The two of them arrived on the open deck. At this moment, half of the sun had already sunk below the horizon, leaving only a beautiful, dusky yellow afterglow illuminating the sea.
Just then, Alka suddenly felt the ship vibrating.
Feeling the tremor, Hammer quickly said, "The ship is setting sail."
"Huh?"
Hearing this, Alka sounded confused. He couldn't help but look up at the three tall masts and the surrounding ropes. The sails were furled, there wasn't a single sailor on the masts, and no one was pushing the capstan. You're telling me this is how a ship sets sail?
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
Amidst a continuous metallic clanging, the central capstan began to turn slowly, though no one was pushing it. With the echoing sound, the anchor was gradually pulled up from the seabed.
SWISH!
Hearing the sound, Alka looked up. At some point, the sails had unfurled automatically, without anyone controlling them. A pair of crossed fists was emblazoned on the blue sails.
With creaking sounds, the ship slowly moved out of the port. The rocking of the vessel indicated that it had begun its voyage on the open sea.
Alka stood there dumbfounded, watching as the entire ship began to sail on its own, all without human control.
Truly... truly automatic, he silently marveled. Then his eyes lit up. The miraculous phenomenon made Alka yearn even more for the Extraordinary world and its powers.
Hammer walked over and looked at Alka. After some thought, he asked, "Alka, surely you're not completely unfamiliar with these things?"
Hearing Hammer's words, Alka snapped back to reality and looked at him. He nodded. "I've only just come into contact with this. There are many things I don't understand at all. Before this, I was just an ordinary person."
Hearing this, Hammer slapped his own forehead. He finally understood why Alka had been asking those questions.
"Sorry, I thought you understood these things. After all, most of the intern members on board have some degree of understanding." Then he began to explain.
"This is a Spellbound Demon Ship. I don't know exactly which Spells are used, but with their help, the entire ship can automatically furl sails, manage the ropes, raise or lower the anchor without human control, and even navigate and steer autonomously.
"However, this autonomous navigation and steering only works for routes we've sailed many times before. Unfamiliar routes require the captain or a helmsman to take control."
Upon hearing Hammer's explanation, Alka keenly sensed the primary force at play: Spells.
His only understanding of Spells came from Jack's 'Spell Analysis'. However, it only described three Spells, detailing their specific forms and functions. It offered no explanation of what Spells were in a broader sense. Alka only knew this was a type of wondrous power, and Spells were likely a way this power manifested.
After speaking, Hammer paused, perhaps realizing Alka might not understand Spells very well either. He said, "As for Spells, I don't know much either. After all, I'm not an Apprentice Crew member; I just know a little."
"Spells are like a kind of pictorial script. They can unleash wondrous power through Magic Power or other means." After this brief explanation, Hammer shrugged helplessly, indicating that was all he knew. After all, he was just a subordinate member, an ordinary person who only had some understanding of these supernatural forces.
Then he smiled, patted Alka on the shoulder, and said, "You should go find the Captain first. I have to take inventory of the supplies we just replenished on the island and also calculate our funds." With that, he waved to Alka and went down through a nearby entryway.
Watching Hammer leave, Alka looked up again at the high masts and billowing sails before heading towards the captain's cabin.
KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK.
"Come in."
Hearing the voice from inside, Alka pushed the door open and went in. He observed the interior of the captain's cabin. It was brightly decorated. Peculiar ornaments were placed on the desk and nearby shelves, and the adjacent bookshelf held unfamiliar books. Various documents and materials were stacked nearby. Alka noticed many maps piled in a corner.
Then, on the desk, Alka saw a stone statue.
The Stone Mother? He looked up at Andre, who was writing something at his desk. Does he also believe in the Stone Mother? Was he once an islander too? Or perhaps many people in the outside world worship the Stone Mother? Maybe it isn't a faith unique to the island.
Without looking up, Andre said, "Have a seat nearby."
After a short while, he seemed to finish his work and looked up at Alka.
"I've learned a bit about you from Parker Kqi; I know of your desires. How much do you understand about this Extraordinary world?"
"Not at all," Alka said, shaking his head.
Andre nodded, seemingly unsurprised.
"The number of individuals who possess Extraordinary Power is limited. Without new Treasures, this number remains fixed.
"Therefore, every slot to obtain Extraordinary Power is extremely precious. I have access to these, but I can't just give them away to those who lack sufficient understanding or potential. That would be a waste. Do you understand what I mean?"
Alka nodded. In other words, the chance to become Extraordinary is limited by slots; it's not something that can be given to everyone. I have to show I'm valuable enough for Andre to be willing to use such a precious slot on me.
Andre continued, "We are a Treasure Hunting Team, and I also owe Parker Kqi a favor, so my requirements for you won't be too high.
"Twice. As long as you can make significant contributions in two treasure-hunting expeditions, or show me your talent and potential, I will give you the slot.
"But there's a time limit of two years. I can't be your nanny indefinitely, constantly giving you chances. Any problems with that?"
Hearing such requirements, Alka nodded.
Twice? That might be difficult for others, but for me, it's hardly a challenge. Providing information they don't know, offering more specific locations... that should be enough to be considered a major contribution, right? Thinking this, his heart settled somewhat. This isn't too difficult for me.
Seeing Alka nod, Andre pointed to the bookshelf behind Alka.
"On the second shelf of the bookshelf behind you, do you see those three blue-covered books? Take them out and read them. Remember not to damage them; they will give you a general yet detailed understanding of the Extraordinary world.
"Our current destination is Meister Island. At the Sea Fist's speed, it'll take about five days. Use this time to properly familiarize yourself with the world you're about to face."
Alka stood up, removed the retaining bar from the bookshelf, and took out the three books Andre had mentioned. He touched the covers, made from the hide of some unknown animal, feeling their coolness.
Then he nodded to Andre, gave a slight bow, and said, "I'll take my leave then."
"Mm."