Chapter 62: Sea Beasts and Conflict
As he passed by the sailors, he attracted their attention, but none dared approach him, knowing that he was a 'sorcerer,' and coupled with his indifferent expression they didn't dare approach.
He reached the ladder attached to the main mast, leading to the crow's nest, and with a couple of quick jumps, he reached the top, using the ladder as a support.
Exclamations of surprise echoed as the nearby sailors stood frozen, mouths agape, some even falling to their knees and beginning to pray.
The vice captain, who was nearby, quickly calmed the crew, explaining once again that Mikael was a sorcerer, not a god. After settling the situation, Ruimis thought to himself, 'If I didn't know about the Akashic Records, I might have taken them for gods too. Compared to them, what are sorcerers? A bunch of charlatans only capable of dark magic?' He recalled the awe he had felt when he had first witnessed a similar scene.
Meanwhile, at the top of the main crow's nest, the sailor who saw Mikael suddenly appear was terrified and stammered, "W-what c-c-can I do for y-you, Lord?"
Mikael saw the sailor's reaction but ignored it. Instead, he asked, "If I stay here for the duration of the trip, and you go to another of the crow's nests, will it affect the ship's navigation?"
"I will do whatever your lordship asks!" the sailor responded, his voice shaking.
Mikael, irritated by the answer, kept his voice calm but firm. "I don't want flattery. I want the truth!"
The sailor, sensing his irritation, nearly panicked but managed to calm himself with a deep breath before replying truthfully, "If I go to another crow's nest, it won't make a real difference as long as there's someone acting as the navigator in one of the three nests."
Mikael thought for a moment. "Alright, you can go to another crow's nest, but if at any point all three nests are occupied by another 'sorcerer,' you'll return here to fulfill your duties as the navigator. Understood?" His tone was authoritative, the same one he had used to control his gang what felt like a lifetime ago.
The sailor instinctively saluted, much as he did when the captain addressed him. "Understood," he said before following Mikael's orders, inwardly surprised by his automatic response. He looked at the sorcerer with even more respect.