Chapter 122 - Pseudo Bloodlines (1/2)
After taking their leave from Ho Ri-Na and Ho Yeon-Hong, Hei and Lian rented two rooms at the harbor tavern. Considering that the tavern was the meeting place for those who traveled in the ocean, Steam City's taverna was even three times larger than those cities with large ports.
Ho Ri-Na knew that having an entertainment place was ideal for decreasing the dissatisfaction rate, so she spared no expense in building her city's tavern. Likewise, other entertainment facilities such as brothels were equally well cared for and owned large buildings.
”Master Hei, I spoke to various carpenters in the area. In particular, I have found one that has great experience in dealing with artifact ships. I made him look at the ship, and he says the damage isn't serious. The price is more than affordable, and he says he will give us an additional discount as we arrived together with the spirit soldier Sok Yeong-Gi.” Sitting on a table in the large tavern, Old Tohyon made a report regarding the ship's condition.
”Excellent, before proceeding, however, ask him if it is possible to modify the structure of the ship, I would like to strengthen it. Also, ask him if we can also improve the propulsion system and consider whether it is possible to bring further effects to the formation engraved on the ship.” Hei gave orders as if he was talking about simple repairs.
Hearing what he asked for, Old Tohyon stood with his mouth wide open. It took a few seconds before he could reply, ”Excuse me if I allow myself, Master Hei, but such changes to the ship are expensive. The artifact ship has made an excellent performance so far, how come this sudden change?”
”In truth, it was already something I had thought about. Only there was no occasion before, not to mention, as you said, the ship artifact has performed well so far. However, the fight against the whale has been too passive. We can't just rely on the propulsion system, and I can't waste my spirit power on blocking attacks. We must have at least one more card to rely on. It doesn't have to be an attack mechanism; I just need to have installed a shield mechanism. The price isn't a problem. I have enough resources to absorb the costs.”
The fight against the whale had been really tough for them. Their salvation had been the artifact ship; without that, Hei and the others would have had no hope. But as he said, he absolutely had to upgrade it. If he were to clash with spirit soldiers and second-level spirit beasts, he had to be able to fight without too many worries of being hit.
Old Tohyon understood what Hei meant and nodded, ”I will do my best to resolve this issue. Don't worry.”
”Thanks, Old Tohyon. I bet you will be tired after all these events. I reserved a whole room for you, get some rest. Aside from what I asked you, you are free to do what you want. But the sooner we solve the ship's issue, the better. I don't know when Ho Ri-Na will summon us, and when this happens, it is likely to be for the decisive battle against Hong Shin.”
Upon hearing the words 'decisive battle', Old Tohyon swallowed nervously. Although he was an experienced seafarer, it was the first time he would participate in such a big conflict - the dispute between two of the Four Pirate Generals, the greatest exponents of piracy in the Forgotten Ocean.
Old Tohyon took advantage of Hei's permission to go to bed. Indeed, even though his body was still full of energy, his mind was beginning to ache. As he was too nervous, he stayed awake most nights to steer the artifact ship in case there were other sudden attacks.
Left alone, Hei and Lian ordered large quantities of food to be brought to their room. Ye and Xing had stayed over, playing, since they weren't interested in hearing about the artifact ship's issues. However, it was inevitable that they would soon be hungry.
The day passed, therefore rather calm, resting almost the whole day in their room. Hei decided it was better to wait until tomorrow to scour the city. If Ho Yeon-Hong had guided them as she said, it was certainly more efficient than wandering at random. He had several things to do and wanted to see what the city, governed by one of the four Pirate Generals, had to offer.
*
The next day, as she said, Ho Yeon-Hong came knocking on their door. Regarding how she knew the number of their room, it wasn't at all something so surprising. It was the city of Ho Ri-Na. It was, therefore, right to assume that she had eyes and ears on everything that happened in her territory, and nothing escaped her supervision.
”Hei, Lian. Good morning. I talked to her big sister, and she said that I could guide you. If you come downstairs, I've already had a breakfast table set up.” Ho Ri-Na said softly to the two.
From her relaxed and serene expression, it was clear that the conversation with her sister Ho Ri-Na had gone well, and she hadn't been punished for her unannounced escape and for hiding without leaving messages to reassure she was okay.
”We'll get there right away,” Hei replied briefly. Beside him, Lian was setting up the double bed on which the two of them had slept together with Ye and Xing.
When Ho Yeon-Hong shifted her eyes and noticed that detail, her serene expression had a strange change, but it was only for a moment. Quickly, she replied, ”I'll wait for you below,” and went downstairs again. Hei paid no attention to it and took his little sisters in his arms. Only Lian noticed Ho Yeon-Hong's change.
On the ground floor, a large table had been set up with dishes and drinks of all kinds. Although it was genuinely abundant as a breakfast meal, Ho Yeon-Hong had learned that Hei and his spirit beasts ate a lot. Even Lian, who didn't give such an impression, ate two or three times the amount of what Ho Yeon-Hong usually ate.
”Don't worry about the meal. I am the one who invited you. Think of it as a thank you for saving my life.” Ho Yeon-Hong bowed deeply. Her words were sincere.
”You don't need to thank us. It was our mission, after all. Thanks anyway for the meal.” Hei thanked her briefly as he put Ye and Xing down, leaving them free to eat finally.