Navigator: I Have a Legendary Exploration Log

Following the direction Wirtz was pointing, Carys's eyes immediately sharpened.

The small black dot that was rapidly enlarging in the distance was not just Bloodthorn Island; there were also two ships quietly anchored on the shore near the shallows.

One of them was a cargo ship of a relatively common design with a somewhat outdated hull, while the other was openly flying a bronze flag, which only bronze navigators were entitled to carry.

The bronze ship's smokestack is still belching black smoke.

Obviously.

Although Cherries acted quickly, someone else arrived on the island a step ahead.

After all, Chalice had done a lot of preparation work.

It is highly likely that the ship unbuckled and set sail immediately after receiving the mission.

The bronze banner signifies that there is at least one Tier 1 Extraordinary on board.

Wirtz couldn't help but whisper, "Captain, I wonder how much longer they'll get here before us!"

"What if they pick all the bloodthorn berries? We won't have any evidence, and we won't be able to prove we were here when we get back!"

Chalice's eyes were serious, but the corners of his mouth were slightly upturned.

"First Mate, do you think bloodthorn berries are like apples hanging randomly on a tree, that you can just reach out and pick them?"

Chalice spoke calmly and confidently, "Have you ever seen a second-tier extraordinary plant obediently hand over its fruit to a human?"

"Those bloodthorn trees are not inanimate objects; they move, entwine, pierce, and suck blood and flesh. Even extraordinary individuals will not benefit from rashly reaching out to pick them without proper treatment."

His gaze lingered on the still-smoking chimney of the bronze ship.

"Besides, look at that ship. It's not drafting deep, and the smokestack is still emitting smoke, which means they just arrived recently, or they're still observing."

"So you mean...?"

"Slow down and approach the island, but don't get too close to them."

Challis ordered, "We can't back down just because the other side has a bronze ship, can we?"

"We're a bronze ship too, and your captain is an extraordinary one! There's no reason for you to run away without even saying goodbye!"

"yes!"

……

The bronze ship had clearly noticed what was behind it.

Although Chalice didn't display any conspicuous flags, the other side wasn't stupid either.

The vast sea.

At this time, the only people appearing near this island are fellow quest takers.

The ships ahead signaled with flags, instructing the Homecoming not to approach them rashly.

In this regard.

Chalice had no objections.

He didn't want to get close to the other person in the first place.

They went out to sea.

You have to trust your own ship; you can't just jump into the sea and swim back if you don't...

Even one's own crew members sometimes cannot be completely trusted, let alone an unfamiliar vessel.

Maintain a safe distance.

This is the consensus of all captains.

Approaching without permission could easily lead to misunderstandings and unnecessary friction and conflict.

As the distance gets closer.

Chalice also observed the situation on the two ships through his telescope.

Three sailors stood on the gunwale of the bronze ship, cigarettes dangling from their lips, watching the Homecoming Ship sailing toward the island.

One of them was shirtless, holding a Mauser rifle diagonally across his shoulder with his hand on the butt of the rifle.

Suddenly, a shot was fired into the sky!

boom--

Finished.

The man slung the gun back over his shoulder and lazily surveyed the Homecoming ship, which was now clearly visible in his field of vision.

"Captain, that guy might be sending a message."

"It's alright, we won't stop with them."

Following Cheryl's guidance.

The Homecoming Ship traced an arc, circling the side of the island before choosing a suitable location.

The anchor, dragging its heavy chain, sank into the sea.

Chalice chose a concave bay on the leeward side of the island.

The reefs here form a natural barrier, which can block the strong winds blowing from the sea to the greatest extent, and are also located in the blind spot of the two unfamiliar ships.

After a brief observation,

Chalice discovered that only the bronze ship had crew members moving around; the cargo ship was completely deserted.

According to the mission briefing.

That ship was most likely originally there to deliver goods to Bloodthorn Isle, or to load cargo.

