The sky enters its golden hour, casting a radiant glow reminiscent of a gradient painting embellished with hues of yellow and peach. Sunbeams permeate the atmosphere, illuminating the world below. As twilight descends, the stars emerge, entwining with the full moon. With the approach of night, a chill fills the air, visible as freezing breath escapes from the mouths of those who speak.

     The ship glides through the ocean, its prow cutting through the undulating waves. The water crashes against the hull, and the bow slices through the current. As the ship ventures further, the horizon melds seamlessly with the sea, and the once-clear boundary becomes a hazy blend of indistinct shades. Above, the sky transforms, gradually darkening—as if preparing to unveil the secrets of the night.

On the upper decks, where billowing sails cast shadows over the ship, the Remaining Podeshire and his companions strode against the brisk wind.

"It's getting darker and colder," Gregory shivered, rubbing his palms together for warmth.

"I know, right? My palms are freezing," Sophia said, rubbing her forearms to ward off the cold. "Can we head back indoors?"

"Sure, let's head back in," Oliver agreed, turning around and walking down the deck. "Come on." As they strolled along the deck railings, Oliver lightly nudged Bethany's arm and whispered into her ear. "So, Bethany, your parents are from Kugi, right?"

"Mhm!" she replied, nodding vigorously with her eyes closed. "They are!"

"Wow. Truly, I am still astonished by that fact," Oliver stated as his eyes wandered around.

"Hehe, but I'll be honest with you. It's my first time going to Kugi," Bethany admitted.

"Yeah, it's a first for all of us," Oliver grinned. "Do you happen to have any relatives there?"

"I do!" Bethany beamed, nodding cheerfully.

Oliver gasped. "That's fascinating! Do you think we'll have the chance to meet them?" he wondered.

"Well, we'll see!" Bethany replied.

"That would be splendid!" Oliver's heart raced with excitement.

"Indeed, it'll be!" Bethany said, beaming a bright smile that stretched from ear to ear.

"Wow," Oliver's breath was momentarily taken away. "You have... I struggle to find the words—"

"One word at a time, Oli," Sophia smirked.

Oliver glanced at Sophia as he scratched his head. "Oh, yeah," Oliver giggled. He then took a deep breath and slowly uttered, "Bethany. You. Have. An. Intriguing. Background."

"Aw, thanks!" Bethany responded, leaping on her toes.

"I'm honestly thrilled to set foot in another nation," Oliver said as they continued their march across the deck.

"We are as well," Sarrah remarked, raising her chin as she smiled.

The group then passed through a door leading inside the ship, and the candlelights atop the chandeliers illuminated their surroundings. They then took a sharp turn and descended the stairs of the lobby.

"Where are we going now?" Sophia asked.

"Let's have dinner already. Then, we can retire to our cabins," Oliver responded, marching down the stairs. "We have a long journey ahead tomorrow once the sun rises."

"Forgive me for my intervention. But it'll take us days to reach Kugi," Gregory whispered to Oliver.

"Oh."

     After days of sailing across the tranquil, waveless ocean, the sun gradually emerged from the horizon, shedding its gentle rays on the wooden ship. Its golden light painted a majestic crown around the vessel, enhancing its serene beauty. As the ship moved forward, the wind began to howl, causing the bow to whistle with the crashing waves. A bell resonated from the crow's nest, its chimes echoing through the air, ringing thrice.

Oliver hurriedly slipped into his vibrant green tailcoat as he hastened through the ship's corridor, with his companions trailing behind him.

"Hey, Oli, wait up!" Gregory called out with a wide grin across his face.

"Did you hear that bell? It's ringing!" Oliver exclaimed, making a sharp turn and ascending the stairs to the ship's lobby. "Could it mean we've arrived in Kugi?"

     Oliver steps through the lobby entrance, emerging onto the boat deck. With a broad smile, he makes his way to the front of the ship. There, he leans forward, placing his hands on the railing with his companions standing beside him.

     In the distance, the island of Kugi stretches across the entire horizon. But, not a soul can be seen walking along the shores or near the deserted dock. Houses stand askew on their foundations, and boats obstruct the roads as carriages lie in ruins. The once majestic palm trees on the beach now stand torn apart, and withering seagrass litter the land.

"It's..." Gregory huffed, struggling to find the words.

Oliver's smile faded, replaced by a worried frown.

"It's..." Edgar's brows furrowed, disbelief filling his voice. "Destroyed..."

Sophia gasped, unable to contain her shock, and covered her mouth with her palms.

Silence engulfed the group as Bethany stood in shock, her eyes fixated on the devastated dock. "Oh..." Bethany whispered as the weight of the scene sank in.

"Beth..." Sarrah gently embraced Bethany, offering comfort. "Don't worry. Everything will be alright."

Gregory turned to Oliver, seeking reassurance. "...Oli?" he glanced at his spouse.

Oliver remained silent, his gaze locked onto the desolate land, his brows slightly furrowed, his mind racing with concern.