“H-hold on, I surrender!”0

The pilot didn’t let his pride complicate matters. Once he felt the blade against his neck, he simply raised both hands in a gesture of submission.0

Thankfully, he acted quickly and wisely. Seeing that he wouldn’t resist any further, I removed the dagger from his throat.0

“From this point forward, this airship will be heading to Delrayle. Bring me a map.”0

Even though he seemed docile, I ordered him to fetch me a map to ensure he didn’t entertain any ideas of betraying us en route. Plus, I needed to double-check the flight path. If he didn’t have one, we would have to figure something else out.0

The pilot nodded so vigorously that it almost looked like his head would fall off. “Y-yes, a map! I’ll fetch it immediately!”0

“Cecilia?”0

“Yes, I’ll accompany him.”0

The pilot made his way below deck, with Cecilia following closely behind.0

Watching her go, I felt a small sense of relief. Bringing the other climbers along had been the right call. With the pilot so easily intimidated, having someone reliable like Cecilia by his side ensured things wouldn’t go sideways.0

Now that we were heading in the right direction, I could open a portal.0

Positioning myself in the middle of the deck, I activated the skill, tearing open a shimmering, golden rift in space and allowing...0