Chapter 584: Wendy

“As you expected, the Sea of Oblivion has been called that for about 30 years. That’s also when Neverland was created.”

Intrigued, Oliver looked up from the map and focused on Captain Hook.

The fact that Neverland, Fen’s base, was established 30 years ago might be useful information.

More importantly, it was clear Captain Hook knew a lot about it.

Before Oliver could ask, Captain Hook started speaking.

“By the way, I was there when Fen created Neverland 30 years ago. He used countless children and islands to build his own little world… The Wendy is an imitation of that.”

Oliver understood immediately.

The Wendy was recreated as a massive ship infused with countless emotions, life forces, magic, and Captain Hook’s memories, affection, and will.

In other words, Neverland was fundamentally the same as the Wendy.

“However, the difference is that the scale is as vast as the difference between the sky and the earth.”

Captain Hook pointed to the center of a map created 30 or 40 years ago with his hook.

There was a large island surrounded by several smaller ones.

Though marked as a colonial city of the United Kingdom, the city’s name had been erased.

“This island is likely Neverland.”

Captain Hook spoke with both a hint of speculation and certainty.

“It’s definitely larger than the ship… But how are you so sure? Didn’t you only have a rough idea of Neverland’s location?”

“I’ve searched all the other islands, so by process of elimination, it can only be here.”

Captain Hook, confident in his deduction, tapped the center of the Sea of Oblivion on the map again with his hook.

Oliver was impressed.

“Oh… That’s amazing. You’ve searched this vast area?”

“With enough time, anyone can do it.”

It wasn’t just humility; it was the truth, but Oliver shook his head.

“Still, it’s impressive. Carrying out a search like that over such a long time, especially in a dangerous place like the Sea of Oblivion, isn’t easy.”

“My case is different.”

“Different?”

“The Sea of Oblivion is dangerous, but it’s not as dangerous for me.”

“What do you mean?”

“Hmm… Well, it’s something I’ve recently considered, but it seems like Fen doesn’t want to kill me.”

“Why do you think that?”

“Because I’m still alive,” Captain Hook said firmly.

“It took me nearly 10 years to escape from Neverland and become independent. After that, I spent 20 years looking for it. But I’m still alive.”

“Maybe it’s thanks to your skills, Captain Hook.”

“I admit the Wendy is strong. Even if 10 or 20 warships came at it, we’d still stand a good chance, and the same goes for battlefield mages.”

Captain Hook paused for a moment, then shook his head.

“But even so, the Wendy isn’t invincible. The creatures in the Sea of Oblivion could easily overpower me, yet that’s never happened.”

“Never?”

“There have been a few dangerous encounters, but nothing more than that. I’ve been doing this for almost 20 years. There’s no other explanation; someone has been letting me go.”

Captain Hook’s guess turned into certainty, which then led to new questions.

“For 20 years, Fen has let me pursue him… Mr. Dave, do you have any idea why Fen hasn’t tried to kill me?”

Oliver didn’t answer immediately, instead observing Captain Hook’s emotions.

They were serious and filled with bitterness.

“Hmm… I have a personal theory, but I’m not sure.”

“I’ll decide if it’s true, so please share it. I beg you.”

Captain Hook was incredibly polite. It seemed this was very important to him.

Respecting Captain Hook, who had been helping him, Oliver spoke.

“I think it’s a sort of condition.”

“A condition?”

“Yes, though I’m not entirely certain, there’s a method of amplifying the power of black magic by adding specific rules. For example, like the one in the Agony of the Hooked Fish.”

“I know what you’re talking about. It’s Fen’s technique, where he tricks his target into releasing stronger black magic than usual.”

Since Captain Hook was familiar with Fen, he understood instantly.

“So, you’re suggesting I might be one of those conditions?”

“Yes, I think it’s a condition necessary to maintain Neverland. At least, that’s just my thoughts… You mentioned that Neverland seems to be a dream island for children, correct?”

“Yes, it’s an island of dreams and adventure where chocolate coins are buried everywhere, fairies live, mermaids sing, unicorns run free, and redskins engage in war games daily… At least outwardly.”

“I think it would take more than just a lot of materials to sustain an island like that. That’s why a condition was imposed to maintain the island, such as an adult, who is the opposite of a child, constantly searching for it.”

The explanation was vague, but Oliver felt quite certain.

Black magic is like a painting, and its effects can vary depending on how it is designed.

There are even black magic items that produce unexpected results.

On top of that, maintaining such a massive and intricate black magic spell over a long time would definitely require a device.

Actually, it would be even more necessary since it’s a creature.

If no device was used, that massive creature would probably try to break free from the caster’s control.

Apparently, Oliver wasn’t the only one thinking this way. After listening to his explanation, Captain Hook thought deeply and then nodded.

“It’s a plausible theory.”

“But I’m not sure.”

“No, I’ve thought it through carefully as well.”

Sincerity.

“Now that I think about it, it doesn’t make sense that I was able to escape from Neverland in the first place. Even though it was in a precarious early state and Belle helped me, it’s odd.”

