Preparations for the Voyage


    The Log Horizon guild hall was unusually lively as preparations for the deep-sea fishing expedition were well underway. Naotsugu had taken charge of gathering supplies, enthusiastically stacking barrels of preserved food and water near the entrance. Tohya and Isuzu helped check the ropes, nets, and fishing gear while Minori carefully reviewed their provisions to ensure they weren’t overpacking.


    Shiroe sat at the long wooden table, a map of the Crescent Archipelago spread before him. His fingers traced the routes carefully. “The Marine Guild has agreed to lend us a ship, but we’ll need to clear out some sea monsters along the way,” he said, adjusting his glasses.


    Naotsugu grinned. “A little monster-hunting never hurt anyone. Besides, we need to earn our keep.”


    Akatsuki, who had been sharpening her kunai, gave a slight nod. “The sea holds many unknown dangers. We should remain vigilant.”


    Isuzu excitedly clapped her hands together. “I wonder if we’ll get to see any mermaids! Oh, or maybe sea serpents! It’d be like a real adventure novel.”


    Minori sighed. “Let’s just focus on making sure we don’t run into any unnecessary trouble.”


    With all their preparations complete, the guild made their way to the docks, where their ship awaited—a sturdy, medium-sized vessel designed for both transport and combat. Several members of the Marine Guild stood ready to assist in setting sail.


    “Welcome aboard mateys!,” said Captain Regan, a grizzled adventurer with a salt-and-pepper beard and a pirate hat. “Ye'' be taking the Stormchaser. She’s a fast and sturdy girl, but don’t get careless. The sea is an unpredictable beast.”


    Shiroe nodded. “We understand. We’ll follow your lead.”


    With the final supplies loaded, the crew cast off from the docks, and the Stormchaser began its journey toward the Crescent Archipelago.


    The ship cut through the open sea, the salty breeze filling the sails. The waters were calm, with only gentle waves lapping against the hull. It was a peaceful voyage—for now.


    Naotsugu leaned against the railing, watching the horizon. “Man, this is so nice. No city noise, no land-bound monsters trying to eat us. Just the sea.”


    “Don’t jinx it,” Minori warned, double-checking their gear. “The last thing we need is a storm or an unexpected enemy attack.”


    Akatsuki stood up near the mast, keeping a keen eye on the surroundings. “Something feels… off,” she murmured.


    Shiroe frowned. “Explain.”


    She shook her head. “It’s just a feeling.”


    Suddenly, the ship’s lookout shouted from above. “Unidentified movement in the water! Port side!”


    Everyone rushed to the edge, peering into the depths. Dark shapes moved beneath the waves, circling the ship.


    “Monsters already?” Tohya said, gripping his sword hilt. “That was fast.”


    Shiroe narrowed his eyes and pushed up his spectacles. “Everyone, get ready. This might be rough.”


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    As the first creature broke the surface—a massive, kraken with glowing yellow eyes and mottled grey skin—the peaceful voyage turned into a battle for survival. Above its head showed its legendary Name and title, lightning crashed around it from the result of a boss-spawn effect.


    [Marethak The Defiler]


    The deep sea churned violently as the massive tentacle crashed into the water, sending waves high enough to rock the deck of the adventurers’ ship. Shiroe gritted his teeth as the party scrambled to hold their footing. The sea monster, a kraken-like behemoth with glowing eyes and razor-lined suckers, let out a deafening roar that vibrated through the very air.


    Naotsugu slammed his shield into the nearest tentacle, his armor gleaming under the dim moonlight. “I really hope someone’s got a plan, ‘cause I’d rather not be seafood tonight!”


    Akatsuki landed lightly beside him, already in motion before he could react. “We take it down before it takes us down,” she said firmly, her short blade flashing as she slashed through a writhing tendril. With a swift leap, she kicked off the mast with a flip, using the force to propel herself toward the kraken’s face, aiming for its exposed glowing eyes.


    Shiroe adjusted his glasses, mind racing. The kraken’s health had barely dropped below seventy percent. “We need a coordinated strike. Akatsuki, keep targeting the eyes. Naotsugu, keep its focus on you.”


    Nyanta, perched on a rigging line, smirked. “Aye, aye, Cap’n~” With a fluid motion, he leapt, his rapier flashing as it sliced into the beast’s thick hide, leaving a deep, shimmering wound.


    The kraken reeled angrily, tentacles flailing, knocking a few adventurers off their feet. Minori quickly raised her staff. “Healing Light!” A warm glow enveloped the fallen members, mending their injuries just as the beast roared in anger.


    Akatsuki landed lightly back on deck, panting. “Shiroe-dono, its reflexes are fast. But if we coordinate our attacks…”


    Shiroe nodded, already forming a strategy. “Now’s our chance! Akatsuki, strike just before I bind it.”


    Without hesitation, Akatsuki leapt again, dashing through the air like a shadow. Shiroe raised his staff, incanting a powerful binding spell. “Thorn Bind Hostage!”


    Ethereal vines erupted from the ocean floor, latching onto the kraken’s form, constraining its movements just enough for an all-out assault.


    The kraken shrieked, its thrashing intensifying as it fought against the magical restraints. Tentacles slammed against the deck, splintering wood and sending adventurers sprawling. Water surged over the rails, drenching the combatants as the stormy winds and rain howled around them.


    “Watch out! It’s trying to break free!” Minori shouted, gripping her staff tightly. The magical vines trembled under the strain, some already beginning to snap.


    The kraken suddenly twisted, its massive body dragging the ship sideways with an ear-splitting groan of wood. A large wave crashed over the deck, sweeping several adventurers toward the edge. Naotsugu dug his shield into the floor, anchoring himself as he reached out. “Gotcha!” He caught a struggling sorcerer just before they tumbled overboard.


    Akatsuki, moving as fast as lightning, sprinted up the mast before launching herself directly onto the kraken’s head. Her twin daggers gleamed as she struck the beast’s largest eye, a vicious slash that sent dark, inky blood spraying across the deck.


    The kraken shrieked, momentarily stunned. “Now! Hit it with everything you’ve got!” Shiroe commanded.


    Nyanta’s rapier blurred as he danced nimbly across the writhing tentacles, his strikes swift, precise and devastating. The kraken, in a desperate last attempt, raised several of its largest tentacles and slammed them toward the ship, intending to crush it entirely.


    “Not today!” Naotsugu bellowed, leaping into the air. His large shield met the descending tentacle with a mighty crash, sending shockwaves through the battlefield.


    Minori, sweat beading on her forehead, cast another barrier spell. “Divine Protection!” A golden light flared up, shielding the ship from further impact.


    Shiroe clenched his fist. “This is it… Finish it!”


    With a roar, Naotsugu led the charge, his shield bashing into the kraken’s core with an earth-shaking impact. Akatsuki’s final strike pierced through its central eye, and with a last, tortured wail, the creature collapsed into the sea, its body dissolving into fragments of light. Silence fell over the ship. Then, cheers erupted from the crew. The battle was over.


    Shiroe let out a breath, removing his glasses momentarily to rub his temples. “That… was close.”


    Naotsugu laughed, clapping a hand on Shiroe’s back. “And you were worried! Classic Shiroe.”