novelblue
Chapter 323: Unveiling the Moonlit Reaper
Chapter 323: Unveiling the Moonlit Reaper
The salty wind howled across Raven Island’s shipyard as Seraphis stood at the pier, her white hair whipping in the ocean breeze. Before her, anchored in the bay, the Moonlit Reaper loomed like a beast born of the abyss.
Its sleek black hull reflected the dim light of the evening sun, while the sharp, scythe-shaped prow sliced through the water as if eager to taste battle. The ship’s black sails, emblazoned with the white raven emblem, billowed ominously.
Standing beside her was Salvar, arms crossed, his sharp golden eyes analyzing every inch of the warship.
"This is the Moonlit Reaper," Seraphis said, her voice carrying over the waves. "She is unlike any vessel that has ever sailed these waters."
Salvar gave a low, impressed whistle. "Show me everything."
And so she did.
The First Steps Aboard
Seraphis led Salvar up the broad gangplank, the wooden planks reinforced with enchanted metals. The moment they stepped onto the main deck, he could feel it—a hum of magic woven into the ship’s very bones.
"The ship is alive with enchantments," Seraphis explained. "Every plank, every nail, every inch has been fortified to ensure maximum durability and power."
Salvar ran his fingers along the blackwood railing, feeling the faint pulse of arcane energy coursing through it.
"What makes her different?" he asked, though the ship’s presence already told him she was no ordinary warship.
The Hull – The Reaper’s Skin
Seraphis gestured to the dark wooden hull, which shimmered with a subtle, ghostly sheen under the sun.
"Crafted from a mix of ebony and blackwood, reinforced with a lightweight magical alloy," she began. "This makes her resistant to both physical damage and sorcery. Fire, water, lightning—none will break her easily."
Salvar knocked against the hull and raised a brow when the sound barely resonated.
"Soundproofed?" he guessed.
Seraphis smirked. "Partially. The wards woven into the wood absorb vibrations, making her harder to detect."
Salvar grinned. "So, she’s a ghost on the water."
"Exactly."
The Prow – The Scythe’s Edge
At the ship’s front, the curved, scythe-like prow jutted forward, its razor-sharp edges gleaming with an eerie light.
"This," Seraphis said, "is her primary ramming weapon. Reinforced with mithril filaments and engraved with kinetic energy runes. On impact, it releases a shockwave strong enough to split enemy hulls."
Salvar whistled, gripping the smooth, polished wood. "This could slice through a galleon like butter."
Seraphis nodded. "And it has."
The Masts and Sails – Wings of the Reaper
She led him further up deck, where the three towering masts stretched toward the sky. The sails, stitched from black silk and enchanted silver thread, caught the wind effortlessly.
"These sails do more than just catch the wind," Seraphis explained. "They absorb and redirect magical energy, meaning spells flung at us won’t reach their target."
Salvar touched the fabric. "This is no ordinary cloth."
"It’s woven from threads imbued with wind spirits," Seraphis said, eyes glinting. "The faster the ship moves, the more power the sails generate."
Salvar nodded. "So, speed becomes both offense and defense."
"Precisely."
The Ballistae and Catapults – The Reaper’s Fangs
The broad deck was lined with 20 massive ballistae and 10 catapults, each strategically placed for maximum coverage.
Seraphis stopped beside one of the massive ballistae, running a hand along its steel-wrapped frame.
"These are custom-made," she said. "Capable of firing bolts laced with elemental enchantments—fire, ice, lightning, even corrosive acid."
Salvar tested the crank mechanism. "Quick reloads?"
Seraphis smirked. "Faster than any ship in the fleet."
She then gestured toward the catapults, their sturdy bases fitted with arcane amplifiers.
"These aren’t ordinary siege weapons," she said. "They launch explosive firebombs that can detonate on impact or midair."
Salvar let out a low chuckle. "You’ve built a floating fortress."
The Defensive Spikes and Magical Wards
Walking along the side of the ship, Seraphis pointed toward the retractable spikes hidden within the hull’s seams.
"A unique defense system," she explained. "In battle, these can extend outward, preventing enemy ships from boarding."
Salvar’s gaze followed the faint runic etchings along the ship’s frame. "And the magical defenses?"
Seraphis waved a hand, activating the warding runes. For a moment, a translucent barrier shimmered around the ship before fading.
"Layered protections against curses, fire magic, and water-based attacks," she said. "Even if someone tries to summon a storm, the Moonlit Reaper will sail through it unscathed."
Salvar smirked. "You thought of everything."
The Captain’s Helm – Command of the Reaper
At the helm, the raised command platform stood above the deck, granting an unobstructed view of the sea.
Floating around the captain’s seat were glowing ethereal orbs, humming with stored power.
"These orbs amplify a captain’s magical abilities," Seraphis said, stepping up to them. "With the right user, the entire ship can be controlled with thought alone."
Salvar stepped onto the platform, feeling the immense presence of the ship’s magic wrap around him.
"This is more than just a ship," he murmured. "It’s an extension of the captain."
Seraphis nodded. "Precisely. With the right crew, the Moonlit Reaper won’t just dominate battles—it will redefine naval warfare."
The Lower Decks – Soldiers and Secrets
Descending into the lower decks, they walked past rows of barracks for the 50 archers and 100 marines stationed onboard.
Further down, Seraphis revealed the hidden compartments beneath the ship’s waterline.
"This is where we store the real treasures," she said, pulling back a false panel to reveal a sealed vault of enchanted artifacts.
Salvar’s eyes narrowed. "Hidden storage for smuggling or safekeeping?"
Seraphis smirked. "Both."
The Final Test – The Reaper’s First Move
Back on deck, Seraphis turned to Salvar. "Want to take her out for a spin?"
He grinned. "I thought you’d never ask."
As the anchors lifted and the sails unfurled, the Moonlit Reaper surged forward, cutting through the waves with unnatural speed.
Salvar grabbed the wheel, feeling the ship’s magic respond to his touch, and let out a victorious laugh.
"She’s magnificent," he admitted. "A ship worthy of legend."
Seraphis crossed her arms, satisfaction gleaming in her silver eyes. "And now, she’s yours."