Adventure World Online (AWO)

"Is the King's Island submerged under the sea?"

Chang Long asked with great interest.

"Yes, it's submerged but will appear when summoned. Though, I don't quite remember how to summon it anymore,"

Devi-chan replied.

"Maybe we won't have to do anything at all. But let's set that aside for now. I'm really excited to head to the center of the northern archipelago. That place must be so mysterious, isn't it?"

Chang Long's voice was filled with excitement, like a child.

"Heh heh, very mysterious indeed. Even Pirate Kings like us couldn't reach it. Beyond the Mist of Death, they say a land of wonders lies hidden,"

Devi-chan chuckled, seeing Chang Long's uncontained enthusiasm. He, too, seemed to share her excitement. It was as if those long-lost days had returned—his first voyage, his dreams of discovering the world's countless marvels. Looking at Chang Long, Devi-chan felt as if he were seeing his younger self. Hisa-chan and Alice-chan quietly observed the two with soft smiles playing on their lips.

Meanwhile, Ackeran, the spectral mage, seemed puzzled by this Lord of Spirits. Despite her resolute and commanding presence, there was purity and gentleness within her, almost childlike. If this Lord of Spirits were to become the ruler of the Land of the Dead, he wonders what it would be like, Ackeran mused, breaking into a faint smile—something that no one noticed.

The sea breeze was a sensation Chang Long had not experienced in a long time. The cool sea spray felt invigorating. She stood at the bow of the ship as it sailed toward the northern archipelago. Beyond, hundreds of nautical miles away, lay waters few dared to traverse. These uncharted routes lacked large islands for shelter during storms or to restock supplies. The clear blue sky stretched endlessly, unmarred by clouds, while the strong winds propelled the ship swiftly forward.

Captain Columbus watched Chang Long with a mixture of curiosity and puzzlement. Since his time with the Maritime Association, no one had ever hired him to sail this route. The farthest he had ventured was when Chang Long and her friends hired him to travel to the Fairy Island or the Volcano Island. What could possibly be so compelling out there that Chang Long insisted on visiting, the captain pondered. He kept his questions to himself while eagerly awaiting to see it with his own eyes.

Chang Long held Kitsune, who whimpered nervously, afraid of falling overboard. She teased her beloved pet by extending her arms over the edge of the ship, laughing joyfully at his pleading eyes. After a moment, she hugged him tightly and gently patted his head, offering comfort. Kitsune knew his master would never abandon him. Their bond had been tested over time, and Chang Long had proven her unwavering love for the little fox, love that death could not do them part. He had sworn an oath of absolute loyalty to himself, vowing to stay by her side until his life's end.

"Is teasing your dog really that much fun?"

Sea Breeze approached Chang Long, smiling. Chang Long turned to him, offering a faint smile as she set Kitsune down on the deck.

"Depends on his reaction. Kind of like how you enjoy teasing the captain."

Chang Long's reply made Sea Breeze laugh heartily.

"True, teasing the captain really is fun."

Sea Breeze chuckled.

"But seriously, what kind of business do you have in the northern archipelago, Chang Long? Sorry for asking, but the route is extremely risky, and our crew is quite anxious."

"Uh-huh, I understand,"

Chang Long said, her tone shifting to seriousness. She paused for a moment, her expression turning somber, which made Sea Breeze feel as though what she was about to say was of great significance. Taking a deep breath, she met the eyes of the Bloodied Angel's first mate.

"I've heard that at the center of the northern archipelago lies a submerged island. This island has an entrance that connects to another realm—a land only accessible to those chosen. And only the chosen one can rule over that realm."

Sea Breeze and the crew, who had somehow gathered without anyone noticing, stared wide-eyed in excitement at Chang Long's words. Even Captain Columbus had joined in, listening intently.

"Where did you hear that!"

Sea Breeze asked, clearly intrigued, as he had never heard of such a tale before.

"This news came from an insider—or, more accurately, an undead insider,"

Chang Long said, prompting gasps of astonishment. It was well-known that the center of the southern archipelago was a graveyard filled with countless wandering spirits. According to the in-game AI, these spirits were said to be brimming with anger and resentment, ready to slaughter intruders in the most horrifying ways imaginable.

"S... s... spirits!"

Captain Columbus stammered in a whisper.

"Oh, come on, Captain. Don't be such a coward. The Bloodied Angel might lose her nerve,"

a crewmate teased, clearly close to the captain. Captain Columbus shot him a withering glare before storming away from the conversation.

