Drift Of The Multiverse: [Marvel] [Resident Evil] [DC] [Bleach] [DB]

Even the next morning, Ethan still hadn't decided which set of holy armor would suit Diana. It seemed that since all the sets had already been made, the best approach would be to just let her wear whichever one she liked.

Standing in front of the helm, Ethan stretched, did a few simple movements to loosen up, inhaled the salty sea breeze, and watched the sun gradually rise above the horizon.

The nearby island looked no different from the day before, but Ethan could sense that the remaining life force on the island was nearly depleted. It had even begun to affect the island's existence. If his feeling was correct, then within a few days, this island would sink into the ocean at a rate far faster than that of typical floating or sinking islands.

This was the island's final moment in this world, but to Ethan, it meant nothing. He wouldn't feel anything about it. This island had simply been a stop along his journey, even if it had provided him with a significant amount of life energy.

Turning on the console, Ethan raised the anchor and set the sails. The Goddess of Dawn gradually began to move. He guided the ship away from the island, adjusted the course once they had cleared the coast, and headed into the open sea.

From where he stood, he could see that the Eternal was also leaving the island. Judging by its course, it didn't look like they were returning to the Central Island, so they were probably continuing to sail for a while.

"Maybe it's because there's nothing more to gain on that island."

Obviously, the Spring of Life Ethan had given Cleo wasn't something that could be distributed casually. Likely, only Cleo himself and a few trusted officers would benefit from it. For the majority of the crew, they gained nothing from this voyage, so it wasn't surprising that they would want to look for a new island.

They seemed to be heading in the same direction as the Goddess of Dawn, but Ethan didn't mind even if they sailed together. After such a smooth first cooperation, there was no reason they couldn't continue working together.

At that moment, Logan came out of the cabin, stretching his neck as he complained to Ethan, "I was wondering why it suddenly got so wobbly. I thought the waves had picked up, but it turns out we've already set sail."

Because Ethan's Goddess of Dawn didn't require many crew members, the interior space was quite spacious, and everyone had a well-placed room. Logan could tell they had departed just by looking out the window. He had come out to see if there was anything that needed his help.

"There was no point in staying there, so I decided to leave."

After walking a lap around the deck, Logan stood next to the helm. From there, he could see the Eternal not far behind, maintaining the same speed and sailing in the same direction as the Goddess of Dawn.

"They've set sail too." As for the people on the Eternal, Logan only had a favorable impression of Cleo, but that was it. He didn't pay them much attention. "I thought you'd leave after breakfast."

"This sea is so vast that I could just let the ship sail on its own and go eat. It wouldn't matter." In fact, he could even leave the ship moving straight ahead and go do something else entirely.

Ethan had done that many times before. But no matter what he was doing, he would stay on the deck to ensure he had a clear view and could react quickly to any unexpected situation.

"Sailing really does sway a lot. It's not as comfortable as being moored next to an island."

When anchored near an island, the ship would still rock a bit, but not much, and it could even feel relaxing. But once at sea, the motion was much more noticeable. Especially during meals, it tested everyone's reflexes. If you weren't careful, your plate could slide right off the table.

Not to mention the food on the floor was practically inedible. At first, Logan had cursed out loud more than once, but lately he was starting to get used to it.

"Anyway, let's eat breakfast first."

Diana, who hadn't appeared until now, came out of the cabin holding some food and juice. The food stores on the Goddess of Dawn were well-stocked, so they didn't need to ration anything. In fact, sometimes they needed to eat more to prevent food from spoiling due to long storage.

On the sea, storing both food and clean water was always a challenge. The food preservation methods from Earth's Age of Sail were pitiful by comparison, and most modern people wouldn't be able to tolerate it.

Ethan had often been grateful that this world wasn't purely a sailing-age world and that there were still magic stones and magic stone equipment.

Laura, who was still in a sleepy phase, came running out as well. Everyone aboard the Goddess of Dawn gathered on the quarterdeck, enjoying a hearty breakfast in the sea breeze while chatting casually.

