Chapter 133: Deep Sea Port

The transformation from the chaotic, blood-soaked energy of Makari Town’s execution square to the sprawling, sun-drenched expanse of the deep-sea port was breathtaking.

The harbor was a massive, endlessly crowded nexus of maritime commerce and human activity.

Dozens of tall, timber-and-stone administrative buildings, warehouses, and trading offices were scattered haphazardly around the perimeter, their rooftops gleaming under the bright afternoon sun.

Thousands of people moved in every conceivable direction—merchants hauling heavy crates, sailors shouting instructions across the docks, and families strolling leisurely along the wooden boardwalks, smiling and discussing their afternoon plans with cheerful ease.

High above the bustling docks, white seagulls wheeled and cried against the brilliant blue sky, their sharp calls echoing over the gentle, rhythmic crashing of the tide.

The air was thick with the distinct, heavy scent of salt water, roasting fish, and tar.

Every single corner of the expansive wharf was patrolled by vigilant, heavily armed guards conducting random security checks on incoming wagons and cargo crates to maintain absolute order.

Closer to the deep-water banks of the Northern Ire Sea sat four colossal, pitch-black warships.

These were not mere merchant vessels; they were heavily reinforced leviathans of the sea, built to withstand both brutal maritime storms and the aggressive advances of oceanic abominations.

Meanwhile, the waters of the Northern Ire Sea—a vital maritime artery linking the Western Continent to both the Creptun Sea and the Kotyr Sea—were peppered with hundreds of smaller, nimble fishing boats.

Local fishermen darted back and forth across the waves, hauling in fresh catches and conducting brisk business with the dockside vendors.

Everything was proceeding smoothly, a well-oiled machine of trade and daily life.

Amidst the vibrant chaos, four war stallions trotted steadily toward the boarding sector. Craig and his traveling party had officially arrived.

Thanks to the streamlined processing and the heavy bribes distributed over the previous two days, they had secured all necessary documentation and successfully purchased their maritime traveling tickets.

Their schedule was tight; they had roughly one hour to finalize their preparations before their designated vessel was scheduled to cast off and set a direct course toward the Kotyr Sea.

Craig remained seated upon his war stallion, his gaze sweeping across the magnificent, bustling sea port with a faint, nostalgic smile gracing his lips.

It was deeply refreshing to witness the harbor in such a state of peaceful, unblemished prosperity.

In his past life, before the catastrophic fracturing of the world order, he had visited this exact port under vastly different circumstances—specifically during the desperate early campaigns to defend the Western Continent against the encroaching, irreversible corruption of the Abyss.

By the time the war had reached its peak in his previous timeline, every single drop of water in the Northern Ire Sea and the Creptun Ocean had plunged into deep, irreversible corruption.

The azure waves had become entirely unapproachable, choked to the surface by overwhelming swarms of terrifying maritime abominations and mutated horrors.

Yet, looking out across the glistening horizon now, the second Apocalypse was still years away from breaking the world.

For the present moment, this sprawling deep-sea port was an absolute, breathtaking beauty to behold—a monument to human civilization before the storm.

Noticing the distant, almost melancholic look in his master’s eyes, Annie glanced over from her saddle, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"Is this your very first time visiting a major sea port, My Lord?" Annie asked softly, pulling her black hat back slightly to meet his gaze. She offered a small, understanding smile.

"If it is, I suppose I shouldn’t be too surprised. High nobles rarely travel outside their secure estates, let alone cross the open sea on crowded public ships."

Craig chuckled quietly at her innocent assumption, turning his head to meet her eyes.

He chose not to burden the young mana apprentice with the horrifying memories of a destroyed world.

"Not quite my first time, Annie," Craig replied smoothly, his tone light and enigmatic.

"Though I must admit... seeing it like this, untouched and full of life, it is far more magnificent than I ever imagined."

He turned his horse slightly, raising a gloved hand to point toward the four massive black ships docked along the primary pier.

Among the formidable vessels, one particular ship stood out from the rest.

It was surrounded by a swarm of dockworkers loading heavy crates, and its decks were already heavily occupied by passengers and crew. It was a clear, unmistakable sign that final preparations for departure were underway.

Craig turned back to his companions. "Tell me... is that vessel the one carrying our passage?"

Ser Damian guided his horse closer, squinting slightly at the distant rigging and the crest painted upon the hull.

He nodded slowly. "It appears so, My Lord. I recognize the uniforms of the Naval Inspection Officers currently boarding the vessel to ensure the hull and cargo holds are free of structural defects."

Damian narrowed his dark eyes, analyzing the patrolling guards. "Most of those officers are active Superhumans. The maritime inspectors here operate as part of a much larger, elite military branch known as the Ducal Navy Command.

This entire deep-sea port is jointly regulated by the Naval Inspectors and the Naval Patrollers."

Damian continued his tactical breakdown seamlessly. "Both forces operate under the direct jurisdiction of Governor Aslan Maverick.

While the Naval Inspectors focus primarily on port security, harbor logistics, and vessel verification, the Naval Patrollers maintain absolute dominion over the open waters of the Northern Ire Sea.

They have to—pirates and rogue superhumans who walk the path of outlaw sailors are a persistent threat in these waters."

Craig listened intently, a look of profound satisfaction settling over his features.

He nodded approvingly as Damian concluded his report.

"Very well observed, Damian," Craig praised, his voice carrying genuine respect. "I am glad to see you possess such comprehensive situational awareness.

That kind of sharp, practical knowledge is utterly indispensable for someone who has been entrusted with the heavy mantle of Supreme Commander of the Crimson Dragon Order. Never lose that habit of observation."

Damian dipped his head slightly in acknowledgment of the praise.

Craig tilted his head, scanning the perimeter of the port marketplace that stretched out toward a row of upscale commercial buildings near the wharf.

He spotted a reputable-looking inn nestled just beyond the fish market stalls.

"We have about an hour before boarding begins," Craig instructed, turning his horse toward the inn.

"Damian, ride ahead and secure a private room for us for an hour. We need a quiet place to sit, eat a proper meal, and rest our legs before we spend days confined to a ship’s cabin."

"Understood, My Lord," Damian replied instantly.

He kicked his heels against his mount’s flanks, riding his war stallion skillfully through the congested, busy streets toward the lodging house.

As Damian broke away from the group, Craig caught a sudden, sharp glint of light reflecting off polished steel near a watchtower across the docks.

He turned his head slightly, spotting a squad of elite Naval Inspectors standing near a cargo checkpoint, their eyes locked intently on Ser Damian’s retreating back before slowly shifting their gaze to fix directly upon Craig, Hughway, and Annie.

Craig’s lips curled upward into a slow, knowing smirk.

Even here, miles away from Stone Myraid Castle and deep within the bustling commercial port, the watchful eyes of Viscount Mysar’s intelligence network and security apparatus were still tracking his every move.

’Let them look,’ Craig thought quietly to himself, his emerald-green eyes flashing with unbothered amusement.

’We are playing by their rules for now.’