"The Bloodied Angel will never lose her nerve!"

The captain declared in a firm voice. Taking his post, he ordered the sails to be fully unfurled to catch the wind, steering the ship towards the northern archipelago's heart. Captain Columbus and the Bloodied Angel had something to prove. This journey might catapult them into fame in an instant. He did not believe this voyage would be a waste; after all, their employer was known as a lucky charm, as unanimously vouched for by the Pendragon Guild. Chang Long was sure to lead them to exhilarating, marvelous and unimaginable discoveries.

Time passed swiftly. The blue sky had turned a warm orange as the sun sank into the sea like a picture-perfect photograph. The Bloodied Angel now lay still on the water, her sails furled, and her anchor dropped to the seafloor. Everyone aboard was on edge, restless yet alert. The ship was far from the island of Aseana, which now appeared as a tiny speck on the horizon, no larger than a palm. The surroundings were eerily empty, with only smooth, black rock formations barely protruding from the water's surface. Chang Long observed the crew with interest, noting how tense they were—a stark contrast to how she had ever seen the Bloodied Angel's sailors before.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, lanterns on the ship were lit, casting a warm glow over the deck. A faint mist crept in from the surrounding darkness, slowly enveloping the ship. The cold, damp fog sent chills down everyone's spines. Kitsune paced nervously, unable to stay still, while the spirits remained unperturbed. Perhaps it was because they could no longer feel anything, or so it seemed.

A melody drifted from a distance, a hauntingly beautiful tune that stirred a dreamy vision of a faraway paradise. The crew's eyes glazed over as they began to gather at the ship's rails, entranced. Following Devi-chan's urgent command, Chang Long and those who remained conscious plugged their ears, while Kitsune covered his ears with his paws and growled irritably.

"What is that?"

Chang Long mouthed the question to Captain Columbus, who had come to stand beside her, while other crew members scrambled to save their enchanted companions.

"Sirens,"

Captain Columbus mouthed back. Chang Long frowned in confusion. She had never encountered a siren before but assumed they might resemble mermaids. Driven by curiosity, she edged closer to the ship's railing, peering into the dark depths of the ocean below.

"Stop that, Chang Long. That's dangerous!"

Sea Breeze called out loudly, but Chang Long could not hear him—everyone had their ears covered to block out the sirens' song.

Something black and shadowy emerged slowly from beneath the surface of the water. Chang Long studied it with growing interest. As the dark form broke the surface, it revealed itself to be a head—pale, taut skin glistening as though perpetually damp. Deep blue eyes, sharp as the ocean's depths, locked onto her unblinkingly. A faint pink smile curled on its full lips. Its long black hair was intricately braided, trailing down to a fishtail covered in black scales. The tail bore numerous small fins, some delicate and flowing, others sharp and curved like blades.

"Siren Beasts, Level 68, Appears."

The siren offered a seductive smile to the crew of the Bloodied Angel, her expression imbued with an alluring invitation. Despite the crew's efforts to block their ears, the song of the sirens managed to seep into their minds. Some crew members returned her smile, their faces betraying a growing infatuation. Chang Long smiled back, leaning closer to the rail, eager to see the siren's face more clearly. The siren's smile widened, her lips moving as if singing, but the words that emerged made Chang Long freeze in shock.

"Your flesh looks so tender and sweet."

Chang Long blinked, unable to comprehend the meaning behind those words. The siren was singing—her voice like an enchanting melody from ancient times. Yet the meaning of her song was horrifying.

~ Your flesh looks tender, sweet, and divine, Just one taste, and I'll make it mine. Reach out your hand, and I'll cradle you tight, We'll devour you all in the dead of night. Your sweet flesh, soft and fragrant, divine, let me feast till your bones align. ~

"Mother of mercy!"

Chang Long muttered under her breath as she leaned closer to the beautiful siren. The siren smiled sweetly, her long, delicate fingers brushing gently against Chang Long's cheek. The siren's lips curled into a tender smile, and she leaned in as though about to kiss Chang Long. But just as their faces drew close, the siren's smile twisted into a wide, feral grin, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth.

Chang Long's grin widened as the siren froze. The Sovereign Sword was pressed against the siren's throat, piercing the delicate skin by a few millimeters.

