The boat moved slowly forward, cutting across the surface of the water. It passed the long chain of reefs and headed toward the enormous manta ray, whose head and part of its fins protruded above the sea.
The closer they drew to the manta ray, the deeper the shadow cast over their heads became.
“My God…….”
Sir Eli forgot even to row as he stared in awe.
He had thought he already understood how large it was, yet the manta ray’s sheer size up close was overwhelming. The portion exposed above the water alone was already comparable to the flagship, Wings of Glory.
Moreover, its back was laden with marine life such as barnacles and coral, making the creature look less like a living being and more like one enormous reef island.
“You two wait here for a moment. If anything goes wrong, get the boat as far away from this place as possible first.”
When the boat reached the manta ray’s head, Logan gave those instructions, then leapt down onto the reef by himself. Wading through waves that washed up to his ankles, he slowly approached the manta ray.
“Please be careful, Your Highness!”
Sir Duisang called worriedly from behind.
Without looking back, Logan lightly raised a hand in acknowledgment.
Now that he was closer, the manta ray’s miserable condition was even more starkly apparent. It seemed to have been stranded for quite some time; its hide was badly cracked, and dried salt gleamed white around its eyes and mouth.
On the patches of…