The heat radiated like the flames of a roaring fire. People wrapped themselves in protective clothing to shield their eyes from the burning light that scorches the skin. My eyes caught sight of the ship bound for Rome. When I paid for the voyage across the endless current of water, the unending expanse of the sea, I wondered at its vastness.

Here, people's clothing signaled their status. Some wore garments with silver buttons, stitched from high-priced fabric. On the upper decks were the children of merchants and those with connections or royal blood. They possessed the power to sink a nation, armed with their authority and natural resources.

Below deck were those whose legs had given way from endless labor, just to feed their offspring or simply to survive, so that hunger would not claim them.

I strapped my sword by my side, the wood and the steam of the rain filling my senses, and my eyelashes felt wide open. Many said that the Sea of Serbes was known for its mineral wealth, housing rich fisheries. That's what they knew, but this body of water was steeped in mystery and fear.

This is the link between Europe and Asian traders. Europe is known as the most prosperous civilization in all parts of the world, filled with books written by people blessed with the talents of the gods.

On the night of June 3rd, I heard a cry from the first deck of the ship. When I looked out, there were three battalions of Greek warships. Swords and shields at the ready, their eyes filled with intent and desire.

I bit my gums and gripped my sword, which was two feet wide. The Greeks launched their artillery, a sharp-tipped log. It destroyed the entrance, allowing them to board. No one was left alive on the lower deck.

The roar of a lion filled the air, my leap filled with hesitation. My weapon sliced through their bodies, adding blood to the growing pool. Thirty soldiers ran like mad dogs.

Their swords wounded me, leaving scars on my body. I slammed my sword on the deck, sending them flying like kites. Water exploded around me as my weapon cut through the air.

"Can you still stand? There's no hope for those wounds. Tell me... do these people, dressed in such finery, even matter? Since birth, we've been trained to kill, to become rulers and respected figures in society. Why protect them when their happiness is fleeting?" he asked, his words like the rhythm of killing, a song that accompanies the spiritual.

Their hands trembled, their breath caught, and fear became their god.

"Let's say they are like weak rabbits released into the deep forest. As soft as pillows, their physical strength is just as fragile. You can't compare morality with passing judgment. Those who banish are the same ones who leave others in oblivion."

"What kind of cryptic words are you speaking? A pirate who kills for gold and silver! Don't start moral arguments with me when you've long sailed these waters in inhumane ways!" he shouted.

"Yes, you're right... people protect what they believe is right, because that's how they were raised and how they live. That's the seed that grew me, and when it ripened, I was born. But... we're no different. The only difference is that I'm not heartless like you. You live for war. Tell me... why were you even born? Why didn't you just die in your mother's womb, General Don Fidel the Dwarf?"

"Take back what you said now! If not, I'll have you hanged and make your head an ornament on a bamboo pole!" he warned, his voice filled with authority.

"Is that so? The question is... if you want, come and see. I'm just a traveler, but I possess the strength of a giant."

"Very well... Soldiers, leave no one alive! Bring his corpse as a gift to their king!" They charged toward me.

As they leaped, they struck my right eye, blinding me for life. My scream echoed as the ship sank, and the end seemed to become a reality. When I arrived, I carried the death of those aboard the ship. In every memory, in the coffee, in every dip of bread, my emotions overflowed with tears.

And when you look at it, you'll see that you yourself led you into the darkness by holding onto the rope. As they drifted away slowly on their raft, it was as if they could no longer even discern their shapes. The ship's hull sank into the earth, like dirt being washed away from the skin, and the blood's stench faded.

When I opened my eyes, I found myself on an island. I looked back and saw the wrecked ship. As I approached the truth, I fell to my knees. This place was not on any known expedition map.

Now, the island was mine to explore, to uncover its secrets. The world holds many things that can be seen, but only those with strength can conquer the monsters... fear.