The Giant Whale's tissues were deteriorating. The powerful muscles and bones that supported its immense body were being steadily destroyed, causing its esophagus, which had clamped shut like a mountain after the Sea King entered, to loosen as well.
The lake had already drained dry. Mulan and the others were racing at full speed. Several kilometers might seem far to an ordinary person, but for anyone at physical awakening or above, it was only a few minutes' journey, even while keeping watch over their surroundings.
The Giant Whale's mouth hung open, blood continuously spilling out. The four of them reached its oral cavity at almost a sprint.
Suddenly, the sharp-eyed Mulan spotted something. Even under these circumstances, he changed direction and charged toward a corner of the Giant Whale's mouth.
"Vincent!"
Newt shouted, then gritted his teeth and followed. He found Mulan hoisting someone onto his shoulder-a man missing one leg, with half his body rotting away.
"V-Vincent..."
Raskin's weak voice rang out.
Raskin? He was still alive?
Once again, Mulan's actions impressed upon Newt just how deeply Vincent valued loyalty and friendship. He hurried forward to help, and together they carried Raskin toward the Giant Whale's open mouth.
About a dozen seconds later, Kilga and the other Supernatural Being burst out of the whale's mouth first, followed by Mulan, Newt, and the badly injured Raskin.
Almost as soon as they emerged, they darted off in two groups: Kilga alone in one, Mulan and the others in the second. They continued upward until they reached the Giant Whale's upturned belly.
"The fleet..."
They stared blankly around them. As far as they could see, there were only fragments of planking and shattered hulls. Not a single intact ship remained.
It was as though they stood on an isolated island shaped like