[Hrozun 18, 0100 A.R]
[Atherion Northern Seas]

Current in-game time 10:36 AM

The trip to Glacier falls was a long one as everyone on the ship prepares for the inevitable. A tense atmosphere wraps the whole vessel along with the crew as they venture into the unknown. Just a few days ago they spotted some birds flying across the ocean, a sign that there was land close by, and judging by the sharp decline in temperature, they were getting close to their destination.

Everyone on the ship was currently gathered on the deck as Zhiang briefed them about Glacier falls and what they are supposed to be doing. A map was held in the center for everyone to see, within the map was a rough sketch of a peninsula on the island.

Zhiang calmly tells them, "As of now the map is still unfinished, that is why we're here, to finish this map so we can go back home and get our reward. Now, before we go there, however, I must warn you of the things we will have to face on that island." He glances at their faces for any reactions, seeing as they were all listening, he continues, "Fifty years ago, the first expedition was launched by Shivangard as an attempt to colonize new lands. However, as some of you might know, the team of forty men strong did not make it."

The crowd began whispering to each other as some of the people began to feel a slight unease, rethinking their decision. Zhiang quickly silences them by telling another tale, "A decade after the first expedition! Atherion launched its own exploration team, two hundred men strong aboard five ships set sail towards Glacier falls trying to finish what Shivangard started." He pauses then raises a hand, "Can anyone tell me what happened next?" As he looked around for anyone willing to answer, he found them staring silently at him.

At the corner of his eyes, he spots a raised hand then calls out the person, "Uhhhh, yes! You at the back! Could you please tell me what happened to the second team?"

The person, a female Dragoncrown with her pink hair tied into a messy bun and a rosy red striped horn protruding from her forehead then answers, "After setting sail, the fleet supposedly reached the island unharmed, however as five years passed and the king of Atherion grew impatient. News reached his ear about the return of the expedition. Excited by the news the king rushed to greet the honored members of the crew only to find out that just one of them came back riding a rowboat."

As she finishes her answer, the murmuring grew louder as unrest was set in the crew's hearts. Aware of the commotion, Zhiang remained calm and quickly hushed them by clapping his hands, "Quiet everyone, quiet, we're not a bunch of children here." They all listen to him as Zhiang nods at the Dragoncrown to proceed, "Please continue."

The woman proceeds with her story in a clear voice for the crew to hear. "Confused by the absence of the rest of the cremates, the king interrogates the survivor, asking what had happened. The man told the king of about what happened on the island and that there was a curse placed on it to ward off anyone." Finishing her explanation the woman crosses her arms then adds, "After hearing the man's confession the king of Atherion, unconvinced by the man's story, had the man killed in secret."

Thanking the woman, the Monkey clapped his hands and looked at them, "Does anyone have any questions they want to be answered?" Zhiang asks the group as one of the men raises his hand. He points at the man who stands ups.

"Are you planning to send us into the island on a suicide mission knowing full well the dangers waiting there?" Disturbed, the man asks with a doubtful expression. Anyone would think twice about setting foot on the island after hearing such a story, Zhiang understood the man's feelings but they were already far too gone to go back.

Zhiang walks towards a chair then sits on it clasping his hands while looking down at his feet. As the leader of this expedition, it was his obligation to motivate his men into completing the mission which makes him sigh. He looks at the man locking their eyes together as he tells him, "What's your name?" He asks.

"Burke Dill," the man replies.

"I see." He nods then continues, "So Burke, do you have any family you left behind?"

"I have a pregnant wife and a son," Burke answers calmly to Zhiang's questions, his expression mellows slightly as he was reminded by his loved ones back home, still, the doubt he felt remained on his brows.

For a moment Zhiang contemplates while looking at the man with a pitiful face, he was sorry to hear him say that but there was nothing he could do, "Are you from Atherion?"

"Born and raised on it," Burke proudly pounds on his chest showing his pride.

"Are you proud to be born into Atherion?" Zhiang asks catching Burke off guard.

The man thinks about his next answer but eventually, he nods, "Yeah, I am grateful to be born on Atherion."

"Are you willing to die for your nation?"

