the open ocean ever gets. And the ship itself has... defenses.”
“Defenses?” Vesper asked, raising an eyebrow.
Oswin smiled faintly. “Let’s just say, if we encounter trouble, we won’t be defenseless. You’ll see.”
As night fell, Erik found himself leaning against the ship’s railing, the cool breeze brushing against his face. The distant lights of the town were barely visible now, fading into the horizon as the ship prepared to depart. The orb in his pack pulsed faintly, the demon’s presence lingering at the edge of his thoughts, but for now, it was quiet.
Vesper joined him after a moment, her arms crossed as she looked out over the water. “This is the first step, isn’t it?” she asked quietly. “Heading back. Back to everything you left behind.”
Erik didn’t answer immediately. His gaze remained fixed on the horizon, the weight of the journey ahead settling over him. Finally, he nodded. “Yeah. It is.”
Vesper watched him for a moment, then gave a small smile. “Well, for what it’s worth, you’ve got us. We’re not letting you face it alone.”
Erik glanced at her, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Lucky me.”
She rolled her eyes, but the warmth in her expression didn’t fade as she insisted to come inside and get something warm to eat.
Inside the cabin was dimly lit, the faint light from a single lantern casting a warm glow over the small space. Erik and Vesper sat across from each other, the quiet murmur of the ship’s movements filling the silence between them. Outside, the waves lapped rhythmically against the hull, a steady, calming sound that matched the subdued atmosphere.
Vesper leaned back, studying Erik with a thoughtful expression after having eaten fresh soup and bread. She had been silent for a while, as if working up to something. Finally, she spoke, her tone softer than usual.
“We’re headed back to your homeland,” she said, her eyes fixed on him. “Back to... everything you left behind.” She paused, choosing her words carefully. “I know you’re not exactly one for sharing, but… I’d like to know more about where you came from. About you.”
Erik met her gaze, something in her expression softening the usual walls he kept around himself. He took a slow breath, resting his elbows on his knees as he began to speak.
“I grew up in a place called Thrygall,” he said quietly, the name feeling strange on his tongue after so many years. “Big city, in the middle of the province. My mother passed away when I was born, so I lived with my father for my entire life, a hard man. Strict. The kind who’d train you to punch through a wall, then expect you to do it without a complaint.”
A faint smile flickered on Vesper’s face. “Sounds intense.”
“It was.” Erik’s voice was distant, his gaze unfocused as he remembered. “And I wasn’t exactly... normal. People are born with magic in their veins, But me?” He gave a bitter chuckle. “I was what they call a ‘Lethri’—magicless. Couldn’t feel it, couldn’t use it. Just... empty.”
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Vesper’s eyes softened. “And in a world built on magic… that must have been rough.”
“It was like being a ghost in your own home,” he admitted. “Everyone else, they could cast spells, feel the energy around them. One of my cousins, for example, was one of the most talented magic users around. People used to say he was destined for greatness.” His expression darkened. “But one day, he was... murdered. My father blamed me for it.”
Vesper’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Why would he do that?”
“I still don’t know,” Erik replied, his jaw clenching briefly. “All I know is that he was different that day, almost like he was possessed. Said I’d always been a disappointment. I don’t think he really believed I did it, but...” He hesitated, as if wrestling with the words. “He sold me into slavery.”
A flash of anger crossed Vesper’s face, but she kept quiet, listening intently.
“Maybe he was… forced. Or something else happened that I still don’t understand. But either way, that was it. I was gone.” He looked down at his hands, flexing them unconsciously. “Ever since I came to this land, I’ve just been trying to fight and survive non-stop.. Its exhausting.”
“So everyhing that you have been through, from the temples, to the Red Queen, and the Dark Paladin…” Vesper murmured, “you did it because you had no other option.”
Erik nodded. “When magic’s not an option, you learn to rely on what you can control. It’s why I kept my distance from people, why I never trusted anyone’s help.” He glanced up, a faint smirk crossing his face. “Guess that makes me a little less heroic than the stories make it sound.”
Vesper smiled back, but there was no mockery in her expression, only understanding. “Maybe. Or maybe it just makes you… practical.”
Erik laughed softly, but the humor faded as he continued. “There’s something else I never told you, or anyone here, really. My family... we’re nobles. Not the kind with palaces and vast lands, but enough to matter. Most of my childhood was spent learning things a noble should know, and when I couldn’t use magic, they poured that energy into combat training instead.” He paused, watching her reaction. “Didn’t think it mattered anymore, with everything that’s happened. But… now that I can use magic, it feels strange. Like I’m trying to learn something that was meant for someone else.”
Vesper tilted her head, her voice quiet. “You’re a noble,” she repeated, almost as if testing the idea. “I wouldn’t have guessed.”
He shrugged. “Doesn’t mean much now, does it? Not after everything. Even finding out that I was never actually from this world, that this ‘core’ I have was… implanted. Makes me wonder if I’m just some stranger in borrowed skin.”
Vesper was silent for a moment, watching him with an intensity that felt almost tangible. “Maybe the core was implanted,” she said slowly, “and maybe you weren’t born with magic like the rest of them. But everything else? The strength you built on your own, the choices you made… that’s all you. You’re no stranger, Erik. And you’re definitely no one else.”
Erik held her gaze, a warmth spreading through his chest at her words. He looked away, a faint, rare smile tugging at his lips. “You really know how to make a guy feel less like a disaster, don’t you?”
She grinned, leaning back with a casual shrug. “It’s a talent.”
