“[Captain], we’ve a heavily armed cored frigate incoming.”

  Hekima frowns at his [Sailor], unsure how exactly the words frigate and heavily armed could be in the same sentence. When he looks out of the window of his ship, he sees the oddest thing.

  A cored, wooden frigate is armed with cannons that’d more commonly be equipped on a cruiser alongside a ballista of all things. Throw in armored plating and you’ve got the most dangerous frigate Hekima had ever seen.

  Granted, it’s still not a threat to the , even if it can land a bolt from the Ballista.

  “The ship is heading towards us [Captain], what are your orders?” the [Sailor] asks.

  Currently, the fly’s the red flag, a universal sign to stay the hell away. Most [Captains] know this, and those that don’t learn very quickly when a warning shot is fired at the approaching vessel.

  Normally, he would do just that. But, the raised white flag reveals prior knowledge of the circumstances regarding Kyoshi.

  “Allow them to board and bring the [Captain] to me. I’ll speak to them myself.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  _______________________________________________________

  After the is latched to the side of the , Irmgard and I board the ship, and are immediately stopped by armed [Security] and their leader.

  The man's eyes fall upon Irmgard, my presence on her shoulder completely ignored by the no-nonsense frown. The man kinda reminds me of Irmgard, just not human.

  “Are you the [Captain] of this vessel? [Captain] Hekima wishes to speak to you.” The man asks.

  “No, that would be me. I hope my form won’t be a problem.” I answer, surprising the [Security] and even raising Botan’s tail slightly.

  It is here that I realize the reactions from Ren and Ichiro aren’t nearly as abnormal as I’d thought. The [Security] seem to relax, even smile, while Botan’s aggressive stance shifts to something more neutral.

  Then, of all things, he bows. “Honorable [Druid], apologies for not realizing your presence sooner. The [Captain] wishes to converse with you directly in regards to your presence.”

  “Perfect. I want to speak with them anyway. I hope it’s fine if my [Sub-Captain] comes with me.”

  Botan glances again at Irmgard, then bows. “I am sure the [Captain] would allow such exceptions for someone like yourself.”

  For the next minute, we are taken into the , where we pass by a large number of what looks like civilians huddled within the ship.

  “You’re pretty packed with bodies. I’m guessing all of these people are from Kyoshi,” I ask our armed chaperone.

  Without turning around or stopping, Botan nods. “When we departed Kyoshi, the Wolverine was filled with thrice the number that you see. It is only now that we are actively transporting them out of the ship.”

  “Via Ichiro and Ren, correct?” I ask.

  Botan pauses for a moment, seemingly surprised, but then continues walking. “You’ve met them?”

  “Yup. Nice guys, very respectful. It’s thanks to them that I learned about the situation happening in Kyoshi.”

  “That is, disconcerting.”

  “How so?” I ask.

  “They are required to keep information about the infection to themselves. Though, I imagine they made such an exception because you’re a [Druid].”

  “That, but also because I saved them from [Pirates].”

  Botan finally looks back, though he still continues leading. “They were attacked?”

  “And saved by yours truly.”

  Botan slows to a stop, a frown on his lips. “We are here. I recommend you inform the [Captain] of such a plight.”

  “Part of the plan.” I answer.

  Botan nods and opens the door. He steps to the side and Irmgard steps through.

  Immediately, I find myself in something of a modern ship's bridge. Wheel, windows, chairs, fancy table with map, and of course a graying old wolven male with a permanent grimace on his lips.

  Hekima leans on a cane. “A [Druid] [Captain], it’s been awhile since I’ve seen such a combination. Is there a reason for your arrival on my ship?”

  “Irmgard.” I tap her on the neck.

  She reaches into her coat and produces the letter that Ichiro had written. It is only as Irmgard hands off the letter do I realize that I’d never actually read it.

  Hekima accepts the paper, unfolds it, and then starts reading. As his eyes move left to right, his eyebrows raise, ear twitch, and tail swishes. By the time he finishes reading, my interest is extremely peaked.

  He folds the paper and places it into the pocket of his coat. Then he lowers his head. “Honorable Quasi Eludo, I thank you for your honorable intervention for not only the lives of my people, but of the life of my grandson Ichiro. Though I find your noble wish to assist Yuto honorable, I should warn you that his pleas are foolish. Such a mission is more suicide than honor. But, if you insist on speaking with him, I will not stop you.”

  “I do insist.”

