Ryan was incredibly persuasive, and Max quickly agreed that Gwen and Ben could join the fishing trip. However, he laid down one non-negotiable rule:
"You two must stay right beside Ryan at all times. Don't you dare run off," he warned, his expression devoid of humor. It was clear he was serious. "Otherwise, you won't be coming with us next time."
"Grandpa, don't worry!" Ben vowed, thumping his chest with decisive enthusiasm.
"Aside from that idiot, who actually likes to run around?" Gwen muttered, crossing her arms and shooting Ben a side-eye.
"You nerd..." Ben glared at Gwen, who retorted by calling him a dummy.
Seeing another sibling "battle" brewing, Ryan quickly changed the subject. "What time is it? Shouldn't we be heading out to fish now?"
"Time?" Gwen glanced at the laptop screen. "It's eight o'clock in the morning, Grandpa. What time is it for fishing?"
"Eight twenty. Let's get our gear ready and head to the dock," said Max, already packing the fishing equipment. Eager to help their grandpa, Ben and Gwen, still on edge from the morning's encounter, rushed to help, though Ryan remained exempt from the task.
At 8:20 a.m., the four stepped out of the old RV with their gear and backpacks and headed back to the dock. This time, the dock wasn't deserted. An older man in his fifties with gray hair, a red hat, and a lively spirit stood looking out at the lake. A fishing boat was moored nearby.
"Are you" Max asked directly. "We're the guests who booked the fishing trip for today."
"Oh? You must be Mr. Tennyson," Max said, turning around with a relaxed expression. "You and your grandchildren can come aboard."
"Wait a minute. There's something I need to tell you," Max said, his expression suddenly becoming solemn as he gripped Max's shoulder.
"What's the matter?" 's eyes widened a bit; his lazy demeanor was momentarily forgotten because of Max's serious tone.
"There's a sea monster under this lake!" Max emphasized, articulating each word carefully. "I hope you don't go out fishing. Just let me and my grandchildren go. That's all."
"You actually believe there's a legend about sea monsters in this lake?!" His eyes lit up as if he had found a kindred spirit, and his voice became enthusiastic. "Like you, I firmly believe there are sea monsters in this lake, but there's no evidence!"
"I'm not kidding. My grandson was swimming here this morning when he encountered a sea monster. He came back and told me." As Max spoke, his voice grew weaker. Even he could tell the story sounded far-fetched.
What nonsense!
He paused for a moment, then burst into laughter. "Hahaha, Max, you're quite the joker! Are you trying to turn this into a movie? Add some Hollywood special effects!"
"It's true! I saw the sea monster with my own eyes! Its teeth were huge! Its body was like a dinosaur's!" Ben rushed up to him, gesturing wildly.
"All right, all right, I understand, little boy. Let's get on the boat first," replied the driver, already sitting in the driver's seat and waving for Max and the others to board.
Ben's face fell. Gwen shook her head helplessly. "I guess he didn't hear a word we said."
"Ryan, please keep an extra eye out when the time comes," Max sighed, looking at Ryan earnestly.
"Don't worry, Grandpa. Let's get on the boat," Ryan agreed readily. He was the first to jump aboard and settle into one of the chairs lining the boat's side. The others followed suit.
Max and I chatted along the way while Ryan, Ben, and Gwen scanned the surrounding lake. The area was undeniably beautiful. A morning mist covered the surface of the lake, sparkling in the gentle light and creating a truly ethereal scene. Yet beneath this tranquil exterior, dark currents churned.
After about ten minutes, the boat reached the center of the lake. The water was remarkably calm. Ryan couldn't see any signs of the sea monster.
"It must have been hurt by my attack and won't dare come out for a while," Ryan mused. Even so, he kept his hand on the Omnitrix, which was now fully charged and ready to transform at any moment.
"All right, we're at the center of the lake now. Time to fish," he announced as the boat slowed to a stop. He turned to Max, Ryan, and the others and greeted them.
"Then let's go fishing." Max turned his back to them, gave the three kids a knowing look, and motioned for them to stay put. He handed fishing rods to Ryan, Ben, and Gwen.
"How do I use this? I've never fished before." Gwen held her fishing rod, looking curious.
"This is actually very simple." Ryan took his rod, faced forward, pulled the line, and flicked it lightly. The already-baited hook splashed into the water. The sound of it breaking the surface shattered the lake's silent calm.
Through the mist, a huge silhouette loomed in the distance.