On the deck stood five men. When they saw three figures struggling toward them from the ocean, their eyes widened in disbelief. One of them muttered:
"They survived the Forbidden Zone…"
Another, with a grim expression, added:
"In the Forbidden Zone, every step a man takes either makes him food for the sea beasts, or drives him to despair and death."
"You're right, Joe. We'd better save them quickly — they're barely hanging on," said a third.
With that, two boats were lowered into the water. The men rowed swiftly toward the survivors. David could hardly believe it — after all they had endured, salvation was finally within reach.
"We're saved," he whispered, and Lucy's smile was proof enough.
The boats drew closer until they were right beside the three. Joe, a man in his thirties with a long scar across his face, called out:
"Come aboard, kids. You've made it farther than most ever could!"
At his command, they clambered into the boat. Joe turned and shouted:
"Ivan, give them a hand!"
"On it," Ivan replied.
At last, the three were safely seated, heading toward the ship. For the first time in what felt like forever, David, Emma, and Lucy could allow themselves a breath of rest.
David was the happiest of them all. The endless journey had drained not only his body, but his mind.
Joe broke the silence.
"What are your names?"
Lucy was the first to speak.
"My name is Lucy. That's Emma, and this is David."
"I see… good. But tell me one thing — how did you manage to survive in the Forbidden Zone?"
David met his eyes and began:
"When the first Trial of Fate began, we found ourselves on a chain of islands. There were seven of them — and they were anything but ordinary. Each night, the plants came alive and tried to kill us. Somehow, we survived. Later, I met Emma and Lucy, and together we made it this far."
Joe frowned, respect flickering across his face.
"These kids… they survived in the Forbidden Zone for so long. I almost pity them," he thought to himself.
By then, the boats had reached the ship.
Ivan, a young man of about twenty, greeted them warmly. He was an ocean enthusiast — and a known lover of vodka.
"Well then, welcome aboard our ship!"
The survivors were lifted up, and at last their feet touched solid wood. Relief washed over them like a wave.
A man in his forties approached. His presence was stern, but in his eyes there was kindness. He extended a hand to David.
"My name is Yuri. I'm the captain of this ship. You must be the ones undergoing the Trials of Fate?"
Emma nodded.
"Yes."
"I see," Yuri replied with a faint smile. "Then we'll head for the Pillar of Return. You've come a long way."
"Thank you," David breathed.
"In ten minutes we set sail. Night is nearly upon us."
Soon, the ship was cutting through the ocean waves. David sat on the deck, the sea breeze cooling his face.
Night fell. The moonlight spilled silver across the water.
Emma approached, holding a cup of juice in her hands. Sitting beside him, she asked softly:
"David… what will you do, once we finally get out of here?"
He fell into thought. After a long silence, he murmured:
"Perhaps… I'd like to live a peaceful life. But peace, it seems, was never meant for me."
Emma smiled faintly.
"That's true."
Suddenly, glowing words appeared before David's eyes — a message from Poseidon:
"Since you are the heir of a god, I will not demand you serve me. But I am curious — how will the other gods react when they lay eyes on you?"
"The other gods…?" David thought, startled.
Another message appeared — this time from Persephone:
"Yes, there are countless gods. You will see for yourself soon enough."
"I understand," David muttered.
Yuri approached them.
"By morning, we'll reach the shore. Be ready," he said.
"Understood," they both replied.
Emma rose to her feet.
"Then I'll go get some sleep."
"Go ahead. I think I'll rest soon too," David nodded.
Emma left, and David remained under the starry sky, letting the weight of exhaustion draw him slowly into sleep.