Chapter 391. Phantom Pearl
As the White Pearl glided deeper into the dense Pink Mist, the atmosphere shifted. A silence settled over the ocean, unnaturally heavy, as if the very air held its breath. Then, from the swirling fog, a monstrous form began to rise.
The creature loomed higher than the masts of the White Pearl, its sheer size casting a shadow that made the already-chilled fog feel even colder. The silhouette grew until it encircled the ship, its long, scaly body coiling around the vessel with unnerving elegance. It moved like a serpent made of muscle and mystery—both beautiful and terrifying.
Then, with a slow, deliberate motion, two massive heads broke through the mist. Fanged maws dripped with pink seawater, and glowing eyes—tinted the same eerie shade of pink—focused on the ship’s deck with uncanny intelligence.
"A Twin-Headed Sea Serpent," Lily said calmly, her voice barely above a whisper.
In her hand, the card she’d received from the islander—the Seven of Diamonds—began to glow. It pulsed like a heartbeat, each flash sending ripples of energy through the air. Yet this time, the serpent didn’t recoil or retreat like it had before.
Instead, its eyes narrowed on the ship... and it growled.
It saw the White Pearl not as a vessel, but as prey.
"Huh... Just as expected. That guy really did target us," Lily muttered, already pulling out her communication device.
"All crew members," she said, her voice steady and sharp, "prepare for battle. Non-combat units to the safe room. Slaves we picked up—put them in the isolation chamber. Now."
"This is Tuman. Roger that, Vice-Captain," came the reply.
Within moments, the ship’s systems activated. Runes along the hull flared to life. Hidden weapons clicked into position. Energy from Prana stones surged into the array network.