Unexpectedly, the bloodthorn tree on the island acted strangely, causing the crew to never return.

They might be stuck somewhere.

But this fresh, fleshy flesh has most likely already become food for the Bloodthorn Tree...

"Captain, how about I go instead?"

Wirtz, unusually serious, suggested, "The extraordinary beings on that bronze ship may have already landed on the island."

"If you also go to the island, you will very likely run into him."

"If that person is easy to talk to, all is well. But if that person harbors malicious intentions, Captain, you might... After all, a Gourmet's combat power isn't very strong when they're at a lower rank, so if they encounter a threat from an Extraordinary being, I'm afraid..."

Wirtz quickly and clearly laid out his entire plan.

"But it's different when I go! Captain, our biggest trump card is you, the Extraordinary One, and the Homecoming, just as it is for them!"

"Even if that extraordinary being harbors ill intentions, you can still hijack his ship if you stay on it! Without a ship, he can't leave this island, not to mention the rampant Bloodthorn Trees that grow on it!"

"I know what you mean."

Chalice nodded. "I've been thinking about whether to do this for a while now. After all, facing an extraordinary being whose good and evil are hard to discern is indeed a bit daunting."

"However, First Mate, since I took on this mission and brought you here, I should bear the heaviest responsibility."

"Besides, you're just an ordinary person. Even if you're armed with firearms, it would be difficult for you to contend with an extraordinary individual. Believe me, even if a gourmet isn't good at fighting, it doesn't mean I'm a pushover."

"Besides the extraordinary abilities of those who are extraordinary, artifacts, if used properly, can also turn the tide of battle. You know old Sat has been very generous to me, and this time... I've prepared quite a few good things!"

"A big spender..."

Wirtz muttered, "Then go ahead! I was worried for ages! But what if you can't handle that guy..."

"Two long shots from the revolver, one short. I received the signal and immediately went to hijack the ship. No one can leave unless you show yourself!"

"Then I'll leave my escape route to you, First Mate."

Cherries and Wirtz quickly devised a plan.

Then.

Cherries descended the gangway and went onto the deck.

Five crew members, including Rumlow and Eddie, are ready.

Wirtz and Max are the brain and heart that ensure the Homecoming spacecraft functions properly.

Apart from the two of them.

These two familiar faces are the only ones among Cherries's "confidants".

There were actually several crew members who were originally supposed to stay and continue working.

But... life is unpredictable...

Chalice's gaze swept over the five people's faces, each with a different expression.

I don't know about this trip to the island.

How many people will eventually come back...?

But if you give up halfway because you're afraid of dying or getting hurt, you might as well just stay on the island and not go out to sea.

The bigger the waves, the bigger the catch.

The higher the risk, the greater the reward.

This simple truth needs no further explanation from men who make a living at sea!

"These are phlogiston canisters. Rumlow, you and Eddie each take one. Follow my orders, don't be stingy."

Cherries opened his briefcase, took out two cans, and handed one to Rumlow, whose coat was a little tight, and the other to Eddie, who looked a little tense.

"The three of you should each bring a set of ropes; the terrain on the island is complicated, and you might need them."

Upon hearing this, the three sailors immediately jogged to a corner of the deck and pulled out several rolls of rope, which they then tied around their bodies at an angle.

"Once you land on the island, focus on investigation. If you find anything that looks like fruit, let me know immediately. If you encounter moving thorns, don't shoot rashly; prioritize dodging."

Chalice concluded by emphasizing, "Also... those people arrived before us, and their stance is still unclear. If you encounter them, don't provoke trouble or say anything rash, but... if things really get heated, don't let them think we're easy to bully!"

"clear!"

Rumlow and the others responded in unison.

A small paddle boat was slowly lowered into the water by a rotating winch, and six people climbed down the ladder and onto the boat one by one.

Chalice turned around.

Wirtz nodded emphatically at him through the slightly blurry glass of the cockpit.

Chalice raised his fist and swung it forward.

"Set off!"