Boom!0

A thunderous roar echoed as a cannonball exploded at the stern of the Narwhale. A violent jerk coursed through the ship, causing the bow to thrust skyward and everyone on deck, including Margaret and Charles, to be flung into the air.0

Mid-air, Margaret was vulnerable without any footing. It was the perfect chance that Charles wouldn't let slip by.0

A thirty-centimeter-long black spike materialized out of thin air and aimed straight for the gap under Margaret's third rib. The spot was dangerously close to her heart, so she would die if she took the hit.0

Acquired as loot from the surface, the black spike was extraordinarily sharp and had proved its mettle for being capable of piercing Charles' own reinforced skin.0

Screech!0

With a hiss like nails...0