Drift Of The Multiverse: [Marvel] [Resident Evil] [DC] [Bleach] [DB]

Ethan's words were pure emotion and complaints. He hadn't expected that several people seated nearby would nod in agreement.

"Yeah, how could anyone think those two routes aren't a death sentence?"

"I know my limits. I lack both the skill and the courage. I've lived honestly in this sea, and as long as I can make it past fifty, I'm more than satisfied."

"Fifty? Young man, when you reach my age, your biggest wish won't be to live past fifty, it'll be to die of old age rather than perish at sea."

"I won't wait until I'm fifty. When I hit my forties, I'll definitely attempt those two routes. If I die, then I die at sea."

"Yeah, I feel the same way."

"Having a goal is a good thing. It gives you motivation to keep pushing forward."

The murmurs of conversation continued, blending into the background. Ethan hadn't realized how much attention their discussion had drawn. But it made sense, this was a public place, and Brent was somewhat of a celebrity. Many adventurers knew him.

Seeing Brent talking to a young man, most people couldn't suppress their curiosity. Brent hadn't lowered his voice, so those around them had overheard everything.

Some of these adventurers were familiar with the route, while others weren't. Regardless, no one interrupted. They likely assumed Brent was mentoring another newcomer.

This small episode made Ethan realize that most adventurers here had no intention of challenging those two routes. Many were content with the status quo—even those still in their prime.

He scanned the room before turning his gaze back to Brent.

Now, Ethan gradually understood why Brent cared so much about mentoring newcomers. These fresh adventurers, still full of ambition and drive, were different. As long as they developed quickly, they would see conquering the Sea of Storms as their ultimate goal, rather than just drifting through life.

Though Brent had a significant reputation and could rally many adventurers if he wished, he wasn't interested in forcing people into danger. Could adventurers who had lost their will to fight truly be relied upon in times of crisis?

Besides, many of them understood their own limits, they knew they weren't strong enough to cross those routes. If Brent were to force them aboard his warship and drag them into the challenge, he would be seen as a schemer, not a leader.

Looking at him now, it was clear, Brent didn't want that. He genuinely hoped that every adventurer who attempted the route could survive and successfully pass through the Sea of Storms.

"Those two routes aren't easy," Brent said. "There are countless obstacles, and even I haven't reached the end."

Through years of attempts and exploration, adventurers had roughly divided each route into three sections.

The first section began at a sharp turn and ended about one-third of the way in. The middle section covered the next third, and the final stretch made up the last part of the journey.

This division wasn't arbitrary.

The first section was relatively manageable. The waves were rough, and the weather changed frequently, but each climate shift followed a long cycle, providing enough time to adapt. Floating and sinking islands were rare, but they still existed, and the island pointers functioned normally. Though the creatures on the islands were dangerous, well-equipped adventurers could handle them.

The middle section was far more treacherous. The weather became violent and unpredictable, with climate changes occurring rapidly and in shorter cycles. Island pointers began to malfunction. Finding islands for resupply became increasingly difficult, and the creatures there grew more formidable—many of them no longer confined to land.

The final section was the deadliest. Island pointers were completely useless. Finding an island for supplies was purely a matter of luck. At the same time, vicious and powerful monsters lurked everywhere, posing a constant threat to adventurers. Some even referred to this area as the "Monster Hunting Grounds"—not because adventurers hunted monsters, but because they were the prey.

Of course, this division wasn't absolute. The dangers didn't suddenly shift the moment one stepped into a new section. The changes were gradual, evolving over time.

And the monsters didn't stay confined to their respective areas. There had even been cases where creatures from the final section roamed into the first. One such incident nearly turned into a catastrophe, but at the time, a powerful adventurer had rallied everyone to slay the beast before it could escape into safer waters.

When Brent spoke about this, his expression darkened. His tone carried a weight of sorrow, as if the story's ending wasn't a triumphant victory, but a tragedy.

