Archer was standing on the edge of a dock while gazing at the DTS White Storm. A ship that the Wyldheart Company bought to earn money from travelers exploring the empire. It was a massive tal behemoth that was as long as three football fields and as wide as two of them, surprising him.
There were several decks for people to explore; the bulk of the vessel was used to house the thousands of passengers, while there were several dining halls and other anities that the people would need. Before boarding, he realized that the sa ship was heading to Orientia, causing him to plan to extend their tickets so they could stay on board.
While admiring everything, Malakia appeared beside him, a worried expression crossing her face as she questioned. ’’What happened to the Terravians? Why aren’t they attacking anymore?’’
’’Recovering from the loss of one of their realms when I destroyed it, along with their god ND millions of soldiers,’’ he answered, smirking ear to ear. ’’Why do you think I let the won explore, and it’s the reason we’re out here. Everyone will be safe, and if not, they’ll be teleported to the Domain.’’
The older woman’s eyes widened in surprise, but soon, she began laughing. ’’Oh, right, Aisha did ntion that. It’s good that we can get a break from all the fighting, it was getting too much after a few years.’’
Archer laughed at her tired expression. ’’I agree. I was getting exhausted, and when the Alliance wanted a ceasefire, it was the perfect opportunity to have a break from it all and explore my new empire and et the people who live within it.’’
When the lioness heard this, she was about to speak, but a horn interrupted, causing the sailors to call for everyone to board. redith appeared next to them, excitedly speaking. ’’There’s so much to do on the White Storm, it’s the first ship of its kind.’’
’’Yes, it was Ella’s idea,’’ he said, chuckling. ’’I was surprised because things like this are on Earth but not Thrylos.’’
’’Well, there’s a first for everything,’’ Malakia added, smiling. ’’This will be a good journey and a break from running an empire.’’
Archer glanced at the brown-skinned beauty and smirked. ’’We’ve had to run everything, you’re an empress and can do whatever you want.’’
The lioness waved his words away. ’’Yes, but I still help the governnt in the capital,’’ she revealed. ’’It’s easier than years ago, I must admit, and I enjoy the ti I get to myself now without dealing with those corrupt nobles.’’
’’Oh those fuckers,’’ he said, amused. ’’Nala got them into line, now they’re flocking to legions, navy, and other forces. Now the Lion Demi-Humans are loving the structure we offer.’’
When Malakia heard this, her ears twitched before the trio headed toward the entrance and stepped onto the White Storm after showing the guards their tickets. Once on board, Archer spotted one long road that stretched from one end to the other with shops lining both sides alongside restaurants and other venues.
The won were shocked at the surroundings, only for Archer to notice staircases led up to the cabins above. Walkways stretched all over the place, reminding him of the cruise ships back on Earth. redith was clearly excited; she couldn’t keep still as a young woman approached them with welcoming expressions.
’’Hello, passengers. I’m Monica, and one of the helpers on the White Storm’’ the woman cheerfully said. ’’Can we see your tickets? We’ll guide you to the rooms?’’
Archer handed his over as the won did the sa thing, only for Monica to go wide-eyed when realizing they were in the sa room. She looked at the three and asked. ’’Are you together?’’
’’Yes, they’re my wives,’’ he answered.
Malakia and redith nodded in agreent; both won had bright smiles as the lioness comnted. ’’We’re on an adventure to explore Draconia, to see all the sights across the empire.’’
Monica was shocked but shook her head and motioned toward the staircase at the end of a nearby path. ’’This way, it’s at the top of the ship, but there’s an elevator that will take us there.’’
After that, they started down the bustling street, joining the steady flow of hundreds of other passengers who moved in every direction. So were scanning signs and doorways in search of their assigned rooms, others followed the aromas drifting from nearby food stalls, eager to find a al after their long journey.
The ship’s grand gallery stretched ahead. The hum of conversation mixed with the faint thrum of the engines beneath their feet, creating a rhythm that seed to carry them forward. Stewards maneuvered through the crowd with practiced grace, offering directions or carrying luggage with effortless precision.
As they continued onward, the atmosphere gradually shifted. The chatter grew softer, the decor more refined. The walls changed from simple paneling to mahogany, decorated with frad maps and mana lamps casting warm light over the corridor. A faint scent of lavender and fresh linen drifted through the air as they entered the First Class section.
At last, they reached a set of doors frad by marble columns: the First Class elevator. ’’This way, please,’’ Monica said, pressing a button that made the elevator doors slide open with a soft chi.
Inside, the floor was carpeted in deep blue velvet, and the mirrored walls reflected the golden light of the chandelier overhead. They stepped inside, the hum of the crowd fading behind them. As the doors closed, the elevator began its ascent, carrying them away from the noise and movent of the lower decks toward First Class.
Archer was amazed by everything he’d seen. He turned toward the enarby window only to see the bustling port down below. Dockworkers loaded supplies and tended to other work that the ship needed to leave Northwatches’ port. By the ti the group reached First Class, only to see a few people wandering around.
Monica turned to them and motioned toward one nearby corridor. ’’Your room is down there. If you need anything, there’s a button in there that will allow you to order food.’’
’’Thank you,’’ redith replied, a friendly smile crossing her face.
The young woman nodded before hurrying off to attend to her other duties, her footsteps quickly fading into the hum of the corridor. Archer led them toward their assigned room. The three stood out sharply against the luxury of the First Class deck; their leather armor, stained boots, and the faint clink of weapons at their sides drew more than a few stares.
Well-dressed passengers paused mid-conversation, their curiosity flickering into mild disapproval. Silk-clad won whispered behind gloved hands, and n in tailored suits regarded the group with disdain, as though the very presence of adventurers in such refined surroundings upset the delicate order of their world.
Yet Archer walked on and looked at the panel on their door. He was baffled, but Malakia comnted. ’’Swipe the ticket, it may be our key.’’
He did just that, channeling a steady flow of mana into the door. The runes etched along its fra glowed faintly before the lock gave a soft click and the door swung open, revealing an elegantly furnished room beyond. A large bed dominated the back wall, its canopy draped with fine silk curtains that shifted gently in the air.
Across from it stood a plush lounge upholstered in deep blue velvet, positioned beside a wide window that offered a breathtaking view of the ocean. The soft golden light from the crystal lamps gave the entire room a warm glow, reflecting off polished wood and gleaming brass fixtures.
For a mont, the three stood in silence, taking it all in, the luxury, the stillness, the quiet hum of mana in the air that spoke of hidden enchantnts woven into every piece of furniture. It was a far cry from the rough inns and roadside camps they stayed in on the road here.
They stepped inside, and the door closed softly behind them with a faint hum as the mana seals reengaged. ’’Finally,’’ he muttered, rolling his shoulders as if shedding the weight of a long journey.
The two won followed suit, one flopping onto the velvet lounge, the other pulling off her gloves and stretching her arms toward the ceiling. The room felt almost unreal to them. The faint scent of polish lingered in the air, mingling with the salty breeze that drifted in through the slightly opened window.
Beyond the glass, the harbor bustled with activity, crewn shouting orders, cranes creaking as cargo was loaded, and the rhythmic clang echoing across the decks. Inside, however, all was calm. A low hum resonated through the floor as the ship’s engines stirred to life sowhere deep below, and the chandeliers swayed ever so slightly with the movent.
Archer sank into an armchair beside the lounge, watching the faint glimr of the mana veins tracing along the walls. ’’Hard to believe this is just a passenger ship,’’ he said quietly, half to himself.
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