The word “Belle” caused a fairy to peek out from inside Captain Hook’s pocket.

“I used to think that escaping from Neverland was thanks to Belle and sheer luck, but now… it might be more accurate to say that Fen let me go on purpose, to maintain Neverland.”

Captain Hook accepted Oliver’s theory as fact.

And Oliver also thought this was highly possible.

Remembering the difficult situation 30 years ago when Neverland was created and the perfect timing of Captain Hook’s escape, as well as the fact Fen had left Captain Hook alone despite his constant search for Neverland, there was little else that could explain it.

However, there was something Oliver couldn’t understand.

How could Fen be sure Captain Hook would keep searching for Neverland?

Isn’t that odd?

Captain Hook spent 30 years, 10 of those years acquiring his ship, and 20 years searching around the Sea of Oblivion.

Even Oliver thought that was an incredible feat.

Most people would’ve likely given up within the first 10 years.

Because that’s normal.

But Captain Hook was still searching for Neverland.

As a black mage or a pirate, he could have easily achieved his desired life, yet he continued.

Oliver was curious about the reason. Very curious.

“Captain Hook… I’d like to ask you something, though it might be sensitive.”

“…Go ahead.”

“Why do you keep searching for Neverland? It doesn’t seem to be just a personal desire.”

Oliver recalled the emotions Captain Hook showed during their deal. There was an altruistic desire sparked by someone else.

After hearing the question, Captain Hook fell silent.

“Ah… I apologize if I was being insensitive. My curiosity got the better of me. If you don’t want to answer—”

“—I was asked.”

Captain Hook interrupted Oliver’s words.

“Asked?”

“Yes, Wendy asked me.”

Wendy of Neverland, Wendy of the Wendy, and now, Wendy again.

Unable to hold back, Oliver asked.

“What exactly is this Wendy?”

Captain Hook seemed ready to finally reveal the truth.

But just then—

“Captain! We’re approaching the Sea of Oblivion!”

One of Captain Hook’s crew, tied to the Wendy, reported fluently. At the same time, the winds and currents began to shake the Wendy violently.

This is the nature of the Sea of Oblivion. Captain Hook quickly took hold of the wheel, ending their conversation.

“Let’s put this discussion on hold for now.”

“Agreed. I need to prepare anyway.”

As Oliver spoke, he took out the Greedy Bag and pulled out the Zombie Puppet—Bathory and Durance, placing Child—First and Second inside respectively.

As Child entered, Bathory and Durance began moving, gaining life.

Oliver spoke to Child within them.

“Guard the ship.”

“Got it.”

“Aaaah…”

The Children loosened up and replied.

***

“From here on, both the Cannibals and Harpies will attack simultaneously!”

It had been several hours since they entered the Sea of Oblivion.

Passing between islands where the wind and currents swirled wildly, Captain Hook shouted.

As he said, from a small island with shabby houses, Cannibals wearing strange masks suddenly appeared, launching spears and arrows in their direction.

On the opposite island, Harpies with the body of a bird, the face of a woman, and insect wings flew high into the sky to attack the Wendy from above.

Screeeeeeeech!!

Attack from both the sides and above.

They were in threatening positions, but Oliver had already prepared by extracting emotions, covering the Wendy with a large barrier that blocked all incoming projectiles and Harpies.

Thud-thud!

They hesitated.

Arrows and spears bounced off the dark barrier, and the Harpies stopped.

Right at that moment, Oliver called out.

“First, Second.”

As Oliver’s call ended, the dark barrier disappeared, and Zombie Puppet—Bathory and Durance moved.

The first to move was First inside Bathory.

First wrapped blood-made bat wings around its back and soared straight into the sky.

[Blood Bat Blade]

Bathory swung its wings, transforming a large amount of blood into bats that sliced through most of the Harpies in the sky.

It was as if a large, sharp butcher’s knife had cleaved through a piece of meat in an instant.

First didn’t stop there, creating a gigantic scythe from blood and slashing through the remaining Harpies, sending them plummeting into the sea below.

“Kahahahahaha!!”

Next, Second inside Zombie Puppet—Durance moved.

Second used Durance’s specialty of body manipulation to transform one arm into a hybrid of a sniper rifle and machine gun, firing off a barrage of lead bullets.

It seemed to be based on a gun book Second bought and read with his wages, proving that knowledge is power. Zombie Puppet—Durance displayed firepower different from anything seen before.

Boom-boom-booooom!

The lead bullets didn’t just penetrate the Cannibals’ bodies; they exploded them.

Most bullets hit their targets, overpowering the projectiles launched by the hundreds of Cannibals.

In terms of power, accuracy, and rate of fire, Zombie Puppet—Durance completely dominated the Cannibal horde. Additionally—

“Ooga! Ooga! Ooga!”

“Ooga-chacha! Ooga-chacha!!”

“Ooga-gak! Ooga-gak!!”

