Gravity Mage with Level-Up System Chapter 1925: Part 1: Sea Travel

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Previously on Gravity Mage with Level-Up System...
After thwarting an assassination attempt, the protagonist waits two days for the country-wide alert against a killer organization to subside. He then travels with Sam Patrick to the Montex Shipping Company to board a ship. Despite heightened government scrutiny due to the previous attacks, they gain entry and board a massive, magically enhanced vessel bound for the sea.
Montex Ship Manager Robert commenced the tour of the vessel, and Sam Patrick, familiar with the ship from his youth, accompanied us. Key areas were shown to me, including the engine room, a location usually off-limits. Manager Robert's decision to bring me there was noteworthy. I observed the manager with a new perspective, utilizing my system to scan the area and discovering that restrictions were indeed in place. Following our departure from that restricted zone, Manager Robert continued to guide us through several more locations, eventually leading us to my assigned room. Soon, the time for departure arrived. Sam Patrick made his decision to disembark. I offered my thanks once more and went to the deck to see him off. Once he had departed, Manager Robert turned to me. "My Lord, I shall introduce you to your Guardian," Robert announced. Nodding in acknowledgment, I signaled my assent. In the following moment, Manager Robert summoned an individual. An elderly man arrived shortly thereafter. The old man was clad in wizardly robes, but the palpable aura emanating from him instilled a sense of impending danger. Instinctively, I activated the system's probe function. [Ding! The old man is a Water Forbidden Wizard] The system's notification echoed in my mind, stirring my thoughts. The presence of a Forbidden Wizard assigned to oversee the ship was unexpected. "Lord Gary, this is our esteemed guest. His destination lies across the sea to the far continent," Robert informed the elderly man. Upon hearing this, the old man turned his attention to me, attempting to discern my capabilities. However, his efforts proved fruitless. A wave of shock coursed through the old man. He surmised that my background must be considerable, especially as my face was obscured by a mask. Regaining his composure, he stated, "Rest assured, I shall attend to his safety." Manager Robert visibly relaxed, then bid his farewells and departed from the deck. Left alone with the old man, I observed him as he cast a final glance my way before departing himself. I was uncertain of his true nature, whether benevolent or otherwise. Sensing no malicious intent, I dismissed the thought and returned to my quarters. The room was quite expansive. Closing the door, I settled onto the sofa. Then, I closed my eyes to rest. Thirty minutes later, The ship hummed to life and pulled away from the port, embarking on its slow journey towards the distant shores. Uncertain of the duration of the voyage, I rose and approached the window. Opening it, I felt the gentle sea breeze brush against my face, carrying the warmth of the ocean. My gaze drifted to the sea below, which appeared both deep and serene. A significant concentration of water mana permeated the surroundings, complemented by the subtle presence of life mana within the environment. It was, I mused, an ideal locale for a water-aligned wizard. As time flowed onward, I continued to savor the view, with no disturbances to report thus far. The ship carried approximately two hundred passengers, including myself. I had anticipated that the assassin organization might attempt a move. However, they remained inactive, their silence perhaps attributable to the stringent governmental surveillance in effect. Regardless, having left that perilous region, I was no longer burdened by such concerns and could dedicate my focus to the mission at hand. That evening, I ventured onto the deck for a stroll. Upon my emergence, I observed that over a hundred passengers were already present. The massive vessel sailed with remarkable smoothness across a placid sea, devoid of any significant turbulence. This tranquility allowed passengers to linger near the ship's edge with a sense of security. Scanning my surroundings, I noted the endless expanse of the blue sea, the port now completely out of sight, having been left far behind. While lost in contemplation of the seascape, I sensed an intense gaze fixed upon my back. Casually turning, I noticed several individuals observing me. My mask had evidently attracted their attention. I disregarded them, turning back towards the sea to appreciate the scenery, feeling the wind caress my face. Meanwhile, a few passengers observed the masked figure. Seeing him alone, contemplating the vast ocean, sparked their curiosity. Their attempts to gauge my strength were met with failure, leaving them astonished. These individuals possessed considerable prowess, with most being level-9 wizards, save for a select few supreme wizards. Their inability to assess my power came as a shock. They quickly deduced that the masked man must be a formidable wizard and promptly ceased their scrutiny, attending to their own affairs. I, however, perceived the shift in their demeanor. My system had been employed to deliberately conceal my true abilities, as I wished for the old Guardian to remain unaware of my strength. Consequently, others now regarded me with a different kind of attention. As night descended, I returned to my room. A premonition settled upon me that the night might not be tranquil, given that the ship was now traversing a region heavily frequented by sea monsters. I had heard tales of such creatures but had never encountered one firsthand. Should such an encounter occur, it would present a valuable opportunity for me to gain experience.Old Gary remained in his chamber, fully alert despite the late hour. His senses extended across the entire vessel, ensuring any approaching sea monster would be detected instantly. These were no ordinary creatures; they possessed the ability to sense potent cultivators like Gary. The presence of a high-level powerhouse aboard the ship would not go unnoticed by them. The sea monsters dwelling in these waters were particularly territorial. Among them, the colossal octopus posed a significant threat to this region. Its immense form lay hidden beneath the waves, a single appendage capable of obliterating the ship. Should the vessel sustain critical damage, sinking would be inevitable, leading to the demise of all aboard. However, the monstrous octopus had not yet revealed itself, patiently awaiting the perfect moment to strike.