— Floge! Over here, this kid says he wants to join the crew.

​

Said the pirate, who conveyed my request to the assistant of the vice-captain, instead of the captain. When the man, Floge, leaned over from the ship to see me, I had just finished trying to fix my hold on the books I was holding. In a flash, he stepped off the deck and walked onto the pier. His cheeky pirate grin dropped when he looked at me.

​

— Are you 13 or something? He asked me with a judging look on his face.

— I just turned 17 last week, just a young face.

​

After a big inhale, he leaned over to me.

​

— Look, big boy. You would get eaten here. Your arms and waist look slim, and your face is girly. I don't think you can mix with people here. More importantly, you don't look like you can hold a sword.

— I am capable of using herbs and gadgets. Moreover, I know a lot of languages and have mapping skills as well. I might not be very powerful, but I am quick, and I know how to use a dagger.

​

After a long stare, he threw his foot toward me. He laughed when I barely maintained my balance and dodged the attack.

​

— Not bad! But we have our navigator, a doctor, and others. What we need is a warrior.