"Captain, it's been two days now, and the target has yet to make any move," a man dressed in the Vermilion Kingdom military uniform reported to Prince Adrian, who was lounging in his chambers.
The ship he was currently residing on was the largest of the war vessels, housing the elite forces of the Vermilion Kingdom.
The name of this ship was the Crimson Leviathan. It was a behemoth of naval engineering—the pride of the royal fleet—stretching over 300 meters in length with reinforced hulls forged from enchanted mithril and black steel.
The deck was populated with soldiers, each clad in polished armor with the insignia of the kingdom on their chests. Rows of monster core powered cannons lined the sides, capable of firing explosive mana-infused projectiles that could shatter enemy ships with ease. The ship was also equipped with ballistae armed with piercing harpoons designed to cripple sea monsters or enemy vessels attempting to flee.
Its sturdy appearance wasn't all it had to offer. It also housed dozens of rooms, training centers, cafeterias, and leisure areas to keep the soldiers entertained.
Rumors had it that the shores of the Vermilion Kingdom were the most fortified in the human domain due to its unmatched naval strength. No kingdom dared challenge Vermilion at sea, for to do so meant facing the wrath of the Crimson Leviathan and the armada that followed in its wake.
Deep within the Crimson Leviathan, inside a lavish chamber lined with maps detailing the surrounding waters and enemy movements, a large ornate throne-like chair sat at the entrance of the room where Prince Adrian lounged, staring at the official giving his report.
Though he appeared relaxed on the outside, his sharp eyes reflected deep contemplation.
Seeing the look in Adrian's eyes, the officer hesitated slightly before continuing, "Your Highness, we've maintained our distance as per your orders, but the target remains eerily still. Our scouts report no significant movement aboard their ship."
Adrian tapped the armrests of his chair, a thoughtful expression crossing his handsome features.
"No attack… they're not planning on staying in one spot, are they?" he mumbled to himself as he got up from his seat and walked toward the grand window that overlooked the sea.
From this vantage point, the vast ocean stretched endlessly before him, but his attention was locked onto the distant silhouette of the unknown ship, which appeared like an ant compared to the Crimson Leviathan.
"At first, I thought they'd be foolish enough to attack, and I doubt they're spies. If they were, they wouldn't have traveled by sea, knowing that it's our strongest point."
Adrian's mind raced as he considered various possibilities. Some of his theories were so wild that even he found them amusing. Perhaps they were a hidden faction testing Vermilion's patience, a rogue force with unknown backing, or even a trap laid by an enemy kingdom like Snowhelm, hoping to lure the Crimson Leviathan into a disadvantageous position.
But none of those explanations fit perfectly. The ship was simply there, drifting like a ghost upon the waves, completely unbothered by the overwhelming force stalking it. That was what truly unsettled him.
"Could it be a diversion?" Adrian murmured, rubbing his chin. "A sacrificial pawn meant to hold our attention while something far more dangerous lurks beneath the surface?"
The officer stiffened at his words. It made a lot of sense, so without hesitation, he suggested, "Sir, should we strike it down and scout around?"
Adrian quickly shook his head. "No, not yet. If it is a decoy, then we mustn't reveal our hand too soon." His gaze darkened as he watched the distant ship, his mind sharpening like a blade.
What if… they were waiting for him specifically to act?
A slow smirk tugged at his lips, a mix of intrigue and irritation sparking in his eyes. Whoever was aboard that ship either had nerves of steel or a death wish. Either way, Adrian was done waiting.
"Prepare the Storm Reapers," he ordered in a deep tone. "Let's meet them since they're too scared to meet us."
The officer's eyes widened slightly. The Storm Reapers were a specialized strike force—elite warriors who excelled in both sea combat and boarding maneuvers. Their squad leader was none other than Adrian himself.
If they were being deployed, it only meant one thing: Adrian intended to seize control of the ship personally.
"As you command, Your Highness!" The officer bowed before hurrying out of the chamber to relay the orders.
A short while later, he returned.
"I've gathered everyone and readied the skiffs. At your command, we'll be ready."
"Come on, let's go then," Adrian said as he walked through the door.
Down a hallway and a flight of stairs, he arrived at the lower parts of the ship, where there was an opening leading to smaller vessels.
These sleek war skiffs were crafted from the same materials as the Crimson Leviathan and could be considered mini versions of it.
A group of armored warriors stood in formation near the boarding platforms—the Storm Reapers. Dressed in black and crimson, their capes fluttered slightly as the ocean breeze passed through the open chamber. Each soldier bore a special insignia on their shoulder, a crest showing a crashing wave wrapped around a blade, marking them as part of the elite unit.
Adrian's presence commanded absolute attention. The moment he stepped forward, the warriors slammed their fists to their chests in unison.
"All forces are prepared, Your Highness," the officer reported.
"Good. We move now!" Adrian ordered.
As soon as the order was given, the Crimson Leviathan let out a deep, reverberating groan as its lower bay doors creaked open, revealing the dark waters below. The war skiffs detached smoothly, dipping into the sea without a splash. The warriors leaped aboard.
Adrian stepped onto the lead vessel, gripping the railing as the skiff surged forward, cutting through the waves as they approached the lone ship.
Meanwhile, on the lone ship...
"What should I do...? I can't possibly face all of them, can I?"
Akira was anxious—very anxious.
A team led by an expert was approaching her...who was only a level 50 Awakened.