Harlin's boat cut through the water with surprising speed for its age, the weathered hull responding to each wave like it had memorized the sea's patterns over decades of use. Adom sat near the stern, one hand on his pack, watching as the old sailor consulted a compass that had started behaving oddly over the last hour."Damn thing," Harlin muttered, tapping the glass face of the instrument. The needle spun lazily, paused pointing southwest, then continued its rotation. "That's how you know we're getting close."Adom nodded. He'd been expecting this. "The mana interference.""Exactly." Harlin put the useless compass away. "Don't need it anyway. I know these waters by feel."They'd been traveling for nearly six hours. Adom had managed to sleep for five of them, his [Primordial Body] instantly shifting into recovery mode the moment he'd decided to rest.Harlin throttled back the engine until they were barely moving forward. "This is as far as we go, boy."Adom stood, stretching his limbs. His muscles felt perfect—no stiffness, no fatigue, just pure readiness. "You're sure we're halfway?""Sure as death and taxes." Harlin pointed toward the horizon where a hazy outline was just barely visible. "That's the edge of the Highlands. Another three, maybe four hours by boat, but my girl's not built for what comes next.""What comes next?""The currents change. Water gets thick, like you're sailing through honey. Then come the random whirlpools. After that..." Harlin made a popping sound with his lips. "Floating rocks. Fog that burns your lungs. All manner of unpleasantness.""Sounds charming.""Doesn't it just." Harlin chuckled. "You sure about this, Ghost? No shame in turning back."Adom checked his pack straps one final time. "I'm sure. I'll meet you back at this spot in five days. Say, midday?""I'll be here." Harlin tilted his head. "Though I admit I'm curious how you plan to—" (...)