Listening to the frantic pounding on the door and the overlapping curses outside, the veteran captain in his forties sat calmly in his half Plate Armor, tending to the Wheellock Pistol in his hands.
His fingers were steady and nimble as he removed the firing mechanism and inspected its components one by one. He wiped the old oil from every pivot and spring with a fine cloth, then reassembled everything with the practiced precision of a professional watchmaker.
Fine vine patterns and a crown emblem were etched into the barrel of the Wheellock Pistol. Its gilded lines gave off a subdued, warm gleam, and a sapphire the size of a thumbnail was set into the end of its carved ivory grip.
It was an honor bestowed upon him personally by the king of Constantis, in recognition of his bravery and contributions to the kingdom.
De Leon tucked the loaded Wheellock Pistol against his chest, then drew the Enchanted Saber at his waist. A faint, pale-blue glow flowed along the blade, tracing its outline in the dim cabin.
Ponce de León, a country noble born in a small town, had entered royal service as an attendant in his youth. He had followed the old king on campaign, setting foot on every battlefield within the kingdom.
As a noble serving the royal household directly, the young De Leon could easily have followed his father's example: marry a young noblewoman from the countryside and live out his days on the salary the king provided.
But a longstanding rumor had captivated him, leading De Leon to devote his entire life to the sea.
The "Fountain of Youth"-the eternity fountain that could keep mortals forever young like immortals, untouched by age-was said to lie hidden at the far end of the Storm Sea, awaiting those