Endless Ocean: Survival Begins with a Dugout Canoe-Chapter 119 - 117: The 7 Awakened of the Fontainebleau
While Shi Ming was getting his first glimpse of the Deep Sea Titan and obtaining valuable intelligence, the Fontainebleau, sailing far away near the Twelve Stars, was also making its final pre-battle preparations.
Aboard the Fontainebleau, Yize stood at the bow.
The training session was over, and she had come to the deck for some air. During a recent collaborative exercise, the combat techniques of the veteran members had greatly inspired her, and they also made this young genius realize her own inexperience and shortcomings in battle.
This was a good thing.
Her teacher, Wright, walked over.
"What are you thinking about, Yize?"
"Teacher."
Yize nodded at Wright in acknowledgment.
Her golden hair whipped about wildly in the sea breeze.
Ever since a medicine made from the blood of various B-rank sea beasts had corrected the bestial flaw from her Awakening, she had stopped wearing red clothes and red gloves. She now dressed more like a charming young lady, having inherited the elegance and romance of France.
"Teacher, I’ve never seen a real S-rank sea beast. Tell me, how big is the difference between an S-rank and an A-rank sea beast, really?"
Yize gazed at the distant sky.
The smile on Wright’s face faded, and his expression grew slightly serious.
"It’s huge, Yize. No matter which S-rank sea beast you face, you must never let your guard down. The reason they’re classified as S-rank isn’t just the power of their abilities, but the fact that, in a sense, they have transcended the category of ’beast.’ The stronger ones even possess what is known in legends as divinity."
"Divinity?"
Yize was puzzled.
"Yes. Of course, this divinity isn’t ’god’ as it’s traditionally defined. It’s a term for a much stronger power—a sublimation of a bestial or human nature."
"A higher level of power?"
"You could put it that way. Remain cautious, but don’t be overly timid. Humanity has slain many S-rank sea beasts. Behind every S-rank Awakened today lies the fall of an S-rank sea beast. Take the Twelve Stars, for example; they have records of slaying at least four S-rank sea beasts. Even though they’re powerful, they can be killed."
Yize was lost in thought.
’True, S-rank sea beasts are powerful, but humanity has always coveted their power to make it its own. And there have been many successful precedents.’
’Mr. Lei is the best example.’
’He has mastered the S-rank Awakening Skill, [Endless Purple Thunder]. When he activates it, he can become lightning itself to unleash an incredibly destructive attack, or he can imbue his weapon with the purple lightning, using Thunder Power to launch unbelievable strikes.’
’Right now, Mr. Lei is disguised as an A-rank Awakened, serving as the team’s powerful trump card.’
"Yize, you don’t need to put so much pressure on yourself. You’re still very young, and you have a lot of room to grow when it comes to combat experience. Slaying an S-rank sea beast is still too far out of reach for you. It would be better to stay with the Twelve Stars and wait for news of our victory..."
"No, Teacher. I’m an A-rank Awakened now, too."
Yize lifted her head.
"I stopped being a little girl who needs protection a long time ago."
...
All seven members of Wright’s team were poised for action.
「The Training Room」
RUMBLE!
The simulation training equipment fired off a volley of lasers, shooting toward a man in the training field at speeds difficult for the naked eye to perceive. The man’s figure, however, moved like lightning, his reflexes exceptionally agile. Relying on sheer brainpower, he rapidly calculated the interval and frequency of each laser, dodging every single attack.
He earned a round of thunderous applause.
"Incredible!"
"Mr. Lei’s agility is truly in a class of its own! As expected of a top-tier A-rank Awakened. A reaction speed like that puts the rest of us to shame!"
A hearty laugh echoed through the training room.
Iruka, a dark-skinned warrior from the Black Gold Country with his hair in dreadlocks, offered his praise generously.
"Indeed. Aside from Mr. Wright, Mr. Lei is without a doubt the most powerful person on our team."
Reyno, the handsome, cheerful warrior from the Twelve Stars, chimed in with a smile. "Though we’re all A-rank Awakened, there are still stronger and weaker among us. Someone like Mr. Lei is arguably the number one person below S-rank. What’s that saying again? A person who truly stands at the top of the golden tower."
"It’s a pyramid," Iruka corrected him.
Lei walked out of the training arena, not responding to the team members’ praise.
He was very clear about his role: an outside expert brought in to hold the line. Besides providing necessary firepower, he also had to stop other opportunists from trying to pull a fast one.
This hunt truly depended on Wright’s "secret treasure."
A secret treasure ranked on the List of Marvels.
’If it weren’t for that secret treasure holding things down, as a high-and-mighty S-rank Awakened, I would never have agreed to hunt a real S-rank sea beast with this mob. To say nothing of having to constantly smear Tear of the Earth Sea powder on myself to change my appearance and pose as an A-rank Awakened!’
’It’s utterly beneath me!’
"Hahaha, Mr. Lei is a man of few words; everyone’s used to it by now. But Mr. Iwami, why are you so silent today? Your Vortex Country’s Swordsmanship is astonishingly brilliant—I’ve always been a great admirer! That spirit, utterly fearless in the face of death, is truly indomitable!"
"Mr. Iruka, you flatter me. It is the Wright family’s combat techniques that have truly opened my eyes; I’ve benefited greatly! I would be satisfied even if I received no payment for this trip!"
"Hahahahaha, Mr. Iwami has the humility so characteristic of the Vortex People!"
Reyno praised him on the surface, but scoffed inwardly.
’So fake!’
But at that moment, Iwami was indeed feeling quite dejected.
For the longest time, his status in the Vortex Country had been that of a man above other men.
The Black Society revered strength, and as one of only three A-rank Awakened within it, he had both power and authority, enjoying the reverence and adoration of all.
After Demon Sword died, his status rose to an even higher level.
When his superior entrusted him with this secret mission, his first reaction was pleasant surprise.
His Iwami Swordsmanship was exquisite, yet he’d never had the chance to fight an S-rank sea beast. The Vortex Country had previously scouted one, but that beast specialized in poison attacks that ordinary Awakened couldn’t get near, much to his regret. Now, he finally had an opportunity to get his wish, with a non-trivial probability of swooping in to claim the prize and become a true S-rank Awakened himself!
But after sparring with the Awakened from other regions over the past few days, he was forced to realize that no matter how good you are, there is always someone better.
Forget comparing himself to S-rank Awakened; he wasn’t even the strongest on this seven-man team.
’Mr. Lei’s speed is absurd. His punches are accompanied by a Thunderous Roar, and their power is terrifying!’
’That man from the Black Gold Country acts so nonchalant, but his Spiritual Power is extremely strong. A single careless glance into his eyes can break down one’s mental defenses; it’s impossible to guard against.’
’That old gentleman is as vigorous as ever, and his healing arts are ridiculously potent. He’s the team’s reliable support.’
’My own strength is probably in the lower-middle tier, only slightly stronger than the girl and the young brat from the Twelve Stars.’
’Sigh!’ 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦
’It seems that to complete the mission, I’ll have to resort to the extreme measures Yan Dao Lin told me to use.’