The two of them sat in silence for a moment, the hum of the ship filling the air. Erik felt a strange lightness; a feeling he hadn’t allowed himself to feel in years. He was heading home, yes, but he wasn’t doing it alone. For the first time, he felt a true connection to someone else, and it felt like it was more than just a friend.
***
The cabin was quiet, the gentle creak of the ship and the rhythmic sway of the waves lulling Erik and Vesper into an uneasy but much-needed rest. Each lay in separate bunks, their weapons within arm’s reach, a shared unspoken habit born of lives lived on edge.
The peace was shattered by the sudden, sharp clanging of bells reverberating through the ship. Erik’s eyes snapped open, his instincts kicking in before his thoughts caught up. He bolted upright, already reaching for his sword.
Across the cabin, Vesper was doing the same, grabbing her pack and dagger as she shot him a sharp glance. “What now?” she muttered, pulling on her boots with quick efficiency.
“No idea,” Erik replied, strapping his sword to his back. “But I doubt it’s a drill.”
They moved in sync, weapons ready as they rushed out of the cabin and up the narrow staircase, the sound of bells growing louder. The cool night air hit them as they burst onto the deck, the stars above still visible in the clear sky. The crew was moving frantically, shouting commands, but there was no sign of an enemy, no threat, at least, not one Erik could see.
“What in the—” Vesper began, but her words trailed off as her gaze turned to the horizon.
They were enormous, their bodies glowing with a soft, ethereal blue that seemed to ripple like moonlight on water. Massive, majestic creatures, the whales leaped from the ocean in graceful arcs, their sleek forms glistening with what looked like liquid magic. Their movements were almost playful, yet there was a reverence to them, a sense of something ancient and unknowable.
As the whales breached the surface, their song filled the air; not words, but a deep, resonant melody that seemed to vibrate through the very marrow of Erik’s bones. It was beautiful, haunting, and powerful, the kind of sound that felt like it wasn’t just being heard but felt in every fiber of his being.
“They’re... singing,” Vesper said softly, her voice tinged with awe.
Erik nodded, his grip loosening slightly on his sword as he watched the creatures move. The melody grew richer, more layered, and Erik realized it wasn’t just sound, it was magic. The song spread over the ship like a warm embrace, wrapping around the crew and passengers alike. He felt it seep into him, soothing the fatigue in his muscles, dulling old aches he hadn’t even realized he was carrying.
The whales’ glow brightened, and their magic spread in waves, creating shimmering ripples across the ocean that glowed like liquid starlight. As the whales swam closer, the ship’s defense system activated with a sharp hum. A barrier of light sprung up around the vessel, powered by a glowing focus stone embedded at the heart of the deck.
Erik’s eyes narrowed as he recognized the energy radiating from the focus stone. It was the same primal magic he had absorbed when his meridians were first opened. “That stone...” he murmured, but his thoughts were interrupted as the whales leapt higher into the air, their movements now bordering on flight.
The song shifted, growing louder and more resonant. It was no longer just soothing, it was uplifting, filling Erik with a sense of weightlessness. Around him, the crew stood mesmerized, their earlier panic forgotten as the whales danced through the air. And then, with a lurch that made Erik grab the nearest railing, the ship itself began to rise.
“Is this... normal?” Vesper asked, her voice sharp as she steadied herself against the deck.
“No,” Erik said flatly, his eyes wide as he watched the impossible unfold. The ship, caught in the glow of the whales’ magic, was no longer sailing, it was flying. The water below fell away, the ship lifting higher and higher with each beat of the whales’ song. Around them, hundreds of the creatures soared, their forms silhouetted against the stars, their glow illuminating the ship in a soft, dreamlike light.
Erik looked back toward the stern, searching for answers. There, at the helm, was Oswin, the Grand Magus himself. He wasn’t shouting commands or coordinating the crew. He was standing still, his hands clasped behind his back, his face lit with an expression Erik had never seen before: pure, unrestrained joy.
Oswin’s grin stretched from ear to ear as he turned to meet Erik’s gaze, his eyes twinkling with delight. “Magnificent, isn’t it?” he called over the sound of the song. “An unexpected gift!”
“Gift?” Erik repeated, his voice rising in disbelief. “We’re flying!”
“Indeed we are!” Oswin said, laughing as if this were the most natural thing in the world. “A rare encounter with the Celestial Whales! Their song is a boon to those they deem worthy, and their magic... well, it seems they’ve decided to lift us above the storm.”
Erik turned, his eyes drawn to the storm clouds below. They were vast, churning masses of gray and black, crackling with lightning that seemed impossibly far away now. The ship sailed above them, gliding smoothly through the clear, star-filled sky.
The crew stood silently now, their earlier panic replaced by awe. Even Berndhardt, usually quick with a joke or a quip, was speechless as he leaned against the railing, watching the whales continue their dance. Vesper stepped up beside Erik, her face unreadable as she took in the sight.
“Did you know this was possible?” she asked quietly, her voice almost reverent.
“No,” Erik admitted, his grip loosening on the railing as he let himself simply watch. “Not even a little.”
The whales’ song continued, filling the air with its magic. Erik felt it resonate within him, not just in his body but in something deeper, something he couldn’t quite name. It wasn’t communication, exactly, but it felt like an understanding, a connection that went beyond words.
As the whales began to rise higher, their movements slowing as if signaling the end of their performance, Erik found himself smiling, something he hadn’t done in a long time. For all the chaos, the danger, and the uncertainty of what lay ahead, this moment, this impossible, breathtaking moment was enough to remind him that the world was still full of wonder.
And as the ship sailed on, carried by the magic of the whales and the glow of their song, Erik let himself believe, if only for a little while, that maybe this journey would lead to something more than just answers.