Chapter 18 - Port Aurora

It's been a few days since we faced off with that massive armored fish. Since then, we've come across all sorts of strange monsters. One of them looked like a super-sized shark, way bigger than any shark on Earth. We decided to call them Megalodons.

Among these weird creatures, we found some that reminded us of dinosaurs. They had long necks and really sharp teeth. But there was this one creature that gave me the creeps with just a glance.

Imagine a mix of a shark and an octopus – the front part was like a scary shark, and the back part had these octopus tentacles. Just thinking about it gives me chills.

Luckily, most of these creatures didn't actually attack us. And the ones that did try, well, we could take them down with regular torpedoes. That's unlike the huge armored fish that needed a nuclear torpedo to finally go down.

Because of that, I've been constantly busy and haven't had much time to continue reading Captain Francis's Diary. It's been almost a week since we left the cannibal's island, Mermaid's Veil. What amazed me the most was how the survivors adapted.

Unlike me, they were regular people before arriving in this world. But now, they've developed skills that can even rival mine in some ways.

Of course, one reason might be that I'm literally half the person I used to be, but still, their progress is truly remarkable. Right now, I'm in the control room. According to my calculations, we should be arriving at Port Aurora at any moment. Just as I was lost in thought, the woman in charge of the radar called out to me.

"Frankie, we've picked up something on the radar." Hearing this, I stepped over to the periscope to take a look. What I saw was a massive landmass, complete with some kind of structure on top of it. There were also various boats and ships dotting the scene. Could this finally be Port Aurora?

Leaving the periscope, I turned to address the survivors. "Everyone, it seems we've arrived at a massive landmass that could very well be Port Aurora. But I'm not entirely sure, so my suggestion is that some of us remain aboard the NS Scorpion while others venture into the city," I advised, putting forward my idea.

After some discussion, everyone agreed with my plan. As we got closer to the city, we faced the challenge of finding a place to park the NS Scorpion. We circled around the port area, not knowing where to go. Then, we spotted a big supply ship heading towards one of the docks. We thought it was a good idea to follow it.

Lucas and I stood on top of the NS Scorpion while the others stayed inside. Just as we were about to park next to the supply ship, someone shouted at us.

"Oi, are you new here? You can't park your ship in this spot. It's only for supply ships. If you're looking for a place to park, go to the western docks. That's where private vessels like yours go," the person explained.

After thanking the person, we headed back inside the NS Scorpion and set off for the Western Docks as he had suggested. It took some searching, but we eventually found the right spot and managed to dock the NS Scorpion there.

Once we docked the vessel we decided that Lucas, Lara, and I would go gather information while the others stayed behind. Rex decided to accompany me, Stepping onto the ground I had mixed feelings of excitement and curiosity. Because this is not Earth but an alien planet. It looks like Rex is also excited he was wagging his tail like crazy.

Alright, everyone, I think it's a good idea if we split up to gather more information," Lucas suggested.

"I'm not entirely sure about that. We're in an unfamiliar town, and honestly, we don't know much about this world either. I believe it might be better if we stick together, even if it slows us down a bit," I countered.

Turning to Lara, who was also with us, I inquired, "What's your take on this, Lara?"

She pondered for a moment before responding, "Well, Lucas does have a point. Right now, our priority is to gather as much information as we can. Plus, think about it – we've survived cannibals and gigantic sea monsters. What's there to fear?"

I had my doubts about her seemingly overconfident stance. The truth was, if it weren't for the NS Scorpion and Captain Francis's supplies, they would have perished on the cannibal's island, Mermaid Veil. As for me, those monstrous mermen would have been the end of me. However, I kept my reservations to myself. I didn't want to dampen their spirits.

"Sure, do what you want. Let's meet back here in a few hours," I said with a shrug. They both agreed, and we split up to explore on our own.

As I walked around, the city unfolded before me in ways I never imagined. Tall buildings reached up to the sky, and shiny domes reflected sunlight, making them look like they were covered in diamonds. And up in the air, I saw people flying. Could those be the Avains, that the cannibal leader mentioned?

Avians, who were like people with bird wings, flew around above us. I couldn't believe my eyes as they glided gracefully through the air. Their colorful feathers and the way they flew left me both shocked and amazed.

Port Aurora was full of sounds and smells from different places. There were some people whose eyes seemed to flicker like flames, and whose wings looked like bats', who were busy chatting and trading things in a bustling market. Their colorful scales reminded me of flames dancing in the wind. Are these the volcano people what was their name Volcarians?

As we explored, we stumbled upon something that left me truly awestruck. It was a small floating island near the city, like a secret resting place for the Avians. I couldn't wrap my head around how an island could just hang there in the sky. It was mind-boggling, like a piece of land defying gravity. I found myself wondering, "How in the world does that even work?"

The Avian part of the city, connected by bridges, was something out of a fantasy tale. Houses and inns, as if grown from massive trees, greeted us. These structures looked like they were carved straight out of nature itself.

It was unbelievable. The trees had holes in them, and yet they seemed alive, giving shelter to the floating island's residents. It was as if the floating island was built around and with nature, a true blend of the organic and the architectural.

The city was cleverly divided into different sections for different creatures. Some spots were super cold, just right for the Glacians. They were unique beings with gills on their necks and tails that looked a bit like lizards'. They fit right in the icy parts of the city. On the flip side, there were places that were really hot, perfect for the Volcarians who loved the heat.

Navigating through the lively streets of the city, my curiosity was piqued by another captivating scene that held a touch of mystery. Stalls were neatly arranged, showcasing an assortment of vibrant fish.

Their colors and shapes were unlike anything I'd seen before, some with parts that moved gracefully, reminiscent of feathers in water, while others gleamed like rare gems, their scales reflecting the sunlight. As I observed this unique market, a question surfaced in my mind: Were these otherworldly fish safe to eat? I mean they should because I could see other people buying them.

As I kept exploring, I saw something really interesting. Some of the folks around had these robotic parts, like hands that shined in the sunlight. Others had mechanical tails and wings that moved super smoothly. I couldn't help but look at these things; they seemed so awesome and different.

I couldn't take my eyes off these cool enhancements. I started wondering: How does this world have such high-tech stuff? It made me think about myself too. Could I possibly replace my lost arm and leg with these amazing gadgets?

The thought of getting back what I've lost filled me with a mix of hope and excitement. It blended with my amazement at this incredible city, painting a picture of a future that felt far away yet somehow reachable.

The sun was starting to set, so I decided it was time to head back to the NS Scorpion. I wondered whether Lucas and Lara had made it back safely too. As I pondered, my attention was drawn to an elderly man who was looking at our submarine with a mix of shock and disbelief. Intrigued, I approached him, hoping to strike up a conversation.

"Hello, sir. Can I help you with something?" I asked politely.

Upon hearing my voice, he turned towards me. He appeared to be in his late sixties or early seventies, with white hair and deep wrinkles that showcased his age. Notably, he had a scar on his left eye. I wondered if he could even see through that eye.

His expression conveyed a blend of anger and curiosity as he responded, "Young man, where did you come across the NS Scorpion? It's been lost for nearly fifty years. How on earth did you find it? Tell me." His voice held a tinge of anger.

"Excuse me, sir, but who are you? And how do you know about the NS Scorpion?" I inquired, trying to understand the situation.

Unexpectedly, his demeanor shifted, and he suddenly grew very angry. Without warning, he pulled a pistol from his pocket and aimed it directly at my face.