The bright moonlight spilled across the sea. The sea breeze brushed gently past, sending ripples spreading over the water.
Night had only just fallen, yet the coastal town had already become pitch-black. Only a handful of houses showed faint lights shining through their windows.
Technology on Long Cloud Island was underdeveloped. Most residents lived by the rhythm of rising with the sun and resting at sunset. Electricity had not even been widely adopted across the island. Kerosene lamps and homemade torches soaked in resin or fish oil were used for lighting at night.
It was exceedingly primitive.
As night fell, Long Cloud Island's harbor lost the bustle it had during the day.
The island's residents had little nighttime entertainment and went to bed early. The New Marines were much the same.
The Marines had just finished their shift-change dinner. Those without watch duties returned to their cabins early to rest.
During their days at sea, these Marines had found it difficult to get a proper night's sleep. After all, the New World's sea routes were complex, its climate strange and ever-changing. These inexperienced young people had remained on high alert the entire way.
Being able to rest at Spring Island's port was truly precious for the New Marines, whose nerves had been strained tight all along.
Long Cloud Island was New Marines territory. There was even a small liaison station on the island, manned by only a few dozen Marines. Their usual work mostly involved watching passing ships and reporting various information to headquarters. They could not provide much defense; at best, they were a warning outpost.
Still, setting foot somewhere like Long Cloud Island inevitably lowered the New Marines' guard somewhat.
They did not have many people to begin with. With more than a dozen giant sea beast warships,