Within the small boat that swayed gently upon the calm waves of the sea, the three of them sat as they carved their way toward their destination. The sun had begun to sink beyond the horizon, dyeing the sky in a warm orange hue, while the waters reflected the enchanting sight.
For a while, silence lingered among them, each immersed within his own thoughts, until Hamza broke the silence as he looked toward Travis and asked in a serious tone, "Why did you run away at the beginning... when the pirates attacked us?"
Travis did not answer immediately. Instead, he drew a small pendant from his pocket and held it delicately between his fingers.
"I did not run away... I was searching for something important that I lost in the sea."
Hamza looked at him in surprise, while Travis kept his gaze fixed upon the pendant before continuing in a low voice, "I was carrying this pendant... it holds great importance to me. When the pirates' ship collided with the merchant vessel, it slipped from my grasp and fell into the water, so I had no choice but to dive into the sea to search for it. Once I retrieved it, I returned to the ship."
Hamza listened intently without offering any comment. As for Basil, who had been leaning against the edge of the boat, he glanced toward the device attached to Travis's ear before asking curiously, "That thing you are wearing on your ear... what exactly is it?"
At last, Travis lifted his head away from the pendant and placed it back into his pocket, then touched the small metallic device fixed to his ear and smiled as he said, "It is part of the wheel I carry upon my back. When I place it on my ear, it wraps around my eyes and grants me unique abilities."
He then continued, "This tool grants me special powers; through it, I can see distant things with clarity and uncover what is hidden, and it also greatly enhances my sense of hearing."
Then, with a sudden motion, he detached the metallic wheel that carried his weapons from his back and placed the device upon it before pressing a mark beside the glowing stone at its center. In an instant, the wheel shrank until it became no larger than the palm of his hand, causing Basil and Hamza to stare at it in astonishment.
After Travis had displayed the wheel and amazed his companions, curiosity stirred within him toward Hamza, whose calmness and mystery had not escaped notice. He looked at him and asked, "Hamza, what truly drives you to travel to Estlazon Island? I mean... what is it that you seek there?"
Hamza raised his eyes toward Travis and slowly extended his hand toward the sword wrapped upon his back before saying, "I have been searching for someone for a very long time... and the closer I try to get to him, the more his trail vanishes."
As they exchanged words, the stone embedded within Basil's pendant suddenly shone with a radiant glow.
From within it emerged a strange bird resembling a falcon, yet distinguished by a small crown upon its head and three tails tipped with sharp points, granting it an imposing majesty.
The bird stood firmly upon Basil's shoulder.
"I am 'Zyres,' your guide upon this journey."
The three stood frozen in astonishment as they stared at the bird that had emerged from the stone. The bird continued speaking, "Your next destination is Estlazon Island. You must exercise caution, for ancient beasts may dwell there. This journey will not be an easy one."
And after finishing its words, it returned into the stone once more, leaving everyone in a state of utter disbelief.
Still struggling to comprehend what had just occurred, Travis asked, "Who was that bird?"
Basil answered in confusion as he stared at the pendant, which still glowed faintly, "I do not know him. I have never seen him before in my life."
At that moment, Hamza sensed something suspicious within Basil's words. Without hesitation, he drew his sword and pointed it toward him. "Tell the truth, Basil. Who are you really?"
Beside him, Travis did not hesitate to draw his weapon as well, staring at him with suspicion. "Have you been deceiving us this entire time? Are you truly who you claim to be?"
Basil looked at them in shock, raising his hands in an attempt to calm them.
"Wait... please, there is no need for this... this is all a misunderstanding!"
But doubt had already seeped into their hearts, prompting Travis to step closer as he said, his eyes fixed upon the pendant, "I always felt there was something mysterious about you. The pendant you carry is no ordinary object... why did you never tell us about it before?"
Basil drew a deep breath, realizing there was no escape from the truth. He let out a weary sigh before saying, "Very well, I shall tell you the truth. I am searching for the Seven Babrius Stones..."
Hamza cast Basil a questioning glance and said, "The Babrius Stones? Are they not merely a legend?"
Basil exhaled softly before replying, "It is said that they are stones possessing supernatural power, capable of performing miracles. I must find them before they fall into their hands."
Travis laughed faintly. "Miracles? It sounds as though you are joking with us."
As for Hamza, he said, "I have heard of these stones... but who are those people you fear they may fall into the hands of?"
Basil answered, "There is a secret organization of villains known as the 'Liberation Members'... they seek these stones as well. If they obtain them, the kingdoms will fall one after another, and no hope shall remain in this world."
Hamza and Travis exchanged a swift glance before Travis stepped forward, his eyes fixed upon the pendant, and asked, "And what of the pendant you carry?"
Basil hesitated for a moment before lifting the pendant slightly. "This is known as the Pendant of Al-Rasheed... through it, I can detect the Babrius Stones, should they truly exist."
Hamza looked at him and said seriously, "Why did you not tell us from the beginning?"
Basil replied, "Because I was not certain whom I could trust. I should have been honest with both of you from the start."
After several moments of silence, Travis's grip upon his weapon loosened slightly, while contemplation appeared upon Hamza's face before he said, "So... this is the true reason behind your coming to Estlazon..."
A brief silence followed before Hamza lowered his sword. "You seem sincere. But remember this—we are in this together now. And if there is anything else you are hiding, it would be better for you to tell us now."
Travis added, "Well, I feel this journey is no longer as enjoyable as I once imagined, and that it is going to become dangerous."
Basil replied, "No matter what happens... I am prepared for what is to come."
And thus, the three of them realized that their journey was no longer merely an adventure, but the first step toward the unknown.