After passing through the checkpoint inspection, Rulu continued using his Spiritual-power to mentally control the inspector, allowing Nana, Kallen, and C.C. to pass through successfully as well.

  "That was a close call. I thought we were going to be discovered," Kallen said, gncing back at the checkpoint inspector in the distance, a look of lingering anxiety on her face.

  Nana said with some confusion, "That's strange. The inspector was clearly a bit suspicious of your identity, Rulu — so why did she let you through without any trouble?"

  Not wanting Nana and Kallen to know about his Spiritual-power, Rulu replied vaguely, "I'm not sure myself. In any case, as long as we made it through, that's all that matters. Come on, let's board the ship."

  Kallen asked, "Is the Sanctuary out at sea? Do we have to take a ship to get there?"

  Rulu said, "Normally, the Sanctuary floats above the ocean, and its position is constantly shifting. It seems we'll need to sail deep into the sea first, then find another way to reach the Sanctuary from there."

  The four of them carried their luggage toward the rge cruise ship docked at the port and boarded via the gangway. A male crew member in a white uniform stepped forward with a smile and said, "You're all part of the Sanctuary tour group, I take it? Is there anything I can help you with?"

  Rulu smiled and nodded at the crew member. "Hello. I'd like to know more about the journey to the Sanctuary, and when this ship will be departing."

  The crew member replied, "Of course. The cruise ship will leave Blue Sea City this evening and sail continuously for nearly three days. After three days, the Sanctuary will send someone to escort you all. In the meantime, you're welcome to simply enjoy yourselves onboard — there's no need to worry about anything else; we'll take care of everything for you."

  Rulu said, "So we'll be living on the ship for a few days. I assume you've prepared accommodations for us?"

  The crew member nodded. "Yes. If it's convenient, I can take you to check in and get your rooms arranged right now."

  "Please, lead the way."

  With the crew member's assistance, Rulu and the others completed the check-in process and settled into their cabins. To avoid drawing attention to themselves, they stayed in their rooms for the time being and took no part in any group activities. When they were hungry, they called a crew member to bring meals. When boredom set in, they pyed cards together to pass the time. By evening, the cruise ship departed Blue Sea City right on schedule and set out across the sea. Shortly after it set sail, the ship's intercom crackled to life:

  "Attention, passengers. All members of the Sanctuary tour group are requested to make their way to the banquet hall no ter than 10 o'clock this evening. All members of the Sanctuary tour group are requested to make their way to the banquet hall no ter than 10 o'clock this evening. An important announcement will be made at that time. Failure to arrive punctually will result in the canceltion of your Sanctuary travel eligibility. Repeating once more — all members of the..."

  Rulu gnced at the clock in the room. It was just past 8 in the evening — still some time before the announced hour. Having been confined to their room since boarding with little chance to move around the ship, C.C. had grown restless. She began insisting she wanted to leave the room and take a look around the banquet hall.

  Rulu figured that the banquet hall would be packed with people by now, and that they could blend into the crowd without drawing attention. He agreed to C.C.'s request, and the four of them left their room and made their way to the ship's banquet hall.

  The vast hall was already filled with a rge crowd. The lighting was warm and inviting, and elegant music drifted through the air. Many guests swayed freely on the dance floor, lost in the rhythm, while others sat at tables, sipping drinks and chatting leisurely.

  The four of them found an unassuming spot in the hall and settled in, calling a server over for some drinks. They sipped their drinks, chatted among themselves, and occasionally ventured onto the dance floor, letting the time pass.