The Eastern Route.
A fully armed warship sailed across the calm sea, followed by two escort ships. A black flag flew from its mast.
An enormous shadow lurked near the three warships.
It looked like an ancient beast. Its outline alone inspired tremendous fear. The massive shadow followed the three warships beneath the water, only stopping when they approached the shallows. Vicious barbs bristled along its slightly surfaced back, a sight that would unsettle even a legendary powerhouse. The creature was over a hundred meters long, and there was no telling how many tons it weighed. Its cavernous maw was packed with sharp teeth, and its entire body radiated an intensely dangerous aura.
"Elder Sister!"
"I never imagined Port Nyanzaru kept such a terrifying monster! No wonder they're practically unbeatable at sea!"
A pretty young woman stood on the deck, watching the enormous shadow in the distance. She said slowly, "I wonder if we made the right choice by joining Lady Goria!"
"I heard the Witches' Council is already rather displeased with us."
The young woman did not look very old—eighteen or nineteen, judging by her appearance. But guessing a witch's age was a mistake. They were a very unusual group of people.
"It's fine."
Another young woman answered. She bore such a striking resemblance to the first that anyone would immediately think they were twins, which they were. The elder sister looked far more composed. Glancing at the distant ocean behemoth, she said slowly, "The Witches' Council simply doesn't have enough resources for our next stage of research."
"Her Ladyship the Eye of the North is still there, but she has already been around for a very long time."
"Port Nyanzaru now has a system of its own."
"Its future achievements may well rival the North Council's! The Witches'