Emotionless Swordsmanship Genius

Episode 80: Heading to Kolima (1)

Late afternoon.

Returning to Wattsbell, they found the city in full celebration, just as the old man had said.

The first to greet Karon’s group was Sylbella, who updated them on the events of the day.

First, the city had been informed that the Fogus gang had been completely wiped out.

The captured Fogus officers were made to confess, revealing a web of corrupt dealings involving Imperial soldiers and officials, all of whom had been apprehended. Most of the collaborators had been in the navy, so Imperial soldiers stationed at the bank were temporarily assigned to naval duties.

That morning, the city had been in chaos as those involved were escorted to the military outpost for questioning, forming a long procession down the streets. Crowds of citizens gathered to watch the spectacle.

By noon, the streets were lined with food and drink vendors, and people shared meals and celebrated together. It was clear how much they’d suffered under the gang’s oppression.

People danced in the streets, reveling in the downfall of the Fogus gang.

By evening, the entire city was wrapped in a festival atmosphere.

Some even suggested officially designating this day as “Wattsbell Liberation Day.”

The Imperial Bank opened its doors to the public, with bank staff ensuring order and safety throughout the celebrations.

Karon’s group was treated to a meal and time to relax under a tent set up in front of the bank.

But, as usual, Karon was nowhere to be seen.

“Shong! I can’t find Karon!” Hinshan shouted into Shong’s ear, trying to be heard over the noise of the crowd and fireworks. But Shong responded calmly, close to Hinshan’s ear.

“Just leave him be. He’s probably off somewhere chewing on his herbs again.”

“Andrew is missing too!”

“They’re probably together. Don’t worry; have a drink!” Shong handed him a glass and poured in a generous amount of whiskey. This time, Hinshan didn’t refuse.

As Hinshan downed the drink, he extended his glass for another round.

Yes, tonight, they’d enjoy themselves.

Tomorrow will bring new challenges and another journey.

“Is there anything else you need?”

Sylbella returned after finishing her patrol.

Though in a high position, she still personally oversaw patrols.

“We’re fine! Care for a drink, Sylbella?” Shong offered, but Sylbella politely declined.

“Oh, I’m on duty, thank you.”

“Is there ever a time you’re not on duty?”

“Hmm, good question.”

Sylbella smiled faintly, then glanced around as if looking for someone—though it was obvious who it was.

“Karon is probably somewhere quiet,” Hinshan noted, causing her to stop searching.

“I just wanted to thank him again. I’ve never seen the people of Wattsbell so happy. This is something I never would have witnessed without your help.”

“Wherever Karon goes, he seems to end up sweeping away villains, even if he doesn’t mean to,” Shong chuckled, reassuring her. It was true; pursuing the Blue Ravens often led them to eliminate criminals along the way.

At that moment.

Karon sat at the very top of the Imperial Bank’s roof.

Andrew sat on the eagle statue perched on the edge, looking dangerously unsteady, but neither Karon nor Andrew seemed concerned.

If they were ordinary people, the guards would have dragged them down by now. But this was Karon, and the soldiers who had seen him in action at the Fogus base dared not approach him, especially with Sylbella’s strict orders to leave him be.

From the highest point in the city, they had a perfect view of Wattsbell’s nightscape.

Tonight, the city was lit up as brightly as day, with fireworks exploding continuously.

Most would call it beautiful, but Karon and Andrew simply watched in silence.

The joyful sounds of the crowd echoed below, and a cool breeze passed between them.

Then Andrew turned toward Karon and spoke slowly.

“Karon.”

Karon looked at him silently, and Andrew continued.

“When I grow up, I’ll return to Wattsbell and marry Lara.”

It was the first time Andrew had openly shared his thoughts.

Karon responded, “It’s not too late to go back to the cabin if you want.”

“No, I don’t want that. I need to get stronger first. Only then can I protect Lara.”

Andrew’s resolve was clear.

If Ironius hadn’t intervened at the last moment yesterday, he might have been the one to die. For the first time, Andrew felt a desire to become stronger—not for himself, but for someone else.

However, Karon didn’t quite understand that sentiment.

“Let’s go. We leave early tomorrow.”

With that, Karon leaped lightly from the roof toward the bank’s private quarters.

Andrew quickly followed.

Noticing Karon’s preference for quiet places, Sylbella had once again reserved a private room inside for them.

Having been here once before, they entered naturally.

As the long night passed and the joyful songs gradually faded, the morning sun appeared on the horizon.

Shong and Hinshan had passed out at the table where they’d been drinking.

They had partied all night, not only to celebrate but also to avoid disturbing Karon.

