“Dock 9… Dock… 9…”

Tapping a wooden plate against his palm, Jeff walked through a crowded riverside market. 

To his right, there were the bustling seafood stores. Various fishes, shrimps, and crabs swam around in those glass tanks. On the balcony of some pubs, people were enjoying their beers and some snacks. On the streets, artists performed music, magic tricks, and juggling shows. 

In the air, the smell of grilled fish overpowered the smell of fresh fish. The sound of chatter, music, and laughter filled this street. 

(Fresh fish should smell briny and sweet by the way. Briny as in the smell of the ocean. If it has a strong fishy smell, it’s not fresh.)

Long lines of customers waited outside the stores, waiting for their turns to get in. 

To Jeff’s left, there was the great river. It’s about 10 miles wide. The other side of the river was only a thin line over the horizon. The warm sunlight reflected off the waves. The white sails on the returning fishing boats peppered the river surface. 

(Cogs: 15 to 25 meters long medieval-styled ships)

Near the riverside streets, swarms of seagulls, pelicans, and geese lazily swam around. These birds looked like they didn’t have a worry in their lives. 

Jeff felt a breeze pushing against his back. It’s as if his mage’s robe was tugging him forward. Wearing a smile, Jeff quickened his steps. 

Taking a look to his left, there was an opened wooden gate. Looking at the large sign above the gates… 

‘Dock 9… This is dock 8.’ Jeff took a glance into the dock anyways. 

It’s a wide wooden platform sticking into the river. By the dock, there were ships with at least 3 decks. Maybe even 4 levels counting the bottom storage place. 

‘Frigates? Galleons?’ Jeff couldn’t be sure. 

Jeff was just a general science student (who will never get to graduate). Not a ship expert. 

Nevertheless, these luxurious ships looked like they were set up for parties. On the decks, there were stacked plates of foods on banquet tables. Also got tanning chairs, glass bottles of drinks sitting in ice buckets, fishing stations… By the looks of it, the passenger experience was going to be a comfortable one. 

Shaking his head, Jeff strolled forward. He was still about an hour and a half early. May as well enjoy the walk. 

In a moment, Jeff had finally reached his destination: Deck 9. 

Feeling good and relaxed, stopping by the dock entrance, Jeff looked up at the sign with a smile. ‘So this is where my first adventure begins.’

Jeff took a look at his wooden plate again. [Dock 9 3/14]. 

Looking at this number, Jeff felt like he was about to embark onto something great. 

‘If I had a lightning bolt scar on my forehead, I might even become a protagonist.’ Jeff chuckled at this thought. 

This dock had 14 spots. But most of them were empty. There were 3 ships sparsely taking up the spots. 

Walking up to entrance 3, Jeff took a look at his ride. 

It’s a single sail fishing boat. About 20 meters in length. Got a raised platform at the back. The front part of the boat looked like the netting or fish storage area. Nevertheless, this boat looked well-maintained and well-cleaned. 

On the raised platform at the back, there were 3 sets of tables and chairs. These empty tables were set up in a row. Clearly, this boat had been set up to transport people this time. 

Nobody was here yet. Not even the fisherman. Nevertheless, there was already a wooden gangway ramp connecting the boat and the dock. 

Jeff stepped onto the ramp. The wooden plate ticket in his hand bursted into pixels. Seeing this, Jeff’s cheek twitched a little. 

This world didn’t have much technology. But there’s plenty of magic around. It’s so accessible that it’s everywhere now. Even docks and fishing boats could get magic formations engraved. 

Jeff ticked his tongue. 

‘Maybe after this trip, I should get a supernatural tier equipment and get it enchanted.’ Jeff thought as he walked up the gangway ramp. 

Walking across the boat, Jeff took a seat at the back table. 

Looking up the skies… The sun was still climbing towards the straight overhead position. It’s still about an hour away from noon. 

‘Since I’ve got an hour to spare…’ Jeff popped a ship-bowl of 50 Takoyaki octopus balls onto the table. 

It’s steaming hot! The scent of a savory seafood smell quickly filled the air. 

Using a toothpick, Jeff poked a ball and picked it up. Some tempura scraps fell back to the bowl. A thin film of cheese stretched into strings before breaking. 

“Nom.” Jeff breathed in some cold air and blew out. “Hot hot hot.”

Chewing a little, the takoyaki ball melted right away in Jeff’s mouth. Then it’s an explosion of a savory creamy taste. 

The crispy tempura scraps. The chewy octopus. The soft batter. These three different textures mixed harmoniously with each other. 

The savory sweetness of the sauce. The creaminess of the batter. The rich taste of the cheese. Oh! They put scallion in there as well! All of these tastes swirled into a delicious delight. 

This bowl cost 3 whole Blings. However, Jeff didn’t regret this decision in treating himself. 

‘Looks like I’ve made another good purchase.’ Jeff smiled. 

Feeling the soft breeze, looking at the wide river, enjoying this food, Jeff leaned back and took in a deep breath. Life felt good. It’s good to be alive. Things were… tsk. Noice. 

Hearing the thumping footsteps, Jeff turned to look in that direction. 

It’s a lean dude in his 20s. Bark brown skin. Curly green hair flowing down his shoulders. Got to admit, this guy had a good-looking face. But again, all half-dryads were good-looking. Putting on a friendly smile, this guy emitted a serene and peaceful aura like the forest. 

This guy had a banjo case strapped to his back. Green fedora hat. Green cape. Sand colored jeans. Just by looking at this guy, Jeff could tell this guy’s class. 

A bard had joined the party!

“Morning bro. Nice day eh?” The dude waved once at Jeff.