Chapter 219 - 199: Anomalous Sea Area

Chapter 219: Chapter 199: Anomalous Sea Area

「Twenty-five days later.」

The fleet from White Bear Town sailed swiftly across the sea.

This speed far exceeded that of an ordinary ship. For a typical vessel, it would be extremely dangerous.

Improper maneuvering or failing to spot distant reefs could easily lead to the ship capsizing.

However, such a speed was nothing for the fleet from White Bear Town.

Colson’s controlled seabirds alone could scout the route ahead with perfect clarity. Combined with the experienced hands of the old Pirate helmsmen, the chance of an accident was practically zero, barring some irresistible external force.

On deck, Vili gazed into the distance.

’It seems we’re getting close to our destination...’

Vili glanced down at the map charting their course, a thoughtful look in his eyes.

According to the location marked on the Treasure Map, they were now only about a day’s sail away.

’If all goes well, I should reach the destination on the Treasure Map by this time tomorrow.’

’However...’

Vili reviewed the notes Budar had previously made, and in doing so, he noticed a few problems.

The Treasure Map on the parchment scroll wasn’t drawn with much clarity. Only a few large landmarks and islands were marked, while smaller ones had been omitted.

And according to Budar’s reconnaissance, the final area indicated on the map contained three islands of similar size. This made it impossible for Vili to determine which one was the true location of the treasure.

Vili would need to investigate further to be certain.

"Lord Baron, it seems we’re getting very close to our destination..."

Budar walked over to Vili’s side and spoke.

Not long after they set sail, Vili had revealed his true purpose to his companions.

A long voyage out to sea to find a treasure.

Although Budar had long known Vili was searching for something, he was still shocked to learn it was a treasure.

Vili didn’t say whose treasure it was, but the fact that Baron Vili had come on the voyage himself showed just how tempting it was to him.

For a Pirate Leader who had scraped out a living on the high seas for decades, the prospect of seeking treasure was a powerful dream.

It wasn’t just Budar. Even Benduin and Colson were visibly excited when they found out.

The Adventurer stories they had only read about in novels and travelogues were actually happening to them. Venturing into the outer seas to find treasure—the very idea was thrilling.

"Are the arrangements for the search parties ready?"

’With three potential destinations, it would be a waste of time to search them one by one.’

’Splitting the crew into three groups is the only way to maximize our search efficiency.’

"Everything has been arranged."

Budar replied with a nod.

Budar carried out Baron Vili’s commands and wishes to the letter, never daring to slack off in the slightest.

Not only was Budar’s own life in Vili’s hands, but his family was also under watch in White Bear Town.

In such a state, Budar naturally had to do everything possible to keep Vili satisfied.

Vili nodded, a sign of his approval for Budar’s work.

’In fact, if you overlooked the stain of his former identity, Budar could be considered a decent subordinate. But his past as a Pirate meant he could never be absolved and join the ranks of the nobility.’

Seeing that Vili had nothing more to say, Budar bowed and departed.

"Lord Baron."

Colson approached just as Budar was leaving.

However, he was not accompanied by Senya. She had remained in the cabin below deck ever since they came aboard.

"What is it?"

Vili glanced at Colson.

"Based on the feedback from the seabirds and fish I control, the area ahead doesn’t seem to be as calm as we imagined."

A rare, grave expression appeared on Colson’s face.

"What did you detect?"

Seeing this, Vili furrowed his brow.

Colson chose his words carefully. "The closer we get to those three islands, the more I notice that the schools of fish nearby are unusual... They seem very restless."

"Restless?"

’Budar’s earlier notes mentioned nothing like this. But that’s to be expected. He’s only a Middle Knight, so it would be difficult for him to detect what’s happening with the creatures deep beneath the sea.’

"Yes, a collective restlessness. Compared to other schools of fish, their behavior is far more agitated."

Colson offered his speculation: "I suspect that some kind of Natural Energy is radiating from the area around those three islands. It’s this Natural Energy that’s affecting the behavior of the local fish."

"Have you sensed this Natural Energy?"

Vili asked, looking at Colson.

"We’re too far away for me to sense it myself. But I can feel traces of it through the fish and seabirds I control."

Colson replied.

Hearing this, Vili fell silent for a moment.

’As I thought, obtaining this treasure isn’t going to be that easy.’

’Still, this is good news in a way. At least it proves the Treasure Map is real.’

"Continue your reconnaissance. Report any anomalies to me immediately."

Vili wasn’t about to abandon the mission just because of some strange Natural Energy.

"Understood."

Colson accepted the order.

The ship sailed on.

As they drew closer, Vili also began to notice the restlessness among the fish that Colson had described.

Near the ship, fish were constantly leaping from the water’s surface—not as individuals, but as entire schools.

Some of the Pirates on board even reported being attacked by small schools of fish.

The schools weren’t large, nor were the fish, but the anomaly was still strange.

"Did you encounter anything like this the last time you were in this area?"

Vili summoned Budar.

Budar shook his head, afraid Vili would blame him for negligence. "No, Lord Baron. When I was last here, everything was as calm as any other part of the sea. There certainly weren’t this many fish leaping from the water, let alone schools of them attacking the ship."

From Budar’s expression, Vili could tell he wasn’t lying.

’Has something changed in these waters in just over a month?’

This brought a flicker of worry to Vili’s otherwise calm heart.

’If a terrifying Extraordinary Power is guarding the treasure, that would not be good news for the ships from White Bear Town.’