Chapter 4

For two-thirds of the journey to the new continent, the wind was just right.

We encountered neither monsters nor storms and made steady progress.

"Our journey is blessed by the gods. Let us give thanks," said the priest, who was also a healer.

The adventurers began to pray. Many adventurers, always on the brink of death, are deeply devout. Even Viktor began to pray. I, as one of the adventurers, joined in with a token prayer.

The scholars watched us with great interest. Perhaps there were no deeply devout scholars in the expedition team.

However, the next day, the wind completely stopped. The ship came to a complete halt. When I asked the climate expert, he said that the calm might last for some time.

Viktor immediately came to me for consultation.

"Mr. Theo, can you make something like a freshwater generator with your crafting skills?"

Viktor must have been prepared to be delayed here for a long time.

"With my crafting skills, it's difficult to make complex things."

If we were to make freshwater, we would need to create a filtration device. However, filtering out dissolved salt from water is challenging. We would need a filtration membrane with holes so fine they are invisible to the naked eye. We would also need a mechanism to apply pressure to the seawater.

After explaining this,

"That would be in the realm of magical artifacts."

"Yes. Even for me, making magical artifacts is not easy. I would need many special materials."

"That's true."

"A non-magical distillation apparatus would be simpler to construct, but it would require fuel."

"We can ask a mage to use a fire spell for the fuel."

"That might work."

"Please, I'll do it."

"Making a large amount of freshwater will be difficult, but it's better than nothing."

Viktor and I began to discuss the specifics of constructing a simple distillation apparatus, such as which materials to use and how large it should be. We had limited space and materials on the ship.

Still, we had no choice. Without freshwater, we would all perish.

As Viktor and I were seriously discussing and drawing up plans,

"Ah! There's something in the sea!"

One of the adventurers on watch screamed.

Viktor and I stopped our discussion and headed over.

"Mr. Viktor! It's that thing. Can you see it? It's strange, right?"

About fifty meters from the starboard side, a large creature was swimming in circles, gradually getting closer.

"...Kerry! Come here, it's a monster."

Viktor called for the monster expert, Kerry. Kerry, who ran over, looked at the monster with a serious expression.

"What is that?"

After observing for a few seconds, Kerry said excitedly,

"The shape is like a hippopotamus found near rivers. But such a large one has never been discovered!"

A hippopotamus is a large, land-dwelling creature, similar in size to a bear, found near rivers. However, the monster before us was not just large; it was as big as our ship. It also had two large horns, which made it somewhat resemble a bull. Its tail was very thick and long, likely used for propulsion.

"Amazing. It's definitely a new species."

Kerry took out a notebook and began sketching. He had a very scholarly attitude, clearly excited by the new discovery.

I could understand Kerry's feelings. We rarely venture into the open sea, so this area is likely a treasure trove of new species. For a monster expert, it's like a paradise.

However, as adventurers, we cannot afford to be so relaxed. We need to protect the ship from the hippopotamus-like monster.

More and more adventurers gathered on the starboard side to see the new species of hippopotamus. If too many gathered, the ship might tip.

"Everyone, it's fine to not gather just yet."

Viktor gave instructions to the adventurers, repositioning them to maintain the ship's weight balance, dividing them into front and rear lines.

"Do not attack until I give the order."

"Understood."

Then, Viktor came to my side.

"Well, what do you think of the behavior of the hippopotamus swimming alongside us, Theo? I hope it's not aggressive. The hippopotamuses we know are quite aggressive."

There are several reasons why the hippopotamus might be swimming near the ship: curiosity, looking for an opportunity to prey, or perceiving us as intruders in its territory.

We need to carefully determine what the hippopotamus wants.

"Kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu-kyu