"The adventurers who participated in that battle…"

"Most of them died," Brent said, shaking his head regretfully. "Even the one who led them."

That adventurer had reached the final section of the route, and many believed he was the most likely to make it through the Sea of Storms. But when he discovered the monster was moving toward the earlier sections, he turned back without hesitation. He rallied the strongest fighters on the route to intercept it, and in the end, they succeeded.

The monster was slain before it could breach the route.

Brent fell silent for a long time, lost in memory.

"At that time, I had just started attempting that route, and I happened to be caught up in that battle." Brent shook his head helplessly. "I was too weak back then. I could only watch from afar, I wasn't even qualified to get close… And because of that, weaklings like me were the ones who survived."

Ethan suddenly understood why Brent was so determined to unite everyone's strength. Perhaps this incident had left a deep impression on him. No matter how powerful an individual was, they alone couldn't make a difference against a monster of that scale. Only by banding together could they hope to overcome such challenges.

Brent's personality also played a role. If he were someone more scheming and manipulative, he might have devised countless conspiracies to carve a path for himself.

"So that's how it is."

Ethan's hand, which had been slowly turning his cup, finally stopped.

"Although I still don't fully agree with some of your ideas and actions, I'm starting to understand why you do what you do."

Brent smiled again and nodded at Ethan. Being understood, even if only partially, was always a gratifying feeling.

"As long as you understand." Brent glanced at the sky, now tinged with dusk, and took the initiative to bid farewell. "It's getting late. I should head back."

"I'm going back too." Ethan stood up and thanked Brent once again. No matter what, the detailed information he had gained today was thanks to Brent—a favor he had to acknowledge. "If you ever need anything, you can leave me a message through the guild."

Most of the time, it was Brent who said these words when parting with others. But this time, Ethan had said it first, catching him off guard. He hesitated briefly before smiling and nodding. "I will. You can message me as well if you need help."

Watching Brent walk away, Ethan turned and headed back to the inn where he was staying.

He had learned a lot from Brent today. Most importantly, he was no longer completely ignorant about those two routes. Now, he could start considering whether to head there after his ship's maintenance was complete.

He didn't have a concrete goal in this world yet. If he had to name one, it was simply to keep advancing to a 'higher level.' In that case, the Sea of Storms was undoubtedly a challenge he would have to face.

"If I make it through the Sea of Storms, what kind of sea lies beyond?"

It was too early to think about that now. First, he had to decide which of the two routes to take.

Brent had provided him with comprehensive information, including personal experiences and an overview of both routes.

In general, there wasn't much difference between the two routes—their difficulties were roughly the same, and neither was easier than the other.

Though both routes were fraught with danger, they also promised greater rewards. While the number of floating and sinking islands decreased, the resources found on them increased significantly.

If, in the Sea of Calm, one could still find islands with few resources, then on these routes, every island had something valuable.

Better wood, rarer ores, high-quality magic stones, resources essential for survival in this world could be found on the islands along these routes.

That was why, despite the dangers, the early sections of these routes still saw considerable adventurer activity. Even those who planned to spend their whole lives in this region of the sea would venture into the early sections to gather resources.

"What really separates the adventurers here is the middle section of the route."

Those like Brent—who were determined to conquer the Sea of Storms—frequently ventured into the middle section. They did so to familiarize their crew with the treacherous conditions, sharpen their skills, and continuously test their ships.

To navigate harsher seas, a better vessel was essential. In that sense, Ethan's desire to upgrade the Goddess of Dawn was entirely justified. Even if he didn't fully grasp the necessity now, the further he went, the more the environment would force him to make that choice.

A few days later, when Ethan took the Goddess of Dawn into the shipyard for maintenance, he saw several heavily modified ships. Among them were several metal-plated 'ironclad ships.'

All of it told him one thing, his current Goddess of Dawn was no longer enough to support his ambitions.

"I said before that I'd take good care of the Goddess of Dawn… But is this a sign that I'll need to get a new ship again?"

(To be continued.)

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