David glared at the enormous tree with nothing but hatred, his only desire to leave this cursed island as soon as possible.
Turning away, he began chopping down several large branches. After felling six massive trees, he tied them together with vines, muttering under his breath,
"Damn it… when will we finally get off this place? I've already built so many boats…"
He tightened the structure firmly, reinforced it with extra logs along the edges. David still had Lucy's cloak with him. Taking it, he stretched it across a mast, turning it into a sail. The small boat was ready. Stepping back, he looked at his work and smirked in satisfaction.
At that moment, the first rays of sunlight broke through the sky and fell upon David's face. Shielding his eyes with his hand, he gazed into the distance. The work had drained his strength. Turning back, he saw Emma still asleep, sitting upright.
"She must be exhausted," he whispered softly.
With the sunrise, David realized they needed to leave quickly, before night fell again. He went to Lucy and carefully woke her. The girl opened her eyes sleepily and looked at him.
"David… what is it? I'm hungry…"
"We need to get some fresh air," he said gently, smiling. "And then I'll give you fruit."
Lucy nodded and stood up. They headed toward Emma. On the way, Lucy noticed the boat—and at once, she understood. Something clicked in her mind.
"Where are you planning to sail?" she asked in a serious voice.
"Damn it…" David frowned. "Did she figure it out? I need to come up with something…"
And suddenly, a voice resounded. Clear and mighty, it struck David as painfully familiar.
"The voice of fate…" he whispered.
And the voice proclaimed:
"Over the participant 'Lord of Darkness,' the participant 'Child of the Stars,' and participant number 234 watches the God of the Seas—Poseidon."
The booming voice echoed again:
"What pathetic beings… to allow a mere tree to control you?!"
The voice of fate continued:
"From this moment on, the God Poseidon will speak to you in writing."
"Poseidon?.. What the hell?!" David blurted out.
At that instant, the ocean roared around them. Waves rose high, surging toward the shore and looming threateningly over David and his companions. He wasn't just surprised—he was stunned. But soon the waters calmed, returning to their tranquil state as if nothing had happened.
Then, right beside David, glowing text appeared—just like in a game:
"How dare such a pitiful human speak my name in that manner?"
Reading it, David quickly said,
"Forgive me…"
Turning, he saw Emma was already awake and rising to her feet. David grabbed Lucy's hand and tried to pull her toward Emma, but the girl resisted fiercely, crying out,
"Emma, save me!"
Emma, regaining her senses, stepped toward them sharply. A cold light burned in her eyes as she glared at David. Seizing Lucy, she instantly moved behind, pushing David away before he even realized what had happened.
"What are you doing?" she asked icily.
And somewhere above, unseen eyes were watching them. On the face of the hidden observer appeared a smile—a smile of joy, or perhaps… anticipation.