Shrouded Seascape

"The future of the Subterranean Sea is the darkness. The darkness has to be found and retrieved for the Subterranean Sea to have a future. The same goes for us."

As soon as Charles' words fell, Linda rushed in front of him and stared intently into Charles' mismatched eyes. Then, Linda raised her trembling hand and pointed at Grace huddled in a corner before roaring, "She's the future of the Subterranean Sea!

"The future of the Subterranean Sea belongs to people like them. It doesn't belong to monsters like us! What you're doing is destroying the future of the Subterranean Sea! You're not saving the Subterranean Sea at all!"

Grace's mouth fluttered open before she finally mustered the courage to say, "Madam Linda, this is my choice. For everyone's sake, I'm willing to—"

"Shut up!! What do you know?! You're nothing in their eyes!! What you're thinking right now isn't really your own thoughts! Your thoughts are what they've instilled in you!!"

Grace was so scared that she dared not speak before Linda's outburst.

The corridor fell silent again, and only Linda's rapid breathing could be heard.

Charles placed his prosthetic hand on her shoulder and brought his mouth close to her ear before whispering, "If you think what I'm doing isn't great, then come up with a better one before saying such abstract nonsense."

"Have you taken pity on her? We could also die in the upcoming exploration. How are we any different from her? And who will take pity on us?

"The Subterranean Sea is an extremely cruel place. I thought you had already adapted to its cruelty. It seems that your heart has gotten quite softer since you removed those needles in your head.

"And I'm no one's hero. If we want to save the Subterranean Sea, then relying on heroes is useless. Everyone has to work together to overcome the adversity before us. This must be done."

With that, Charles continued toward the deck.

"Captain, do you still remember the cognitive identity disorder I mentioned to you not too long ago? Do you really think that you're not having any issues when it comes to it?" Linda asked in a trembling voice.

Charles' footsteps reverberating throughout the corridor didn't stop as he said, "Don't worry about it. I've gone through so many hardships that it is not that easy for me to lose awareness of myself. I'm still human, and I'm very certain of that.

"And this has nothing to do with being human. It's just simple mathematics. Making use of them as baits is far better than leaving them to drown down below."

The heavy cabin doors creaked as it opened, and a loud thud echoed as it was shut.

Early next morning, Charles was already on the Narwhale, meticulously examining the ship before the scheduled assembly time of the crew members.

When the crew members finally arrived on the ship, Charles had just finished his inspection of the ship.

"Captain, there seem to be quite a few ships that are going with us this time," Dipp said, sounding surprised as he half-squatted on the ship's gunwale. There were four airships nearby, and they were here for the upcoming expedition.

"It's the first official contact with the Foundation, after all. Those concerned in the Subterranean Sea will send people over as well. It's impossible for them not to do so."

Of course, Charles was aware of a few things that need not be said, but it didn't really matter whether they were actually concerned or suspicious, as he hadn't lied to them at all.

Hooonk!

The steam whistle tore through the air, and the Narwhale climbed slowly to the skies. All eyes in the outpost turned toward the Narwhale and her accompanying airships.

Everyone's eyes were full of anticipation, as this exploration was of great significance to everyone.

As Charles stood beneath the purple light, he swept his gaze across the crew members on deck before shouting, "Roll call!"

A roll call was always done at the start of an expedition. The first one to state their name and position was the first mate, a man covered in bandages.

"Bandages. Position:... First Mate. Duty: To assist the Captain in organizing work plans… and responsible for compiling… the cargo loading schedule. Helmsman covering the… 0000 to 8000 shift!"

The next one was the second mate, and his makeup was less flamboyant today. He looked "formal" and much cleaner with his white jabot. "Nico. Position: Second Mate. Duty: Fulfil navigational duties. Guide sailors in the correct use and maintenance of navigation instruments. Responsible for the record-keeping of maintenance records and error logs, as well as posting daily notices for the crew. Helmsman covering the 8000 to 1600 shift!"

The once-blind vampire had recovered completely, and he had arguably become the most handsome crew member of the Narwhale.

"Audric. Position: Chief Engineer. Duty: Responsible for the overall management of the engine room's operations and its administrative tasks. Ensuring the implementation of regulations and protocols to ensure that every piece of equipment in the engine room is in great technical condition!" "Jackson. Position: Second Engineer. Duty: Maintaining the proper functioning of the engine room. Overseeing the propulsion system, auxiliary equipment, boilers, lubrication, cooling, fuel, the starting air engine, weight and power delivery management, as well as all emergency equipment." "Brook. Position: Third Engineer. Duty: Watch duty, primarily responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of auxiliary machinery and its affiliated systems along with emergency power generation systems, barge pumps, air compressors, oily water separators, and sludge tanks!"

Surprisingly, the two newcomers to the engine room both had big beards, but one had a white beard while the other had a black beard.

"Planck. Position: Cook. Duty: Preparing the crew's meals."

The plump Planck was still as plump as ever, but after going through so many hardships, his face no longer looked as amiable as before. His face revealed a trace of his tenacious will.

"Claire. Position: Assistant Cook. Duty: Assist the cook in preparing the crew's meals."

"Dipp. Position: Boatswain. Duty: Guide sailors in the maintenance, repair and handling of the anchor, and ropes. Also responsible for the loading and unloading of equipment on deck. Lead sailors in tasks such as painting, rigging, and high-altitude work. Helmsman covering the 1600 to 2400 shift!"

The Deep Dweller boatswain looked eager to get started.

"Sniffler. Position: A.B. Duty: Steering and watch duty, as well as routine deck maintenance!" Sniffler exclaimed. He was Charles' sailor before he became a vampire in Dark Crystal Island, so he had no issues reintegrating into the ship's crew.

"Walter. Position: O.S! Duty: Responsible for handling mooring lines, deploying gangways, and also various deck operations.“

"Linda. Position: Ship's Doctor. Duty: Treatment of crew members' illnesses and routine medical checkups."

The bald woman was like a mother as she held Grace's hand gently with a calm gaze that stared off into space.

Soon, everyone had stated their names and positions except for two people—Grace and Norton. Their gazes naturally fell on the two. However, Norton couldn't speak, and Grace had no idea what to do.

Seeing Charles' gaze, Norton curled up his green figure and started writing down his name and position.

"Norton. Position: A.B. Duty: Steering and watch duty, as well as routine deck maintenance!"

Since everyone else had spoken except for her, Grace bit her lip gently and stepped forward. The next moment, she yelled, "Grace! Position: Weapon! When the ship finds itself in unassailable danger, I will cast a self-destruct spell to attract the attention of certain beings in order to protect the other crew members!

"Don't worry, everyone! I'm definitely going to step up once when it comes to it!"

Grace's cheerful voice drew the gaze of everyone on the ship, but rather than cowering before their piercing gazes, she puffed her chest out and stood steadily with confidence.

Charles' lips curled up slightly as he said, "Charles. Position: Captain. Duty: Responsible for the safe transportation and administrative management of the vessel. Ensures the utmost safety of the ship, crew's lives, and property. Decisively and prudently handle all affairs in case of emergencies! Narwhale, set sail!!"

Cosyjuhye's Thoughts

I'm starting to really not like Charles :/