The sea had been calm for nearly a full day.
No pursuit. No ships. No signs of being followed.
But Kevin didn't treat it as peace.
Only distance.
The ship moved steadily forward under controlled wind.
Carina sat near the railing, watching him adjust small things constantly.
"…You're still checking everything."
Kevin didn't look back.
"…Because things degrade."
Carina sighed lightly.
"…That sounds exhausting."
Kevin replied simply.
"…It is normal."
By midday, Kevin finally stopped the ship's forward momentum slightly.
Not anchored.
Just slowed.
"…We need upgrades."
Carina blinked.
"…You said that yesterday."
Kevin nodded.
"…Yes."
He walked to the storage area and opened everything.
Carefully counting.
Food: low but usable.
Water: sufficient.
Rope: slightly damaged.
Repair materials: almost gone.
"…We cannot continue like this long-term."
Carina leaned forward.
"…So we need another island?"
Kevin nodded.
"…One with shipyards."
He adjusted the sails slightly and checked the horizon.
No land yet.
But navigation suggested one nearby.
"…Half-day distance."
Carina stood up.
"…So we stop again."
Kevin replied.
"…Yes. But only briefly."
As the ship moved forward again, Carina watched him quietly.
Then she spoke.
"…You think too far ahead sometimes."
Kevin answered without hesitation.
"…Not far enough yet."
The next island appeared by late afternoon.
Large.
Structured coastline.
Multiple dock zones visible.
And—more ships than usual.
Carina squinted.
"…That looks busy."
Kevin narrowed his eyes.
"…Controlled trade hub."
Not neutral.
Not fully pirate-controlled either.
A mix of power groups.
As they approached, signals came from the dock.
Flags.
Warnings.
Navigation instructions.
Kevin followed standard docking procedure.
No resistance.
No attention drawn.
They anchored cleanly.
Carina stepped onto the dock first.
"…This place feels expensive."
Kevin followed.
"…It is maintained by competition."
The harbor was loud but organized.
Merchants shouting prices.
Shipwrights calling for business.
Armed guards watching carefully from rooftops.
Not chaotic.
But tense.
Carina looked around slowly.
"…So many strong-looking people."
Kevin nodded slightly.
"…Yes."
They moved toward the shipyard district.
Kevin's focus immediately narrowed.
Wood quality.
Metal reinforcement.
Sail upgrades.
Everything here was higher grade than before.
But also more expensive.
At a repair stall, Kevin placed berries on the table.
The shipwright examined the ship briefly.
"…Damage is light. But you want upgrades too?"
Kevin replied.
"…Yes."
The shipwright smirked slightly.
"…That won't be cheap."
Carina leaned closer to Kevin.
"…We don't have much left, right?"
Kevin nodded.
"…Correct."
A short pause.
Kevin looked at the shipwright.
Then the surrounding harbor.
Then the ships docked nearby.
"…We can acquire funds here."
Carina blinked.
"…How?"
Kevin replied calmly.
"…Opportunities exist where value gathers."
Carina slowly understood.
"…You mean theft?"
Kevin answered neutrally.
"…I mean acquisition."
She stared at him for a moment.
Then sighed.
"…You really say everything in the most complicated way possible."
Kevin didn't respond.
He was already observing targets.
Later—
Carina walked slightly ahead through the market streets.
Kevin followed a short distance behind.
She stopped near a crowded stall.
Coins being exchanged rapidly.
People distracted.
Movement everywhere.
Her eyes shifted subtly.
"…This is too easy."
Kevin noticed immediately.
But didn't interfere.
A merchant dropped a small pouch.
Coins scattered.
Crowd reaction delayed.
Carina moved instantly.
Smooth.
Silent.
One motion.
The pouch was back in the merchant's hand before he fully noticed.
But one coin disappeared into her sleeve.
No one reacted.
She walked back to Kevin casually.
"…Done."
Kevin nodded once.
"…Efficient."
Carina glanced at him.
"…You saw it?"
Kevin replied.
"…Yes."
She frowned slightly.
"…And you don't care?"
Kevin answered simply.
"…It did not affect outcome."
They returned to the shipyard.
Funds now slightly increased.
Enough for upgrades.
Not excess.
The shipwright nodded after counting.
"…Alright. We can reinforce the hull and improve sail response."
Kevin replied.
"…Do it."
As work began on the ship, Carina sat nearby on a crate.
Watching workers move materials.
"…So we just keep doing this?"
Kevin stood nearby.
"…Improving capacity is necessary."
Carina leaned back.
"…Feels like we're building something bigger."
Kevin looked at the ship.
"…We are."
The ship was slowly being strengthened.
Not yet powerful.
But no longer fragile either.
And as night approached over the busy harbor—
Something nearby changed.
A group of pirates entered the district.
Confident.
Recognizable.
And one of them stopped.
Looking directly at Kevin's ship.
Carina noticed first.
"…That guy is staring at us."
Kevin turned slightly.
Saw him.
Then paused briefly.
"…We are known here."
Carina frowned.
"…That's not good, right?"
Kevin answered calmly.
"…It depends who knows."
The pirate smiled faintly from across the street.
Then walked away.
No attack.
No confrontation.
Just recognition.
Kevin narrowed his eyes slightly.
"…This island will not stay neutral for long."
Carina exhaled.
"…So much for quick upgrades."
Kevin replied.
"…We finish and leave."
The ship continued being rebuilt behind them.
And the sea outside waited quietly.
But now—
It was no longer unknown.