Chapter 28 - The Fallen Officer

Chapter 28 - The Ghost(4)

"I have wall cameras installed in case of situations like this. We saw your every move, young sir."

"Ahh, is that so?" Reve remarked as he faced the multitude of guns aimed at him.

'This is strange. It's fully automated. As expected of modern technology,' Reve mused.

The mechanism of the wheelhouse was easy to comprehend on short notice. At one end stood a large display panel boasting holographic functions, opposite Captain Havoc's imposing chair. In the center of the room, the ship's helm stood grand and intricate, manned by a crew member who currently abstained from pointing a weapon at Reve.

Reve revealed a smile. "You secluded yourself in this wheelhouse due to pressing matters. But, personally, I don't see any of this urgent situation. It appears to me that you lots are simply enjoying yourself here."

His smile widened as he locked eyes with Captain Havoc. "By any chance, is this a party? Because I'm pretty shocked I wasn't invited."

Even he could discern the ship was constructed with technology from the current decade or two. It required minimal manpower, with buttons for nearly every function, which he might add, took away the amazing feeling of sailing upon the sea.

Nonetheless, as he looked across the room, he couldn't help but notice the crew's lack of urgency.

"The ocean throws obstacles our way every now and then. We are simply waiting for the next challenge," Captain Havoc explained as he scoured Reve with his dark brown eyes.

Reve hummed and didn't reply.

He frowned as he noticed strange oddities around the room.

'Why is this here?' He wondered.

The wheelhouse appeared to be severely adorned with numerous statues of Kathuk at every corner. Each statue surpassed the other in exquisite craftsmanship, capturing the very essence of the sea god. It radiated fear in the hearts of non-believers.

Reve calmed his mind, resisting the lingering effects of the statues.

'Kathuk seems to be a recurring theme on this ship. Why?'

Suddenly, Reve's attention was drawn to an object dangling just above the ship's system panel.

He couldn't help but ask, "You are an officer of New Order?"

Captain Havoc glanced at the gold medal before him. A nostalgic smile graced his face as he reminisced about the sacrifices he made to attain that honour. It was his ultimate achievement.

"Indeed, I was an officer—a member of the Sentinels. Officer Havoc X524-09."

Captain Havoc saw the shocked look on Reve and continued, "It's amusing, isn't it? Once an officer, now a sailor. Well, I guess I have an affinity for the sea. After all, I served in the marine division."

Reve frowned. 'I have heard of the Sentinel Program. It's the main frontal attack force of New Order.'

They were synonymous with skilled soldiers from previous civilizations. They were renowned for their indomitable spirit, vast experience, and versatility, participating in various assaults and sieges.

Suddenly, Reve began seeing Captain Havoc in a new light, yet a lingering question nagged him.

"Why did you quit?" he asked.

Captain revealed a derisive smile. "I didn't choose to leave. I was ready to serve until my dying breath. However, the Lost Chill came for me, and they cast me aside. I dedicated my entire life to service. The battlefield is all I've ever known—my only home. Yet, they retired me."

Reve's frown deepened.

The Lost Chill—the one true fear of every supernatural-acclimated being, especially humans.

There is a saying after all: "You can't escape the Lost Chill. It comes for everyone. It infiltrates places where even death quivers."

The Lost Chill was the gradual dissipation of supernatural powers within an individual. It started with the instability of Ether-channelling and culminated in its eventual loss. It was ruthless, merciless, leaving behind empty husks of once brilliant mystics. To every aspiring mystic, the Lost Chill was the true death promised at the end of all!

Reve's gaze swept across the room, his attention now fully attuned. The guns pointed in his direction heightened the ominous atmosphere. Yet, he couldn't shake the feeling he was inching closer to the veiled truth.

Reve challenged, "That is a lie. Is that what you tell yourself?"

"What do you mean?" A crazed glint appeared in Captain Havoc's eyes.

Reve mused. "The Lost Chill is quite common among aged veterans. It takes a certain level of foolishness to condemn every office afflicted with the Lost Chill."

He went on. "Its proper management tactics. If you want more volunteers, show them you can take care of them and their families no matter the circumstances. It's basic logic. Each afflicted will be provided with amenities that take them beyond the middle-class society."

Captain vehemently shook his head, saying, "You know nothing."

"So, what did you do to deserve a banishment?!" Reve pressed on, undeterred.

"You are talking rubbish."

"Perhaps," Reve replied. "But retired officers are treated with respect. Why aren't you? Why are you stuck in a backward place like this? Why are you captaining a ship and being so dubious with it?!"

"You will be wise to shut up, young sir." Captain Havoc bellowed.

Immediately, the crew walked closer to Reve, ready to blast him at a moment's notice. If their captain willed it, it would be done.

Reve ignored them, pressing on while the matter was hot. "Well, it doesn't matter. That's your personal issue. Although, I must ask, why are you so adamant about destroying this ship with the images of a fake god? A feeble diety? Kathuk might as well be me!"

Reve pointed directly at one of the crew members. "Or he could even be that guy! He looks scrawny like he eats once a week. I could take him out in the blink of an eye, even with his heavily armed self and lots of distance between us. That could very well be the true image of Kathuk: useless, insignificant, useless—oh wait, I think I already mentioned that."

"What did you say?" Captain Havoc appeared to be enraged. He clenched the arms of his chair so tightly that splinters pierced his skin, drawing blood.

"Why Kathuk? I mean, if you wanted to pick something mythical. You could have chosen Posiedon. He is also a being of imagination, but works better than Kathuk."

Captain Havoc erupted in a fiery rage, his fury consuming him. "Watch your mouth, you ignorant mouse! Kathuk is the true living embodiment of the sea. He is graceful, dignified, and divine in every aspect. He is the one true god!"

Reve thought to himself. 'I was right. There is a deeper meaning to the erected statues. One does not simply do all this for no reason.'

His intention in antagonizing Captain Havoc was to observe his reaction and uncover the hidden truth.

Reve stated, "Such a sad life, isn't it? You have Atlat Mania."