"Found it!" Lin Nuo's shout instantly drew everyone's attention on deck.
"Stop the ships!"
No one hesitated. Kuma quickly helped Moria's shadow tentacles furl the sails.
The Mike and the White Shell following close behind slowed to a halt on the fog-shrouded sea.
The next instant, lightning crackled around Lin Nuo, and wings snapped open behind his back.
"Stay put and keep your guard up. I'll be right back!"
Before the words had left his mouth, he became a streak of blue and gold light, tearing through the fog and vanishing from sight.
Lin Nuo headed toward the faint soul echo he had sensed.
As Lin Nuo disappeared into the fog, the mood on deck shifted.
A ruthless gleam flashed in Babel's eyes. He was itching to act.
He edged over to Silver Axe and lowered his voice. "Xiong, that bastard's gone, and Moria's busy watching those bats he sent out... Isn't this our chance?"
"If we work together, we can take Moria down and get our shadows back! Then we can..."
He mimed rowing away, his eyes bright with excitement.
"These two ships—especially the new one—were built from Treasure Tree Adam! We steal them, head to the New World, and make a comeback on our own!"
Silver Axe held his enormous axe and shot Babel a cold glance.
"Put those ideas away, Babel."
"What?" Babel froze, then stared at him. "Have you lost your mind?!"
"Don't tell me that bastard bought you off with a few meals. You really want to serve him? Have you forgotten who we are?!"
"Idiot," Silver Axe said coldly. "Did you forget the kid can fly? You've seen how fast he is."
"Zephyr and Tsuru couldn't stop him with a fleet. You think you can outrun him?"
He pointed into the endless fog