Chapter 70: The Mysterious Ark Island
The golden light of dusk cast over the massive lake at the center of the island, making it look like a giant, ripe persimmon—red, gleaming, and incredibly inviting.
Above that glowing "persimmon," Luo Han sat atop Cole 's back, lost in thought.
After figuring out the island's basic layout from high above, Luo Han had come down to find Cole and Sister Shao.
Together, they flew to the far end of the island to investigate, but as expected, there was still no sign of human activity. It truly felt like they were the first people to ever set foot on what Luo Han had now decided to call Ark Island—named for how much the island resembled a primitive wooden ship.
Cole and Sister Shao didn't seem to mind the name. Probably because they didn't plan to stay long anyway.
Still, Luo Han couldn't shake the feeling. There had to have been people here before—so why was there no trace?
"Sister Shao, this island seems pretty suitable for human life. Why haven't we found any signs of habitation?" he asked, gazing down at the enormous elliptical lake.
"In the New World, every island has its own quirks. And those quirks usually make them unfit for humans," she replied, brushing the wind-tossed hair from her face.
"I see… I just wonder what makes this one special," Luo Han muttered.
As the sun edged closer to the sea, Luo Han stood up and said to Cole , "Let's head back. It's almost night."
"Alright," Sister Shao added.
"Mmhmm!" Cole rumbled, then turned and soared back toward the ships.
…
Soon, the three returned to the mountaintop. Thud! Thud! Luo Han and Sister Shao leapt off Cole 's back and landed on the deck. Cole reverted to his human form and flew up after them.
Whitebeard hadn't returned yet, so Luo Han headed down to the ground. There, the chef and Tuck had already cleared a wide space—about a hundred meters across—by cutting down trees.
In front of them was a full camp kitchen: grills, steamers, cauldrons, and the fires were already lit. A grand feast was clearly in the works.
"Move it! Bring out all the meat from storage!"
"And the wine! Especially Sister Shao's red wine!"
The head chef shouted orders from beside a steamer, commanding the bustling crew.
Tuck and the Green Cross crew were unloading crate after crate…
Watching them carefully carry the boxes, Luo Han felt a twitch of unease. Something didn't feel right.
Tuck spotted him and lit up, jogging over with a flattering grin that made Luo Han's stomach sink.
"Boss Luo Han! To celebrate your and Lord Cole 's safe return, I brought out half of the flatbreads Granny gave me!"
Called it.
Luo Han pressed a hand to his forehead. His head ached. Sure, Whitebeard had already eaten some and said they were good—but just thinking about how old those breads were, possibly years, left him queasy. Especially after being stored on a damp ship all this time…
"Is that so…? Then make sure everyone eats plenty," Luo Han said with a strained smile.
Maybe if everyone else finishes them, I won't have to eat any.
"You got it, Boss! I'll even save you a whole crate!" Tuck said, puffing up proudly, thinking Luo Han would be touched.
Luo Han looked even more ill.
"Go on. Go help out," Luo Han waved him off quickly. You're ruining the mood. I was looking forward to this feast, and now I'm just nauseous.
Tuck, unaware of the mental damage he'd caused, ran off to finish prepping—thinking maybe he should save two crates for Luo Han.
Thank God he didn't say that out loud, Luo Han thought. Otherwise, I'd use my psychokinesis to demonstrate how to squeeze an egg.
Once Tuck left, Luo Han walked to the edge of the mountaintop to look down at the forest near the coast. He wanted to see what that strange woodland looked like at night.
And… huh? The dense mist from earlier was mostly gone, replaced by a thin layer that looked more like a sheer veil.
Now that the trees were clearly visible, Luo Han shivered.
The trees looked like they had tentacles for branches, twisted into grotesque shapes at unnatural angles. Any creature that walks into that without flight would probably never find their way out again, Luo Han thought. That's probably why the animals avoid it.
But even that couldn't explain everything. Not even birds? Not one?
Luo Han rubbed his chin thoughtfully. This island really does have secrets. Maybe that creepy coastal forest is its true danger…
Just then, he noticed the tide had begun to rise. The sea was now slowly creeping inland toward the mountains.
"Luo Han! The feast is about to start!" Whitebeard's voice rang out, breaking his train of thought.
"Coming, Brother Newgate," Luo Han called back with a grin.
He trotted back to the temporary square they'd made. Whitebeard had just returned and was sitting near the fire. Sister Shao and Cole were already seated.
Luo Han joined them. "What's the situation inside the island?" he asked.
Whitebeard pointed toward the massive roast chicken the head chef was preparing. "That's the most common creature I found in there."
Luo Han looked—it really was just a giant chicken. Aside from its sheer size, it looked like any ordinary rooster. Just imagining the taste made his mouth water.
Drool…
"Did you see any signs of humans?" he asked next.
That question again. It had become something of an obsession for him.
Whitebeard was taken aback. He'd seen many uninhabited islands over the years, but had never stopped to wonder why they were uninhabited.
But thinking back to when he was attacked by one of those massive chickens earlier… he suddenly frowned.
With a cryptic smile, he said, "Go explore the island yourself tomorrow. Then you'll understand."
…
Tch! Could've just told me, Luo Han grumbled internally. These old guys love acting mysterious—makes them feel wise, I guess.
Sigh… whatever. Tomorrow, then. Tonight, I eat.
As if on cue, chefs began pushing carts of food over. Dishes were laid out one after another—actually laid out, given the appetites of Whitebeard and Cole .
"Please enjoy, honored guests," the chef said with a respectful bow.
Whitebeard stood, raised his massive mug, and looked around at the gathered pirates. He felt a wave of emotion wash over him.
"Let the feast begin! Eat, drink, and be merry! Cheers!!" he bellowed.
"Cheers!!" the crowd echoed, raising their cups high. Excitement surged through the air.
And with that, the joyous banquet began.
(END CHAPTER)
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