Chapter 609: Dive Deep, Marrissa! (2/2)

”Don't worry, I will pass on the message. Travel safely!”

Satisfied, Zero returned to check on Ottley's crew. Almost everything was loaded up. The engines were running, and the shipwrights lowered the Marrissa into the water for the first time.

The heavy ship landed in the water with a splash, and those who were going on a long voyage walked up to the ship without looking back. Zero saw how many sea otters held back tears as they shouted their goodbyes. Bob ran up to his master and hopped onto Zero's shoulder, not wanting to be left behind as Zero climbed up the ladder.

At the top, Truen was waiting with an outstretched hand.

”Come on,” the archer urged. ”We should leave before the tide beaches us in.”

Zero took one last look at the village and climbed that last rung before slipping inside the sinking ship.

Once he was safely inside the vessel, the experienced sea otters quickly closed the heavy door hatch and locked it. Ottley was the commanding captain of the Marrissa, and Zero watched as the sea otters dashed to rev the engine.

”Prepare to dive!” Ottley shouted as he took hold of the steering, peering into what looked like an inverted telescope.

Zero didn't know how different operating the Marrissa was from an ordinary ship, but everything looked so crammed in this enclosed space. Truen pulled Zero along to show him their shared quarters. It was better to settle Zero in before he felt the need to offer assistance. The sea otters were busy enough, and the last thing anyone needed was for Zero to accidentally hit a lever that he wasn't supposed to touch.

There was very little to unpack on Zero and Truen's end. However, they stayed in the room for a long time, feeling seasick as the sinking ship started moving. The initial phase was very rough as the ship battled against the current. The engine groaned but held its own against the force of mother nature.

It took the sea otters almost twenty minutes to hit the calmer waters, and when it finally did, Zero started to feel the familiar bubble pressure in his ear.

”Good work, lads! We're officially diving fifty meters down under. The pressure is steady, and all systems are functioning well. You may now resume normal activities on stage two standby. Teams four and six on duty. Everyone else at ease.”

When Ottley ended the announcement, Zero and Truen decided to explore the rest of the Marrissa, and Bob tagged along.