The Blue Hope continued its slow journey.
The rumors of battles and attacks spread like wildfire through the ship's levels.
From the top-tier residents in the luxurious quarters to the struggling merchants and laborers in the lower decks, everyone whispered the same fearful question:
Who will be next?
-
Heidrick moved silently through the levels, his footsteps measured and his presence almost ghostly.
His mask and cloak were practical tools, concealing his identity and making it easier to move unnoticed among the ship’s increasingly divided population.
He stopped at a narrow junction between Levels Four and Five, leaning against the cold metal wall as he watched a group of civilians argue.
“This ship was supposed to protect us!” a middle-aged man exclaimed, his face flushed with anger.
“And now we’re caught in a war we didn’t ask for!” a woman retorted, clutching a child close to her side.
Heidrick tilted his head slightly, noting the despair etched into their faces.
The constant fear of becoming collateral damage in a battle they couldn’t control was eating away at their resolve.
The ship’s structure may have been strong, but its community was fracturing, and the cracks were beginning to show.
He moved on.
He passed groups of guards patrolling nervously, their hands hovering over their weapons as if expecting an attack at any moment.
He noticed the signs of wear in their faces and posture—the strain of holding the line in a conflict that seemed to escalate without end.
“They are at their limits.”
“In the end, these guards are just experienced fighters that use magical weapons...”
“They did not expect such a battle against mages.”
“They are getting scared each time an incident happens, and their trust towards myself is getting weaker every passing second.”
Heidrick went to his room without wasting any time, and after entering his room and sitting on his chair, he gave out a cold breath.
Removing his mask, he placed it on the desk, revealing sharp, calculating eyes.
He took a seat, leaning back slightly as his mind worked through the tangled web of alliances, betrayals, and escalating violence.
He knew the ship was on the brink of losing what little stability it had left. But his hands were tied—he couldn’t act recklessly, not against the VIPs whose power extended far beyond the confines of the ship.
Even if he could neutralize them, their backers would retaliate in ways that would ripple far and wide, beyond the ship and into his own carefully constructed world.
The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
Heidrick sighed and reached for the communication magic device embedded into the desk.
With a press of a button, the smooth, glass-like surface lit up, displaying a series of icons and names.
He selected Revol’s name and initiated the call.
It only took a few seconds for the connection to establish, and Revol’s voice came through, calm but tinged with weariness.
“Judge Heidrick. What’s the situation?”
“I’ve been observing. The battles and attacks have left the civilians in a state of panic. They’re starting to lose trust—not just in the ship’s leadership but in the very idea that they’ll survive this journey.”
Revol sighed.
“I’ve noticed the same. Morale is low, and the guards are stretched thin.”
Heidrick leaned forward, his elbows resting on the desk.
“It’s not just the guards.
“The factions are becoming bolder, and the lower levels are on the verge of complete anarchy. If we don’t act soon, the ship will tear itself apart.”
“What do you suggest?” Revol asked, his voice steady but carrying an edge of urgency.
“I’ve been thinking,” Heidrick said slowly, choosing his words carefully.
“We need to address the root of the chaos—not just the symptoms. The factions are using the civilians’ fear to their advantage, manipulating them to gain leverage. If we can find a way to neutralize that influence, we might be able to stabilize the situation.”
Revol was silent for a moment,
“Neutralizing their influence isn’t as simple as taking out their leaders. You know that my Judge. These groups are resilient, and their power structures are deeply entrenched.”
“I know,” Heidrick replied.
“But there’s another way. We don’t have to eliminate them—just turn their focus inward. If we can sow discord among their ranks, they’ll be too busy fighting each other to continue disrupting the ship.”
Revol chuckled softly, the sound laced with a hint of approval.
“You always did prefer indirect methods.”
“They’re cleaner,
“And more effective in the long run. But I’ll need your help. Your position gives you access to resources and information I can’t obtain on my own.”
In reality, Heidrick would love to just barge into their room and take them out one by one to stop the battles.
But that was not possible due to political reasons, and it would have consequences.
“Consider it done,” Revol said.
“What’s the first step?”
“I’ll start by identifying the key players in each faction—the ones with the most influence. Once we have their names, we can begin planting seeds of doubt and mistrust. It won’t take much to push them over the edge. These alliances are built on shaky foundations.”
Revol’s voice turned serious. “And what about the civilians? If the factions implode, the collateral damage could be catastrophic.”
Heidrick shook his head and closed his eyes as he said with a cold voice.
“We can't do anything about that.”
Revol exhaled deeply.
“All right. Let’s do it.”
Heidrick nodded.
“Understood. And Revol... be careful. The closer we get to the truth, the more dangerous this game becomes.”
“Also, keep your eye on Gareth...”
“I wouldn’t expect anything less,” Revol replied.
-
Gareth (Alexander) walked with fear and anxiety.
Every step he took made him feel weak in the knees.
The revelation still gnawed at him.
Sylas Sylind was able to create level three peak mage entities with ease.
As Gareth turned down a quieter corridor, he muttered to himself,
“If Sylas can create something like Ares... How many more does he have?”
He clenched his fists, the weight of the realization settling heavily on his shoulders.
The idea of an army of such constructs—loyal, powerful, and utterly unyielding—sent a chill down his spine.
“If he unleashes them, there wouldn’t be anyone left to oppose him.”