Burke then looks at him, perplexed and astonished by his questions. The man realized what Zhiang was trying to get him into and snaps at him, "Stop with the mind games! I'm telling you how you're supposed to keep all of us safe when even a hundred men couldn't, do you think just throwing a few Marked Ones would make any difference!? We're going to die if we even set foot on that island!" As Burke speaks, murmuring breaks among the crowd as they contemplate their situation.

The people were split into two groups, the ones who think Burke was right while the other half remained neutral. "I signed up in this expecting we were only trying to explore some land, I didn't come here just so I can die because of some curse! I have a family waiting for me for crying out loud!" Zhiang remained unresponsive, staring directly at Burke's eyes as the man continues his speech, "You say you'll protect us even though you're the ones who threw us in danger, all of us are here because of you!" He points at Zhiang, the blood flowing through his head clouded his judgment.

"I say we forget about this expedition bullshit and leave the island alone, it killed the first and second, I'm not going to be the third because some rich fatass wanted to claim some plot off soil!" He shouts, rousing the others beside him to cheer with him as they start to protest.

But before any of them could continue, they all hear a loud ear-piercing screech prompting them to cover their ears and look at the source, upfront they saw Zhiang scratching his nails against the board making for a horrible crescendo.

"Burke, was it? I admire your willingness to turn back but I think you're forgetting one single detail why we're not turning around just yet," Zhiang sighs at Burke's confused face, "The story tells about a survivor who was killed in secret by the king for telling a story he didn't desire. If turning back was so easy, then we would've still on the docks. If we turn back right now, not only will the King kill us but he will also have your family's neck down to the next generation."

"All of the men before us knew this but they still went on," Zhiang stares at the rest of them. "I may not know your reasons, whether it be for glory, the sake of adventure, or just the flimsy reward, the moment all of you set foot on this ship you all signed an unspoken contract."

"Now, I know some of you might not like the idea of dying but I advise all of you to clean your ears because dammit I'm not here just to be a decoration," Zhiang clenches his fists, "A noose was tied around my neck when I accepted to lead this mission, I don't regret anything and I never will because I don't want anyone aboard this ship to suffer like me!"

The others look at Zhiang in confusion as to what he meant by what he said. The Monkey looks at them and with a confident fist, he pounded on his chest, "I was part of the second expedition and I was the one survivor in the story. I know some of you might not believe it but I've been on that island for so long I know the land like the back of my hand. If you think I don't know what I'm doing or if I'm crazy, then I'm crazy enough to care about all of you."

As he says his last piece, the others, including Burke himself, were left speechless aside from a handful of individuals watching from the side. The tense atmosphere was mixed with the realization about Zhiang as people whispered among themselves.

Moments later, the people stood up, having enough as they silently stared at the Monkey. Out of the crowd, Burke walked towards Zhiang with a serious look on his face. Now Burke hasn't been on this ship for more than a couple of days, he didn't know anyone or feel any sort of connection to the crew same as the rest of them.

Staring into Zhiang's eyes, watching his soul, Burke asks him, "Can you promise that we all make it out of this alive?"

"Want to bet?" Challenged the Monkey returning the gaze with an even more intense one.

The staring contest lasted for a few more seconds before Burke offers Zhiang his hand as they both shook hands, "I'd like to see my wife and son, I'll leave the rest up to you." Left without any options as turning back would get them killed, Burke decides to take Zhiang's offer and accepts the mission. People began placing their hands on Zhiang's shoulder as they left their lives onto him, leaving his shoulder heavy from the burden he'll be carrying from now on.

•∆•

After the whole ordeal, the crew went back to their daily routine as they prepared for the worst. Others have begun leaving letters while some began praying to the saints for protection.

Seated above the captain's cabin was Zhiang who leisurely ate watermelon while standing beside him was the captain of the ship. The old prune of a man who wore a black hat steered the ship to its course. "Color me impressed, I'm surprised you were able to say such a thing to them."

"It's like what they say, 'Once a man is aware of his death, he'll start picking straws not minding how short he draws.' Or something like that," Zhiang replies with a grin.