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  Hekima nods. “Botan, lead them to Yuto and allow them to converse.”

  “Yes [Captain].” Botan bows. “Please, follow me.”

  We leave the bridge and begin our descent into the belly of the Battleship.

  ___________________________________________________________

  “They’re alive, I’m sure of it. My brothers aren't going to die so easily and the [Guard Captain] isn’t a dumb woman. I’m sure they also have Elder Ning to protect them.”

  The [Guards] grimace at Yuto’s words. The [Samurai] makes good, logical points, but he fails to comprehend both the dangers involved and the low chance of success.

  Seeing the reaction, Yuto tries to shift his argument. “If honor and logic alone is not to convince you, then know that if you are successful, the clan heads will reward you. My own clan of Yamamoto will reward you! There is both honor and riches if we are successful.”

  The argument does gain some interest, but Yuto still finds it lacking.

  “Honor and wealth is only good if you’re alive, Yuto.”

  Yuto turns around to find Botan entering the armory with a human woman in tow with a cat on her shoulder.

  “Honor and wealth require risk to obtain,” Yuto counters the [Security Officer]. “Nothing is ever given for free.”

  “True,” Botan stops and glances at the [Guards] of Kyoshi huddled in the armory. “But there is a point where the risk and reward is not worth it.” Botan extends his claws towards the walls where mundane weapons and armor is kept. “Do you see Runed blades to slice the bone and flesh of Fenrimorph’s? Do you see enough armor upon these walls to protect against the claws of such monsters? Can you not comprehend how dishonorable your offer is to these [Guards]?”

  Yuto grinds his teeth as he stares upon Botan and the words he spouts. Words that hold some truth and logic that as much as he hates to listen to, are ones he must accept. What he asks is extremely risky, one that grows riskier by the day. A risk he would wholeheartedly accept on his own if not for Hekima’s restrictions.

  “I accept your point, but I believe the cause is far more honorable. Now, why are you here and who is beside you?”

  “Hello.” The cat upon the woman's shoulder waves. “The name is Quasi Eludo, [Captain] of the . I hear you’re trying to get on the Island. I’ve come to offer my assistance, which seems like you’re in need of.”

  Botan frowns at the cat's words, but recovers quickly. “Hekima is allowing Honorable Quasi Eludo to converse with you. I suggest you avoid accepting such assistance from outsiders, especially one the [Captain] finds to be honorable.” Botan turns and bows to the cat. “Honorable Quasi, I will wait outside the armory for when you are ready to leave.”

  “Sounds good.” Quasi answers and Botan leaves. Then the cat looks at Yuto and grins. “So, you’re planning a suicide mission?”

  Yuto folds his arms together and bows. “Yuto Yamamoto greets the Honorable [Druid] Quasi Eludo.” When he straightens, he shoves the desperation down in his gut. As much as he disagrees with Botan, he cannot ask an outsider for assistance, especially not from the generally softhearted [Druids]. There is a limit to the dishonor his ancestors would accept. “As much as your offer intrigues me, I must refuse it. As for the mission, it is risky, yes, but not suicidal- regadless of how much Botan will disagree.”

  “Oh, nice. So you’ve got a plan, right?”

  “Of course,” Yuto nods, “But it is fo-”

  “So what’s the plan? Does it involve going to the tower?”

  “Honorable [Druid], I cannot acce-”

  “Your refusal is denied.” The cat interrupts. “You’re getting my assistance, and if you refuse again, I will treat such an action as spitting upon my honor. Now, what's the plan?”

  Yuto opens his mouth to deny again, but stops. “The plan matters not until more [Guards] are willing to join me.”

  “Right. Well, then convince them.”

  “That is the problem.” Yuto says.

  “It’s not, you’re just inadequate at it,” Quasi counters with a grin. The cat glances at the ten [Elite Guards] silently sitting and listening to the conversation. Each is an advanced classer, and each has experienced a great deal of combat. They are the ones that Yuto needs to assist him if he is to convince Hekima.

  “So, my ship deals in arms and armor. We’ve got a bunch of runed weapons and enough armor to get everyone here equipped- if equipment is the problem. As for survival, I’ve fought and killed Fenrimorphs before. I’m immune to their curse, as is a [Druid] on my ship. I also have an [Air Mage] that can fly, scout, and slaughter dozens with a single spell. With my support, this mission is far less risky so long as Yuto here has a proper plan.”

