Limitless Seas

Ethan eyed the old man carefully. Level 46 wasn't something to ignore. If this guy wanted him dead, he wouldn't stand a chance.

"You didn't say your name," Ethan said.

The man smirked. "Didn't say you needed to know it."

Ethan frowned but didn't push. "You said you had a better idea. Let's hear it."

The man leaned back, crossing his arms. "Stealing a ship is stupid. You don't have the crew or the skills to handle it. Even if you manage to take one, someone stronger will just hunt you down."

Ethan clenched his jaw. He knew that. But what other choice did he have?

The man continued, "There's a supply ship docking tomorrow. It's not carrying treasure, but it is carrying something valuable—maps, supplies, information."

Ethan raised a brow. "And you want me to steal that instead?"

The man chuckled. "No. I want us to steal it."

Ethan narrowed his eyes. "Why would I work with you?"

"Because I know what I'm doing," the man said. "And because if you try it alone, you'll fail."

Ethan hated to admit it, but the guy was probably right.

Still, something felt off. "What's in it for you?"

The man's smirk widened. "Let's just say I have my own reasons for wanting what's on that ship."

Ethan crossed his arms. "That's not an answer."

"Neither was your name," the man shot back.

Ethan sighed. This was a gamble, but right now, he didn't have a better option.

"Fine," he said. "What's the plan?"

The man nodded. "We wait until nightfall. The ship will be lightly guarded—no one expects an attack this close to the docks. We get in, grab what we need, and get out before anyone knows we were there."

Ethan frowned. "And if things go wrong?"

The man grinned. "Then we improvise."

Ethan muttered under his breath. "Great."

Footsteps approached from behind.

"You making deals already?"

Ethan turned to see Jade, hands on her hips. She glanced at the old man, then back at Ethan. "Who's this?"

"He hasn't said," Ethan said.

Jade raised a brow. "And you're still listening to him?"

Ethan shrugged. "I don't have a better plan."

Jade sighed. "I should've known you'd do something reckless."

The old man laughed. "I like her. She's got a brain."

Jade ignored him and looked at Ethan. "You really think this is a good idea?"

Ethan exhaled. "No. But it's the best shot we've got."

Jade studied him for a moment, then shook her head. "If you're doing this, I'm coming too."

Ethan smirked. "Didn't take you for the type to get involved."

Jade rolled her eyes. "I just don't want to have to fish your dumb ass out of the ocean when this goes sideways."

The old man grinned. "Now this is getting interesting."

Ethan looked between them. A few hours ago, he had been on his own. Now, he had a crew—if you could call it that.

Tomorrow night, they'd find out if this plan was as smart as the old man claimed.

Ethan had a bad feeling about it.