First Water Lock

Kade stood at the cabin door, looking Xia Lin up and down as he emerged.

The paladin's brow furrowed slightly.

(Strange—)

Xia Lin's face had regained its normal color, and his steps were steady and strong. He looked nothing like someone who had spent seven days tortured by seasickness.

More than that—

Kade found it hard to describe, but Xia Lin felt different.

It was like—like a piece of cloudy glass had been wiped clean. His entire being carried an indescribable sense of clarity.

Kade had only experienced that feeling himself after praying to the Goddess and receiving divine revelation.

"Xia Lin, you—" Kade studied him. "You look—different."

"Yeah, I finally don't have to hug a bucket and puke anymore." Xia Lin rolled his neck. "I guess we've arrived?"

"It's not just that." Kade shook his head, his tone serious. "You—not being seasick is good. But the feeling you give off—how should I put it—"

"Yeah." Xia Lin stretched, a relaxed smile on his face. "I woke up after one sleep and felt like I'd been reborn."

"You just slept?" Kade eyed him suspiciously.

Xia Lin patted Kade's shoulder and lowered his voice. "I'll tell you when I get the chance. For now—where are Sera and the others?"

"The ship has reached the First Water Lock." Kade pointed at the colossal structure ahead, stretching across the lake like a mountain range. "This is the Tsaros Empire's largest checkpoint on Mistveil Lake. They should be packing up and getting ready for inspection."

"First Water Lock..." Xia Lin repeated the name.

The two walked onto the deck.

Morning light filtered through the thin mist, dyeing the entire lake golden.

Ahead of the bow, a breathtakingly magnificent structure slowly emerged from the fog.

It was a gigantic lock spanning the entire lake.

Though