The captain struck Alex in the chest — directly into F1's channel. Third time at the same point.
[Alex HP: 496,100 → 461,800]
[F1 Corruption: 97.5% → 98%]
Alex fell to his knees.
Two points in three strikes.
*At one hundred percent in the ocean,* he thought.
*The Trench taught us what happens with corruption amplified by an energy field. Without the Trench but with open ocean, the captain still has the entire water volume to amplify the Mark.*
*If I reach one hundred here, there's no Emily to bring me back like in the corridor. No Raven with memories. Just the ocean and eighty pirates waiting.*
The captain stood over him — without pause.
"Seraph," said Alex without raising his voice.
"What."
"How long do you need to finish yours?"
"I'm already done."
Alex looked at her.
Seraph's pirates were in the water, lifeless because she had thrown them there so there would be no mess on the boat.
Forty‑four seconds.
"Then—"
