The wind was stronger than before.
Not rough.
But steady.
Kevin stood at the helm, adjusting the sail angle with small, precise movements.
The ship responded smoothly.
Better than before.
Everything felt sharper.
Carina stood near the front of the ship, watching the horizon.
Not leaning.
Not holding anything.
Just standing.
Balanced.
"…So this is what it feels like."
Kevin didn't turn.
"…What."
"…Not worrying about falling every five seconds."
Kevin replied calmly.
"…Basic stability."
Carina rolled her eyes slightly.
"…You really don't know how to say anything normally."
The ship cut through the waves cleanly.
No drift.
No instability.
Carina moved across the deck without hesitation.
Her steps were light.
Controlled.
She grabbed a loose rope mid-movement and secured it without stopping.
Kevin noticed.
Didn't comment.
Hours passed.
The sea remained quiet.
But not empty.
Kevin's eyes shifted slightly toward the distance.
"…Island ahead."
Carina stepped forward.
Squinting.
"…I see it."
A small island.
Not too large.
But not empty either.
Smoke.
Carina frowned.
"…Someone's there."
Kevin nodded.
"…Yes."
As they got closer—
The details became clearer.
Wooden structures.
Training grounds.
Open fields.
And—
People.
Carina crossed her arms.
"…That doesn't look like a random island."
Kevin replied.
"…It isn't."
The ship slowed naturally.
Kevin adjusted direction toward a docking point.
Carina tilted her head slightly.
"…You know this place?"
Kevin paused for a moment.
"…Yes."
The shoreline came into full view.
Wooden docks.
Simple buildings.
Practice areas filled with young trainees.
And at the center—
A sign.
A sword symbol.
Carina blinked.
"…A dojo?"
Kevin stepped forward slightly.
"…Yes."
As the ship anchored—
Several trainees noticed them.
Curious eyes.
Cautious.
One of them ran toward the main building.
Carina watched.
"…We're getting attention."
Kevin nodded.
"…Expected."
Footsteps approached from inland.
Slow.
Steady.
An older man stepped forward.
Sharp eyes.
Calm presence.
A swordsman.
He stopped near the dock.
"…You're not from around here."
Carina whispered.
"…No kidding…"
Kevin stepped off the ship.
"…We are passing through."
The man studied him carefully.
"…You handle yourself like a trained swordsman."
Kevin replied.
"…Yes."
The man crossed his arms.
"…This is a training dojo. We don't deal with pirates."
Carina frowned slightly.
"…We're not here to cause trouble."
Silence.
The man's gaze shifted between them.
Then—
"…You can stay temporarily."
"…But no problems."
Kevin nodded.
"…Understood."
Carina exhaled quietly.
"…That went better than I expected…"
Kevin stepped forward toward the island.
"…We only need time."
As they walked inland—
Carina looked around.
Young trainees practicing.
Wooden swords clashing.
Footwork drills.
Serious atmosphere.
"…This place is real."
Kevin replied.
"…Yes."
Then—
Carina noticed something.
A young girl.
Standing slightly apart from the others.
Holding a sword.
Practicing alone.
Her movements—
Sharp.
Focused.
Precise.
Carina narrowed her eyes slightly.
"…That one…"
Kevin stopped.
His gaze fixed on her.
No hesitation.
"…Yes."
The girl finished her swing.
Turned slightly.
Her eyes were clear.
Determined.
Even at a young age—
There was no doubt.
She was different.
Carina looked at Kevin.
"…You know her too?"
Kevin answered simply.
"…Yes."
The wind moved gently across the training field.
And the moment passed quietly—
But not without meaning.
The sea had brought them here.
And this time—
It wasn't random.