Chapter 376 - 375. and 376. A small break in a small Island (2 in 1 Chapter)
After half a month of sailing across unpredictable waters, the White Pearl had finally dropped anchor near a small, lush island. The salty sea breeze carried the scent of tropical flowers and fresh herbs growing wild along the shore. Palm trees danced in the wind while seagulls circled lazily overhead.
Standing on the island’s simple wooden dock was an old man with rat-like ears and wiry whiskers, dressed in a patched vest and loose trousers. He eyed the majestic ship with both admiration and caution. Behind him stood a few islanders—young men and women with wolf ears, rabbit tails, and alert eyes. They looked strong, well-fed, and battle-hardened despite their rural surroundings.
"You’d better go around," the old man warned, tapping his walking stick against the dock for emphasis. "These water routes up ahead—dangerous for a merchant ship like yours. Especially a fancy one. Pirates call ships like that ’fat sheep.’ Easy prey."
"It is dangerous," Darla agreed with a casual shrug, brushing her silvery hair back and adjusting the scabbard at her hip. "But don’t worry. Our ship bites back."
The old man narrowed his eyes slightly, unsure whether to be reassured or more worried.
"Well," he muttered after a moment, "if you’re recruiting, we’ve got some young blood around here who might be interested in leaving the island. Can’t promise they’re tame, though."
He gestured behind him at the group of young villagers. Some had rabbit ears that twitched nervously. Others bore the sharp eyes and shaggy ears of wolfkin. They all stood tall and proud, weapons slung across their backs or resting at their sides. Judging by their auras, most had reached the Elite level.
"Huh..." Darla placed a hand on her hip. "Our Captain did say we should start recruiting. But there’s a catch: anyone who joins our crew has to sign a soul contract."
At her words, the group shifted. A few young women took a cautious step back. One of the wolf-eared men furrowed his brow.
Darla raised a hand in reassurance. "Relax. It’s not a slave contract. It just binds your loyalty to the crew and sets some ground rules. Even our slaves live decent lives. Privacy policies, medical care, etc., etc.,."
The old man scratched his chin thoughtfully. After a brief huddle and some murmuring among the villagers, he turned back with a nod. "They’ll do it. But I expect you to keep your word, girl."