"Buawhh!!"
The loud sound of vomiting echoed through the salty sea air. I took a step back, watching as the woman slumped against the ship's railing, utterly drained. Her curly black hair stuck to her damp face, and red splotches dotted her cheeks.
She slowly lifted her head, her eyes heavy with exhaustion.
"Help... me..." she croaked.
I stared at her in silence. If I left her like this, would she even survive?
She took a deep breath—
"Buawhh!!"
I let out a long sigh. Damn it.
Stepping closer, I pulled a water bottle from my belt and handed it to her.
"Drink this."
Without hesitation, she snatched it and drank greedily.
"Ahhh..." she exhaled in relief.
But only seconds later—
"Buawhh!!"
I pinched the bridge of my nose, closing my eyes briefly. Just how much does she have left to throw up?
Raising my voice slightly, I instructed, "Drink slowly. And sit down."
She obeyed, crossing her legs on the deck and taking deep, steady breaths.
"What's your name?" I asked, hoping to distract her.
"Nadja." Her voice was weak, but at least she wasn't vomiting anymore. "And you?"
"Nao."
She raised an eyebrow. "You used to sailing?"
I shook my head. "No. This is my first time."
Her eyes widened. "Liar! This is my first time too, and I feel like I'm dying, yet you look completely fine?"
I simply shrugged.
"Where are you headed?" I asked.
"Lexicon town," she answered.
I frowned. Lexicon town? Never heard of it.
Nadja scoffed. "Are you serious? The first king named it himself. It's been around for centuries."
I still didn't see why that mattered.
"Do you know the Academy of Sandy?" she asked next.
"Yeah," I nodded. "That's where I'm headed."
Nadja smirked. "That academy is in Lexicon town."
I froze. Wait. So the academy is actually inside a major trade hub? No wonder it's so important.
"Nao, how old are you?"
"Seventeen."
Her eyes widened even more. "Seventeen?! Why are you only joining the academy now?" She looked at me like I was some kind of freak. "I'm only thirteen, and I've wanted to enroll for ages! You act like it's no big deal!"
I sighed. "What's so great about it?"
Her expression shifted.
"For people like us—commoners—it's the only way to earn a title, a rank, status, and a name." Her voice carried a quiet longing.
I stared out at the sea, considering her words.
So that's why people fight so hard to get in. But to me, the academy was nothing more than a chain—one that would shackle me down.
"I'm not interested."
I stood up, turning away from her. Nadja stared at me, confusion in her eyes.
Damn. If I go to that academy, my freedom is as good as gone.
I returned to my cabin and collapsed onto the soft bed. My mind raced, searching for an alternative. There had to be another way.
Is it like this? No.
Or maybe like that? No.
...
Tum!
Like a lightbulb flickering to life, the idea struck me.
My heartbeat quickened. A slow smile crept onto my lips. This might actually work.
I closed my eyes, listening to the waves and the distant chatter of the crew outside.
That night, I fell asleep with a single purpose—to put my plan into motion.
---
I(Nadja) walked toward the ship's cargo hold, still feeling a bit queasy after talking to that weird guy. Nao, huh? Strange as he was… he was kind of handsome.
I exhaled, trying to shake off the lingering nausea.
Tap!
A soft thud came from inside the hold.
I stopped in front of the wooden doors.
What was that?
Slowly, I pushed them open.
Creak!
Before I could react, a strong hand yanked me inside.
Zap!
A cloth covered my mouth. I tried to struggle—
Arghhh—!!