Royal Bastard's Bloodstained Regression-Chapter 84: The slave ship

The forest deepened around them, pine needles crunching underfoot as the cold wind blew through the branches.

"Our next stop's a town near the shore," Daemon said. "It's quiet there."

Nyxtriel eyed him suspiciously. "We're not getting dragged into another royal mess, are we?"

"No palace politics this time," Daemon said with a grin. "Just a ship. We're headed for that island. I just hope the mage hasn't beaten us to it."

"It's been two years," she said. "They probably have."

"Yeah... probably," he admitted. "But I've got you, so let's move fast."

Nyxtriel nodded, and in a flash, her body shifted—morphing into her sleek black blade form. Daemon caught the sword in one hand, slung it over his back, and took off running.

They vanished into the forest, heading toward the coast, wind at their backs and war on the horizon.

After a long journey, Daemon could finally sense the ocean close by. The air grew salty, the wind cooler, and the sound of waves mixed with distant seagulls.

Soon they arrived at the port town of Velmira, a bustling place packed with energy. Ships rocked gently in the harbor, sails flapping. Fishermen hauled nets. Traders—nobles and peasants alike—bargained in the market square.

"This place is beautiful," Nyxtriel said, dropping Daemon gently to the ground. She changed into her human form, brushing her cloak straight.

"Where to now, my lord?"

Daemon adjusted his collar. "To the Ship of Curse,"

Nyxtriel nodded, and they moved through the crowded streets, eyes scanning for trouble.

"My lord, people are staring at you," she muttered.

Daemon glanced around. "White hair. Red eyes. We're not exactly subtle."

"They're probably wondering why I'm not your escort and you're not my prisoner," Nyxtriel said, raising a brow.

"Want to chain me up for disguise?" Daemon teased with a smirk.

She blushed and looked away. "Don't tempt me."

They reached the docks, where ships loomed like giants above the crowd. Some were loading goods, others herding prisoners in chains.

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One group stood out—a tall man with wild red hair and shark-like teeth, a deep scar cutting through his right eye. His chained limbs didn't hide the raw strength in his frame.

Daemon narrowed his eyes. "That guy's strong."

"Did you say something, my lord?" Nyxtriel asked.

"Nothing," he said quickly, eyes still on the criminal.

They approached a man hauling crates onto one of the ships. "Excuse me," Daemon called out. "We're looking to get to Kame-Shima. Any ships heading there?"

The man let out a laugh. "You mean that place? The slave island?"

Daemon frowned. "Slave island?"

"Yeah. It's where they dump criminals. No one goes there unless you're mining your life away in chains. Unless that's your idea of a vacation."

He chuckled and went back to work.

Nyxtriel leaned in. "Why would the next fragment be on a place like that?"

Daemon's smile faded. "Because no one would think to look for something powerful in a place that's already cursed."

Nyxtriel glanced at him. "You sure about this?"

Daemon looked at her, then gently flicked her forehead. "You still with me or do I need to bribe you with cocoa again?"

She blinked, stunned for a moment, then shoved him lightly. "Don't start."

He grinned. "Let's find a way onto that ship."

"But how do we get there?" Nyxtriel asked.

"Simple," Daemon said, grinning. "We play a little dress-up."

Nyxtriel sighed, already regretting the question. "What kind of dress-up?"

Daemon placed a hand on her shoulder and pointed discreetly toward a group near the docks. "See those rookies? New recruits. We take them out, steal their uniforms, and sneak in."

Her eyes widened. "You mean kill them?"

"Well, knock them out. Maybe kill them if they make it difficult," he said casually. "You'll be the officer. I'll be the dangerous criminal."

Nyxtriel frowned. "My lord... will that really work?"

"It'll work if we play it smart," Daemon said. "Just keep feeding me information once we're in. I trust you."

She hesitated, then nodded. "Alright. Let's do it."

...

A few hours later, at the security post near the shipyard, a bald man with a long scar running down his nose barked at the gathered recruits. His badge gleamed in the sunlight.

"I'm Timothy Robins—your captain. Call me Chief, Boss, whatever keeps you in line," he growled. "You five are the new blood. I'll assign your roles in a second. But where the hell is the last girl?"

One of the boys squinted. "I thought she was here with the guy at the back."

"Yeah, I saw them come in," said another.

Just then, Nyxtriel stepped forward, crisp in a stolen uniform, dragging Daemon behind her in fake restraints. "Apologies, sir. I had to chase this one down—slippery little bastard."

Daemon smirked but kept quiet, playing the part.

Captain Robins looked them over, then grunted. "You caught this one yourself?"

"Yes, sir," Nyxtriel said with a sharp salute.

The girl standing beside one of the rookies squinted. "Wait... I don't think I've seen her—"

"Quiet," Robins snapped. "We're short on time. Let's move out."

She bit her lip, glancing at her confused teammate, but he just shrugged—he'd only arrived moments before and didn't know anyone either.

Nyxtriel leaned in close to Daemon as they moved. "So far so good."

Daemon whispered back with a grin, "You in uniform is dangerously cute, by the way."

She elbowed him lightly. "Focus, my lord."