Titan: A LitRPG Adventure (UnderVerse Book 4) by Jez Cajiao (beach books .txt) 📗

speed that has never before been seen. You mark my words, Jax; three days, and you won’t recognize her.”

“That does raise a good point, though…” Augustus said, walking over and smiling at Oracle before nodding to me. “The ship doesn’t have a name yet; we all refer to her  as ‘The Ship’ or the ‘Battleship’. But it’s bad luck to have no name for her.”

“Then we need to name her,” I determined. “How about you all suggest a name in the next three days, and when we launch, we will name her officially?” I offered, getting a round of nods and smiles. “Good. So, uh, Romanus, I don’t remember a great deal about the end of the last conversation we had…” I started, and he shook his head.

“It’s okay, Jax. Oracle explained it to us. I have sent Legionnaires to both camps. Fortunately, the local Himnel Garrison commander hasn’t heard about the events of the last few days, so they agreed to attend tomorrow, as did Narkolt, along with the lead researchers. Everyone knows the Legion is neutral in the disagreements among the cities, provided nobody assaults the populace, so we have that going for us.”

“How does that work in times of war?” I asked, confused.

“It… it’s a pain, to be honest, as we need to protect the populace. We tend to simply open the Enclave to the people and warn off any soldiers that come near. In the past, it was easier, when we were both more numerous and more respected, but it is what it is,” Romanus admitted gravely.

“I bet.” I replied. “Okay, so this ship is in hand: what about the other ships?”

“I’ve set up a rotation for them to land so that the crews and refugees can stretch their legs. I’d arranged for six hours at a time, but I’ll change that if we’re to be here for three days,” Romanus said, making a note. “Beyond ‘shore leave,’ they’re fine. The majority of the people are excited and happy to rest and eat, really. Mistress Nerin has been healing anyone that needs it, as has Clan Mother Hellenica. She and her Djinn are up on the Ragnarök right now, as we boarded the majority of the injured and crippled engineers and Shipyard workers on her. Hopefully by tomorrow, we’ll have a few less laying about, and a few more working on the ship.”

“Sounds good. I need to speak with Hellenica anyway, as well as my own team. I asked Rinko to gather them on the ship’s deck in an hour‒probably half an hour now, considering… Augustus, I’d like you and any of the Legion that were in on the Skyking raid to join us as well, please?” I asked, and he saluted. “Good.” I took a deep breath and blew it out, enjoying the salty tang of the sea air. “Then I guess the last thing to do is to plan a schedule for the city…” I mused aloud.

“The city?” Romanus asked carefully.

“We need to search it. We won’t go too deep, but…”

“Well, it’s pretty damn big, son.” A voice interrupted from behind, and I turned to see Mal walking over. “We did a few loops of the City before comin’ in to land. She’s impressive…” he warned, coming to a stop next to me and clapping me on the shoulder. “Good to see you’re alive, lad. I thought someone had finally gotten tired of your shit and put me out of my misery back there…”

“Nah, you’re not that lucky, Mal,” I snorted as Oracle accepted a hug from Soween, who accompanied Mal. “What can I do for you?” I asked him, smiling at them both.

“We came to check on you, mainly,” Mal admitted. “We’ll be headin’ to the Tower with you, as we agreed, but then we’ll be headin’ straight onwards. I’m plannin’ on checkin’ in on the old man, see what he’s been up to.”

“He in Narkolt?” I asked, and Mal shrugged dismissively.

“Sometimes. He tends to travel a bit, doesn’t like bein’ tied down; you know how it is. Usually leaves people to handle things in his place, then complains about how they do it. Man tends to be a stickler for rules.”

“He’s into rules and has you as a son?” I asked, trying not to smile.

“He’s into rules now. I ain’t sayin’ he was always like that. Nowadays, he’s all about responsibility. Poor bastard,” Mal said, shrugging again.

“Well, think I could persuade you to hang around a few more days?” I asked. “We’re going to be doing some work on the ships here, then setting off around then. Although, I’d much prefer having you stick around longer? Hell, you know there’s always a need for you in the Empire…” I said hopefully.

“Not a chance, son.” Mal grinned. “I’ve got things to do, places to go, and gold to spend, and while you’ve got a need for me, I don’t need this shit. I’m goin’ to go pay off some debts, bounce some fine ladies on my knee, and relax.”

“Come on, Mal…” I pressed, smiling knowingly. “Tell me you haven’t had the time of your life this last week. Tell me you didn’t feel more alive than ever before…”

“Ain’t gonna happen,” Mal said, shaking his head.

“That’s the heir to the Imperial throne you’re talking to, smuggler…” growled Romanus, straightening and resting his hand on the hilt of his gladius.

“And I don’t care.” Mal bit the words off as he glared back at Romanus. “Listen, Legion… Mister High and Mighty here and I had a deal: I get him through this, I get his people‒and that includes you‒out of the city and free, and I get paid well for it. Well, I did my part, and now I want what was promised.”

“Whoa, calm down, Mal. Wait… you expect to be paid now?” I questioned, only to be met with a glare.

“Yes, you little shit; we had a deal! Ten Spellbooks, a memory crystal, and my ship, dammit. I have the ship; now gimme!” He thrust