Chapter 244: Sword blows
A swirl of lights rushed towards the heavily modified scout ship. It hung just behind the bend of a very narrow stretch of Portal Gallery, barely wide enough for a single large merchant ship to slip through.
This was known for being a dangerous area, far enough away from Dimarintsia River that none of the regular guard ships patrolled it, and with four paths leading away into a chaotic area perfect for a getaway.
It was also the only way to get from the Dimarintsia River to the larger side branch that held the Granvox world and a few others.
The swirl of lights moved to the center of the ship, turning into a blond-haired man with glowing golden eyes. He landed on the deck amidst a dozen rugged, cold-eyed men and women. Most were wearing some form of slim leather armor and holding weapons. Short swords, daggers, and hand crossbows were the most present. Only two people held nothing: a short man with feathers instead of hair and a sharp face that was nearly a beak, and Vibru, though the latter had a long sword on his hip in a beautiful scabbard.
"Report," Vibru said, his voice cold and annoyed.
"They are almost there, and will reach the bend in twenty minutes," the blond haired man said, showing no fear as Vibru glared at him.
Vibru's eyes narrowed. "And?"
The blond-haired man picked his nose, showing no shame as he flicked something from his finger onto the deck.
"As you said, not a lot to worry about. One or two Ganvils, a Yuurindi with two non-combat soulcards, two younger Yuurindi without even a heartcard, a mediocre Onyxian with full defense, and some handcards: a low-ranked shield and some form of blast card. The most trouble could come from that single soulcarded shadowwalker. His card is… hard to read. The best I can tell you is that he has a summon that can also walk through the shadows. I'd say it's Ruby rank, just because of how hard it is to read, but it can also be some type, perhaps hidden or obscured."
It was quiet as Vibru looked at the man, seemingly waiting for more. When nothing came, he glared hard. "Terlo, stop fucking around. You are missing one. What about the captain?"
"Ah, right! Totally forgot," Terlo said with a wide and mocking smile. "Couldn't read his card at all! It's a soulcard, and he has only one. From how he moved and the way the deck bent below him, I'd say he is fully focused on strength and weight. Very likely it has the hidden feature, because even if it was Diamond, I should be able to get something from it. His two handcards are useless utility cards."
"One soulcard? Impossible," Vibru snapped. "My contacts tell me he is able to create a massive amount of steam, and he was able to hurl something at ships. Either a ball or a weapon. Now you are telling me he also has increased strength and weight?"