  Surprised at Quasi’s declaration, Yuto takes a glance at the [Guards] to see their reaction. What he finds is that all of them are now leaning forward and staring at him expectantly. As though the previous disinterest didn’t actually exist.

  Thanking the divine for the opportunity, Yuto clears his throat. “As you know, the storage for all the alcohol and rice is located underground, at the tower's center. What many do not know is that the underground storage was initially created as an emergency bunker in case of war or a curse outbreak. It is an ideal place to form a defensive position against the Fenrimorphs.”

  “The entrance to the underground is in the center of the island.” One of the [Elite Guards] voices. “Are you asking us to fight through all of Kyoshi?”

  “No,” Yuto shakes his head. “As I mentioned, the facility was built initially as a bunker. There are old, hidden entrances spread throughout Kyoshi that lead to the tower. We will use the entrance hidden in the cellar of my sect's home to avoid the dangers above ground. Once we find the survivors, we will take another underground passage that exits into the rice fields. Fenrimorph concentrations should be manageable from there. We’ll travel through the rice fields, wherein we will be picked up by the .”

  With his explanations done, what he finds is the [Elite Guards] staring at him in surprise.

  “Is something wrong?” He asks them.

  “Yuto,” Quasi calls. “Is this your first time voicing out your plan?”

  “Yes, it is.” He answers truthfully.

  The cat sighs. “You know, I thought I was initially joking when I said your ability to convince people is inadequate. I’d like to correct that and say that it isn’t true. Your ability to convince others is utter crap.”

  “What?” Yuto exclaims, flabbergasted. When he looks at the [Guards], each and every single one of them is grimacing in confirmation

  The human woman clears her throat. “What my [Captain] is trying to say is that if you were to articulate your plan as you did now, you’d most likely already have significantly more support. I imagine most of the [Guards] here believed the plan involved fighting through hordes of Fenrimorphs instead of traveling through a safer, unknown underground route.”

  Yuto frowns at the explanation. “It will still be dangerous, regardless of my plan. I wish to be followed by those who do so out of honor and duty, and not because my plan is acceptable.”

  “Dumbass!” The cat yells. “The difference between suicide and survival is the presence of a good plan.”

  “Is there a problem?” Botan rushes in with his hand resting on the katana at his hip. “I heard yelling.”

  “Botan, did you know that there are underground passages in the city leading to the tower and that those passages can be used to avoid dealing with Fenrimorphs?” Quasi asks.

  Botan frowns. “I did not.”

  “And if one of those passages also leads to the rice fields, wherein you can traverse reasonably safely to a ship moored nearby, would you consider such a plan suicidal?”

  “Absolutely not,” Botan answers. He turns to Yuto, “I’d consider such a rescue both acceptably possible and honorable to attempt… and not the ravings of a suicidal [Samurai] looking to end his life because his brothers are most likely dead.”

  When Yuto looks at the acknowledging looks of the [Elite Guards], all he can feel is immense shame. It is only now he realizes that his promises of honor were taken as a man looking for a place to die, even at the cost of the lives of others.

  Swallowing his immense pride, Yuto kneels before the people he has been pestering all this time. He then lowers his head. “I apologize for my dishonorable requests of you, and I will atone for such displays. But, please, I request your assistance in saving those still trapped within the island.”

  Yuto hears a loud sigh. “Stop rubbing your dick on the floor and get up. They’ve already accepted when they heard the plan. All you’re doing now is just making the situation awkward.” The cat explains.

  “I must offer a sincere apolo-.”

  “-Shut up. You can do that afterwards.” Quasi interrupts. He hops off of the human woman's shoulder and lands atop Yuto’s “Right now I need you to go with me to Hekima to explain the plan.” The cat shifts his gaze. “Botan, bring these [Guards] to my ship. Irmgard, update the crew and give our new allies proper equipment.”

  “Cillian will not be happy,” Irmgard warns.

  “Tell him it’s an investment or something. Now go.” Quasi lightly taps the side of Yuto’s neck. “And what are you still doing on your knees? Get up and let's go see Hekima.”

  Though Yuto wishes to refuse such a request, such time is unfortunately not on his side. The sooner he leaves, the better chance the rescue will be a success. Grimacing, he stands up and nods to the [Elite Guard] in acknowledgement of the insulting requests he asked of them. So long as he survives, he vows to properly apologize when time is better available.

  “Stop with the staring and get on with the running.”

  “Yes, Honorable [Druid].”

  And with that, Yuto rushes off to meet with Hekima.