The Pirate Festival

"Why? Why do you suddenly want to join the Marines?"

Atlas's expression turned serious, a hint of scrutiny in her eyes.

"Because I... I never want to feel as helpless as I do right now again!"

Buck all but shouted those last words. The tears glistening in his eyes were real.

"..."

The villagers fell silent. They watched Buck as tears gathered in his eyes, stubbornly refusing to fall.

None of them had expected Euphemia's death to change this good-for-nothing so profoundly.

"I can see how determined you are to grow stronger. But not just anyone gets to board my ship!"

Atlas did not budge. She turned and walked toward the White Hou, clearly visible in the distance.

Still, she left Buck an opening.

"If you can make it to the G-5 base on your own within a year, I'll let you become a full-fledged Marine."

Truth be told, she did not think much of Buck as he was now.

This was no fairy tale. Reality was brutal.

Being moved by a wastrel's sudden change of heart was not enough to earn him a place in the Marines.

And that was without considering whether he was acting on a passing impulse.

With his current strength, heading to the front lines of the New World would be a death sentence.

"And do something about that awful hair of yours!"

"Yes, ma'am!"

Buck, who had been looking crestfallen, sprang to life. He shouted after Atlas and the others as they walked away:

"Don't worry, Admiral White Hou! You'll see me at the base in a year!"

A sea breeze blew.

The sea-blue flag fluttered freely in the wind.

Aboard the White Hou.

Atlas surveyed the waters ahead. Wreckage from the remaining ships bobbed on the waves, and crimson blood drifted through