Traveling In The Sea

"I can't believe how big this ship is." The following day had arrived, and Janis and I had met with the imperial commander of the Spring Empire. With all our preparations complete, it was time for us to depart.

As we bid farewell to the villagers who had shown us kindness and support, their warm wishes and prayers followed us to the shoreline, where the massive battleship awaited.

The sight of the ship, now noticeable before us, is awe-inspiring. Its imposing presence on the horizon marked the beginning of our journey.

Janis's confession from the previous night lingered in the air, its weight heavy on my mind. Despite her disappointment at my inability to immediately accept her proposal, she assured me of her determination to win me over, vowing to make every effort to ensure I wouldn't regret my decision. I admired her resilience and determination, which defined her as a person who pursued her desires with unwavering resolve.

"The Empress has invested significantly in this endeavor." The Imperial Commander began, her tone tinged with pride.

"One of the previous four lords under the Demon Lord is a water monster, a relentless threat to our trade routes. Countless resources have been lost to its attacks, sinking ships, and disrupting commerce. These battleships have been commissioned to protect our vessels and prevent further losses." Her explanation shed light on the strategic importance of the ships and the ongoing efforts to safeguard the empire's interests against external threats.

"The hero personally utilized this very ship to vanquish the water monster." The Imperial Commander continued, her voice resonating with admiration.

"Under her command, the vessel emerged victorious from the battle, sustaining minimal damage despite the ferocity of the enemy's attacks. Its durability proved instrumental in securing the triumph." As her words painted a picture of bravery and resilience, we followed the Imperial Commander aboard the ship, ready to embark on the empire.

As the ship prepared to depart, Janis and I stood at the edge of the deck, gazing back at the island shore. The familiar sights and sounds of the village we had called home for a time seemed to fade into the distance, replaced by the vast expanse of the open sea stretching out before us.

Janis and I gazed at the ocean from the ship's deck, curious if any exciting events would unfold. Despite having embarked on a cruise, I quickly grew disinterested due to its sluggish pace and lack of excitement.

The sea seemed unremarkable, populated only by small fish darting about, offering little wonder. Hoping for something more captivating to capture our attention, we were left disappointed, as nothing occurred.

"Janis, any idea how long until we reach the Empire?" I asked, leaning on the ship's railing.

"Two days with how fast we are sailing." She told me with certainty.

"Roy, this is the perfect time to train. Why not take advantage of it?" Janis suggested, and I nodded in agreement.

Since arriving in this world, I have occasionally engaged in training. It was a rarity for me, as the thought of training had never crossed my mind back on Earth. But with Janis now assuming the role of the hero, it became apparent that growing in strength was paramount.

Mana training encompassed various aspects, including control, depletion, and mana absorption. Mastering mana control was crucial. Not only did it facilitate faster spellcasting, but it also made shaping spells more efficient, requiring less mana.

Depleting one's mana to exhaustion was akin to tearing muscle fibers, resulting in a stronger mana core and enhancing mana quality. However, pushing oneself to the point of breaking the core could lead to permanent disability, a risk that any sensible person would avoid.

Magic permeated every corner of Varnia. When absorbing mana, one had to seek out the ideal environment. The most conducive location for mana absorption for water users is often found in the middle of the ocean.

However, absorbing mana too rapidly or excessively was a risky ambition. Natural mana differed slightly from the concentrated mana found at the core, making it imperative to exercise caution during absorption.

Janis explained that attaining the fifth rank in magic was an arduous feat for many individuals due to the limitations imposed by their cores.

Unlike magic, which could be mastered up to the tenth rank, the cores' ranking system was capped at the fourth. Those with lower-ranked cores faced significant obstacles in advancing their magical abilities. Even under optimal conditions, individuals with second-rank cores could only hope to achieve second-rank magician status unless they experienced some extraordinary catalyst for change.

The majority of mages possessed second-rank cores, making them the dominant demographic. However, with the fourth rank being the highest attainable level for a core, ascending to the fifth rank in magic remained nearly impossible for most. Legend had it that only once in a century did a person with a second-rank core ascend to the coveted fifth-rank mage status, underscoring the rarity and difficulty of such an achievement.

On the other hand, the fourth-rank core remained shrouded in mystery, its nature and capabilities mainly unknown to the general populace. What was certain, however, was that those who occupied the highest rungs of society wielded this coveted core.

Janis, boasting the highest level of a third-rank core, had achieved the remarkable feat of advancing to the fourth rank. This extraordinary transformation was attributed to the miracle fruit I had consumed, highlighting its profound effects on enhancing magical abilities.

Janis and I dedicated ourselves to meditation and intensive magical practice throughout the night. With the system intertwining our powers, I was pleasantly surprised to observe discernible improvements in my magical abilities. Typically, such progress would take weeks of dedicated training, yet here it was, unfolding before my eyes.

I was so pleased with my progress that I decided to practice all night, knowing that this was the best time to train my water magic. Janis did the same as she was close to becoming a fifth-rank mage.

This was the plan until the incident...