Cannibals who tried to cross by using their comrades as shields had a sawed-off shotgun aimed at them from within Durance’s body, knocking them back.

Bang! Bang!

In just a few moments, these two Zombie Puppets had subdued hundreds of creatures.

During that time, Captain Hook and his crew were also doing their part.

The crew took charge of the sails and paddled, keeping the Wendy at maximum speed while watching for other creatures.

Captain Hook steadied the Wendy, which swayed in the currents and wind, and faced off against the Fishmen coming straight towards them.

“Let’s roast them well.”

Captain Hook pressed a button attached to the helm.

Clang.

As Captain Hook pressed the button, a hole opened in the lower front of the Wendy, and intense fire poured out, roasting the approaching Fishmen.

A massive wave of fire suddenly appeared ahead.

The Wendy cut through the fiery wave like the Red Sea, passing between the islands filled with Cannibals and Harpies.

“We’ve successfully passed through the Trap Islands. We should be able to get there much faster now.”

Captain Hook looked at Bathory, who landed from the sky, and Durance, who had fended off hundreds of Cannibals, as well as Oliver.

Given how treacherous the passage was, with dangerous terrain, fierce currents, and countless creatures, it was no wonder this route was avoided.

But thanks to Oliver, First, and Second, they were able to make it through.

They had saved a tremendous amount of time.

“From here, we should reach the heart of the Sea of Oblivion soon.”

“Hmm… May I ask you a question?”

“Go ahead.”

“You identified the island where Neverland is located through the process of elimination, but you haven’t seen it yourself, right?”

“Yes.”

“Did I just happen to visit at the perfect time?”

Oliver posed a very reasonable question.

Captain Hook had claimed to have personally visited the entire Sea of Oblivion over the past 20 years.

Except for the lone island at the center of the Sea of Oblivion, suspected to be Neverland.

The last remaining candidate. Oliver wondered why Captain Hook hadn’t visited sooner. He could have gone before Oliver’s arrival.

In response, Captain Hook pointed ahead.

“I couldn’t cross that.”

Oliver looked in the direction Captain Hook pointed.

There, a thick fog swirled. To be precise, a fog mixed with deep resentment, obsession, malice, and envy like that of vengeful spirits.

“…This isn’t just ordinary fog.”

Seeing the overwhelming emotions of possibly hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands, Oliver spoke.

The sheer scale of it was enough to make the specter-like crew of the Wendy and even the Child shudder.

“This fog envelops the heart of the Sea of Oblivion and acts as a barrier to prevent anyone from reaching Neverland. Even though I found the island and guessed it’s Neverland, I couldn’t reach it because I couldn’t get through this.”

“Is it some kind of space manipulation spell?”

“No, the thick fog blinds all vision and sense of direction, causing you to end up outside again.”

Oliver opened the Warlock’s Eye, examining the fog ahead.

There were no signs of space manipulation spells.

Only the resentment, malice, and obsession of those who had died here, clinging to life.

With emotions this dense, neither regular eyes nor the Warlock’s Eye would be effective.

‘Still, with some effort, it might work.’

As Oliver thought this, he asked Captain Hook.

“So if you’ve come this far, you must know how to get through, right?”

“Theoretically.”

Captain Hook took out a peculiar-looking compass.

At first glance, it seemed like an ordinary compass, but as soon as he opened the lid, it was clear it was not.

Its surface was covered in tiny, shell-like eyes, and instead of a needle, it had a small finger.

“This is the Heart Compass. As you can see, it’s a black magic item. The only ladder that can take us through this fog.”

“Does it point to the direction of Neverland?”

“More precisely, it points in the direction of what you most desire.”

“Ah… Then why couldn’t you get through?”

As Oliver asked, the Wendy entered the fog.

Some strong emotions in the fog condensed into ghostly forms.

Ooooooooh.

Captain Hook replied.

“Because I can’t use this compass properly.”

As if to prove his words, the finger in the center of the compass suddenly spun wildly in place.

Despite the thick fog obscuring their vision, the compass remained clearly visible.

Swoosh!

Captain Hook suddenly threw the compass to Oliver.

Oliver caught the compass.

“That’s why I guided you, Mr. Dave. Think of your friend. If your pure, unclouded sincerity shines through, the compass will respond.”

Oliver followed Captain Hook’s instructions, holding the compass and thinking of Jane.

After a moment, the compass’s finger, which had been spinning aimlessly, stopped and pointed to the left.

“Sincerity, unlike me.”

Captain Hook admired it calmly as he adjusted the wheel. The Wendy groaned as it turned in the direction indicated.

“So, you weren’t sincere in your search, Captain?”

Oliver, who had seen Captain Hook’s emotions, asked. It was true Captain Hook was earnest in his search for Neverland.

“Perhaps not. After all, my reason for searching for Neverland was simply because Wendy asked me.”

“Who is Wendy?”

The conversation circled back to the beginning. Captain Hook answered.

“She’s the girl who first sang me a lullaby.”