Ch.164Chapter 164 – Sea, Be Still (4)

“I’ll go report to the Maritime Office. Please wait here for a moment.”

Before taking any action, Amina seemed intent on reporting the situation to the Maritime Office and receiving official support.

Only after she left the restaurant could we resume our meal. Problems were problems, and meals were meals.

The food on the ship hadn’t been lacking, but meals eaten on land always felt more special.

After finishing our meal, the tables were cleared, and we were each enjoying desserts to our liking.

“Sorry I’m late.”

Around the time we were having dessert, Amina returned to the restaurant with a group of people.

Unlike Amina in her flowing attire, everyone she brought with her boasted robust physiques.

These must be the seasoned warriors she mentioned, experts in combat both above and beneath the sea.

“These are some of the most distinguished warriors in the Archipelago Federation. I’m proud to say there are no better fighters on or under the sea than them.”

“Pleased to meet you. I am Kalos, Captain of the Third Hundred-Man Unit of the Third Maritime Guard Division of the Archipelago Federation.”

A large warrior stepped forward from behind Amina and introduced himself.

“Pleased to meet you, Captain Kalos. I never thought I’d meet the famous ‘Warrior of the Sea’ in person.”

“Hahaha. That’s just an embarrassing title I’ve been given.”

He must be quite remarkable if even the Administrator knew of him. Just from the aura emanating from his massive frame, I could tell he was an incredibly powerful individual.

“Whatever creature is causing storms at sea, we will hunt it down. Any being that disturbs the tranquility of the ocean must be hunted.”

Then he bowed his head.

“We, the entire Third Hundred-Man Unit of the Third Maritime Guard Division, will restore peace to the sea once more.”

“When we clear the path, they will hunt down the creature disrupting the sea.”

Now that we had people who would hunt the creature for us, it was time to move.

The entity creating the massive storm blocking the way to the Liu Empire.

I felt somewhat uneasy that only about 100 people would be mobilized for this battle…

After Amina brought the warriors, the people from the Liu Empire had to return to their ship.

“We could fight as well.”

“Fighting at sea is difficult. The reason I brought these warriors is because combat at sea is several times harder and more challenging than fighting on land.”

“Hmm, I understand then. Count Severio. I will return to escort you as soon as everything is finished.”

After the Liu Empire people withdrew, we moved to the military base of the Archipelago Federation.

This was because powerful storms were currently raging between the Liu Empire and the Archipelago Federation, strong enough to tear apart ordinary vessels.

Since even approaching the edge of the storm with a regular ship would be dangerous, we had to travel on a military vessel from the Archipelago Federation capable of breaking through the storm.

“By the way, Amina, who is this person accompanying us?”

“Ah, I apologize for the late introduction. This is ‘The Magic Sword Destroyer,’ Count Patos Severio.”

“Ah! The Magic Sword Destroyer!”

I’m someone who fixes things, yet somehow I’ve become widely known for destroying magic swords.

“This is an honor. To meet the person who made this world safer by destroying magic swords.”

When Kalos extended his hand for a handshake, I responded by grasping it.

“Our domains may differ, but we’re both doing our best to make the world safer in our respective fields.”

“The Count is right. We protect the world at sea, while you protect it on land. So, please leave the battle on the sea to us.”

Kalos’s words were reassuring just to hear.

The vessel prepared by the Archipelago Federation was a steel warship, rarely seen in this world.

“A warship made of steel. So this is why the Archipelago Federation dominates these waters.”

“That’s right. No matter how fierce the waves, this ship can navigate through them.”

Compared to other countries using wooden vessels, the Archipelago Federation’s steel ships made navigation much more manageable.

“Well then, let’s get moving.”

Following Amina’s guidance, I boarded the steel ship.

The interior of the steel vessel, larger than most sailing ships, wasn’t luxurious but was at least comfortable enough for a sea journey.

