Massive waves slammed into the pirate ship as if to tear its hull apart. Whenever lightning split the sea and black clouds swallowed the sky, the sailors' pale faces were briefly revealed.

Lower the sails!

The crew clutched the ropes desperately. Despite their will, the sea shook the pirate ship violently.

The hull tilted with a loud scream. The sails were torn away, and the ship broke apart and scattered.

Ron held onto the helm until the very end, but the black current covered everything.

When he opened his eyes, he was lying on the cold sand.

He slowly pushed himself up. The sand beneath his feet was muddy, and his wet clothes clung heavily to his body.

Looking around, he could tell it was a small island, but there were no other crew members or traces of the wrecked pirate ship to be seen.

...Did I... wash up alone?

Ron wiped his face with his palm.

I'll meet the surviving crew again someday, and I can just get a new ship.

He steadied his mind with those thoughts.