The open sea greeted them with a cool, salty breeze as Kael's ship sliced through the waves. The horizon was endless, the water sparkling under the sunlight. But the sense of calm was short-lived. The system's notification had been a forewarning, and everyone on board felt the tension hanging in the air.
Rodensky leaned on the ship's railing, watching Colossus glide through the water like a dark leviathan. It was a reassuring sight, yet he couldn't shake the feeling that something—or someone—was watching them from the ocean's depths.
As if reading his thoughts, the system chimed in.
System Notification
New Threat Detected
Name: Abyssal Dragon (Transcendant first Order)
Status: Circling beneath the ship.
Advice: Be prepared for confrontation.
Reward for Defeat: Oceanic Beast Core, Abyssal Treasure Map Fragment.
Rodensky stiffened, his hand instinctively moving to the hilt of his sword. "Emmanuel," he called, his voice low.
Emmanuel was at his side in moments, his sharp eyes scanning the waters. "What is it?"
"Trouble. The system says there's a beast circling below us—a strong one."
Emmanuel's jaw tightened, and he glanced at his dragon, Abaddon, who perched near the ship's mast. "Should we engage it, or wait?"
Rodensky thought for a moment. "Let's wait for now. If it attacks, we'll respond. Kael needs time to get us closer to the second continent, and I don't want to jeopardize that."
---
Unseen Movements
Below the surface, the Abyssal Serpent moved with deadly grace, its long, sinuous body undulating through the water. Colossus, sensing the intruder, growled low and deep, sending ripples through the ocean.
Rodensky knelt at the edge of the ship, placing a hand on Colossus' head as it surfaced. "Keep watch. Don't engage unless it makes the first move."
Colossus rumbled in acknowledgment, diving back beneath the waves.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel opened the system interface, scanning for more information about their attacker.
System Notification
Beast Info: Abyssal Dragon
Level: Transcendant first Order
Traits: Stealthy, Venomous, Agile
Weakness: Vulnerable at the base of the skull.
"Vulnerable at the base of the skull," Emmanuel repeated aloud. "If we have to fight, that's our target."
Rodensky nodded, filing the information away. "For now, let's focus on staying prepared. If it decides to attack, we'll need to protect the ship."
---
The Crew Reacts
The sailors were oblivious to the looming danger until Kael, ever vigilant, noticed Colossus behaving more aggressively in the water. His face darkened, and he called out, "All hands, prepare for battle! There's something down there!"
The crew scrambled into action, arming themselves with harpoons and makeshift weapons. The tension on deck was palpable.
"Rodensky," Kael said, approaching him with a grim expression. "What are we dealing with?"
"An Abyssal Dragon," Rodensky replied. "It's strong, but we know its weak point. Keep your crew focused on keeping the ship afloat. We'll handle the beast."
Kael nodded, his trust evident. "You better. My ship's not going down today."
---
A Sudden Strike
The attack came without warning. The serpent breached the surface, its massive, scaled body coiling around the ship. The crew shouted in alarm as the ship rocked violently.
Rodensky drew his sword, his heart pounding. "Now!" he shouted, signaling Colossus.
The Behemoth surged upward, colliding with the serpent in a titanic clash. Waves crashed against the ship as the two oceanic titans fought, their roars echoing across the sea.
Abaddon took to the air, unleashing streams of fire to distract the abyssal dragon. Emmanuel directed the dragon with precision, ensuring its attacks struck the serpent's exposed flanks.
Rodensky joined the fray, leaping onto Colossus' back to get closer to the serpent. Hikaru and Rokura provided aerial support, their coordinated strikes forcing the Abyssal dragon to uncoil slightly.
---
Targeting the Weak Point
The battle raged, but the serpent showed no signs of relenting. Its venomous fangs snapped dangerously close to the ship, and its tail whipped through the water, creating massive waves.
"Emmanuel, keep it distracted!" Rodensky shouted.
Emmanuel nodded, directing Abaddon to dive and release a concentrated burst of flames. The abyssal dragon rored in pain, its attention momentarily diverted.
Seizing the opportunity, Rodensky urged Colossus forward. With a powerful leap, he reached the serpent's head, driving his sword toward the base of its skull. The blade struck true, sinking deep into the vulnerable spot.
The Abyssal dragon thrashed violently, its cries shaking the air. But the damage was done. Its movements slowed. The Abyssal dragon thrashed violently, its anguished cries reverberating through the air. Though gravely injured, it refused to succumb quietly. With a desperate surge, it darted toward the ship, a menacing glint in its eyes—as if vowing to take them down with it.
Rodensky, poised to deliver the final blow, tightened his grip on his sword. But before he could strike, Emmanuel stepped forward, his voice firm. "Wait! I'll tame it."
Rodensky hesitated, caught off guard by Emmanuel's sudden declaration.
Emmanuel extended a hand toward the oncoming beast, his movements calm yet commanding. The Abyssal dragon showed no sign of slowing; instead, it accelerated, the water surging in its wake. Undeterred, Emmanuel's voice rang out, clear and resolute.
"Stop your struggle. Become my shield, my sword, and I shall heal you—make you stronger."
The words hung in the air, resonating with an almost mystical weight. To everyone's astonishment, the Dragon's charge faltered. Its massive body slowed, and for a moment, it seemed to study Emmanuel.
Then, as if it understood his plea, the dragon lowered its head in submission. The crew gasped, and even Rodensky felt a chill of awe at the sight of the once-ferocious beast bowing.
Emmanuel activated his taming skill, his hand glowing faintly as he reached out to touch the dragon. "You're mine now," he said softly. The Abyssal dragon shimmered with ethereal light, disappearing into Emmanuel's subspace—a sanctuary where it could heal and grow stronger.
Rodensky exhaled, lowering his sword. "You really tamed that thing," he muttered, equal parts impressed and bewildered.
Emmanuel gave a small, triumphant smile. "We'll need all the strength we can get for what's ahead."
The tension eased, but the weight of the moment lingered. The crew erupted in cautious cheers, their awe of Emmanuel's feat mixing with relief. The ship resumed its course, the horizon beckoning them forward.
---
Rewards and Revelations
The system chimed immediately.
System Notification
Quest Complete: Defend the Ship
Rewards: Oceanic Beast Core, Abyssal Treasure Map Fragment.
Bonus Objective Complete: Discover Hidden Ocean Treasures
Reward: Ancient Ocean Compass.
Rodensky retrieved his sword, panting as he stood atop Colossus. "It's really over," he murmured, relief washing over him.
The crew fear replaced by triumph. Kael approached Emmanuel, clapping him on the back. "You saved my ship. We owe you our lives."
Emmanuel shook his head. "We're all in this together. Besides, I think this is just the beginning."
Emmanuel held up the Abyssal Treasure Map Fragment, examining its intricate markings. "Looks like this journey's about to get even more interesting," he said with a grin.
Rodensky chuckled. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
As the ship sailed onward, the horizon seemed less daunting. They had faced one of the ocean's greatest threats and emerged victorious. Whatever awaited them on the second continent, they would meet it with strength, unity, and determination.