Chapter 88

When Cyrus fell from the Windrider, no one had time to react.

This group of people possessed brute strength and were clearly trained, so much so that they only managed to subdue the entire group after the assailant, who had been Tail-Ring Needle, screamed in extreme pain.

To be precise, it was His Holiness the Pope, the Grand Duke, and the leader who played a major role in this; otherwise, Samuel and the boatmen alone would have been no match for this well-prepared group of villains.

When someone rushed out, Segalot tried to return to Cyrus's side, but she was entangled by someone. In almost an instant, the accident happened unexpectedly.

The boatmen rushed to the ship's side in a panic.

They wanted to jump in to save their lord, but when they saw the huge dark shadow beneath the surface of the sea, they screamed in even greater panic and fear.

"What... what is this?!"

Some people's legs buckled as they clung to the ship's side, their eyes filled with terror.

People in this era have a natural fear of the vast ocean.

Furthermore, due to limitations such as outdated shipbuilding materials and technology, people's exploration and pursuit of the sea were extremely limited, let alone the study of the various creatures living in the sea.

Very few people go out to sea.

The nearshore areas are only used for fishing; apart from Duke Bill, no one has been able to return from the more distant seas.

Of course, Samuel could be considered half a person who had sailed the open seas, but he rushed back halfway through his voyage when he saw that the ship was about to be destroyed and everyone was going to die, without even touching a whale in the open sea.

People know very little about the species that live in the ocean; the only name they probably use is "fish," referring to all kinds of fish.

For example, the beluga whale pods that frequently migrate to the vicinity of Helgoda are called "big white fish" by the people of Helgoda.

Whales are all enormous, growing to three or four meters in length. People familiar with whales are often awestruck when they suddenly get close to them, and may even feel awe and fear towards these marine creatures.

Moreover, these were shipwrights who had never seen a giant whale before.

They were stunned into place by the enormous shadows that kept rising from the sea, their legs trembling with fear, and they had to hold onto the ship's railing to keep from collapsing to the ground.

"Help, help me..."

The weak cry was unclear whether it was a plea for help for the young lord who had fallen into the sea, or a sign that they were terrified by the enormous dark shadow.

At that moment, Segalot, Orville, and Archibald, who had already dealt with all the enemies, rushed to the ship's side like a whirlwind.

Their faces were similarly grim, dark and unpleasant, and they moved in unison to brace themselves against the gunwale, ready to jump in and save the people.

But then, the eyes of the three of Segalot widened involuntarily, and their faces showed a rare look of astonishment.

The enormous creature from beneath the sea finally surfaced—its tall dorsal fin stood upright, its Rollie, black-and-white body measuring over ten meters in length; it was quite a spectacular and awe-inspiring sight.

Cyrus was lying on the back of this "big fish," soaking wet but in good condition.

He reached up and wiped the water droplets that kept dripping down his face, making his caramel-colored eyes look even more watery. He looked up and waved to Segalot and the others.

"I'm fine, don't worry."

The large black and white fish spun him around in a circle and then remained still.

Samuel and the boatmen stared blankly into space.

Segalot's golden eyes were almost as deep as molten lava; he rested one hand on the gunwale, looking down intently at Cyrus.

"Wow, what a big fish..." someone murmured involuntarily.

This large black and white fish has a Rollie appearance, almost "cute". Its head is cone-shaped, without a protruding beak, and is slightly open, as if it is smiling.

But the sharp teeth inside its mouth speak volumes about its danger.

The large black and white fish has a dorsal fin that stands upright at a height of about two meters, and there is a distinct white oval spot on each of its round eyes, located diagonally behind them.

This is Orca —highly intelligent, emotionally rich, and with a diverse diet.

For example, oceanic Orca tend to eat sharks.

Orca have virtually no natural predators in the ocean, and despite their cute appearance, they are undoubtedly the "rulers of the sea."

"[Host, how are you?]" 098 asked worriedly in the system interface.

Cyrus thought to herself, "I'm fine, thank goodness you came back just in time."

On the ship, Cyrus could only dodge the horizontally sweeping dagger by retreating, but behind him was the ship's side, leaving him nowhere to retreat. Otherwise, he would have to jump into the sea to avoid the damage.

098 happened to return at this critical moment, waving a matchstick hand in the system interface, urging him to jump into the sea—he would be saved.

Cyrus did not hesitate and chose to believe.

He never expected that the gift 098 brought him this time would be an adorable yet enormous Orca.

Beneath Cyrus's palm lay the cool seawater and the strangely smooth skin— the Orca floated obediently on the surface, motionless.

However, its large and broad pectoral fins would occasionally wiggle, revealing its lively and active nature.

Cyrus looked at the Orca's dorsal fin—upright, indicating it was male, and its body length appeared to be over ten meters, suggesting it was an adult.

Orca are highly social animals that live in groups. Orca living in groups have no natural predators, but lone Orca may be attacked by other toothed whales.

While waiting for the rescue ropes to be lowered from the boat, Cyrus couldn't help but wonder about the specific situation of the Orca.

098 said: [This is a Orca born artificially in interstellar space.]

