The sea at night was a deep blue, almost black, tinged with faint crimson. It seemed calmer and quieter than it did by day.
The Blue Avenger rose and fell gently with the waves, sailing toward the Red Moon like a ghostly shadow.
Alger Wilson stood at the bow, gazing at the distant waves. He looked as composed as ever, but inside, he could barely contain his nerves.
After all, no matter how many contingencies he had prepared, he was about to face the main naval force of a powerful nation... He had no way of knowing whether he would survive tomorrow's battle.
May Mr. Fool watch over us. May everything go smoothly...
As soon as Alger had that thought, hurried footsteps sounded behind him. He knew without turning that they belonged to the liaison officer newly assigned to the ship.
None of the sailors who had spent years at sea would wear hard-soled leather shoes that clacked so loudly against the deck.
"Captain, we've just received a message from the Holy Cathedral. We're to return immediately!" the liaison officer said, holding up a decoded telegram.
Because of the unusual nature of this mission, every privateer ship assigned to attack the port had been equipped with a wireless radio and a liaison officer. These affiliated forces could not openly travel together and would only gather outside the Feysac port, making it essential to stay in contact.
"Return?" Alger frowned. He betrayed nothing else, but his thoughts were in turmoil:
Could it be... The World has already succeeded? But that's a naval port. Without us "cannon fodder" to harass its defenders, it can't have been easy for the World to steal the sea monster...
*Did Mr. Fool help him? Now that He's reclaimed His authority over the sea, He resembles a