Southern Coast of Joseon
Mid Summer 1837
At the coastal watch post, the guards had already settled into their routine. One of them leaned against the wooden rail, scanning the water with the same patience he had built over years of standing watch. Another moved a few steps behind him, checking the signal markers and making small adjustments that had long since become habit.
Nothing felt out of place.
Until one of them spoke.
"There."
The word was quiet, but it was enough.
The first guard straightened and looked again, this time more carefully.
At the edge of the horizon, there was a shape.
It was not completely unfamiliar. They had seen something like it before.
But this time, it was closer.
"Is it the same one?" the second guard asked.
The first guard did not answer right away. He watched it for a few more seconds before speaking.
"It's larger," he said.
