A strange feeling of cold envelops my body as I stare at the frozen world outside the window.
"The second cycle ended in tragedy like the cycles before it."
"Am I cursed?"
It's strange that I can remain calm after what happened.
"I think I'm starting to get used to the feeling of returning."
In the end, it's already been three times. No matter how strange something is, one gets used to it.
"This isn't important. What's important is thinking of a way to get out of the predicament I'm in."
Yes, indeed, I was in an unenviable position. I'm stuck on an island doomed to destruction in the middle of a conflict between two Foundation Establishment level experts.
And the only island I can reach, away from this cursed island, is destined for destruction due to the aftermath of the conflict that will occur between Song Jin and Mu Zhong.
"The problem is that the only island I can go to is Ras Al-Hoot, and when I get there, no one agrees to sail me to another island."
Remembering the fate of the inhabitants of Ras Al-Hoot Island, I felt a faint desire to warn them. But after remembering what the blue dwarf did, I dismissed the matter.
"They wouldn't believe me anyway, so there's no reason to warn them. I would just make myself look like a crazy fool."
While I was lost in thought, I heard a knocking sound along with the voice of an old woman asking,
"Boy, Salim, are you here?"
I smiled a slight smile as I heard the old woman's voice.
"I'm coming."
'It's time to correct one of the mistakes of the previous cycle.'
After offering the Sunset Flower petals, I headed towards Uncle Yu, and everything proceeded like the previous cycle until I reached Ras Al-Hoot Island.
'I can't stay on the starting island or Ras Al-Hoot Island, or my fate will be death at the hands of Song Jin every time. So, I will bet on being able to be transported to the Dead Giant Island.'
"Hello, sir. Do you know of any ships ready to go to Ras Al-Hoot Island?"
I smile a slight smile towards the trinket seller while offering him several copper coins.
"Heh, how lucky you are, my little friend. Today, it happens that one of my friends is heading there."
A happy smile decorates the wrinkled face of the trinket seller as he pulls the copper coins into his robe.
Shortly after, we head towards the same path we took in my previous cycles.
"Now, a ticket for my escape."
I sigh tiredly as I follow the trinket seller on the winding path that leads us to the back of the island.
But this time, I don't get scared halfway.
"We've arrived."
"Is that a pirate ship?"
Indeed, ahead of us was a giant pirate ship anchored near the uninhabited shores of Ras Al-Hoot Island.
It was easy to tell it was a pirate ship because of its black flags depicting a laughing skull.
"Even though they're called pirates, they are actually very nice."
The trinket seller tries to reassure me with a not-so-convincing smile as he continues his way towards the pirate ship.
'Damn, if this method wasn't my only hope for reaching the Dead Giant Island, I would have run away already.'
I grit my teeth and follow the trinket seller.
"Hey, hello, mates. Does anyone know where the captain is?"
On the shore where the pirate ship was anchored, there was a small boat with several men of rough appearance who seemed to be waiting for someone.
"Oh, it's you, old snake. What brings you here? I thought you preferred staying on your damned island forever."
The speaker was a man with a muscular build. I would have thought he was human if not for the small black spots scattered on his skin and the black horn adorning his head.
"Come on, don't be harsh. I brought you a customer; you should thank me."
The trinket seller points his hand towards me as he speaks.
"A customer?"
Upon hearing the trinket seller's words, everyone in the boat looks at me with strange looks.
I smile embarrassedly and try to explain myself while cursing the trinket seller in my heart.
"Yes, I heard from my friend here that you're heading to the Dead Giant Island, and it happens to be my destination too, so I—"
"Enough, enough, no need to explain. We already have several passengers heading to the Dead Giant Island. One more won't hurt."
I sigh in relief upon hearing this.
Who would have expected pirates to be nicer than merchant ship owners?
"Thank you. I will make sure to compensate you properly."
"By the way, what are you waiting for here?"
The trinket seller boards the boat while asking the group of pirates.
"We were waiting for a group of mates who went to get supplies."
After boarding the boat, I sit next to the trinket seller while we wait for the rest of the pirate group.
"Are you sure nothing happened to them?"
"We'll wait. If they don't come before midnight..."
After several hours of waiting, everyone grew tired and began preparing to board the ship.
But a group of men carrying wooden boxes appeared on the horizon.
"And finally, they're here."
"Jeon, what took you so long, you old bastard?"
After the group carrying the supplies returned, they boarded the boat with their wooden boxes filled with what seemed to be salted food and other things.
To the point that the boat became unreasonably cramped.
After that, we headed towards the nearby pirate ship.
Looking at the receding shores of Ras Al-Hoot Island, I feel some tension.
"I hope this cycle doesn't end in disaster."
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I'm sorry, I'm tired today, so I could only post one chapter.