Chapter 1984 - 2: Setting Sail, Embarking

The immense burden of responsibility weighed heavily on everyone's shoulders, making it hard for the group to breathe.

"Meditation Room check completed—"

"Holy Energy reserves are normal," Tianlan's voice came through the sound transmission tube.

The little girl, who had just been released from confinement, didn't complain. She just let out a long breath and thankfully said, "Fortunately, Sister Atira and I prepared in advance, or it would have been a big problem..."

Fang Hong was sitting at his desk, wearing gloves, flipping through the nautical log and maps before him. In a short period of time, they were already covered with densely marked information.

He picked up the sound transmission tube and said, "Tianlan, don't occupy the channel."

"Oh—"

A voice of grievance came from the other side.

"How do you find this route?" Fang Hong asked, pointing to a line drawn on the map with a pencil.

Hilveld looked at him and nodded gently.

The large map was marked with coordinates, routes, and all possible situations on the way. He was checking each piece of information with Miss Ship's Officer opposite him—even possible supply points, alternative routes, and recent weather conditions along the route.

This was work that Miss Ship's Officer used to complete independently, but since becoming a real captain, he also started learning and mastering these things.

Being a captain is not as simple as just giving orders. On the Continent, every trade route is developed by predecessors and is relatively safe.

When traveling on these trade routes, only past experience needs to be referenced, as well as attention paid to the recent movements of local wildlife and magical creatures. These updates can be found in the regular announcements from the nearby Adventurers' Guild.

But once off the Continent, for a rookie captain, it becomes an unknown domain. Although there are routes over the Sky Sea and experiences from predecessors, compared to the well-explored Continent areas, the Cloud Sea is still an unknown virgin land.

Moreover, this maiden voyage was also an escape journey, which meant they couldn't choose those overly common routes.

Miss Maid walked in, carrying a stack of maps and logs—outside the door, the Big Cat People and Bakins, along with several workers, were gripping the cables, lowering the installed and furled sails from the mast one by one.

"Ade," Hilveld looked in that direction, suddenly gently set down the small astrolabe and compass in her hands, and spoke.

Fang Hong was slightly stunned and looked up at her.

"This time, I caused everyone quite a bit of trouble," said the Ship's Officer softly.

Fang Hong shook his head and held her hand, "It's not your fault, Hilveld."

"But have you ever thought about the Colin People..."

Hilveld stopped midway, suddenly smiled silently, blinked lightly, and said, "Thank you."

Fang Hong's face flushed involuntarily. He changed the topic, "Actually, we're still missing a professional sailor. I was planning to recruit one here, but now it has to be shelved..."

He paused for a moment and quickly added, "Not that there's an issue, it's really not a big deal."

Hilveld's eyes curled even more.

At this moment, more background noise came through the sound transmission tube—

"Cousin, Air Combat Deck check completed, everything is normal—" That's Ai Xiaoxiao's voice.

"The kitchen's open flame is extinguished, and everything is stowed away, our captain," Even in such a situation, Miss Atira's voice remained very calm.

"Anchor, Anchor Room check completed, no issues." Pasha's voice.

"Lower hold check completed." Parker shouted.

"Boiler check completed too; there's a minor issue with one of the pipes, but it's nothing major." Luo Hao also took a deep breath, wiped his sweat, and slumped to the ground.

"Bro, the living cabin has been checked too."

As the last voice came through, a Big Cat Person descended upside-down from the mast and waved to him through the window, "Sails are ready, can be released anytime."

The shipwrights also disembarked one by one, waving to them below: "Mr. Ade, take care along the way!"

Fang Hong stood up from his position, looking at those enthusiastic smiles, momentarily choked up. And at that moment, the shipyard's gate began to slowly open, a ray of sunlight seeped into the dock, shining on the tracks—

A slightly light, solemn voice came through the sound transmission tube.

"Ade, the Magic Power injection count reached the threshold."

"Wind Element generation entering the critical state."

Sunlight beyond the ship lock had completely shone in.

A dazzling light reflected on the bright white sails, capturing everyone's eyes as if the world suddenly brightened. At that moment, Fang Hong gently picked up the Communication Crystal and softly said:

"Open the hooks."

A soft click was heard.

The shipwrights pushed the capstans in unison, the chains sliding upwards segment by segment, pulling the hook that locked the Seven Seas Traveler on the tracks, 'ka' it sprang open, lifted high.

The Airship, released from its lock, slowly moved forward under gravity, along the inclined track, slowly heading out of the shipyard.

"Elisa," Fang Hong felt the movement of the Seven Seas Traveler beneath him, spoke once again: "Bring Gita up."

Miss Nightingale put away the Communication Crystal and turned around. She then took out a small item from her bosom, handing it to the Old Dwarf beside her, who was wiping his tears, looking like an old father watching his daughter go traveling.