For a moment, the atmosphere on deck froze. Quincy gave Sifa a surprised look, while the navigator, Mick, seemed about to speak but held back. Even the sailors scrubbing the deck stopped working, unable to believe their ears.
Nelson stared blankly for two seconds, then laughed. "Sir, you're very generous."
Sifa heard the implication in his words and merely smiled.
Nelson stepped back twice and spread his hands. "Giving me a chance to challenge you-what a generous decision. But I hear you're a Beyonder, with miraculous powers far stronger than mine."
"'Giving me a chance to challenge you' sounds wonderful, but think about it carefully. This isn't a fair fight at all. You're certain to win. Do you think a challenge like that has any meaning?"
His voice was loud enough for all the sailors on deck to hear. Even some of those inside the cabins came out.
Though the sailors didn't openly support Nelson, they nodded slightly, feeling that their boatswain was absolutely right.
"Yes, this isn't a fair challenge."
Sifa said calmly, "I never said it was a fair challenge."
"Fair?"
"Mr. Nelson, this world has never been fair. Haven't you noticed that by now?"
Sifa strolled casually, running his hand along the railing and the mast. "Some people are born with everything others spend their entire lives striving for."
"Does that mean people born into humble circumstances should stop living?"
"You're right. I'm a Beyonder, and I'm far stronger than you. So you think this is unfair. Even when I give you a chance to challenge me, you don't dare seize it. You simply give up."
"But do you think fate will give you many chances at a fair challenge?"
Sifa abruptly turned and smiled at the towering boatswain. "No, Mr. Nelson."
"Fate has never been fair."