Chapter 46: The Mask
After hearing those stories about monsters lurking in the ocean, a cold shadow settled in William's chest. The festive mood had evaporated, replaced by a subtle, creeping tension. He looked at the captain, serious.
—Captain... with the schedule change... doesn't that raise our chances of running into those things? Aren't there too few of us for a mission like this?
Silence reigned for a second... then a burst of laughter shook the deck.
—HAHAHAHAHA!
The sailors roared with laughter like he'd just told the best joke in the world. Some doubled over, others dropped to the floor, slapping the wooden planks.
—Oh gods, I can't take it! —groaned one, wiping a tear from his eye—. The kid's a comedian!
—A philosopher scared of sailors' tales! —another one shouted.
Captain Thenerev chuckled and clapped William on the back.
—Kid, you clearly don't understand what it means to have real mages onboard. Last time we got attacked, we were escorting a bunch of arrogant nobles who only paid for a level 2 mage, twenty level 1s, and a bunch of apprentices. And our crew? All knights. The outcome was obvious. But this time...
He stood up straighter, his tone turning serious.
—This mission is backed by the Union of Academies. They sent four level 2 mages. You know what that means?