After the Red Pirates left, the atmosphere became calm, yet it carried a lingering sense of fear.
Karsa watched the scene in silence, then spoke calmly,"I think you have a story to tell, Bolkan..."
Bolkan lowered his gaze, his face filled with worry.
Roval let out a sigh and said,"That woman was one of the Seven Masters of the Black Fingers organization. They claim to be a charity—donors who provide homes and jobs to the homeless, but..."
Karsa looked at him with confusion."But...?"
Roval continued, his voice heavy,"That's just a cheap pretense. In reality, they sell humans, elves, cat-humans, and dog-humans. They manufacture and sell drugs. They do anything that harms people—random killings, and sometimes even rape..."
Karsa remained calm, but a quiet anger began to grow within his heart.
Bolkan looked into Karsa's eyes and spoke with a trembling voice,"My wife… my daughter… they were killed by them. One day, I came back home carrying candy that I could barely afford for my daughter, because she hadn't tasted sugar in a long time. I was only a D-rank hunter back then, and the pay was terrible… but—!"
Bolkan's hands shook violently as tears streamed down his face.
"I found my wife's body covered in blood, her clothes torn apart. I could do nothing but search for my daughter… but I couldn't find her."
His legs trembled, his face consumed by regret.
Roval gently patted Bolkan on the back, while Meson remained seated in silence.
Karsa's expression stayed calm, yet the sea behind him flattened unnaturally, becoming clear and still under the pressure leaking from his body.
Karsa spoke while looking directly into Bolkan's sorrowful eyes,"In my religion back home, we believe that God is never unaware of oppressors—and that He will punish them with the harshest punishment they deserve."
Then Karsa stood up, his posture proud."Perhaps God will send you one of the Eight Greats to help you… you never know."
Bolkan stood as well, wiping his tears and forcing a weak laugh."Haha… you're right. I'm sorry you had to see my pathetic side. And the Eight Greats, huh? My daughter used to read many books about them—especially the Red Sword and the Sun General..."
Meson interrupted with a disgusted expression,"Jolan City. It's appearing on the horizon. We should prepare to land."
Bolkan nodded."Oh! Of course. Roval, get the ropes ready to tie the boat! And Karsa !"
Karsa stood frozen, overwhelmed by the sight before him. It had been six years since he had seen life like this.
Ships docked peacefully at the port. Children tried to catch fish near the shore. Couples laughed along the beach. Birds flew freely, resting atop ships' masts.
That sight so simple and alive made a man who hadn't laughed in ten years form a faint smile.
Bolkan noticed it and chuckled softly."Heh… it seems he's human after all."
to be continued ....