The siren hissed like a serpent, her enchanting song halting abruptly. The crew snapped out of their trance, some scrambling back onto the deck with alarm, though a few were not fast enough and were dragged into the sea by other sirens.

"What do you want, siren?"

Chang Long asked with a smile. The siren bared her teeth, hissing in response. Chang Long, however, let out a laugh, her gaze hardening. The blade sank another few millimeters into the siren's soft flesh. The siren glared at Chang Long with murderous intent, but as she stared into Chang Long's eyes, a flicker of fear crossed her face. Something in Chang Long's gaze made the siren tremble. Letting out an unearthly shriek, the siren thrashed her head violently, ignoring the pain. Her clawed hand slashed toward Chang Long's face, leaning over the deck. Chang Long quickly pulled back, but not before the claws grazed her cheek, leaving a small cut that began to bleed.

"What are you!"

The siren shrieked. The other sirens backed away from the ship, sensing the fear in their comrade.

"I'm just a simple person trying to reach the heart of the Northern Isles,"

Chang Long replied calmly, wiping the blood from her cheek.

"Liar. There's something terrifying within you, something no one should approach!"

The siren snarled, her gaze a mixture of fear and rage.

"And besides, the heart of the Northern Isles is but an empty ocean. Humans that go there find nothing but void and death."

The siren's tone turned cold. Slowly, the group of sirens retreated from the ship as if reluctant to leave such a tempting feast behind. Their queen had already dived back into the depths, and they were compelled to follow. The crew of the Bloodied Angel turned to stare at Chang Long. They had all heard what the siren queen had said.

"What are you all staring at?"

Chang Long asked, sensing their stubborn stares.

"Is what the siren said true? I don't feel anything, though,"

Sea Breeze remarked as he sidled closer with curiosity.

"Stop being ridiculous. The siren was probably lying to catch us off guard and attack when we least expect it,"

Chang Long replied with a light laugh, though internally, she suspected that the sirens had sensed the reaper's aura lingering within her. Devi-chan and Hisa-chan likely shared the same thought, as they had wandered off to discuss it in private, though there was no one aboard who could hear them anyway.

Chang Long's words planted seeds of doubt among the crew. They could not fathom what could be so extraordinary about her to frighten the sirens. With her level being only 15, it seemed impossible for her to intimidate sirens at level 68. Though puzzled as to why the sirens had retreated despite having an excellent opportunity to drag the Bloodied Angel's crew into the sea, they chose not to dwell too deeply. Without clear answers, they decided it was best not to lower their guard. Any lapse in vigilance could change the tide of the situation. Captain Columbus ordered a strict watch rotation to guard against the sirens' possible return. Chang Long, meanwhile, descended below deck to rest and reflect on the siren queen's cryptic words. If they truly sensed the Reaper's Aura within her, then the Mirror of Truth might indeed be nearby.

.....

The forces of both guilds finally arrived at the mining zone. Splitting into smaller groups to avoid being overwhelmed by swarms of beasts, both sides had brought their strongest players. Everyone knew the Agaz Mountain was teeming with high-level monsters. Demos and Siegfried stood face-to-face. The mocking smile of the Doom Star guild master did not faze Siegfried, who remained cheerful. Behind them, their respective guildmates kept growling and muttering hostile noises at each other all the time.

"Are all your people here? You brought a lot, and it seems they were from multiple guilds,"

Demos asked casually, noticing that the opposing force included members from other guilds than Pendragon, most of whom appeared to be above level 60.

"Looks like everyone's accounted for. How about your side, Demos? You seem to have quite the turnout as well,"

Siegfried replied with an easygoing tone that made Orion, standing behind Demos, furrow his brow. He had not expected his brother's usual ferocity to be met with such calm indifference.

"Oh, we're all here. Honestly, I thought we'd need more, but with your people helping out, this number should suffice." Demos sent an icy smile to the allied guild members.

"So, what's the plan? Have you mapped out a strategy yet?" Siegfried asked.

"Nope, no plan. I figure we should just charge straight in. That'll be more fun, don't you think?"

Demos said, grinning widely. Then, Demos spread the massive black bat-like wings of his manticore—beasts whose souls he had fused with. With a booming laugh, he dove headfirst toward the battlefield. Orion, emboldened by his leader's audacity, led the rest of the Doom Star Guild charging down the slopes, their spirits high. The allied guild members stood stunned by the recklessness of their counterparts, but they were not about to let themselves be outdone. Resolutely, they broke into a run, following closely behind.

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