“Twin Dragon Island hasn't been this lively in a long time.”
Leiting stood at the top of the Snow Wind's bridge tower, overlooking the bustling dock and sighing with emotion.
Thousands of people were gathered here, moving boxes of supplies onto the ships. From above, they looked like ants lined up in columns. Shouts, calls, and the rustling of the waves crashing against the beach mixed together, forming the main melody before departure.
On the other side of the dock, various sailing ships were densely packed together, their freeboards almost touching. The tall masts rose and fell like continuous mountain peaks.
The flags fluttering from the peaks indicated the fleet's affiliations: Crescent Bay, Sunset Island, Shallow Water City… These merchant guilds, which held significant sway in the fjord, were now gathered here, waiting for the moment to weigh anchor.
The last time he saw such a grand scene was twenty-two years ago, when he assembled his team to venture into the Shadow Sea.
“It's not just Twin Dragon Island,” Margie said with a smile beside him, “you could say the entire fjord has been stirred up by the news you brought back. A seemingly worthless route has now become a hot topic—safe, stable, and with the opportunity to become a true explorer. This new generation can be said to have been born in a good era.”
Leiting also raised the corners of his mouth.
He knew she was referring to the Daqing Port route.
«As long as new relics are discovered at Endless Cape, no matter what they are, they can be exchanged for rewards from the King of Graycastle.» This news, once brought back to the fjord, immediately caused a huge wave.
The title of adventurer was incredibly attractive to the fjord people. It represented not only fame but also wealth. However, discovering new routes, islands, or major secrets was not an easy task. It required a large investment and the possibility of losing everything, even their lives.
But the King of Graycastle's recruitment message changed all that. The route from the fjord to Endless Cape was a very mature one, and the new harbor city of Daqing meant business opportunities. Even if they found nothing on the round trip, they could at least trade some goods and not lose money.
If they did discover something good, it would naturally be a double win.
Moreover, the message made it clear that these ancient relics were likely related to a huge secret about the Three Gods. As long as they could contribute to unlocking it, they would have the opportunity to receive a title conferred by Graycastle—Honorary Explorer for Life. Although Graycastle, as a land kingdom, was different from the fjord islands, this condition was an undisputed standard everywhere, or rather, the fjord valued it even more.
After all, it was related to the Three Gods they worshipped.
Because the news Leiting brought back was so attractive, a small number of people raised doubts, but these suspicions did not affect the merchants' enthusiasm for going south. The reputation of the King of Graycastle had spread along with the Chaos Drink and perfume that swept the entire fjord market. More and more goods from across the strait, as well as the increasingly common steam paddle ships, meant that the name Roland Wimbledon was often mentioned, and the idea that Neverwinter was wealthy was deeply rooted in people's minds.
And the establishment of the United Merchant Association further strengthened people's confidence.
Since the major employer was a king, and a very powerful one, what was wrong with asking for a higher price?
After the news spread, almost everyone in the fjord who was idle took action, so that the islands were divided into two factions—the experienced and bold ones tried to get on Leiting's fleet by any means, while those who preferred stability and hoped for good luck set sail for Endless Cape, trying to secure a good position in Daqing Port.
If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, Leiting would have found it hard to imagine that a country across the sea could have such a big impact on the fjord.
It should be noted that such changes had only occurred in the last year or two.
“All this is thanks to you,” he looked towards the sea horizon like a silver thread, “if you hadn't taken care of the Merchant Guild for me, I wouldn't have been able to devote myself wholeheartedly to one adventure after another. To be honest, I have no strengths other than adventure, and I don't even count as a qualified father. I've left all the chores to you over the years, I really owe you too much…”
“You should know that I'm willing to do these things,” Margie placed her hand on the back of his hand, “isn't it too out of place to talk about owing to someone who doesn't ask for anything in return? Besides, with the voyage imminent, it's better to say less of such words.”
“Margie…” Leiting shifted his gaze back and met her eyes.
“Of course, it's not entirely true to say I don't ask for anything in return, I… actually want some things,” Margie blinked, “so you can think of me as having ulterior motives, don't feel like you owe me anything.”
Leiting naturally understood what she wanted.
He didn't feel there was anything wrong with seeing Lightning getting along well with her in Neverwinter before.
Now that he thought about it, he was already used to her existence.
What was strange was that whether he faced hurricanes or big waves during adventures, he never hesitated, but in this regard, he found it particularly difficult to speak.
Just as Leiting hesitated whether to turn his hand over and grasp her palm, the first mate's voice interrupted their solitude.
“Boss————!” The latter stood on the bridge terrace, shouting with his neck raised, “The merchant ships are basically ready, waiting for you to speak!”
Leiting coughed twice, “Heard you! I'm coming!”
“Okay!”
He took a deep breath and looked at Margie, “It's time to set off.”
“Go,” Margie nodded with a smile, “do what you do best, like His Majesty said—”
“Yeah,” Leiting continued, “—go to the new world.”
……
Walking down the tower, through the bridge, he followed the deck to the bow, facing the crowd on the dock.
A burst of enthusiastic cheers immediately rang out below.
Leiting waved his hand, “I presume everyone already knows that the route we're taking this time—is the farthest the fjord has ever gone. The Shadow Sea is nothing more than stepping out of the house for the Vortex Sea. This time, we will cross the Shadow Sea, cross the incredible sea line, and go to a more distant place in the east—that untouched blank space!”
“I once saw a vast land in the Shadow Ruins, no less than the territory of the Four Kingdoms. Where is it? Could it be east of the sea line? These are exciting questions, and this time we are going to find the answer. If it really exists, then the fjord people will completely bid farewell to the narrow and scarce land, and no longer need to worry about living space! At the same time, the wealth it brings us may exceed the sum of all the routes to date—which is why I welcome anyone with the ability to join: such a large return, even if more people share it, is completely enough!”
He paused for a moment, waiting for the wave of cheers from the crowd to subside, and then said, “But apart from gold dragons and fame, I want something else—that is for the fjord to be remembered by history! The history books of the Four Kingdoms rarely mention our segments. The fjord has neither families that have lasted for centuries, nor supreme kings. Far away from the mainland, like isolated islands, there is almost no influence except for merchant ships.”
“But this situation will not last forever. When we open up a brand new fertile land for all mankind and bring a broad vision that subverts common sense, history will forever record us, recording every explorer who embarks on a fearless journey! I hope you understand that the significance of this expedition lies not only in the present, but also in the future!”
“Raise the sails, lads!” Leiting raised his arm high, “To the new world, set sail!”
Countless hands below followed and raised, and the unanimous shouts resounded through the sky.
“To the new world—set sail!”