Boom!
Out on the sea, the colossal Leviathan whale—hundreds of meters long—had its bone armor blown apart. Flesh and blood scattered in the air as it collapsed with a mournful bellow, splashing up waves several stories high and nearly overturning the scouting team's small boat.
"Wah—Wah!"
The creature sank back into the depths, thrashing wildly under the combined assault of divine destruction, poisonous corruption, and a spreading Curse. Beneath the surface, it stirred up layer after layer of foaming red-and-white waves.
The small advance vessel, caught in the chaotic surges, spun out of control as the crushing pressure pushed it from all directions. It looked as if it might capsize at any moment.
"Catch it!"
A booming voice came from the deck. Samael snatched Caenis's spear, tied a rope to its tail end, took a running step, and hurled it. The spear struck precisely into the bow of the spinning scout boat.
Prince Calydon and the twin swordfighters immediately understood, shouting for the others to brace the spear and secure the rope.
"Come… here!"
Heracles was already at the rail, gripping the rope. He lowered his stance and heaved. The scout vessel, caught in the currents like a swordfish, cut through the chaotic water and shot toward the Argo.
The Leviathan, sensing movement above, surfaced with a screech—only to be met with another volley of arrows that tore through its flesh and forced it back with a pained howl.
This time, not only Atalanta and Artemis but everyone aboard who recognized the sea beast's hostility seized their bows and rushed to the ship's rail to join the assault.
Two volleys later, the scouting team boarded safely. Someone even had time to toss out a hook and hoist the small boat back aboard for repairs.
Meanwhile, out at sea, after struggling for only a few dozen breaths, the Leviathan—surrounded by an entire ship of executioners—ended up floating lifelessly on the water, utterly done for.
Thud!
Prince Meleager, having returned to the Argo, dumped his "catch" from his shoulder onto the deck.
"I told you to collect fresh water. Why did you bring back a living person?"
Jason stared at the unconscious girl lying on the deck—long pale-blue hair reaching her back, pointed ears, a gauzy veil draped over her, delicate features tense even in fainting. He couldn't stop the twitch at the corner of his mouth.
"Not long after we landed, we realized something was wrong with that island. Then we stumbled on her."
"And once the island started sinking, we couldn't just watch her drown. So we grabbed her first."
The twin swordfighters evaporated seawater from their armor with divine power as they spoke, taking turns explaining.
"But good deeds don't pay. This woman went completely feral—punching, biting, scratching. I had to knock her out."
Prince Meleager grimaced as he pulled his clothing aside to inspect the bloody bite mark on his shoulder, both annoyed and amused.
Forget it. Small matter. Once they found a safe island, they could drop her off and be done with it.
Jason didn't linger on the issue. His gaze shifted to the floating corpse of the Leviathan. Stroking his chin, he swallowed, Adam's apple bobbing, then turned toward the Argo's hidden culinary expert.
"So… is this thing good to eat?"
The crew's eyes lit up immediately.
Hours later, large slabs of fresh, bright-red whale meat were hauled back onto the deck—some for tonight's dinner, others salted for storage.
But even after harvesting barely half of the giant whale, the spreading scent of blood drew a swarm of sea beasts for a feast.
Just in case, Jason ordered the ship to sail off to a safer area.
Once danger passed, everyone gathered eagerly on deck for a grand whale banquet, savoring the rare delicacy.
With time to spare, Samael, for once, decided to show some skill. He recreated dishes from memory, one after another.
Fried whale cutlets, steamed whale slices, smoked whale meat, pickled whale skin, roasted whale skewers, and a large pot of simmered bone broth soon filled the deck with irresistible aromas. Paired with some refreshing fruit to cut the grease, the heroes ate until their faces shone with oil, thoroughly satisfied.
They didn't find fresh water, but they did secure excellent ingredients—a pleasant surprise. The crew was quite pleased with this island trip.
Meanwhile, Orion, stuck in his plush-toy body, could only stare at the feast in agony. Eyes brimming with resentment, he muttered bitterly to himself.
That doesn't make sense. Leviathan whales are supposed to be gentle. Why would this one go berserk?
It must've been sick. The meat's probably not even clean!
Eeek…
Just as Orion was grumbling to himself, a figure cautiously pushed open the cabin door. Tiptoeing out, she unfortunately bumped straight into the group gathered on deck for dinner.
"@＃￥%＆＊#@——!"
The girl pressed herself against the wall, pale and tense, spitting out a stream of sharp, angry, completely incomprehensible words—half threat, half outrage.
What?
None of them had ever heard that language.
The heroes looked at each other, bewildered, scratching their heads in confusion.
"Ahem… she says, 'What are you planning to do after dragging me here? I was just out playing! If my people find out I've disappeared, they'll never forgive you!'"
After a dry cough, the toy bear—now the center of attention—hopped onto the table and relayed her words with a strange look.
"Our methods were a bit rough, sure, but we saved you! Don't act like we wronged you!"
The younger twin swordswoman huffed indignantly at the accusation.
"Haha, probably just a misunderstanding. Come on, come on—tell her we mean no harm. Let's eat and talk."
Jason soothed his crew while having Orion translate their goodwill.
With the harmless-looking plush bear translating and heroines like Atalanta and Circe accompanying her, the girl gradually relaxed. Her stomach growled loudly, and she sniffed at the fragrant aroma drifting from the table. Half-resistant, half-tempted, she sat down and nibbled while tearfully recounting her story.
"What do you mean you 'saved' me? I was perfectly fine at home! Then you all showed up, rummaging everywhere, grabbed me, knocked me out, and stuffed me into a dark little box! You're terrible!"
"Your home meaning…?"
"That Leviathan whale, obviously! I raised it from when I was little—it's my good partner! With it around, I can live wherever I like! Hmph! Serves you right! You kidnapped me, made it furious, and got smacked around for it!"
The girl sucked the grease from her fingers, chin tilting proudly. After a contented burp, she seemed to realize she'd been a bit harsh. She clapped her hands and softened her tone.
"But you people are actually nice. You even gave me good food. So it was a misunderstanding. Now—where's my whale? Take me back, and I'll forgive you."
Unable to resist the smell any longer, she grabbed another piece of crispy, tender meat and happily sank her teeth into it.
The instant Orion finished translating, the entire deck went silent.
The heroes stared down at the whale meat in their hands with stiff expressions, exchanging looks that were nothing short of tragic.
The Sea God's son quietly crept onto the girl's shoulder. He lifted her hair and checked behind her ear—spotting faint, almost invisible gill slits. His face darkened instantly.
Rides a Leviathan, has gills, speaks that language…
A member of the Sea Emperor's royal clan.
Wonderful. They were in deep trouble now.
"I know where your whale is."
At that moment, the chef who'd prepared the meal wiped his hands clean and stepped forward with a bright, cheerful smile, breaking the tense silence.