People believe the sea has no end, but they are wrong.
Although the Earth is round, the edge of the world's water is an encircling coastline… that is the Dark Continent.
If the world map were placed in the middle, it would be like comparing a marble to a washbasin.
In short, the human world's seas can only be described as a 'lake'. In fact, it is indeed a lake, named Lake Mobius, and the Six Continents are merely islands within this lake.
With such a comparison, the insignificance of humanity is magnified hundreds of times over.
The Lawlie's crossing of the boundary sea meant it had already entered the fringes of the Dark Waters.
The total area of the Dark Waters is six times that of the world's known map. Regardless of direction, sailing at high speed in a straight line would take at least five weeks to reach the coastline.
Even after crossing the boundary sea, the ocean remained calm, showing no apparent changes.
Law and Biscuit stood side by side at the bow of the ship, gazing at the distant horizon of the sea.
Near the boundary sea area lies the largest landmass, along with many uninhabited large islands.
On this land dwells a magical beast race known as the Gatekeepers, whose innate duty is to guide outsiders in and out of the Dark Continent.
Through negotiation or trade, as long as proper etiquette and attitude are observed, the Gatekeepers will offer assistance by summoning demi-human guides to lead outsiders wishing to enter the Dark Continent.
In simple terms, these guides serve as escorts, significantly reducing the difficulty of crossing the Dark Waters.
"Wouldn't the difficulty of crossing the sea multiply without seeking the Gatekeepers' help?" Biscuit glanced back at the continent, now reduced to numerous small dots.
Landing on the Imaginary Continent would allow for resupply and also provide an opportunity to seek the Gatekeepers' assistance.
"Indeed." Law nodded, "But doing so would mean the scenery we experience would be different. If it really becomes impossible, we can always turn back."
"The spirit of a dreamer? Netero once called 'them' dreamers who fear no danger ahead. The downside was that it made him indecisive, unsure of how to proceed." Biscuit sighed.
Law turned to look at her, "His decision was correct. While it stifled the freedom to chase dreams, it also prevented countless unnecessary sacrifices."
Biscuit fell silent for a moment before saying, "So, as far as I know, you're the only one."
Law shook his head, his eyelids lowering slightly as he spoke earnestly, "Not just me. There are many others. It's just that I've taken the first step ahead of them."
'Ging, Beyond, Pariston...'
…
Two weeks later, the fortunate voyage finally came to an end as a violent storm seemed to arrive as scheduled.
The Lawlie swayed in the raging waves, like a withered leaf in a turbulent river, appearing perilously vulnerable.
Tonpa, inside the cabin, clung desperately to the reinforced guardrail, staring dumbfounded through a circular window at the chaotic sky and sea ahead.
Dark clouds churned and rolled madly across the sky, accompanied by roaring thunder and streaks of red lightning dancing within them.
The sea roared with furious waves, towering swells layering one after another. Countless marine creatures were tossed into the air by the surges, only to helplessly crash back into the sea, swept away kilometers in an instant by the violent currents, and drowned.
What left Tonpa stunned was not the incessant thunder nor the roaring sea, but the dozens of massive tornadoes standing between them.
Lightning flashed and thunder roared as the tornadoes sucked vast amounts of seawater into the sky, piercing through the churning dark clouds and creating gaping holes above.
'We're completely screwed!'
Witnessing this scene, Tonpa inwardly wailed.
The Lawlie, like a lone boat, was violently pushed by the massive waves toward the rampaging dozens of enormous water tornadoes.
In the captain's cabin, Law's expression was grave.
"It's no use, the power can't keep up."
Kuro shouted with an air of seriousness, playing the role of a qualified assistant.
Despite the intense rocking underfoot, Biscuit's feet seemed rooted, keeping her body as steady as a mountain.
She watched Law and Kuro brainstorming solutions, her gaze shifting to the distant water tornadoes. Her seemingly calm demeanor held a trace of tension.
Compared to powerful enemies, the force of nature was far more terrifying.
"What do we do? If we get pulled in, it's all over." Kuro said nervously.
This was the open sea. If the ship were destroyed, Law's chances of survival would be slim to none. And if Law died, he would be finished too.
"Our only option is to charge straight through. If we don't have enough power, trying to turn abruptly will only capsize us." Law said gravely.
Kuro replied in despair, "Doesn't that mean we're doomed?"
"Shut up your jinxing mouth."
Law scolded him, took a deep breath, and then crouched down.
"What are you going to do?" Biscuit asked.
Law looked up at her and said seriously, "I'm going to use Shu to envelop the entire ship."
Even though Biscuit had seen her share of storms, she found Law's plan utterly insane. After all, he actually intended to cover the entire ship with Aura… it wasn't just a knife or a sword.
Before Biscuit could fully process her shock, she saw Law press his hands against the floor and channel his Aura with full force.
White light erupted from his hands, and lines of black, rule-like characters spread out from under his palms like tiny black snakes, crawling across their surroundings.
Watching this scene, Biscuit's emotions mirrored the turbulent waves outside.
'Is he trying to use Divine Script to amplify his power? This is the first time I've seen a Nen User who can apply Divine Script to such an extent.'
'How old is Law...!'
The black characters eventually imprinted across the entire ship, leaving considerable gaps between them.
Suddenly, a light ignited over the stormy sea… the glow of Aura enveloping the ship.
Bathed in this light, the Lawlie was finally swept into the massive tornado. Amid violent shaking and terrifying tearing forces, it shot upward through the water like a rocket.
The sounds of thunder, water, wind, and one blood-curdling scream… that was Tonpa's.
…
In a range of pitch-black mountains, a figure cloaked in tattered black robes walked with their head slightly lowered along a steep cliff face.
At that angle, they should have fallen straight into the clouds below, but the cloaked figure's feet seemed like suction cups, each step firmly adhering to the steep rock.
The robes draped over them were ragged and covered in patches of moss that glowed with a faint green light, pulsating like a breathing light, as if they were independent living organisms.
The person's face was hidden in shadow, and they held something resembling a small globe, crafted from some kind of mineral, with a pockmarked, crescent-shaped outer ring. At the hollow center floated a black pebble the size of a thumbnail.
The pebble was in a state of absolute stillness, as if fixed in the center of the stone ring by countless opposing magnetic forces.
Suddenly, the still pebble began to tremble.
The cloaked figure immediately halted, quietly observing the pebble swaying like a cradle.
They stood still for a moment, then tilted their head slightly, casting a sidelong glance behind them… toward the sea, no, the direction of Lake Moebius.
"Another [Sky-Reaching Tide]? Unknowingly, five years have passed again."
A hoarse and aged voice was swallowed by the howling wind.