Sea World: Descending with no Cheats

Chapter 6: Filling the Crew

As we stepped out of the building with a crushing news of no magical storage we all took a deep breath to focus on the current situation instead of concentrating on what we don’t have.

“You didn’t mention that you were a Captain, why didn’t you also get involved with the chaos outside?” Thad questioned me with a curious look in his eyes. It was clear he was trying to change the topic and get us focused on what we need to do.

“Well Theodore” As I mentioned Thad’s full name a very noticeable frown crossed his face, “I wanted to understand the situation in town, and I thought that any worthwhile individuals would ignore that mess. I am looking for crew mates that I don’t need to think for. I was also trying to figure out what path to take. When I realised that tasks also reward experience, I realised that taking tasks and killing sea beasts along the way may be the most effective route”

“How did u know my full name?” Thad questioned, clearly disgruntled by the reveal of his name. Jess was just standing to the side giggling at the contrast between the big, muscled Thad with the nerdy name Theodore.

“I can see the summaries of my crew members on a crew tab on my panel, it gives me their name, class and level. So I know you two are Jess Barry and Theodore Whitley,” I responded as I informed them of the crew tracker I had on my panel.

Both Jess and Barry nodded thoughtfully as it made sense for a Captain to be able to see the information of their crew. “To explain why I mentioned fishing is important, the ship talent I selected is the unique talent [Fishing], it allows us to gain experience from fishing with a small chance to acquire rare resources. It can also be improved once we have caught enough fish, though that time seems a long while away” I added as I explained why fishing was important.

With understanding looks in their eyes, we started walking back to the square outside the city walls to find see if we could scout the rest of our crew mates. Along the way we came upon an interesting scene.

Two slightly shorter men, 1.7m tall with brown and black hair were standing at a street stall selling fish skewers. The native running the stall and the brown haired young man was engaged in an animated conversation. Based on what I could see, the native was not scared or annoyed but was enjoying the conversation and actively engaging with it. Curious about what was going on I walked closer so that I could eavesdrop on their conversation.

“The taste is exquisite, but you are lacking variety, if you add some extra spices for a small charge, you can get different tastes with different spices, it will make your food stand out even more” the brown haired young man eagerly remarked.

“I understand what you mean, but our island lacks the variety of spices, we only have salt for the spices. Other spices are rare and expensive. I am more interested in the extra cooking methods you mentioned as that would seem to be something that I can achieve,” the native calmly responded.

It seems that they were having a discussion on the different preparation methods and spices you could use with fish skewers. Seems like the brown haired young man had a passion for cooking. I would bet good money that he received the chef class as well. And based on the conversation it seems he is trying to understand the cooking requirements and food culture on the island.

Being proactive and looking to secure an income considering the Captains outside didn’t want to hire him. But what about the black haired young man, he seems a bit timid and introverted, seems like he probably has a class that works best when he is left alone.

I approached the black haired young man to strike up a conversation, “Hello, I am Jerry. It seems that your friend is fully exploring his chef class and seeking opportunities, but what about you, planning to open a restaurant together?” I asked with a leading question trying to uncover his class.

“No, I am not a chef…. We are friends back home. The idea is that we explore our classes in town. He will accompany me to a destination where I can explore my class as well,” The black haired youth quietly whispered back to me, seems speaking isn’t one of his fortes. His friend would probably lead the conversation so that he could acquire the knowledge that he needs.

 “Well if you are not a chef then what is your class if I…” “Why are you so concerned about us and what we are doing, it doesn’t seem to be any of your business,” the brown haired youth interrupted me as he took notice of me and my two companions’ presence. Seems like he is defensive about his friend. Good principles.

“Well, I noticed the conversation you were having and assumed that you were a chef and as I need a chef for my crew. Based on what I have observed both of you would fit in my crew, but as I am unsure of your friends’ class, I don’t know if he has the class I am looking for at the moment.” I responded calmly while stating my objectives, beating around the bush at this point would be counterproductive.

“So you are the missing Captain that didn’t engage with the chaotic scramble outside? You went into the city first to acquire information?” the young brown haired man remarked with some surprise evident in his tone. Missing Captain? That phrase caught me off guard, seems like some people noticed one of the Captains weren’t currently recruiting.

“Yes that is me, I have already recruited two crew members who had the same mindset as us. By the way, neither of you have introduced yourselves yet.” I responded.

“Oh, I am Gordon, as you guessed I have the ship’s chef class, this is my friend Drake, he has the ship’s engineer class. But we also have a third friend who is a marksman going with dual wielding pistols named Jack. I believe all three of us would want to join your crew,” Gordon, the brown haired young man, excitedly responded as he realised he might be able to join our crew.

Drake, the black haired young man, as a ship’s engineer also fit exactly into what we needed, he also seemed excited by the prospect. Jack, a midrange gunner with pistols is also not a bad fit, but I don’t have any information on his personality or temperament as of yet.

“I see, to be honest I believe both you and Drake are good fits for my crew, but I would need to meet Jack first before I could make a decision.” I calmly responded

“Well I am not that difficult to figure out Jerry, I am a charming young man that is loved by the ladies when I am relaxed, and serious when the situation calls for it” I heard a voice sounding from behind, as I turned around I saw good looking black haired young man with a medium build and a smile that will definitely get us into trouble with female crews.

Jess took one glance, frowned and just remarked, “Playboy.” I couldn’t help agreeing with her. Thad was enjoying the situation. “Well I don’t have a problem with you joining, but there will be ground rules.” I replied to his charming smile.

“Ground rules?” he asked with slight confusion.

“No harassing female crew members or you are out, if other crews have an issue with us because of your conduct with the woman and you can’t justify it, we won’t get involved.” I responded. Jess looked immensely relieved at my rules, Thad was stifling his laughter, Gordon smiled as if he was used to this situation and Drake just rolled his eyes as if he knew this was coming.

“Those rules seem fair, as long as you agree to the fact that I am given a chance to explain my side. Because I don’t harass ladies, I can handle rejection and I move on. If they don’t want me then I leave them alone, so you won’t have to worry about those situations you are expecting” he replied calmly while smiling again, as if it was a small matter.

I can already see the level of frustration he will bring me. “If he doesn’t leave me alone I will hit him” Jess stated calmly from the side. Thad was laughing at the absurd situation we have found ourselves in. On our way to the recruitment square to fill our crew and we aren’t even halfway and apparently we are done.

“Then welcome to the crew, I hope you all enjoy fishing because we will be doing a lot of it.”

[Crew 5/5]

[Jess Barry – Warrior – Level 1]

[Theodore Whitley – Warrior – Level 1]

[Jack Blue – Marksman – Level 1]

[Gordon Oliver – Ship Chef – Level 1]

[Drake Belling – Ship Engineer – Level 1]