As with all things, good things have to come to an end.
Daede had spent nearly a few weeks at this point just floating around within the Rock Explorer. However, he had to leave now and that was a must if he ever wanted to do something aside from leisurely swimming around.
He also figured he could attempt to get a body somehow. He was hoping that the knowledge within the shiny orb or at least on this unknown land could somehow help him.
Usually, one who lost their body would simply never think that they could get a new one but considering the roller coaster of a life Daede has lived up until now, he expects the unexpected.
A new life, a new world, a new meaning is being created by him.
How could he dare explore without even a body to call his own? He has started missing the joys of having a body, he hasn't even eaten anything in a very, very long time. How then could he resolve himself to remain some sort of rock ascetic?
["NEVER I SAY!"] Daede Quote #144
He had stayed within the fishy for a little longer than he expected especially after he had branded the thing. The changes brought about by the rune of water were surprising and very interesting so Daede put off his departure date to study his new lab rat.
A few things had changed but the main points were that the rune of water enhanced water-related abilities, increased body capabilities and passively allowed the fish to increase its control and familiarity with water itself.
Although, he has a feeling that there is more to it, unfortunately, Daede wasn't at a level where he could really understand more than this.
"My valiant rock explorer... will you miss me?" Daede asked while his Fish x Ship was nearing the coastline of the maritime forest they had found.
"Gululululu" The fish replied.
"Hmmm, never thought you would. It's okay, we must be strong! If we are fated we shall reunite and if not, just don't get eaten by something else. Especially after what I gave you! Consider it compensation for the ...uh ride. Yeah. Ride." Daede replied while feeling proud he got to finally say the lines that all cultivators did in the cultivation worlds.
"If we are fated."
"Ha! I'm getting more awesome by the minute!" Daede couldn't help but squeal a little.
As they neared the forest by the water, Daede actually wanted to see if there were any lifeforms. As Fishy was already a living creature, it at least helped him to know that lifeforms do exist on this celestial body but as to what types roamed these lands, he was as clueless as a newborn duck.
From all the time he spent swimming through the lands, it seemed that fishing wasn't really a thing here or at least anywhere where he was since no boats of any kind were seen and he barely saw birds which he found suspicious but at least he was comforted that there were birds.
Usually, a world lacking one of the three basic creatures was facing some kind of weird trouble but so far water creatures were good, and air creatures were good, the only ones remaining to be discovered were land creatures.
He spoke to himself as he deduced this fact and one can't help but admit that posturing really seemed to fit him well as he acted as though he was a dreary traveller of worlds. Although technically, he was.
As he was approaching the maritime forest, he started to realize something that he happened to have not noticed until this point.
"Damn, these trees are big..." Daede mumbled as he stared through the Rock Explorer's eyes. The closer they got, the bigger the trees became.
"No wonder it looked like a normal size forest from that distance, technically I shouldn't have even seen anything clearly unless I was a lot closer. Guess this place has quite the oxygen levels for the trees and plant life to grow to this extent." Daede continued pondering as they got closer and closer.
Finally, the waters became slightly more shallow and Daede couldn't help but be amazed at the beautiful azure trees that mingled between the border of water and land. Azure was odd for him but then again, a new planet so new rules he guessed.
The trees seemed to have a height of a couple of hundred meters and the branches were thick while the leaves were almost like a mystical glass.
His inner geek came out and he was thrashing inside his shiny rock body with excitement at what this place is going to be like. He couldn't help it as he was finally somewhat getting results from all his crazy decisions since living on Earth.
"Alright! Just like we practiced! CANNONS READY!" Daede put on an imaginary captain's hat and roared~!
The valiant Rock Explorer without hesitation adjusted its body streamlining itself and firmly holding the position.
Daede knew it didn't look fancy but in his head, this fish cannon was the coolest thing. Hence, he had trained with the fishy for a bit after the water rune was inscribed. Another thing to note was that surprisingly the rune marking healed in a special way that somewhat retained its efficacy. This thing was magical as a leprechaun.
Putting aside his childish fantasy he roared again.
"FIRE!"
As though a bow releasing an arrow the Rock Explorer shot its tail to the side gaining momentum through its still body. With its force, the stored water in his mouth cavity alongside a precious little rock shot forth within a water jet.
"SO LONG FISHY!" Daede yelled as he flew through the air at a blinding speed, with the size of the trees and the previously chosen height he wanted to see what this land had.
Seeing his old boss flying through the air high above the trees, Fishy the Rock Explorer, almost had a tear in its eyes considering the precious water rune that was constantly helping it. It suffered but not without reward. Another surprising thing to note is that it made this fish get ever so smarter as time passed. How long and by how much would depend on its fate but that's a story for another time.