The sea was silent.
Moments ago, countless luminous fish had glittered like a galaxy beneath the waves, illuminating the Shadow Pearl's path. But now, those creatures scattered in a sudden frenzy, vanishing into the depths as though fleeing from an unseen predator.
The ocean returned to darkness.
Only Myrtle's faint, bluish glow remained. Standing at the edge of the deck, her figure shone softly, casting ripples of light across the black waters. Beside her was Phantom Blackwood— Tyler— his cloak stirring in the salty wind. Together, their eyes were fixed on the sea ahead, where dozens of skulls had begun to emerge.
One after another, skulls rose from the Water. Their outlines glowed with an eerie, neon crimson light, hollow sockets staring unblinkingly at the Shadow Pearl.
The silence grew heavier. Every creak of the ship's body, every splash of water against its hull, echoed like thunder in the stillness.