[It has just reached adulthood, currently has no herd, possesses exceptional survival skills in the deep sea, and has a very long lifespan.]

[Artificial incubation has endowed the Orca with innate navigation abilities. A Crystal Core has been implanted in its body and is now connected to the system; the small green dot on the ocean map represents it.]

Cyrus glanced at the system and indeed found a green dot in the ocean section. He was puzzled. "How could an adult Orca not have a pod?"

098 sighed, waving a matchstick in her hand. "[This is a sad thing.]"

[In the interstellar era, almost all kinds of animals are extinct, and Orca are nowhere to be found. This one was painstakingly bred... but precious things will always attract those who want to steal them.]

[The host who raised the Orca didn't want it to become prey to be fought over, and wished it had never existed... so they asked 098 to bring it back.]

[The Crystal Core within the Orca protects it from harm; after the Orca dies naturally, the Crystal Core automatically dissolves and disappears into the sea.]

"Host? Which system's world did you travel to this time?"

098 cupped her face in her hands, a small smile curving her lips, "[It's Science System.]"

Cyrus: Oh wow.

Segalot came down in person.

By this time, he had used the rope to descend to a foot's width above the sea. The Orca's massive body was right in front of him. He reached out to Cyrus, who was lying on top of him, and said, "Come here and hug me."

Cyrus snapped out of her daze, stopped chatting with 098, and slowly crawled over. After grabbing the hand that Segalot reached out, she was pulled into his arms, and the rope began to pull upwards.

The Orca then swung its powerful tail fin and turned to face the Windrider: "Eek."

Cyrus was almost reluctant to leave.

But he thought to himself, "This Orca can't always be by my side; it also needs to find a pod to integrate into."

"It is free; the sea is its home."

098: [Host, the Crystal Core within the Orca grants it the ability to communicate with you.]

[The Crystal Core has successfully connected to the system. Just as the host can speak directly to 098 in their mind, as long as the host concentrates on conveying meaning to the Orca, it can receive and understand it.]

Even if we are thousands of miles apart.

Cyrus was amazed by such high-tech stuff.

He looked down at the sea—the big cutie dived down and surfaced again, circling back and forth around the hull, its big head occasionally popping out of the water, looking up at the sky at a 45-degree angle.

Those round, small, dark eyes were almost invisible against the backdrop of her smooth, dark skin.

Cyrus noticed for a while before realizing that Da Ke'ai was also looking at him, her eyes full of joy and excitement.

098, still wiping its eyes with a small handkerchief in the system interface, said, "[Poor child, it has lived in a nutrient solution simulating a marine ecosystem since birth, without relatives or friends. The host father who gave birth to the Orca had to painfully send it away in order to save its life...]"

[The system has connected to the Crystal Core, and the Orca can sense this. In its eyes, the host is now its stepfather.]

Cyrus had just been carried onto the deck by Orville, her feet not yet firmly planted, when she heard this and nearly fell, only to be caught by Archibald, who had been watching closely.

He thought to himself, "... Stepfather, me?!"

[That's right.] 098 nodded affirmatively.

He then added: [If the host wants the Orca to find a pod to settle down with, all it needs to do is concentrate and convey its message to it.]

Just then, the Orca leaped out of the sea.

Amidst the wide-eyed gasps of the crowd, he performed a mid-air somersault, landing with a massive splash that slammed into the boat, sending up tiny, glistening droplets.

"Waaah."

The Orca poked its head out of the water again.

Cyrus was taken aback. He could clearly feel a sense of pride and happiness being transmitted to him through the system.

This is so cute...

Cyrus tried the method 098 had taught her—"How about I name you Rice Ball?"

The Orca then emitted that unique and adorable call, flicking its powerful tail fin and starting to circle in the sea. Sometimes it would swim far away and then quickly swim back, its upright dorsal fin very conspicuous.

Such a scene was very unusual for Samuel and the boatmen.

After confirming that their lord was safe, they began to gather at the ship's side, staring intently at the Orca with their mouths agape in a very silly manner.

Cyrus thought—if it weren't for the nobles' etiquette training from childhood, and the Grand Duke's habitually calm and indifferent demeanor, Orville's expression would probably be no less striking.

His Holiness the Pope and Archibald did not look away.

Cyrus turned his gaze back to the sea, focusing his attention on conveying his message to the Orca, which already had a name: go find a pod that will accept you.

[I highly recommend this app, it's really good for tracking books. You can download it here and give it a try.]

Rice Ball, don't live alone in the sea anymore. Whenever you miss me, I will come to see you often.

"Eek."

Rice Ball was clearly reluctant to leave, stubbornly refusing to go.

Cyrus conveyed the message several more times, her attitude resolute.

Rice Ball couldn't stay with him forever; it should have its own kind.

Cyrus repeatedly assured him that he would appear as long as it sent a signal, and Rice Ball turned around, flicked its tail fin, and left, quickly disappearing from the sea.

This sea trial was undoubtedly a success.

But it was truly thrilling and exciting, especially the story of the black and white giant fish saving the Lord of Desinia, which began to spread widely from Visas to the entire territory.

Unconsciously, Cyrus's reputation grew even stronger.