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Tons of different cargo was being unloaded from Extensive Voyage near Bravery Port, at the edge of a city with torn walls. “It’s quite an honor to meet you, Madam Stussy. You look far prettier than in the portraits,” the Port Captain in suit formally bowed to her. At the edge of the ship, both of them were standing under the shade of a tree, overseeing the ongoing exchange of goods. There was enough wind blowing around to make some leaves fall or drift about aimlessly. “I didn’t expect that someone of your stature would be assigned to captain this ship.” “I didn’t expect that your city would grow to the extent it did either, and it’s still growing just like you are,” Stussy said in a rather friendly tone. “I am happy for you, but I’m not quite sure whether to feel good for your city or feel bad for all the poor towns and villages it has working in bondage.”

“Last chance for you to change your mind and throw that packet in the bin, or you’ll face the consequences.” A group of forty or so members of the plunderers guild blocked Lirzod’s way ahead, and even though all, except their leader, had masks covering their noses and mouths, the folding of the skin on the side of their eyes showed that they had strange smiles on their faces. Everyone was wearing large wooden baskets on their sturdy backs. On all their shirts were printed a few words: Hope High. Expect Low. At the moment, the street was full of hungry folks, and their eyes were all on one lad.

  In the voting hall of the twelfth deck, there was a lively ambiance, at least on the face of the ongoing election. Thousands of people had given their votes and were waiting for the lottery to start, but they were doubtful if the said event would take place or not. Tensions were slowly but surely climbing over their shoulders. “Hey, where’s that toothless boy you’ve spoken of? Why isn’t he here?” “I don’t know. Maybe he’s still on the way.” “Hmph, if he doesn’t come here, I’ll make you suffer for dragging me here!”

  “Nobody won in the manner you did, really,” Sean said, chewing on a fried fish, comfortably sitting at the dining table in his room, with Lirzod and Hundred playing as guests. “The struggle of a live fish must have triggered the sleeping instincts of the six gourmet saints. They’ve always tasted dead fish, so they weren’t able to hold themselves from attacking that ‘living’ gunfish. It’s funny how you won because the fish survived your spear strike. Either way, a win is a win as long as no rules are broken.” Lirzod didn’t say anything. Even though he took whatever risks he could and came out as a winner, he was still being judged instead of getting praised. It wasn’t just Sean, but most of the audience had crudely remarked him for winning it in the manner he did. Because of the demotivating comments people had made, Lirzod soon lost the thrill and the joy of winning. Currently, he seemed okay because he was trying to control his emotions and set his expectations low.