A Clueless Genius Wolf (BL)

The next day, the fifth morning dawned with a sky painted in warm golden hues, a deceptive calm after the chaos we'd faced just a day before.

I rose early—earlier than usual, long before breakfast or morning announcements. A tightness still lingered in my chest, the adrenaline of battle not yet fully faded. Like I had to do anything but stand there with anxiety., My mind ran through a checklist of priorities like gears in a finely tuned watch. There is work to be done. Sigh...

I went on to dress quickly—in a pair of white trousers, royal-blue button-up, hair brushed back, tail swishing with crisp control—and I met my guards and Kyle outside my cabin. We moved briskly through the ship's corridors, passing crew members still on alert. They saluted me on instinct, some more stiffly than others, weariness in their eyes. Understandable when you face three huge ass beasts.

"Status report," I said as soon as we reached the ship's central command deck.

Captain Halren stood at attention with his officers gathered around a long enchanted map table. Light projections displayed the surrounding sea, the Royal Horizon, and our sister ships: Duskwind and Ironwake.

"Your Majesty," Halren greeted with a bow. "Damage was minimal, all thanks to the defensive wards and swift action from every unit. Hull integrity is at ninety-eight percent. No breach. Shields are recharging at normal speed."

"Good, the minimal damage will repair itself with the repair runes that are in place," I said.

"Casualties?"

"None fatal," he replied. "We had a few injuries—mostly bruises, minor mana-burns, and some motion sickness. All are being treated in medbay."

"Good." I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. "And morale?"

The captain hesitated.

I looked to Zackarey. "Well?"

The tall knight stepped forward. "The crew's holding together, but they're shaken. Everyone knows we only made it out because we were prepared. If those creatures had been stronger, or if our defenses had faltered…" They wouldn't break the wards, but I understand where they were coming from.

I nodded. "I understand. We'll address it." Look at me sounding all cool, I thought.

We made a full sweep of the ship from stern to bow. Engineers and the Magic Division went on to examine the reinforcement runes and structural support of the ship. Some needed minor recalibration, but overall, our systems were in excellent shape.

I visited the medbay next. Kyle was already there, helping bandage a sailor's shoulder while listening to a nurse explain triage spells.

"I'm fine," he reassured me when I pulled him aside, "but the sailors could use a morale boost. And the magic team is pushing through fatigue—they've barely rested since the attack."

"I'll fix that," I promised.

Once I was satisfied with everyone's condition, I had Seraphine set up the main deck for an all-hands gathering. The Royal Horizon's enchanted intercom echoed across the ship:

"All hands—His Majesty Damon Wolfstein will address the crew and passengers in thirty minutes. Officers, bring your units to the main deck."

Thirty minutes passed by, and the sun hung high overhead as I stepped onto the central platform near the observation deck, flanked by my guards. The sea sparkled around us, but all eyes were on me.

From the three ships, personnel had gathered—navy, army, magic corps, engineers, chefs, researchers, civilian workers, and even all the passengers. From the elderly, young adults, and young children. Some looked tired. Others wary. A few gripped their weapons tighter than they needed to.

I took a breath and let my voice project outward, strong and clear.

"Yesterday, we faced death. Not as a concept. Not as a rumor. But as a reality with fangs and scales and the hunger to end us."

"But we endured."

"We held the line—not because of luck, but because of preparation, coordination, and every single one of you. I saw it with my own eyes. Mages stood shoulder to shoulder, blending spells in perfect harmony. Archers and the cannon units hit their targets with terrifying precision. Medics moved without fear. Engineers trusted their invention. Rune master trust their wards. And our guards? Our guards stood between those monsters and civilians without hesitation."

"This voyage is not just a mission. It's not just an adventure. It is a symbol of everything we've built together in Dusklight. We are the first. The first to cross the Sunset Sea in force. The first to face the unknown—and not falter."

"So hold your heads high. Rest, recover, and prepare. Because there will be more trials ahead. But we will meet them as one. And relax knowing you are safer in capable hands."

A moment of silence followed.

Then came the thunderous applause, echoing across the waves.

Later that afternoon, I returned to the communication chamber, flanked only by Kyle and Seraphine, and activated the magical mirror.

The familiar faces of the Ministerial Council flickered into view one by one. The prime minister Lyra, who leads the ministerial council, answers to me. Then there was Court Magician Rowan, Minister of Defense Vasha, Foreign Minister Octavian, and the others—all seated at their long arcane table.

"We received your previous report," Minister Lyra began. "But the news of the serpent attack reached us this morning from the relay beacon. What is the situation, Your Majesty?"

"Under control," I said firmly. "The Royal Horizon and her escorts sustained minimal damage. No deaths. All creatures have been neutralized, and their remains secured for study. We're continuing forward."

Rowan adjusted his spectacles. "Sea serpents of that size haven't been documented in centuries. I trust you've preserved the specimens properly?" Yes, the fake history is at work.

"I used my spatial inventory. They're stable, sealed, and will be transferred for analysis when we return—or if we dock at a stable landmass."

The ministers nodded, visibly relieved.

"Very well," Lyra said. "Continue with caution, Your Majesty. And keep reporting every two days, as agreed."

"Of course," I said, giving a short bow. "Dusklight sails with us, always."