This ship’s length reached an astonishing over 40 meters, already qualifying it as a large vessel. Three tall masts reached for the sky, with auxiliary sails fore and aft, but the canvas on these masts was all incredibly tattered. They couldn’t catch any wind, so naturally, the ship couldn’t be propelled forward by it.
The ship’s entire hull was dim and dilapidated. However, faint traces of its former glory hinted that it had once undoubtedly been a fine vessel. Now, however, it resembled a large sailing ship on the verge of being scrapped. No, it could even be described as a ship ready for abandonment.
Such a large ship had only a single gun deck. Looking at the exposed cannon ports on both sides, it was clear there were few gun emplacements, and their caliber wasn’t large either. This was disproportionate to the ship’s overall size; such small-caliber cannons were typically found only on small warships or merchant vessels. However, judging by its appearance, this ship seemed designed to be a flagship or an ocean-going vessel. Such ships would typically be wider and equipped with multiple cabins and decks. The materials and decorations also weren’t as substantial as one might expect; everything seemed geared towards economy.
The only commendable part of the entire ship was its bow, which resembled a sculpture formed by the instruments of an entire orchestra fused together. The flared openings of various instruments, large and small, were arrayed upon it, and the music emanated from this very sculpture at the bow.
The entire ship was deserted—no lights, no skeletons, no living beings whatsoever. This Music Ship drifted to a slow stop beside them, emitting a low, rhythmic hum.
The people on their ship exchanged glances, then all turned to look at Alka. Alka, harmonica in hand, silently approached the edge of their ship, gazing at the tattered vessel before him. He gently brought the harmonica to his lips. As the notes sounded, the strange ship responded with a harmonizing resonance.
It seemed confirmed. The harmonica had indeed summoned this ship.
"Is this a Ghost Ship or a Spell Ship?" Alka turned his head curiously to ask. The Lucilia doll standing on Chadite’s shoulder shook its head.
"I don’t know. I’m not aware of any visual distinction between a Spell Ship and a Ghost Ship."
This ship, with no one controlling it, had pursued them relentlessly, all because he had played the harmonica. So the harmonica was the tool that summoned the ship.
So, did this ship begin sailing automatically because it possessed its own consciousness, or was it due to a Spell? Alka’s mind was filled with questions, but for now, he could find no answers.
Seeing the rope ladder hanging down from the strange ship, Alka glanced at the others, then grabbed it and began to climb. As he climbed, he heard a creaking sound, as if the wooden rungs might snap at any moment.
He arrived on the ship’s deck. The deck was utterly dilapidated, covered in moss and riddled with holes, emitting a strong odor of decay. Alka wandered around casually. The ship’s keel seemed to have no significant problems; it was very sturdy. However, apart from the keel, everything else was in ruins. Even the spells etched onto its surfaces were heavily worn.
He heard movement behind him. Chadite and the others had followed him up and were now assessing the deck’s condition.
"This ship is so rundown; it’s a miracle it can still sail," Jason couldn’t help but comment upon seeing the surroundings.
No sooner had he spoken than a thick rope snapped and swung down towards him. Jason immediately dodged. The rope lashed down, smashing a large hole in the deck planking below.
"Oh! Okay, okay! It’s actually quite impressive! You’re very resilient, ship, really, very impressive!" Jason quickly apologized, speaking to the seemingly empty air.
Only then did the rope slowly retract upwards.
"That’s what you get for running your mouth. You’ve angered it now, haven’t you?" Chadite chuckled from the side, clearly gloating.
"This couldn’t actually be a Ghost Ship, could it?" Lucilia, perched on Chadite’s shoulder, observed the ship’s recent behavior and couldn’t help but ask.
The most distinctive characteristic of a Ghost Ship is its possession of self-awareness. The ship pursuing them because of the harmonica could be attributed to the effects of a Spell, but its recent display couldn’t be dismissed so easily. This was clearly a sign that it possessed self-awareness.
The group couldn’t help but look at Alka once more. Gazing at the harmonica in his hand, Alka began to play it softly. The Dream Catcher floated up as well. A faint, pink mist began to emanate, starting from around Alka’s feet and gradually enveloping the entire ship. The pink mist merely flowed past the feet of the others; it didn’t envelop them, nor did it show any intention of pulling them into the Dream Realm.
Witnessing this, the others fell silent, no longer conversing, and instead waited quietly, observing. The mist continued to spread until it had completely enveloped the ship, engulfing Alka along with it. Everything sank into the Dream Realm. The faint music that had constantly surrounded them also fell completely silent. It was as if the ship itself had fallen asleep, submerged in dreams.
In the Dream Realm, Alka opened his eyes and stepped out of his own Dream Bubble. He moved aside. There, he saw the dream of the ship below him. That bubble was exceptionally fragile and tenuous; so very, very fragile, it seemed as if a mere gentle breath could shatter it. This dream was too fragile to be one a normal soul would conjure; the soul’s weakness and ethereality had reached an extreme degree. The scenes within were clearly visible from the outside.
Alka carefully entered the bubble, afraid that any sudden or large movement might cause it to break. The environment within the bubble was changing wildly. Although everything shifted with extreme rapidity, Alka could see it all clearly. He could clearly remember and understand what the bubble was trying to convey. Although it was hazy, here in the Dream Realm, Alka could comprehend it clearly.
From the bubble’s structure and the signs it manifested, it was clear this was not the kind of dream a normal human soul would produce. This ship... she was communicating with him through the Dream Realm, though only through images and the shifting scenes within her dream.