When Arix and Drexel arrived, quite a few people were already there. Besides the captain and crew, there were about ten others with cold expressions, clearly seasoned fighters.
To the siblings' surprise, three of these people had a military bearing, indicating they were from a military background. Arix and Drexel exchanged a look; they hadn't seen these people on the ship before.
"They were probably in their cabins all this time," Drexel whispered to Arix.
Arix nodded in agreement.
The captain, initially pleased to see more people, sighed in disappointment when he realized they were just children.
"Kids, go back. This mission doesn't include children," the captain said irritably. His tone wasn't friendly, but his concern for the siblings was evident. He didn't want to see them sacrifice themselves needlessly.
The others didn't object either, especially the three military-looking individuals who nodded in agreement.