"Nobody says that," the old man cuts him off but Zhiang lets it slide since, right now, he managed to unite everyone somewhat. There were still others who think he's not suited for the role of leader but that's none of his business. "To think that you'll be leading an expedition of your own, at first I thought you were joking or gone mad when you said you were tasked with being a leader of some exploration. I guess that means I owe you a beer," cackled the old man.

"I'll forget you said that if you make it two beers," he says casually.

"Boy, I'll give you as much beer as you want if you make sure we leave in one piece." The captain responds as the two of them feel the cold breeze against their faces. "We're almost there, I haven't felt this kind of cold since I was still two decades younger." The cold wind's kiss reminded the two of them of what awaits ahead but Zhiang ignores it and continues snacking.

They then hear footsteps coming from the stairs as they spot a pink-striped horn emerging. The same Dragoncrown from earlier walks up to them with a cold and collected gaze, "Snacking again I see," she tells Zhiang as the Monkey puts the watermelon away.

"What's up Rashia? Anything bad happen?" Rashia Newt, a close female friend of Zhiang who goes way back with him and is now the current assistant who works as the overseer.

She looks at Zhiang then sighs, "Everything is fine for now but I hear there are still others who don't comply with you." She says with a clear expressionless face.

"I know that much, so what brings you here?" Zhiang presses further which prompts Rashia to answer.

"I also brought these two here," she motions towards the stairs where a couple of heads can be seen peeking at them, one boy and one girl. Zhiang stares at them for a moment before his expression brightens.

"Oh, it's you two! Good, come take a seat with me!" He invites Yuna and Muzui as if expecting them, he was overjoyed to see them both and offers them a seat, astonishing the captain and Rashia.

Rashia was the first to ask about Zhiang's weird behavior, she leans and whispers to his ear, "Who are these two?" She asks in suspicion.

"Rude, they have names you know," Zhiang playfully feigns an offended look causing Rashia to roll her eyes in irritation.

"Fine, tell me their names," she plays along.

With a big grin, Zhiang stands up and walks toward Muzui and Yuna as he places a hand on their heads, "I'm glad you asked! These two are Yuna and Muzui, friends of mine and the ones who fought the Tyrants off. Before I bravely killed their leader of course," he cheekily adds to make himself look good in front of them.

"This little girl is Yuna," he ruffles her hair while Yuna struggles to get his hand off of her head. "And this grumpy-looking fella is Muzui, aren't they just cute?" He ruffles Muzui's hair against the young man's protests.

"Stop messing with my hair!" Yuna shouts as Zhiang lets go.

"What the heck man? I just cleaned that," grumbled an annoyed Muzui, his hair was now literal bird's nest.

Rashia simply nods at his introduction and cuts to the chase, "Uhuh, so what's their deal?" She coldly asks.

Zhiang, with his infinite knowledge, replies with a raised finger, "I--don't know," he turns and asks Muzui and Yuna, "Why are you two here exactly?"

Fixing his ruffled hair, Muzui answers, "You promised to have a sparring match with us," he then looks at Zhiang with a blunt look, "Don't tell me you forgot?"

"I did?" The Monkey looked unaware as he replies which answered Muzui's suspicions and making him facepalm.

"Yes, yes you did. Two days ago you said you'll spar with us so we'll be prepared once we get on the island." Muzui relays the information while behind Zhiang the Dragoncrown and ship captain shares a curious look.

"Oh. That's some nice memory you got there," Zhiang changes the topic as he could feel the gaze of his two friends behind his head, drilling holes as he sheepishly scratches the back of his head. He looks back at the two of them, trying to come up with an excuse, "I-it's not what you, I'm just trying to prepare them and–"

"That's fine, we're just surprised that you'd go out your way to help people," Rashia points out with the old man nodding next to her. "In fact, I'd like to join you guys so I can see how you teach them."

Caught off guard, the Monkey was too lazy to even help out with cleaning, more so training two people. His shoulders slump as Zhiang was left with no other option but to accept.

•∆•

They carry on towards the ship's deck where they'll carry out their lessons. Caught without a plan, Zhiang was in quite a pickle as he had no idea what to do first or say in his situation, all he knows was he had promised them a fight.

