Tuka Boards the Ship

"Rumble—!"

The Heavy Water Mist over the outer sea had completely erupted into turmoil. Rolling gray-white walls of fog carried the crushing pressure of tens of millions of tons of Black Sea water as they surged toward the coastline with devastating force. The dark reefs along the island's edge let out waves of teeth-grinding friction beneath the mist's erosion.

On the Ashen's deck, the dark green barrier light formed entirely from high-density Obsidian and the Giant Wood Core's force field had already risen to its peak, like an emerald divine flame blazing fiercely through the violent night.

Keen was already in position, the anchor chain pulled taut and straight, waiting only for Rain's command.

Rain stood atop the gangway, his black ronin haori snapping wildly in the gale. He slowly turned around, his dark gray eyes piercing through the increasingly blurred view and settling on the figures below on the rocky shore.

The tribal high priest leaned on his withered wooden staff, while the lion chieftain rested a hand on his greatsword. These two former sworn enemies now stood side by side, silently watching the Obsidian warship preparing to depart.

Before them, Tuka, the tall dark-skinned youth, stood somewhat helpless amid the black waves splashing all around him.

"Tuka."

Rain looked down at him from above. Beneath his straw hat, his voice remained as clear as though it were right beside Tuka's ear despite the howling winds and roaring sea.

"The Ashen is setting sail. Do you want to come with me and see the real world that the World Government has forged for eight hundred years?"

Tuka's body jolted violently at Rain's question.

His clear eyes fixed on the colossal black ship standing firm amid the black waves of Heavy Water Mist. Then he looked at Carina on the