“Welcome aboard. I am Komo, the captain of this ship.”

“Captain Komo. Pleased to meet you. I think that’s enough for introductions, could you tell me the specific details of the operation?”

“Of course. We will depart in 30 minutes, rendezvous with the reserve force, and then approach the edge of the storm.”

The plan was for me to use my ability to remove the ‘abnormal’ storm once we reached its edge with this ship, after which the warriors would be deployed to hunt down the creature causing the storm.

In other words, I had the most crucial role in this operation.

“Our warriors regularly hunt powerful monsters called sea dragons. But more fearsome than any monster are natural phenomena. If you can resolve that natural phenomenon, Count, we can handle the rest.”

“I’m counting on you.”

“Don’t worry. Despite appearances, I was born and raised here, so I’m confident in my ship-handling abilities.”

After greeting Captain Komo, I moved to my cabin under Amina’s guidance.

“Please wait in this cabin, and I’ll come back when the operation is about to begin.”

“Don’t be too late.”

After Amina left the cabin, I lay down on the bed.

It wasn’t as soft as the bed on the Liu Empire’s ship, but it had decent cushioning.

It felt just like lying on a bed in military barracks.

As I tried to sleep, I quickly drifted off.

“Count. We’ll enter the stormy waters in five minutes.”

“Hmm, already?”

Amina came to inform me that we were five minutes away from entering the stormy region.

I rubbed my eyes, got up, and followed Amina.

Following her led me to the bridge, which offered an unobstructed view of the sea in all directions.

On the bridge, Captain Komo and Captain Kalos were engaged in a serious discussion.

“Hmm, Count, it seems we need to start the operation much earlier than planned.”

“What’s happening?”

“The storm is approaching us. As if it has a will of its own.”

Everyone present, including myself, was shocked by the news that the storm was approaching.

The storm approaching meant that the creature at its center was coming toward us.

Indeed, beyond the bridge, we could see dark storm clouds moving in our direction.

“Then it seems I need to start calming the storm right away.”

“Oh, really?”

“But I need to be able to strike the seawater…”

“I can help with that. If you come with me, you can walk on the sea.”

That’s fortunate. I thought I would have to swim.

“Then we’ll prepare for battle as well. Whatever it is, we’ll teach it a lesson.”

“We’ll also prepare supporting fire. I don’t know if it will be effective, but it should be enough to divert its attention.”

And so, we launched into action to eliminate the suddenly appearing storm.

While others prepared for the operation, I followed Amina to the exterior of the ship.

“Hold my hand and jump.”

“Understood.”

I did as Amina instructed, taking her hand and jumping off the ship.

Surprisingly, the seawater gently supported both Amina and me.

“This is the ability of a Level 2 Marine Weather Mage. Now that I’ve created the conditions, please show us your ability, Count.”

“I will.”

At Amina’s words, I transformed the bracelet on my wrist.

The bracelet changed shape, becoming two hammers.

They had wide ends, like hammers designed to flatten something.

I don’t know why I transformed my bracelet into these hammers.

I just felt that this was how I could calm the storm.

“Hmmph!”

After taking a deep breath, I swung the hammers in both hands toward the sky.

—Clang!

As the hammers collided and created a shockwave, I swung them two more times.

—Clang!

—Claaang!

“Sea, be still!”

When the hammers met for the third time, I shouted with desperation, though it’s somewhat embarrassing to admit.

Then I saw a light brighter than any I’d seen before, spreading outward in the shape of a hemisphere.

The translucent hemisphere of white light expanded rapidly, reaching the dark storm clouds in the distance.

As the hemisphere of light approached, the abnormally large storm clouds disappeared, revealing a clear blue sky.

“The storm… is disappearing…?”

Seeing this, Amina showed an expression of disbelief.

‘It actually worked.’

Even I, who had succeeded, hadn’t expected it to work.

Now only one thing remained.

To hunt down the monster that had caused this storm.