Vortex Sea, the Fjord Islands.
A heavy fog rose over the sea, the ship moving as if through clouds, surrounded by a vast expanse of white. It had only been a short time since they left Snowdrift Island, yet the island had vanished without a trace, as if it had never existed at all. Aside from the sound of waves lapping against the hull, reminding Maggie that they were still moving forward, there was nothing else to orient themselves.
Sailing in fog was a major taboo for sailors.
If any other captain had demanded it, the sailors would have bound him and thrown him into the sea.
But the captain of the Chasing Wind was Thunder—the most famous explorer in the fjords.
Wherever he wanted to go, people would follow, even if it meant heading toward the entrance to an abyss or into the depths of molten lava.
“The reef area is ahead, sir!” a sailor familiar with the waters shouted.
“Lower the sails, slow ahead,” Thunder clapped his hands. “Everyone keep a close watch, ears perked. That’s where we’re headed!”
“Aye!” the crew replied in unison.
Since his secret meeting with Roland in the Greycastle royal capital and receiving his support, Thunder hadn't wasted a single day. He immediately began preparing for his third voyage east of the Shadow Islands to explore the secrets of the sea lanes and tides. In addition to preparing the ship and recruiting skilled explorers, the most crucial step was finding a witch who could dive deep into the sea to observe the receding tide.
That was Maggie’s childhood friend, Kui.
“Will we really find her?” Moriel peered out from atop her magic servant. “I can’t see anything.”
“It’s when you can’t see anything that she’ll appear,” Maggie said softly. “Kui won’t ignore a sailing ship in distress.”
“She’s turned into a fish now?”
“The last time I saw her, only her legs had turned into the shape of a fish, but that was more than a decade ago,” Maggie shook her head. “I’m not sure what she looks like now.”
“This is a summoning ability, so it wouldn’t be surprising if she could transform into any aquatic animal,” Camilla Dairies, the chief steward of Sleeping Island, pondered. “If the Kui you speak of has been with the sea all along, then there’s no need to worry about her not being able to survive her Awakening Day. But it’s been more than ten years; is she really still in these waters?”
“Madam, you must trust our intelligence,” Thunder said with a smile. “Ever since I learned she was a witch, I’ve been paying attention to the movements in this area. You know, her singing is the hallmark of Snowdrift Island, and some merchants were even eager to claim that voice for themselves.”
“Did you stop them?” Camilla raised an eyebrow.
“A shipwreck stopped them,” Thunder winked. “I guarantee those guys will never dare to try anything again.”
“I see… thank you for helping the witches,” she bowed, placing a hand on her chest.
“Thank you, Uncle!” Moriel chimed in.
“Haha, do I look that old?” Thunder stroked his beard. “It’s not very long, after all.”
Maggie shook her head beside him. This guy was still so good at charming women. On any island in the fjords, he was the center of attention. Of course, if it weren't for that, she wouldn't have fallen for him.
But since gaining the Lightning ability, he’d never considered marrying anyone else.
“Captain, I think I hear singing!” someone suddenly shouted from the stern of the ship. “It’s coming from the northwest!”
“Quiet, everyone be quiet!” Thunder and the witches rushed to the stern of the ship in unison, and Maggie quickly followed.
As everyone held their breath and listened, the ethereal singing gradually became clearer. It wasn't coming from all directions but was firmly pointing in one—like a beam of light piercing through the thick fog, guiding the Chasing Wind to a safe course.
“Reef the sails, drop anchor!” Thunder instructed. “Lower the landing boat.”
After Awakening as a witch, probably knowing that she couldn't be caught, Kui almost never showed her face. Ships in distress could usually only hear her singing, and few had
seen her true form. Therefore, Thunder’s plan was to have the Chasing Wind stay in place, continuing to attract Kui's singing, while he, Maggie, and the witches would take a small boat and follow the sound to find her.
The magic servant submerged in the water, pushing the landing boat forward quietly, saving them the trouble of paddling.
After sailing in the dense fog for about a quarter of an hour, Maggie suddenly saw a flash of emerald green.
“Kui!” she couldn't help but shout.
The singing stopped abruptly.
A woman was floating half-submerged in the water, looking at the people on the small boat in surprise, appearing somewhat at a loss. Her hair, like loose seaweed, hung down, revealing only half of her face and wide eyes. Her skin was as white as if drained of blood, and she had scaly patches on her cheeks and around her neck.
“It’s me, Maggie! Do you remember me?”
“Ah—ah—umb—” she made intermittent sounds, slowly retreating backward.
“It’s no use; she can’t speak anymore,” Thunder said decisively. “I’ll leave the communication to you, Madam Camilla.”
Camilla nodded and placed her hand on Maggie’s shoulder.
In an instant, Kui’s voice rang in her mind.
Are you… bringing them to capture me?
“No, I’ve come to find you to—”
“Just speak in your mind; she can hear you,” Camilla interrupted. “Heartfelt communication is more sincere.”
Maggie swallowed, calmed herself, and repeatedly thought about what she wanted to say.
You once saved my life, Kui, do you remember? I’m here to ask for your help.
After a long moment, she heard the other’s response again.
I remember you, Maggie. We used to be together often.
This is the power of witches! Truly miraculous… Maggie thought with excitement. Fortunately, before the trip, Thunder had foreseen this and invited Camilla Dairies from the Sleeping Spell, who could facilitate direct mind-to-mind communication.
Camilla Dairies? Who is she?
Crap, I forgot that my thoughts can be heard directly, Maggie hurriedly gathered her thoughts and then "said," Camilla Dairies is the one who allows us to hear each other's thoughts. She’s a witch, just like you.
Won’t sailors capture witches?
Of course not! The Church's power has been completely destroyed. Now, witches can even settle down in the fjords. Sleeping Island is a town built by witches. If you want to go, I can lead the way.
Oh? Kui's voice sounded intrigued. What else has happened recently? Someone threw a harpoon at me before. I thought they were after the Church's bounty.
That won’t happen again. Lord Thunder took care of everything.
Thunder? Are you talking about the most outstanding explorer?
Yes, he’s behind me. You don’t know, but I joined his expedition team soon after leaving the fishing village.
Really? Can you tell me about it?
……
After a long time, Kui made an “Ah” sound, flicked her tail, and leaped into the sea, leaving behind a string of widening ripples.
“How did it go?” Thunder asked.
Maggie turned around, slowly revealing a smile. “She agreed to our request.”