Having dealt with the matter of hiding the treasure, Eust could now focus on physical training to increase his strength while waiting for a ship to pass by the deserted island.
Given the combination mentioned in the training mission issued by the Task Fruit, Eust decided to train as follows: 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 squats, and a 10-kilometer run.
That afternoon, Eust easily completed three sets of physical training without having to grit his teeth. Only in the last set did he feel a bit fatigued, thanks to his improved recovery rate.
Waking up this morning, Eust already felt the benefits of the enhanced recovery. During the afternoon training, he could clearly feel the speed at which his stamina recovered, which was remarkable.
Eust estimated that his previous daily limit was 3 to 4 sets of physical training. Now, it had essentially doubled, making 6 sets manageable.
The next day, after a satisfying breakfast, Eust and Sunny began their respective training. Eust continued with his “I Want to Get Stronger” routine, while Sunny engaged in the exclusive training of the strategist cat clan.
As Eust immersed himself in his physical training, Sunny alerted him to a ship passing by at sea.
Eust looked and saw two merchant ships approaching slowly. This time, he could confirm they were merchant ships because of the flags they flew, belonging to the well-known Franklin Merchant Fleet.
The Franklin Merchant Fleet had recently risen to prominence, with a development momentum that was quite remarkable. Even Eust had heard of them on his remote island.
Rumors said the leader of this fleet was a decent person. If the rumors were true, there was no need to worry about being robbed or killed. Moreover, with only one jewel left, there was little to be concerned about.
In the brief moment, Eust spotted the passing ships, many thoughts crossed his mind, but his actions were swift. He ran to the signal fire on the shore, added more branches and leaves, and waved his arms at the ships, hoping to be noticed and rescued.
This time, he was lucky. One of the smaller merchant ships noticed him and started sailing towards the island, indicating their intention to rescue him.
In the early days of the Age of Exploration, most merchant ships would rescue those in distress. However, with pirates rampant, even posing as castaways to attack merchant ships, only well-guarded, kind-hearted merchant ships were willing to help.
Eust felt fortunate. Since the ship was coming to check on him, they likely intended to rescue him.
As the merchant ship approached, it lowered a small boat that rowed towards Eust. He had nothing to pack, just retrieved the single jewel he kept and waited with Sunny on the shore.
When the small boat neared, Eust saw that the two men on board were strong and well-built, rowing quickly. They were likely the ship’s guards.
Both men wore similar attire, further convincing Eust they were merchant ship guards.
The man at the bow, about thirty years old, had blond hair and blue eyes, but a scar on his left cheek marred his appearance. The man at the stern, about twenty, had black hair and eyes like Eust, with no other distinguishing features.
While Eust observed them, they observed him.
Eust, somewhat thin, looked about seventeen or eighteen, with a small cat on his shoulder, dressed in slightly worn clothes but not shabby, and his hair neatly groomed, leaving a good first impression.
As they drew closer, the scar-faced man spoke first, “Young man, how did you end up here? Do you have any identification?”
Eust had no identification; he had drifted to the island, and any proof he might have had was lost.
“Hello, my name is Eust. I was a sailor on the Anli merchant ship. We encountered a storm at night and the ship sank. The cat and I drifted to this island. It’s been five or six days. I don’t know what happened to the others, and I’m really worried. May I know your names?” Eust replied.
The man responded, “I’m Jack, and this is Carl. We’re guards for the Franklin Merchant Fleet. Eust, do you have any proof you were a sailor on the Anli?”
Eust answered truthfully, “Brother Jack, I was stranded here and woke up on the second afternoon. I have no proof, but does my sailor uniform count?”
Jack replied, “You don’t look like a pirate with that thin body. The boss decided to let you on the ship, but remember, once on board, no wandering around. Any suspicious behavior, and we’ll lock you up or worse. Got it?”
Jack’s menacing smile, paired with his scar, was terrifying. Carl remained expressionless, not saying a word.
Though not frightened, Eust’s expression changed slightly, making Jack think he’d scared Eust, who laughed heartily.
Eust thought of the harsh realities of the sea. Even kind-hearted merchant ships might kill a suspicious castaway. The sea was indeed cruel.
“I understand, Brother Jack. I’ll stay put and follow orders,” Eust said quickly, wading into the water to board the small boat.
“Thank you. I don’t have much to pack, just the clothes on my back. I’m eager to leave this island. Oh, and I have one valuable item to give you as thanks for saving me. I hope Brother Jack will take care of me on the ship,” Eust said, offering the jewel as a bribe.
Jack, saying it wasn’t necessary but taking the jewel swiftly, smiled more warmly.
As Eust boarded the boat, he took over rowing duties, taking the opportunity to ask about the Franklin Merchant Fleet.
He learned that the larger ship was the Titan, and the smaller one, heading towards Nicole, was the Nicole, both part of the Franklin Merchant Fleet.
Their destination was Shields Island for trade. The Franklin siblings, leaders of the fleet, were aboard the two ships. Jack and Carl had been sent by Franklin-Nicole to check the island.
As they talked, the boat slowly approached the Nicole.
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