Twelve days later.
Just as their navigational supplies were about to run out, Maud and the others finally saw the outline of an island.
"We finally made it."
Maud felt utterly exhausted.
In just thirteen days, they had encountered a massive whirlpool, hailstones as large as Beli, tornadoes wrapped in splashing water and lightning, and numerous other extreme weather phenomena.
Each time, they had narrowly escaped disaster. Fortunately, Lafitte's skills were excellent, and he was highly experienced. Otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable.
This perilous yet ultimately uneventful voyage had shown Maud the importance of having a capable navigator.
"I want a drink."
The old drunkard Beli lay limply over the bow, barely able to muster any strength.
There was still enough food on board, but they had been out of alcohol for several days.
"We're almost there. Hang in there."
Maud glanced at the limp Beli.
Nearby, Jaya gazed curiously at the outline of Twin Island.
Lafitte kept constant watch over the wind direction and ocean currents. Even though they were nearly at their destination, he did not let his guard down.
As the distance closed, the group gradually saw Twin Island's appearance more clearly.
Just as its name suggested, it consisted of two islands with identical areas and terrain.
The two islands faced each other across the water. Spring flourished on the island to the left, while the island to the right was blanketed in snow. An ocean current flowed through the channel between them.
At the center of the channel stood a giant tree suspended in midair.
Upon closer inspection, its sturdy roots, resembling a flood dragon, had sunk into the rocky shores of both islands, supporting the enormous trunk that hung above the channel.
What was particularly strange was that the giant tree was affected