Mystery: Lucky One

Alice glanced at Klein.

This sounds like the "God-Forsaken Land"... Letting Frank Lee research crops that can grow in the "God-Forsaken Land" is indeed a good idea to kill two birds with one stone. Anyway, for Silver City, it's good enough to have something to eat, so they probably won't consider it...

Alice glanced silently at the remaining half glass of milk.

...probably they wouldn't even consider whether the milk is actually produced by cows.

Frank Lee took a sip of the milk and lowered his head to think. Seeing this, Alice stood up quietly and prepared to slip away.

"We won't bother you from thinking about things." Klein said politely and followed Alice away.

Frank Lee was unaware of their escape. He nodded perfunctorily and concentrated on his research.

After successfully sitting on the other side of the restaurant, Alice made a safe gesture and slumped in her chair. After a few seconds of blankness, she suddenly raised her head and asked Klein:

“Have you ever heard of cockroach milk?”

“Ah?” Klein’s eyes were confused for a moment.

Alice turned around and introduced this grand project to Klein:

"It is said that the protein content of cockroach milk is four times that of milk..."

"...I've heard about this." Klein interrupted Alice with mixed feelings. "Thank you for reminding me of this."

"You're welcome." Alice didn't feel guilty at all.

But if that bacteria can make everything produce milk, then...

Alice cast a malicious look at Klein.

Before she could say anything, Klein jumped up from his spot like a cat with its fur standing on end. He retreated two or three meters before shouting:

"Don't even think about that kind of thing!"

The pirates in the restaurant looked over in confusion, even Frank Lee gave him a puzzled look.

It seems that I can't be discovered by him when doing this kind of thing... Hey, it's impossible to milk without being discovered, right?
Alice regretfully withdrew her gaze and frowned as she stood there in deep thought.

This expression of hers... She hasn't given up at all! Alas, although I feel sorry for Frank, I still hope that his research will fail, otherwise... I probably can't control her in this kind of thing...

Klein looked at Alice and sighed inwardly, then silently sat back in his original seat.

When the pirates finished their lunch shifts, Admiral of the Stars Cattleya opened the window of the captain's room again and used magic to amplify her voice:
“There is an island 1.5 nautical miles ahead, and we are anchored there to wait for the storm to pass.

"In this ocean, there is a possibility of a terrible storm every time noon and night alternate. I am not sure when it will come, but I think it is safer to wait until it passes before continuing to sail."

She explained it in detail. It was not difficult for the pirates to understand how to avoid the storm, so no one raised any objections. Even Alice just shook her head after listening.
“I want to learn this!

"This magic that makes sounds amplify is so convenient... Can this magic be adjusted so that the sound can be louder or softer..."

Klein couldn't bear to listen any longer, so he stood up and left the restaurant.

Not long after, an island covered with huge trees appeared in front of them. The "Future" anchored at the edge of the island in the leeward direction, waiting for the storm to come.

More than half an hour later, when Alice was leaning against the window of the captain's room holding an ice cream, the sky suddenly darkened and thick clouds covered the sky.

A bolt of lightning struck across the sky, tearing the dark sky apart. A huge roar sounded, and at the same time, a hurricane rolled over from afar. It connected the clouds above and the sea below, and was more exaggerated than any giant in the legend, like a giant snake hovering to destroy the world.

This terrifying tornado brought with it waves as high as mountains. The tree-like lightning did not stop even with the onset of the rainstorm, but continued to strike the sea surface, splitting into tiny electric snakes that spread in all directions.

The sound of raindrops hitting the deck of the "Future" made the pirates who had already entered the cabin or took shelter from the rain feel as if the end of the world had come.

Such a storm did not last long. After about a quarter of an hour, the waves subsided, the hurricane dissipated, and the midday sun dominated the sky again.

"You can move around on the island, but you can't go too deep. You must stay within the range of the artillery." Cattleya gave the pirates a brief opportunity to relax.

"Including me?" Alice, who had sneaked into the captain's room, turned around and asked.

"...You'd better not go too deep," Cattleya answered carefully, "I believe you won't be in danger, but you might get into trouble and delay your departure..."

Alice was convinced.

"You're really good at talking!" She gave Cattleya a thumbs up.

Cattleya remained even more silent. After a few seconds, she said to Alice:

"you too."

Alice remained silent and decided to go find Klein.

...If Klein is saying something like this, he must be cursing me in secret!

As for Cattleya—Alice thought she wouldn't dare.

Alice found Klein taking a walk on the beach near the sea. Apparently, this seemingly crazy but actually cautious adventurer did not explore the island.

Most of the pirates made a similar choice. They trusted the decision-making of "Admiral of the Stars" Cattleya and moved within the range of the artillery.

Even Frank Lee's work collecting samples was like this.

Oh, yes, Frank Lee is collecting soil and plant samples and other things from the island...

Alice looked away with mixed feelings, and noticed a black spot moving at high speed in the sky.

Alice looked at Klein and Cattleya, who soon noticed this as well. Cattleya took off the heavy glasses on her eyes and looked up at the sky.

Can those glasses prevent her from seeing things she shouldn't see here...

Alice glanced at Cattleya thoughtfully, then turned her head to look at the approaching black dot.

The figure was getting closer and closer. He was wearing a white shirt, a black vest, and black pants. He was a young man of medium build with blond hair parted in a 3:7 ratio and blue eyes.

but……

As the figure gradually approached, Alice slowly frowned, her eyes flickered, and a picture emerged from the figure.

Alice saw a giant coiled snake. The snake was white, scaleless, and covered with mysterious runes. She could now see and recognize some of the runes.

The giant white snake turned its head, revealing its cold and ruthless red eyes. Alice froze in place, watching the snake open its bloody mouth.

"Ah!" She let out a piercing scream. (End of this chapter)