The Twin Cities, formed by Piltover and Zaun, boast an exceptionally advantageous geographical location, bordering Noxus to the north and the Jungles of Ixtal to the south, situated at the confluence of two seas.
In the Jungle, there's also the happy lion dog who enjoys chasing bugs!
The Twin Cities' superior geographical position means its shipping and transportation conditions are among the best in the World.
Being at the junction of two seas, anyone wanting to travel to other places, no matter where they are from, cannot bypass the Twin Cities.
Bilgewater, located southeast of the Twin Cities, also shares similar advantageous geographical conditions, though its position is not as prominent. However, it is a necessary route for Noxus and Ionia to reach the Twin Cities.
Bilgewater is also the first line of defense for the Twin Cities and the eastern part of Ixtal. Further east lies the infamous Shadow Isles.
Compared to the Shadow Isles, a forbidden land for living beings, the chaotic and barbaric lawless land of Bilgewater seems incredibly adorable.
At the same time, in the sea east of the Twin Cities, a massive ship was raising its sails, catching the full force of the wind, and heading towards Bilgewater with the ocean currents.
"We should arrive in Bilgewater in about one day!"
Inside the Captain's cabin, Captain Lister, wearing a tricorn hat and chewing on a pipe, pointed at the sea chart in front of him and said to Jayce and Duke, "We are actually already close to Bilgewater's waters now. For the rest of the voyage, we must be even more careful."
"We've been traveling for two days, and it's been calm all the way, no danger at all!"
Jayce stroked his chin, examining the sea chart with an air of nonchalance.
"Mr. Jayce, in the scientific field of invention, you are better than me, but when it comes to maritime transport, with all due respect, you are just a little baby who hasn't even cut his teeth!"
Lister, biting on his pipe, forcefully exhaled two plumes of smoke, appearing exceptionally rude and impolite. Jayce said nothing in response; at sea, the Captain is supreme, and everything must follow the Captain's command.
"Captain Lister's danger should be referring to the sea monster swarms and those strange existences in the deep sea, right!"
"Exactly. I once personally witnessed a massive fleet, under attack by a swarm of sea monsters, being devoured instantly like a cake on a plate, leaving not even crumbs behind!"
Captain Lister took two puffs from his pipe, his eyes still holding a lingering Terrify.
"In Bilgewater, you only need to guard against knives in your back and those blatant Bandits, but at sea, there's much more you need to watch out for!"
"Hmm!"
Duke looked at the sea chart and nodded, having no objections to Lister's decision.
Specialized tasks are best handled by people from different professions; that's the most effective division of labor!
Only a fool would try to command without understanding anything!
At sea, he had means of self-preservation, but he didn't want to rashly stir up trouble and then be forced to cross the sea alone to Bilgewater.
"Captain, we've entered Bilgewater's waters, and it's almost time to Pay the Tithe!"
Lister's first mate walked into the Captain's cabin, and Jayce raised an eyebrow: "Pay the Tithe?"
"To whom, who pays, and how much?"
"Let's hear the Captain's explanation!"
Duke stood before the helm, looking at the wheel-shaped rudder, his eyes revealing contemplation; the result of his last lottery draw gave him the idea of creating a second original sin.
However, he still needed to think it through carefully and not act rashly. Some specific materials could only be used once, and if he were to start experimenting rashly, he might miss valuable experimental materials and rare opportunities.
"Captain Lister, what exactly did your first mate mean by paying The Tithe just now?"
Jayce had no qualms about asking Captain Lister, as what he said made sense; in the field of navigation, he wasn't even fit to carry his shoes.
"It's paying The Tithe to the Deep Sea Titan, Nautilus, to ask for his protection, otherwise the ship will be sunk. No one dares not to Pay the Tithe in these waters!"
"What happens if you don't pay?" Jayce swallowed, looking at Captain Lister with some curiosity. Captain Lister held his pipe and gave Jayce a strange smile.
"There's a saying: Pay the Tithe, and the sea will boil and the mountains will shake."
"Those who don't Pay the Tithe have all become lost souls, waiting for the next batch of misers to join them!"
"It's not that exaggerated, is it!"
Jayce chuckled dryly, Captain Lister's expression and words made him feel uneasy.
"Better to believe it than not!"
Duke withdrew his gaze from the helm and said faintly to Jayce: "Sometimes, it's better to believe certain things!"
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