Docking Location

"Nicely drawn, it's very close to reality."

Inside the command room of the "Leviathan," Ato praised a map on the wall.

In this era without satellites, maps had to be measured by foot, and it was truly not easy to draw one to this extent.

"So this is what the other continents look like... Mr. Ato, have you seen a map that perfectly matches reality?" Sarah had discovered the issue.

"Ahem," Ato realized he had been a bit too boastful. "I once flew up to the heavens and stood shoulder to shoulder with the sun. When you stand high, you can see everything..."

"Oh..." Sarah understood but didn't quite understand. She knew very little about other places in Runeterra, having spent almost all her time in Bilgewater.

If Aatrox could still make expressions, he would feel very strange right now.

This little thing knows all sorts of historical secrets. Is it strange to understand continental distribution?

"As for the docking location for the 'Leviathan,' I recommend this area. In fact, it's the only choice."

Sarah followed the direction of Ato's finger, looking confused. "Is there anything special about this place?"

Ato pointed to the continent of Shurima, covered in yellow sand, located west of the Bilgewater Archipelago.

The specific location was in the northeastern part of the continent, one of the few areas in Shurima with an oasis, and not far from western Bilgewater.

Ato explained, "Look at the surrounding countries. Ionia and Freljord both have a problem: they are almost isolated, and their technology is at a primitive level."

"If you go to these places, you can at most exchange for some food—of course, the Freljordians won't give you food."

"Without fuel supply, the 'Leviathan' can only drift aimlessly at sea,"

"Noxus doesn't need much explanation. This warship was stolen by Gangplank from the Noxians. If we dock at a Noxian port and it's recognized, it will be troublesome."

"The northeastern region of the Shurima continent has not been ruled by any established country for thousands of years. There are only a few scattered settlements, and Noxus cannot control this area."

"Moreover, this area maintains trade with Piltover, Zaun, and Noxus, three relatively developed places, making it easy to find fuel. If you're lucky, you might even find a hidden port."

Even Sarah, who knew nothing about geography, felt that after following Ato's explanation on the map, this was the optimal solution. Maintaining the "Leviathan" was indeed a troublesome matter.

"What if, I mean what if," Sarah was still a bit worried, "after reaching this area, we don't find any fuel, or they refuse to provide it? From Freljord to here, the fuel for both ships will be almost depleted."

"If it really comes to that... you will have two choices." Ato looked into Sarah's eyes.

"First, abandon the ship, give up the 'Leviathan,' and continue to use the 'Siren' as your only operational vessel."

"What's the second?" Sarah's lips tightened. She had finally gained the strength to contend with Gangplank and was unwilling to give up easily.

"Second, in the Guardian's Sea, find an open location, anchor the 'Leviathan' there, and have the 'Siren' return to Bilgewater periodically to transport fuel for the 'Leviathan.'"

"But this method is not only easily exposed, but you will also encounter unknown dangers in the middle of the sea."

"The second option is at least better than abandoning the ship..." Sarah mused.

"Then why not sail directly west to here? Piltover, the paradise of Bilgeport pirates, no pirate doesn't know its name."

"That's why I said the northeastern region of Shurima is the only choice," Ato said with a serious tone.

"Never sail the warship into Piltover. Their relationship with Noxus is closer than you think. Perhaps there are already Noxians among the higher-ups.

"'Leviathan' has a distinct Noxian style in its design. Anyone who knows will recognize it at a glance. Going to Piltover is too risky."

"...I understand." Sarah let out a long sigh.

'Leviathan' was truly a hot potato. She was alone and weak. Without Ato, even if she seized it, she wouldn't know what to do with it.

"How is your crew's progress in learning?" Ato asked casually.

He knew that First Mate Raven and Chief Engineer Sanchez were learning to operate 'Leviathan'. Including the day they were intercepted, they had been stationary for three days.

During this time, other ships that passed by kept their distance, as no one wanted to provoke a majestic, large warship.

"Too much has happened these past two days," Sarah patted her forehead.

"I haven't asked since bringing Andrew over. I'll go inquire about their progress immediately. I'm sorry for delaying our journey because of me..."

"Life at sea isn't so bad," Ato waved his hand.

After Sarah left, only Ato and Aatrox remained in the Captain's Cabin.

Ato casually found a seat and sighed, "When will I find an opponent like Hecarim again? There are many ordinary people, but they lack experience!"

Aatrox pondered for a moment, "It's not that easy. In the past thousand years, among everyone I've encountered, the Centaur's strength is second only to that pair of Angel Sisters."

"But I don't understand, he clearly still had the strength to fight, why did he retreat early? After all, he only exchanged a few moves with you, like a brief encounter."

"Who knows," Ato shrugged, "Perhaps someone in the Shadow Isles is calling him back?"

"No, there's another person, that Mage named Ryze. His strength, even without the World Rune, I believe is already above the Angel Sisters."

"Oh? You think so highly of him? I thought there was no one in the world you took seriously." Ato teased.

"Fight him, little one," Aatrox said, sounding unusually serious.

"Pfft!" Ato, who had just picked up a cup of water from the table, took a sip. "You want me to take care of Ryze? Me?"

"Powerful opponents are hard to find. Since there's one right in front of us, why bother searching so hard?"

"Fighting him requires a reason," Ato wiped his mouth, and incidentally, the water stains he had sprayed onto Sarah's table.

"Think about it from your perspective. If you were collecting runes, eating hot pot, singing songs, and suddenly got chopped by a giant sword, wouldn't you be angry?"

"To digest the experience is reason enough," Aatrox became increasingly excited, a normal reaction for a strong individual encountering another strong individual.

"I'm very curious, what is his strength limit!"

"Give it a rest," Ato started to pour cold water. "You can't even defeat the Angel Sisters, and they destroyed your body. You still want to witness Ryze's strength limit?"

Aatrox wisely fell silent.