The sun had just touched the horizon line in the west, painting the sky with gradients of deep orange, purple, and blood red. The twilight glow reflected on the rippling wave surfaces, creating a path of light that led straight toward the port of Nocture.
From the distance, the low yet powerful hum of magical energy began to be heard, breaking the afternoon silence. Three massive jet-black silhouettes slowly emerged from behind the thin fog of residual sea miasma. Those were the three Black Star Steel cruiser ships that had just completed their first trial voyage. The ships cut through the waves smoothly; their steel hulls showed not the slightest sign of wear even after being forced to speeds of 50 knots and crushing various sea monsters along the way.