Their conversation had no fixed topic.

One moment, Diana and Ethan were talking about how this ocean-filled world seemed interesting. The next, they were discussing whether they should catch some fresh seafood for dinner. Then, the topic shifted to their next destination. Did they have any plans?

"Head toward the middle of the route."

Regardless of the other questions, Ethan had already decided to continue onward. He wanted to see what was going on near the central part of the route.

Although he had decided to build his next ship as a high-grade steel warship, he still needed to see the actual situation for himself. After all, the climate and ocean conditions in this world were more complex and unpredictable. Who knew what kind of special situations he might encounter?

"The Eternal seems to have changed course."

While they chatted, they kept an eye on their surroundings. At first, the Eternal had been sailing right behind the Goddess of Dawn, in the same direction.

After a while, the Eternal appeared to adjust its heading and speed up. It was now off to the side of the Goddess of Dawn. Based on their respective courses, the distance between the two ships would gradually increase until they eventually lost sight of each other.

"Well, the sea is vast. There's no reason to head in the exact same direction."

Adventurers rarely traveled together unless necessary. Everyone preferred to explore and claim new islands for themselves, even if one ship alone couldn't carry all the resources those islands offered.

"There's a ship ahead, coming straight toward us."

While speaking, Diana spotted a ship ahead. Based on its heading, it seemed to be coming from the middle section of the route.

By Ethan's estimate, they were already approaching the front part of the central zone. The ship was either returning from the vicinity of the central region or coming from even farther out.

Either way, it meant the crew was made up of highly capable adventurers. They were likely returning from a successful expedition and had nothing to do with Ethan and his group.

"The color of that ship is a bit off."

Hearing Diana's comment, Ethan picked up the binoculars. As the distance between them closed, he could finally see the other ship clearly.

"The hull is reinforced with metal for defense and stability. Although it's currently wind-powered, there's probably a propulsion system installed."

What caught Ethan's attention was that the other ship had opened its gunports, revealing dark cannon muzzles. That was not a good sign.

Even though the two ships were sailing toward each other, the ocean was wide enough that unless it was intentional, a collision was unlikely. A small course adjustment would allow them to pass each other at a considerable distance.

"Maybe it's just a show of force, trying to intimidate us into giving way?"

That was entirely possible. After all, adventurers had all kinds of personalities. In a world without laws or rules, people often relied on strength to settle things. There would always be those who believed their fists gave them the right to act however they pleased. Intimidating others was just a way to entertain themselves during a boring voyage.

"Adjust our heading and see how they react."

Of course, Ethan wasn't afraid. He wanted to determine whether the other ship was simply trying to scare them or if there were other intentions involved.

If it was just posturing, then once Ethan adjusted his course and showed a willingness to yield, the other party would likely back off. At most, they'd just flash their cannons and then sail away.

But if there were other intentions...

"Looks like they don't intend to let us go."

Not long after Ethan adjusted the course, the other ship did the same. But this time, their adjustment clearly targeted the Goddess of Dawn. It was obvious now—they had set their sights on Ethan and his group.

Even if this was just another round of intimidation, Ethan wasn't about to dodge a second time.

"Looks like trouble. This is shaping up to be a naval battle."

Ethan held the helm with one hand and operated the console with the other. A three-dimensional image of the Goddess of Dawn appeared on the display. Under his mental control, the ship's weapons systems and ammunition reserves were shown.

For Ethan and the others, long-range artillery combat wasn't ideal. Given the abilities of the crew aboard, close-quarters combat was their real strength. In addition, both Ethan and Diana had flight capabilities, so distance wasn't an issue.

However, Ethan didn't plan to immediately go all out. He wanted to test the other ship's combat strength and get a sense of the general level of firepower in this ocean.

Part of him didn't deny that he was eager to experience an actual naval battle. Still, he was prepared to activate the magic shield at any moment. Whether it was for fun or observation, he wasn't about to let the enemy land a hit.

(To be continued.)

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