After ensuring the rescued civilians were safely settled, Eli Winters and his companions took a short rest before setting sail once more. The wind filled their sails as the Silver Dragon cut through the glittering blue sea, continuing its voyage into the vast unknown.
The sun was warm and bright that morning, the ocean calm and sparkling. Chiyo Mochizuki came hurrying across the deck, her expression tight with concern. "Captain," she reported, "we're running low on supplies. We'll need to restock soon!"
Eli raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Oh? Didn't we stock up at the last island?" It was unusual for Chiyo to mention shortages she and Filina usually managed provisions flawlessly.
Chiyo sighed with a weary smile. "We did restock, but that island was small and its resources limited. We only managed to gather enough food and water to last about a week. And now, we're nearly out."
Eli rubbed the back of his neck, a bit embarrassed. Ever since Filina and Chiyo had joined the crew, he'd left all the day-to-day management of the ship in their capable hands, content to enjoy the life of a laid-back adventurer. So when Chiyo suddenly brought up logistics, he felt oddly out of his depth.
Before he could reply, a familiar voice floated down from the upper deck. Filina leaned out from the second-floor cabin window, still flushed from training. "Don't stress, Chiyo!" she called cheerfully. "At our current pace, we'll reach a new island by tomorrow morning! According to my intel, it's a mid-sized island plenty of supplies there!"
"That's great news," Chiyo said, relief softening her face.
"See, Filina's more reliable than the captain himself," Reiju teased as she strolled over from the orchard, wiping her hands on her apron.
Filina beamed proudly. "Of course I am!" She shot Eli a playful, triumphant look.
Eli only chuckled, amused. "Can't argue with that." If he wanted to enjoy a peaceful voyage, it was best to keep his crew in good spirits otherwise, they'd have him running errands all day.
Their journey continued smoothly. By noon the next day, the Silver Dragon arrived at the island Filina had mentioned Maple Island.
From afar, its harbor looked lively. Fishing boats rocked gently by the docks as crews unloaded their morning catch. Merchant ships bustled in and out, and the air buzzed with the mingled sounds of waves, gulls, and human chatter.
The Silver Dragon, gleaming and elegant, drew immediate attention. Before they even docked, a small patrol boat approached, its crew waving cautiously.
"State your purpose!" one of them called.
Eli's crew answered truthfully they were merely travelers and adventurers looking to resupply. The patrolmen exchanged wary glances but eventually nodded and guided them to a quieter pier.
Once the ship was secured, Eli and his crew disembarked. The man who had led them there a stern, middle-aged officer turned and said, "Please follow me. Our security captain will want to meet you first."
Eli exchanged a look with his crew but followed without complaint.
On the way, he asked with his usual easygoing smile, "Mind if I ask your name, sir?"
The man's face remained expressionless, but his tone softened slightly. "Just call me An."
"An," Eli repeated. "Does everyone who arrives here have to meet your captain first?"
An hesitated, then nodded. "Yes. To be honest, there was... an incident not long ago. Ever since then, security's been tight. No strangers can enter freely without the captain's approval."
Eli nodded understandingly. "That's reasonable. Safety first."
They continued along a wide, bustling main road. Villagers passed by, some carrying baskets of fish or fruit, others pausing to stare curiously at the foreign crew. But seeing An walking with them, no one dared to approach or question.
Halfway to their destination, something caught Eli's attention.
Up ahead, two boys struggled with a cart full of fish. One of them, a limping teenager, pulled hard on the front rope, while the other thinner, with sharp, pale features pushed from behind.
Suddenly, the crippled boy turned, face contorted with anger. "Get away from me!" he shouted. "I don't need your fake kindness, you filthy pirate's son!"
The other boy clearly shocked tried to explain. "A-Lei, I'm only trying to help…"
"I said get lost!" the crippled boy snapped, yanking a fish knife from the cart. "If you don't leave, I'll kill you!"
The thin boy's face fell. He lowered his head, said nothing, and quietly walked away.
Eli's crew stopped, watching the scene unfold. Around them, villagers looked on too but none of them intervened. Their expressions were cold, indifferent, as though this was an everyday occurrence.
Filina's eyes flashed with anger. "That's awful! How can they just stand there and "
Eli gently raised a hand to stop her. "Don't rush to judge. We don't know the full story yet. Things aren't always what they seem."
Filina bit her lip but nodded reluctantly, though the frustration still burned in her eyes.
An, who had been silent until now, glanced at Eli with faint respect. "That boy you saw the one limping his name's A-Lei. The other is Cree. They grew up together, best friends once. But four years ago, Cree's father led a band of pirates that attacked our island. We managed to drive them away, but… many people died that day. A-Lei's mother was among them. He lost his leg protecting her."
Eli's crew fell silent. An's face tightened with barely restrained bitterness.
Filina's earlier indignation turned into guilt. "I see… so I misjudged him."
Eli gave her a kind smile and patted her head. "It's all right. You just didn't know the story. But remember it's best to understand before you decide who's right or wrong."
Filina nodded softly. "Got it."
With that, the group continued on their way until they reached a sturdy wooden building guarded by two sentries the headquarters of Maple Island's security team.
An entered to announce them, then waved for Eli and the others to come inside.
Behind a large desk sat a broad-shouldered man with sharp eyes that glinted like steel. He looked the newcomers over carefully and suddenly froze.
"You're… the Sky Sovereign, Eli Winters?" he blurted in disbelief.
An's eyes widened too. "Wait the same Eli Winters who killed a Celestial Dragon?!"
Eli chuckled. "I didn't think my reputation spread this far."
The captain swallowed hard, his earlier confidence replaced with nervous respect. "Lord Winters… may I ask what brings you to Maple Island?"
Eli waved casually. "Relax. We're only here to restock supplies. No trouble, no politics."
Relief washed over the man's face. He recalled the reports about Eli the mysterious adventurer who slew pirates and freed slaves but never harmed civilians.
"Understood," the captain said quickly. "We'll prepare anything you need right away!"
Eli smiled. "That won't be necessary. We'd like to explore the island ourselves that's part of the adventure, after all."
The captain bowed slightly. "Still, it's an honor. You've done so much for the common people. Let me at least assign someone to guide you."
He looked at An. "You'll accompany Lord Winters' group. Assist them with anything they need."
Eli considered refusing, but he could tell the offer came from genuine respect, not obligation. "All right," he said finally. "That'll make things easier."
After a few more words of courtesy, they took their leave.
As An walked behind them, his demeanor had changed completely deferential and serious.
Eli sighed. "An, just treat us like ordinary travelers. There's no need to act so formal."
An shook his head firmly. "I can't. Not after what you've done for this world."
Eli didn't argue. Some habits weren't worth fighting.
They soon entered Maple Village, where a wide, clean street stretched ahead. Neatly planted maple trees lined both sides of the road, their tender green buds shimmering in the sunlight. Though the leaves had yet to turn their famous crimson hue, the sight of fresh spring growth was enough to lift one's spirits.
As they walked leisurely beneath the budding trees, a soft melody floated through the air the clear, wistful sound of a flute. It was hauntingly beautiful yet laced with sorrow, like a song born of grief and memory.
The group stopped instinctively, drawn by the music.
They followed the sound through winding paths and gentle slopes until they reached a hill overlooking the village.
And there, standing alone beneath a maple tree, was the figure of a young man holding a flute.
When they saw his face, everyone gasped in unison.
"It's him…"
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