chapter 41
The group gathered in a sheltered section of the ship.
Maps and charts were spread across the wooden deck, their edges held down by daggers and weights. Torchlight flickered over them, painting every face in shifting orange.
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Marco stepped forward, pointing at the chart, his voice calm but firm.
Marco: "From Tomasi's information, the Stone Body should be hidden inside one of the lava mountain caves."
He tapped the map.
Marco: "There are ten mountains in total. We'll need to choose carefully."
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John leaned in slightly, studying the markings.
John: "And to deal with the monsters in that area, we'll need strong fighters."
A brief pause.
John: "Not everyone goes. It's too risky."
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Bochy grinned, twirling his feathered hat.
Captain Bochy: "Ahh, finally—real action. I like small, deadly groups."
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John gestured toward Guinevere.
John: "We'll form a protection team under Commander Guinevere."
John: "You choose the members—only those you trust. Your job is to secure the landing point."
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Guinevere nodded once, composed.
Guinevere: "Understood. I'll take only those who won't slow us down."
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Marco shifted slightly, pointing to another section.
Marco: "We'll also need a retrieval team."
He glanced at Bochy.
Marco: "Captain Bochy will lead it. Fast, mobile, and strong enough to carry the Stone Body."
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John straightened.
John: "And lastly…"
His gaze shifted to the Princess.
John: "Your choice."
A beat.
John: "You can go—or stay."
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The Princess exhaled slowly.
Then—
her eyes sharpened.
Princess (firm): "I'm going."
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Marco's expression grew more serious.
Marco: "There's one more issue."
A pause.
Marco: "Tomasi's condition is worsening. He's still losing blood."
His voice lowered.
Marco: "If he goes ashore… he may not survive."
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The Princess's expression softened, just slightly.
Her jaw tightened.
Princess: "…Then he stays."
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She turned toward John.
Determined.
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Princess: "John… come with me."
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John blinked once.
Then shook his head.
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John: "I can't."
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She froze.
Confusion flickered across her face.
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Princess: "What? Why? We need every strong fighter."
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John's expression didn't change.
Calm.
Unreadable.
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John: "Exactly."
A pause.
John: "Which is why someone strong needs to stay."
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She frowned.
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John: "If everyone goes, we risk losing everything—not just the team."
His voice lowered slightly.
John: "Someone has to guarantee we make it back."
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A beat.
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John: "That's strategy."
John: "Not hesitation."
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The Princess hesitated.
Her argument faded before it fully formed.
Slowly—
she nodded.
Not fully convinced.
But understanding.
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Before she could speak—
A sharp knock echoed.
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Voice (outside): "Captain!"
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A crew member rushed in, breathless.
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Crewman: "We've reached Dumase! The landing point is just ahead!"
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— Nightfall —
The sea darkened.
The ship slowed, creaking as it cut through heavy waves.
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Ahead—
Dumase revealed itself.
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Not a kingdom of walls and towers—
But of fire.
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Lava rivers carved through jagged cliffs, glowing a violent orange. Smoke rose endlessly into the night sky.
Small fire creatures crawled across molten rock, their eyes flickering like embers.
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Even from the ship—
the heat could be felt.
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The Princess stood at the prow, eyes narrowing.
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This wasn't a landing.
It was a gamble.
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Marco and Guinevere exchanged a brief glance.
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Marco: "Even reaching shore won't be easy."
Marco: "The currents, the heat… and those creatures—"
Marco: "They won't give us time."
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Bochy let out a low whistle.
For once—
his grin faltered.
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Captain Bochy: "Heh… this is worse than I imagined."
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Chris cracked his knuckles, excitement flashing in his eyes.
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Chris: "Now this is what I'm talking about."
A grin.
Chris: "A real challenge."
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Around them, even the pirates murmured nervously.
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The Princess tightened her grip on the railing.
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Princess: "We knew it wouldn't be easy."
A breath.
Princess: "We adapt."
Princess: "We survive."
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A scout stepped forward.
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Scout: "Too many people will only slow us down."
Scout: "Small teams. Careful movement."
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The Princess nodded once.
Then turned—
her gaze landing on John.
Just for a moment.
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Then—
back to the crew.
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Princess: "Prepare the first team."
Princess: "Only essential members go."
A pause.
Princess: "Everyone else stays on the ship."
Chris's grin widened.
Chris: "Finally."
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The ship drifted closer.
Closer—
to fire.
To danger.
To Dumase.
The glow of molten rivers lit their faces.
The Princess's jaw tightened.
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There's no turning back now.
...CHAPTER 41ENDS..