Standing in front of him, Yuna and Muzui can be seen arguing about who gets to fight first which confuses Zhiang.

"Didn't we agree that I fight him first?" Yuna shouts.

"Oh but I don't remember agreeing to anything, plus I'm the one who asked him first so I'll go," Muzui denies the girl as the two of them get into a heated debate.

Zhiang shot a look at Rashia who stood at the corner, she shrugs back at him, equally as confused as she was. After a few minutes, the two of them were still arguing until Zhiang decides to interrupt, "Alright break it up you two, I'll just fight you both at the same time so everyone gets a piece." He says.

Yuna and Muzui share a dissatisfied look.

"Nah that wouldn't be fair," Muzui retorts.

"Exactly, it'd be an unfair fight," Yuna nods beside him.

Surprised by their reply, Zhiang expected there to be at least a bit of argument but the two of them easily dismissed him, telling him they could crush him easily. This hurts his pride as Zhiang wasn't one to be taken lightly. But knowing them, even if Zhiang were to shout and yell at them, they will still refuse which is why he had a backup plan.

"Ok ok, fine, since you think it's unfair, how about we do a tag team? You two versus me and Rashia," he motions to the unknowing Dragoncrown behind him who looks at Zhiang curiously.

Yuna and Muzui share one last look with one each other, contemplating the decision before coming to terms with it. "Sure, that's better," the two of them share a fist bump as they got a fight on their hands.

With a sigh, Zhiang finally walks to his side and informs Rashia about the deal. Surprisingly the Dragoncrown accepted it pretty quickly and even looked excited by the fact she was going to fight. Zhiang can tell by the look on her face, underneath her cold unexpressive face that was she looking forward to this.

After a few more preparations, they got Aster to be the referee and the one to sign the signal. They wanted to invite the old man but he was busy manning the wheel so Zhiang just got the first person he got his hands on.

"Hey, Yuna-san!" The mage waved in Yuna's direction as Muzui grinned teasingly at her.

"How cute," Muzui teased.

"Shut up, just ignore him," Yuna snaps while Aster happily waves at her.

On the other side, Zhiang stretched his arms while preparing. He looks at his buddy, "I'm surprised you accepted, you're usually pretty hard to convince." He smiles and chuckles lightly.

"They just seem pretty interesting that's all," was Rashia's reason for choosing to join which Zhiang took in a positive way. She was usually cold and detached, choosing to be lonely rather than talk, which was why Zhiang was happy she joined.

"Let's see if you still have it," he grins.

"Back right at you," Rashia returns the gesture with a small grin of her own as they went into their stances.

Aster began the count down from three until he says, "Go!" That was when the battle started.

Right after they heard the signal, Yuna instantly shot forward headed towards Zhiang as she prepared her fists. She jumps as soon as she was in range and throws a punch, she drew their attention as Zhiang was left smiling as he almost barely noticed Muzui's figure slipping beneath the girl's decoy. Their focus was to disable Zhiang first by throwing a decoy while hiding the real attack which was Muzui.

Their plan was great, hypothetically speaking, but in practice, it was still reckless. It was made more apparent when Yuna was barely able to block the kick from her side as Rashia rushed in to defend her partner. Muzui didn't bother stopping however as he prepared to land a hit only for Zhiang to jerk his head making him miss. Using his tail, Zhiang snagged Muzui's foot causing the young man to lose his footing.

Zhiang throws a jab directly at Muzui's face while he crossed his arms in front of him to block it. The punch stops midway, a ruse to make him guard the wrong place before he received a powerful kick to his midriff sending him toppling over in Yuna's direction.

Muzui coughs violently as his lungs got the air kicked out of them for just a second. He was able to recompose himself and stand back while Yuna stood beside him. This was merely the opening match where they test each other's responses. Zhiang and Rashia's combination attacks were strong, very strong. They were so strong that Muzui and Yuna felt like they could lose any moment but it was also because they were strong, that they challenged them into a fight.

Yuna felt a slight tingling in her stomach as she made an excited face, showing a small composed smile while going into a