Pirate: Crew of Desire and Bonds

Jake rubbed his chin thoughtfully as he looked over the various weapons lined up on the racks.

His current short sword, the one he had taken from the man who had been chasing Grace had served him well enough in a desperate situation.

But for some reason, he never really felt satisfied with it.

It was functional, but it never quite felt right in his hands.

He picked up a few different blades, testing their weight and balance one by one.

Then his hand closed around a medium-length sword.

The grip fit his palm comfortably, and the weight felt natural.

Jake’s eyes brightened slightly.

He stepped back and gave the sword a few clean, swift swings.

The blade cut through the air with a sharp whistle.

His movements felt smoother, more natural, as if the sword was an extension of his arm rather than just a tool.

"...Yes. This is the feeling."

He nodded in satisfaction, a small smile forming on his face.

Grace watched him from the side, her golden eyes soft with quiet admiration.

"It suits you," she said gently.

Jake glanced at her and smiled.

"Yeah. This one feels right."

He gave the medium-length sword one last testing swing before turning his attention toward the lighter weapons and equipment.

Jake continued browsing the racks with more focus now that he had found a sword that felt right.

He selected a second medium-length sword as a backup, then picked up a couple of sturdy short swords as well... simple but reliable, just in case something went wrong during a fight.

After testing their weight and balance, he nodded in satisfaction and set them aside with his main choice.

Meanwhile, Grace had been quietly watching him, but her curiosity soon got the better of her.

Her golden eyes drifted toward another section of the storage area.

Something there seemed to catch her interest.

Without saying much, she gently touched Jake’s arm to let him know she was moving, then walked deeper into the room on her own.

Jake glanced after her for a moment, watching her soft figure disappear between the rows of equipment, before returning his attention to the remaining gear.

He still needed to decide on some light armor... and maybe something suitable for Grace as well.

After settling on his choices, Jake fully equipped himself.

A solid medium-length sword hung at his waist, with two short swords secured on the other side for backup.

Over his clothes, he wore a set of sturdy leather armor that offered decent protection without restricting his movement.

He rolled his shoulders once, testing the fit, and gave a satisfied nod.

This felt much better than walking around like before.

With his gear ready, Jake went looking for Grace.

It didn’t take long to find her.

The moment he turned the corner, he couldn’t help but let out a short laugh.

Grace was standing there holding two oversized handguns, one in each hand and wearing a pair of comically large goggles that were clearly meant for someone much bigger.

The goggles sat crooked on her face, making her look both serious and adorable at the same time.

Sensing his presence, she turned toward him.

The oversized goggles slipped slightly as she smiled brightly.

"I think I love this!" she declared, lifting the two guns with clear excitement.

Jake shook his head with an amused smile and walked over.

He gently patted her head, careful not to knock the goggles off completely.

"You already have the Far Sight skill," he said with a soft chuckle. "Do you really need those giant goggles?"

Grace puffed her cheeks cutely but didn’t put the guns down.

"But they look so cool..." she mumbled.

_

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With Jake’s help, Grace carefully selected her own set of equipment.

She chose a long rifle suited for precise, long-range shots, something that could make full use of her Far Sight ability.

When Jake asked why she needed a physical long rifle when she could condense one with her Light, Grace explained that continuously condensing a weapon was quite exhausting.

Having a real long rifle was far more efficient for sustained combat.

And alongside it, she picked two compact pistols that she could draw quickly if enemies got too close, and a short, lightweight sword as a last-resort weapon.

Finally, she put on a fitted set of leather armor that protected her vital areas without restricting her movement.

After adjusting the straps and checking the balance of her weapons, Grace gave a small, determined nod.

When both of them stood side by side, fully equipped, the difference was clear.

Jake with his medium-length sword at his waist, backup short swords, and solid leather armor.

Grace with her long rifle slung across her back, dual pistols at her sides, a short sword, and matching leather armor.

They no longer looked like two people who had just survived by luck.

They looked like a proper pair of armed and solid warriors.

Jake glanced at Grace and gave a small, approving smile.

"Looks good on you."

Grace’s cheeks flushed slightly, but she smiled back with quiet confidence.

"You too... Captain."

With their preparations complete, the two of them left the storage area and headed toward the deck, where Garrick and the others were waiting for the group meeting.

When Jake and Grace stepped onto the deck, fully armed and equipped, the conversations among the gathered members gradually quieted.

Eyes turned toward them.

Jake met their gazes without flinching.

His posture was steady, his presence far more solid than before.

Beside him, Grace lifted her chin slightly and puffed out her chest with quiet confidence.

The shy, soft side of her was something she reserved only for her Captain.

Right now, she stood not just as his woman, but as his crew... no longer a weakling who could only hide behind others.

Garrick, who had been speaking with a few members, turned and saw them.

Then a satisfied smile spread across his face.

"Not bad," he said, raising his voice just enough for the others to hear.

"Looks like the two of you know how to prepare yourselves. Good."

A few of the members exchanged glances, some nodding in approval.

The earlier curiosity and doubt in their eyes lessened.

Garrick’s expression then shifted.

The casual tone faded as he stepped forward and faced the group properly.

"Alright. That’s enough. Let’s begin the meeting."

The deck fell silent.

"The reason I want to have a meeting today," Garrick said, his voice turning serious,

"...is because in a few days, we will be crossing the Dead Sea Line."

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