Moonshadow Vortex and the Marine Pursuit

"Prepare for takeoff!" Silva touched an inconspicuous rune on the Cloud-Splitting Ship. A low hum ran through the craft, and the patterns on its hull began to glow like a flowing river of stars.

Following Silva's instructions, Lin Ye, Robin, Ace, and Sabo took the four seats arranged around the central console. The seats were extraordinarily comfortable, as though they adjusted themselves to fit each passenger.

"This is a work of art." Sabo ran his fingers over the fine carvings on an armrest.

"The craftsmen of Birka believed function and beauty deserved equal attention." Silva settled into the pilot's seat and placed his hands on two glowing spherical controls. "Fasten your seat belts. We're about to cross the reverse-current zone."

With a slight tremor, the Cloud-Splitting Ship rose from the deck of the Gale. The crew stared up in wonder. For many of them, it was their first glimpse of a creation of the Sky Civilization.

"We expect to return in two days," Lin Ye told the crew staying behind. "If we haven't returned within five, put the backup plan into motion and withdraw along the route we discussed."

No sooner had he finished speaking than the Cloud-Splitting Ship surged forward like an arrow, shooting into the thickening mist. A pale blue energy barrier formed around it, effortlessly cutting through the currents that blocked its path.

"Incredible!" Robin's eyes shone with excitement. "We're moving at least three times faster than the Gale at full speed, but I can barely feel a thing."

Silva guided the craft through the churning currents with practiced ease. Deeper in the reverse-current zone, the scenery grew stranger. Seawater spiraled upward at unnatural angles, and in places, columns of water hung upside down in defiance of gravity. A peculiar energy filled the air, rendering ordinary navigational