By the time the Unicorn Whale returned to Coral Island, a month had passed. With new clues from the surface, Charles was eager to head to the chaotic city of Sodom, but his crew was utterly exhausted.

  Giant butterflies, deities, vampires—everyone’s faces were etched with fatigue from their harrowing experiences. Charles didn’t push them; he understood that no one was invincible. The crew needed rest, and the Unicorn Whale did too.

  The makeshift turbine was barely holding up, and the sonic waves had damaged the ship’s structure. A complete overhaul was necessary.

  Standing on the deck, Charles gently ran his fingers along the ship’s railing, murmuring, “Thank you for your hard work, my companion.”

  “Mr. Charles, it looks like your journey hasn’t gone smoothly. What kind of dangers have you encountered? The damage is quite severe,” said Wood, the man who had sold Charles the ship.

  Wood was surprised to see the ship again; he had thought it had sunk long ago. He felt a premonition that this young man might actually have a chance to become the island's governor.

  “How much will it cost?” Charles asked, not in the mood for idle chit-chat.

  Wood quickly handed over the bill. “Replacing the turbine and rearmoring the hull will cost a total of 1.21 million Echoes.”

  After signing the bill, Charles mentally calculated his remaining funds. With 1.6 million Echoes deducted for repairs and crew wages, he was left with only 150,000.

  While it seemed like a lot, it was a precarious amount for an exploration ship. If the next expedition yielded no income, the Unicorn Whale would be grounded.

  His next voyage was planned for Sodom, a trip that promised no reward, leaving him in a difficult position.

  As he pondered, he stepped outside the shipyard and spotted Odrick, the blind vampire, waiting for him by the roadside. “What are you doing standing here?”

  “Mr. Charles, do you need more crew members? Please allow me to join your ship,” Odrick said, his excitement evident as he bowed his head.

  “Sorry, my crew is already full,” Charles firmly rejected him and brushed past, heading toward the distant dock.

  It wasn’t that he discriminated against vampires; it was just that no ship would want a blind man on board. What could a blind painter do? Draw portraits of the crew?

  Before he could take a few more steps, Odrick hurried after him, desperation in his voice. “Captain Charles, I’m not a burden! I’ve leveled up and gained new abilities!”

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  With a black cloak draped over him, Odrick transformed into a small black bat that flitted around Charles.

  “Captain Charles, I’m now a baron! I can transform into a bat and see without using my eyes!”

  Looking at the tiny bat, no bigger than his forearm, Charles shook his head. He drew his revolver with a swift motion.

  With a loud crack, the bat fell to the ground and transformed back into the blind vampire, who clutched his injured shoulder in pain.

  “If you want to live, you should stick to being a painter.”

  As Charles’s footsteps faded, Odrick hesitated for a moment before calling out, “Captain! Aren’t you looking for sunlight in Sodom? I was there 40 years ago; I can guide you!”

  “I don’t need your help; I have my own ways.”

  Odrick’s face showed urgency as he pressed on, “Mr. Charles! I can be a powerful asset! Even though I’m blind, my combat ability is at least on par with your crew!”

  After a long pause, Charles’s voice finally broke the silence. “Aren’t you afraid of sunlight? Why do you want to follow me?”

  Odrick managed a bitter smile. “You might not believe it, but the pay for one of your crew’s missions is something I could never earn in years. I’m envious. I don’t want much anymore; I just want a steady job and a peaceful life.”

  Looking at the vampire before him, Charles felt a mix of emotions. It was the first time he had seen a vampire in such dire straits.

  “Captain Charles? Are you still there?”

  “The Unicorn Whale needs a sailor. You’re in.”

  “Thank you, Captain!!”

  ---

  **Eight Years, August 3rd**

  Three days ago, my crew and I safely arrived at Coral Island. The blind vampire has joined my team. His personality is somewhat timid, which I’m not entirely pleased with, but he should be fine as a sailor. His ability to transform into a bat could be useful for scouting.

  Vampires possess remarkable healing abilities. Since my previous crew perished, I need to find some who are harder to kill.

  Next, I plan to head to Sodom to search for that sunlight in a box. If it truly is sunlight, it could lead us back to the surface.

  “Creak.” The door swung open.

  As Charles was writing in his journal, he turned to see Lily, her ears drooping, entering with a few mice in tow.

  “Where have you been?” Charles asked.

  A dejected Lily climbed onto the pillow, flopping down as if life had lost its meaning. “I’m not telling you…”

  Charles shook his head, closing his journal. He stood up. “I’m heading out; watch the house.”

  The mouse buried in the soft pillow raised its head. “Mr. Charles, where are you going?”

  “It’s Saturday; all the captains should be gathering at the Explorer’s Association. I’m going to see what news there is.”

  “That sounds fun! Take me along!”

  “Stay and watch the house.” Charles pushed the door open and stepped outside.

  As the door closed behind him, Lily pouted, pounding the pillow in frustration. “Mr. Charles, you’re so annoying!”

  After a few more frustrated thumps, she flopped back onto the pillow. “Hmph, if you won’t take me, I’ll just sleep. I’ll bother you when you’re asleep tonight.”

  Time passed slowly, and Lily, drowsy, was startled awake by a loud knock on the door.

  Looking at the banging door, she appeared flustered. “Who? Who’s there? No one’s home!”

  With a loud “crack,” the door lock was forcefully broken, and a terrifying tentacled creature appeared in the doorway.

  Seeing the twisted tentacles and the furious giant eye, Lily screamed, while the brown mice quickly surrounded her, baring their teeth at the intruder.

  The monstrous tentacle creature, startled by the screaming mice, rapidly transformed into a stunningly attractive woman.

  Lily’s eyes widened as she recognized the woman—the one drawn by the blind painter.

  “Oh, it’s just a mouse. You scared me! I thought Gao Zhiming was sneaking around behind my back!”