As the city began to wake, early risers started cleaning the streets, and people gradually left the festival.

Eventually, Shong and Hinshan made their way back to the private quarters.

Two hours later.

By nine o’clock, Karon’s group had packed their things and headed to the docks.

* * *

Karon and Andrew looked as calm as ever, but Shong and Hinshan appeared exhausted.

At the docks, Sylbella and Ironius were already waiting.

A large ship, loaded with cargo by dozens of workers, was moored at the pier—Ironius’s merchant vessel, which would carry them to Kolhel, a port city in the kingdom of Kolima.

The ship’s name was ‘Yoni’, named after his daughter.

“Our naval ship is faster, you know. Just say the word,” Sylbella offered.

“That’s kind of you, but naval ships are too conspicuous. Haha,” Ironius declined.

Sylbella stepped back, disappointed.

Once all the cargo was loaded, Ironius gestured for them to hurry aboard.

With farewells from Sylbella and several Imperial soldiers, Karon’s group boarded the Yoni.

“Come back anytime! We’ll be waiting!” Sylbella shouted, watching as the ship pulled away.

She stood there, unable to move until the vessel disappeared from view.

It would take about three days by merchant ship to reach Kolhel in the Kolima Kingdom.

By midday of the first day, Shong and Hinshan were feeding the fish overboard, retching.

“Urgh!”

“Gah!”

They hadn’t stopped vomiting since the previous night, emptying themselves of all the alcohol they’d consumed.

Meanwhile, Karon and Andrew explored the ship, fascinated by its size.

With its high deck, they had a sweeping view of the ocean—a vast, transparent sea glittering under the sun and clouds floating on the horizon.

The ship’s crew and laborers were still busy moving goods to the storage holds and preparing the vessel for the journey.

The front deck and upper passenger areas were filled with merchants and regular travelers, as the merchant ship also served as a passenger ferry.

It was cheaper than a regular passenger ship, making it popular among merchants who traveled with cargo.

Armed mercenaries patrolled the deck, likely hired to protect against pirates or monsters.

The four gathered for lunch in the spacious dining hall, where Ironius had arranged for a special meal.

Shong and Hinshan eagerly dug in, trying to soothe their empty stomachs, while Karon chewed on his herb as usual.

After their meal, the four discussed their plans.

“When we reach Kolhel, Shong and I will head to the western harbor to investigate the pub. Karon, you and Andrew should observe the city’s atmosphere,” Hinshan suggested.

“Do you think they’ll still be there?” Shong asked, crossing his arms.

Hinshan shook his head doubtfully.

“It’s unlikely. They’re probably hiding inland. But we shouldn’t overlook the harbor—any clues about their destination might be found there. We’ve withdrawn enough funds from the Imperial Bank, so don’t hesitate to use money for information.”

Hinshan turned to Karon.

“And Karon, it’s best if you cover your face. There may be people there who recognize you.”

Karon nodded slightly, accepting the suggestion.

* * *

That night.

Karon’s group shared a spacious room, opting to stay together in case of any danger. The room had two bunk beds.

While everyone slept soundly, Karon, who was leaning against the wall with his eyes closed, suddenly opened them and looked toward the opposite wall.

As he focused, he heard faint, odd noises from the other side.

Amid the steady rhythm of the waves, there was a muffled thud and a pained groan, as if someone was struggling.

Then, silence returned.

After a moment’s thought, Karon leaned back against the wall and closed his eyes.

* * *

The next morning.

Karon, Hinshan, and Andrew went to the dining hall for breakfast, leaving Shong, who claimed he needed more sleep.

“How was your night?” Ironius approached as they began eating.

Hinshan rose from his seat and greeted him politely.

“Good morning. Thank you for taking care of us; we’re traveling comfortably, thanks to you.”

Karon nodded briefly, while Andrew focused on his meal, eating steadily.

Despite always eating well since meeting Karon, Andrew’s growth seemed unusually slow.

“We should arrive tomorrow, but if there’s anything you need, just let me know. I’d do anything for the people who saved us.”

“Thank you. We’ll be sure to ask if we need anything.”

As Ironius started to walk away, Karon suddenly asked, “Has anyone died on board recently?”

“Died?” Ironius paused, looking momentarily confused before shaking his head.

“No one has been found dead. Why do you ask?”

“It’s nothing.”

Karon picked up his fork and continued his meal, uninterested in pursuing the topic.

After Ironius left, Hinshan turned to Karon.

“Is something bothering you?”

“We’ll find out soon enough,” Karon replied cryptically, finishing his meal.