Compared to the main ports of Sen City, the scale here is much smaller, primarily docking fishing boats and small coastal trade sailboats.
The dock is small, but it still has all the necessary functions, bustling with activity.
Everywhere, fishermen can be seen unloading large boxes of catches from their boats.
The air is filled with a heavier scent of fish, along with the smells of boat oil and damp wood.
Following the instructions of the commissioned scroll, they quickly found the designated merchant ship, the Seagull, at the corresponding berth.
This was a rather sturdy-looking medium-sized double-masted sailboat. Though the hull was somewhat old, it was well maintained. Several sailors were busy on the deck, checking the rigging and cleaning the deck.
They must have received orders that adventurers would be boarding in the next couple of days.
As the four of them, led by Gauss, approached with their mounts, they immediately caught the attention of the sailors on the ship.
A burly man in a faded blue coat, wearing a tricorn hat, walked to the ship’s side, eyeing them with a hint of speculation.
"What business do you have here?"
Gauss dismounted from his chocobo, and the commission scroll from the Adventurer’s Guild floated gently in front of him.
"We are the adventurers who accepted the commission to clear out the beach goblins near the Tide Cave. Is Captain Fern available?"
Upon hearing the words "beach goblins," the man’s eyes noticeably lit up.
His tense expression relaxed significantly.
"Boss, the people from the Adventurer’s Guild are here."
Soon, a not very tall yet extraordinarily sturdy middle-aged man with a bronzed, shiny complexion came down from the ship.
Professional?
Gauss’s perception was already very sharp.
The moment he appeared, Gauss caught an unusual aura about him.
But then Gauss also understood.
It wasn’t just because he was a captain that he happened to be a professional, but exactly because he was a professional that he could become a captain.
The ocean is full of dangers, not only from beneath the sea but also from frequent encounters with human pirates’ raids.
Even when sailing away from the coast, some merchant ships lower their flags and turn into pirates, engaging in unprofitable trades.
Therefore, those who can serve as captains on coastal routes often possess certain strengths, at least able to handle ordinary pirates and underwater threats.
"I’m Fern. I didn’t expect you to arrive so soon."
The middle-aged man’s voice was deep and weathered as he shook hands with Gauss.
The group quickly introduced themselves by name.
"You must already be aware of the situation. Our mission is to assist you in clearing out those goblin pirates with the Seagull. However, apart from me and the first mate, the other sailors are just ordinary people, so the main effort will be on you all."
Gauss nodded.
Before arriving, he had already learned about this at the Adventurer’s Guild.
In short, the Seagull and its crew were only responsible for transporting them; other tasks were left to the adventurers who took the commission.
From the captain’s manner, they even seemed willing to lend a hand, which was appreciated even though Gauss didn’t need it.
Moreover, it was surprising to hear from the captain that there was another professional onboard.
The first mate’s position is the captain’s primary assistant and deputy, the deck manager, and the core authority next to the captain.
Other than the two, there were roles like the boatswain, helmsman, sailors, and cook.
If it were a larger vessel, there would be more positions, including dedicated navigators, lookouts, ship doctors, repair teams, etc.
"Can you provide us with specific information about the goblins?"
"No problem. Those goblin pirates use some light ships and rafts. They’re afraid to attack large vessels directly, preferring small merchant or fishing boats."
"They throw hooked ropes up to catch the gunwales and then climb aboard like monkeys. Or they might dive beneath the waves, attempting to pierce the hull. They’re fierce, wielding harpoons and sharpened bones, while some throw jars filled with rotting fish and shrimp."
While explaining about the beach goblins, Balton wore a look of disgust.
"They’re flexible in the water but can’t stay submerged for extended periods, still relying on ships or rafts to move at sea."
The two exchanged brief information on the beach goblins.
"When do we depart?" Gauss asked.
"The wind direction is just right now; we can set sail immediately."
Fern confirmed that they didn’t need any additional rest and invited them aboard.
Fern led the way.
Once the chocobos and horses were stowed away, Gauss and the others followed Fern onto the wooden gangplank connecting the dock to the ship’s side.
The moment they stepped onto the deck, a sensation entirely different from land rose beneath their feet.
Gentle waves lapped at the shore.
Gauss instinctively furrowed his brow.
Compared to solid land, the ship lacked a sense of stability.
"Welcome aboard the ’Seagull’."
Fern, however, was well adapted.
For those used to being aboard a ship for years, setting foot on land felt odd.
The slightly damp deck was spotlessly clean, with a few menacing-looking light crossbows mounted at the bow and stern.
Here, Gauss also saw the first mate, Reyn, an experienced archer.
Reyn introduced himself, mentioning that he used to be an adventurer but gave up that profession as he aged, choosing a relatively stable job instead.
Soon, the Seagull raised its sails and slowly left the dock.
The sea breeze filled the sails, propelling the ship toward the expansive blue horizon.
Having no significant luggage, despite Captain Fern arranging resting cabins for the four, they didn’t feel like resting.
The four members of Gauss’s team, except for Serdur, were all experiencing the sea up close for the first time, not to mention boarding a seafaring vessel.
They were filled with an inexplicable excitement.
Standing on the deck as the Seagull sailed, the ship rocked continuously.
After leaving the calm harbor, the rocking motion became noticeably more intense.
Initially, Gauss felt slightly uncomfortable, but his strong Constitution quickly allowed him to overcome the dizziness caused by the rolling.
Besides him, Aaliyah and Ying also adjusted to the ship’s movement after brief silence.
Aaliyah even let her pets out of her biological pouch for some fresh air.
Raven Aik circled excitedly above the mast, embracing the vastness of the sea.
"Perhaps you could get yourselves a ship for exploration in the future,"
Captain Fern, who stayed by their side, jokingly suggested.
"Ships are expensive, right?"
"Expensive but not unattainable," Fern shook his head. "With your talents, you could soon afford a fine light vessel."
"Besides the reefs, these surrounding waters are dotted with countless uninhabited islands. No one’s ever done a detailed count."
"Aside from rare and unique animal and plant resources, these islands occasionally reveal treasures left by predecessors or shipwrecks."
"However, many trying their luck sell maps that appear legitimate but are fake. If you wish to explore, be cautious."
"Thank you, we will be careful."
Gauss nodded.
Besides the main routes, he did notice a fair number of islands in the distance.
The islands were scattered like stars across the endless ocean.
The ocean and treasures, indeed?
The sea and treasures often seem intertwined.
Soon, as they continued sailing, Aaliyah and the others grew weary of the repetitive ocean scenery.
After greeting Gauss, Aaliyah and the others went to their cabins to rest.
Meanwhile, Gauss stood at the bow, casually chatting with Captain Fern.
He mainly inquired about navigation knowledge and possible risks during their voyage.
Though he didn’t plan to purchase a vessel and shift his adventures from land to sea anytime soon, he considered accumulating knowledge beforehand prudent.
Suddenly, a harpoon shot out from below the water, aiming directly at him on the bow.
A sailor cried out a warning.
However, Gauss remained unfazed, gathering Magic Power in his hand and slightly gripping it.
The speedy harpoon’s tip was securely grasped by him.