Chapter 613

Chapter 613: New Understandings

Traveling south along the coast for a week, the ship gradually moved away from the continent. That morning, looking east or north revealed no land in sight. This small boat, which seemed suited only for river travel, floated alone on the boundless ocean, making Jesse feel unsteady on his feet.

“Why doesn’t this ship hug the shore? Wouldn’t that be shorter and safer?” Greed asked curiously. He pulled out the map from the eastern continent, pointed to Kalimdor’s southern coastline, and said, “Sticking close to the coast should be fine, right?”

Jesse glanced at the map’s depiction of Silithus—a near-blank expanse, as if hastily sketched to fill space.

He knew why the Night Elves steered into the perilous deep sea. Silithus’ southern shore held Ahn’Qiraj, the Qiraji kingdom’s nest.

Though sealed by the magic of the Scarab Wall, the barrier couldn’t contain all Silithid. Countless insectoids had escaped. Sailing near Silithus risked aerial attacks.

“Remember those flying insects in the forest, Greed,” Jesse said. “Silithus is their homeland. If swarmed on this ship, we’d have nowhere to hide.”

“I see,” Greed sighed softly. “This damned place is full of dangers, yet leaving feels… hard.”

“Same here,” Jesse replied.

“Greed’s reluctance makes sense—parting with Mosa and this land. But you, Jesse?” Vereesa asked.

“Kalimdor’s dangers aside, these months traveling here were joyful,” Jesse admitted. “Returning east means facing problems again. Maybe I’m subconsciously escaping.”

Vereesa leaned against the cabin wall, studying Jesse. “I understand.”

“Escaping what?” Greed cut in.

“Sharp question,” Vereesa chuckled.

“Ah… sorry,” Greed mumbled. “Just curious.”

“No secrets between us,” Vereesa adjusted her hood. “Alleria, perhaps. Sylvanas might’ve been right before I left. This ‘Ranger Lord’ quest was just an excuse to distract myself.”

“Can’t both be true?” Greed countered. “Clear your head *and* earn that title to show your second sister your strength.”

He gestured at Jesse. “I came for gold *and* to travel with him. This continent’s more fascinating than I imagined. My goals don’t clash—earning coin doesn’t negate sightseeing with ‘little Jesse.’”

“Fair point,” Vereesa conceded. “Avoiding the first reason only highlights it.”

“If it bothers you, I’ll share my pay, little wisp,” Greed offered. “We have Dethmoora’s demon heart, plus all these clues. The Reliquary will pay handsomely.”

“What would I do with coin?” Vereesa shrugged.

“Dilute those worries with profit,” Jesse said. “That’s Greed’s meaning, I agree.”

“Jesse gets me,” Greed nodded.

“No need for dilution now,” Vereesa smiled at Jesse. “This journey brought new understandings—like meeting Miss Molofeel, which revealed who you are. That alone made it worthwhile.”

Her calm expression made it hard to tell if she was genuinely displeased or merely sarcastic as a friend, her expectant gaze fixed on Jesse.

Jesse kept his voice low. “Glad to distract you, Vereesa. But sound carries on this small boat. Best stay quiet.”

Greed smirked toward Molofeel’s hiding spot. “They haven’t noticed us all this time. Why worry—”

“One more thing, Jesse,” Vereesa interrupted. “Scrolls about Dethmoora and the Satyrs—Burning Legion orders or spells—must go to Quel’Thalas. That’s the agreement. Copy everything thoroughly before we return.”

A wail erupted from the Warlock Pack. Jesse hastily tightened its loosened straps, peering outside to ensure Night Elf sailors hadn’t heard the imp.

“Not even one scroll?” Jesse asked.

“They didn’t mention Dethmoora herself, so keep the Soul Shards,” Vereesa clarified. “But the Reliquary explicitly wants written records. Copying them should suffice.”

Other materials mattered little—summoning spells and circles were identical copied or original. He wasn’t some Goblin Collector.

Only one scroll worried him: handing over the Necromancer’s records might spur the Reliquary to hunt for Ulthalesh… and find it first.

*Damn it.* The thought alone proved he *wanted* that artifact.

But Vereesa was right. Submitting clues was the deal. Hiding one scroll would look suspicious.

“Fine,” Jesse relented. “We keep the dagger and Dethmoora’s demon bag, though?”

Vereesa frowned briefly. “Agreed. The dangers we faced outweigh a hundred gold coins. The Reliquary shouldn’t claim *all* rewards.”

“A *mere* hundred gold,” Greed muttered. “Someday I’ll say that with such confidence.”