Orimo stared at the endless sea beneath the moonlight. The water shimmered like molten silver, reflecting a world that had changed, yet remained the same.
"We are finally here…" he murmured, voice low, almost to himself.
With practiced hands, he set the ship's course toward Emka. The night wind whipped his cloak, salty spray stinging his face.
"Where are we heading?" Rae asked, curiosity brightening her tone.
"You don't know? Emka," Orimo replied, eyes never leaving the horizon.
"Why Emka?" she asked, brow furrowed. "Isn't it ruled by one of the True Conquerors… Morgan Tarek?"
"Exactly. My crewmates should be there," Orimo said simply, the weight of his words hidden beneath calm resolve.
Rae nodded, then wandered through the ship, inspecting the kitchen. "There's a lot of food…" she murmured, eyes wide.
Orimo let out a small sigh. "It should be enough for us, now."
Her gaze drifted toward him, lingering, unreadable.
"What's up?" he asked, noticing the moment.
"Nothing," she replied softly, turning her eyes toward the deck. Stretching and yawning, she raised her arms. "I guess I'll take a nap."
"Goodnight," Orimo said, voice low. His eyes returned to the endless ocean, the ship cutting silently through silver waves, carrying them forward into the unknown.
The moon hung high, casting its watchful glow over the sea, as the adventure — and the next confrontation — waited just beyond the horizon.