The next day.
The Celeste sailed across the vast sea.
It had long since strayed from the safe shipping lanes.
By the afternoon, Sifa, standing on deck, spotted the "Saman Island" Abrio had mentioned.
Beside him, Abrio said, "Saman Island is quite a large island, covering several dozen square kilometers."
"There's more than one spring in the mountains to the west. The previous warlord built channels to bring water down the mountains, so fresh water isn't a concern."
"The forest covering more than half the island supplies all the building materials we need. That was another reason the warlord chose this place."
"The private harbor and town were destroyed, but over the past two months, the soldiers we recruited have been clearing the rubble and rebuilding every day."
"They've already built a usable camp."
Sifa asked, "How are you handling food?"
Abrio smiled. "The waters around Saman Island are rich in fish, and there are plenty of wild animals in the mountain forests."
"Together with the supplies we've purchased using your military funds, that means we have little to worry about."
"We've already procured some of the weapons. The rest will arrive in batches."
"We have this war affecting the entire world to thank for that. Otherwise, it would have been difficult to procure so many weapons in such a short time."
Having served in the Third Fleet, Sifa wholeheartedly agreed.
The Celeste did not approach Saman Island. The ghostly ship stopped a short distance offshore.
Next, Sifa and the others boarded a small boat and headed for the island.
"We've rebuilt a harbor in a secluded part of the island."
As Abrio spoke, he directed the Zombie sailors to steer the boat toward the island's western side.
After they had rounded part of the island, Sifa saw the harbor