"You really went through a lot, huh? Sorry about what I said earlier," Nolan looked apologetic.
"Don't worry about it. But what do you think about the monstrous mermen's weapons?" I asked curiously.
"Well, for now, I can take a look at them. Maybe if possible, I can improve them as well. And if it's feasible, I'll try to integrate these weapons into the NS Scorpion as well. As far as I know, the only weapon the NS Scorpion has is... what was it called again? Ah yes, torpedoes, right?" he told me.
"You can do something like that?" I was genuinely surprised by what he just said.
"Well, I can't guarantee anything without having a look first, but yes, I can certainly try. I don't mean to brag or anything, but I am considered the best Nautic Engineer on the continent of Terranova, representing the human race. And I also have a fair amount of knowledge about weapons. Ships in this world typically have weapons, so Nautic Engineering and Weapon Engineering tend to go hand in hand," he explained and then continued speaking.
"Unfortunately, I don't know much about Neo, but I can recommend the best Neo Engineer for you," he said, glancing at my missing hand.
Neo, if I remember correctly, are the advanced prosthetics in this world, right?
"Thank you, I really appreciate it," I replied with a smile.
"Oh, and I'm not sure what we can do with your eye because it varies from person to person. As for my grandpa, unfortunately, his eye cannot be fixed, but don't be discouraged. We won't know anything until we test it properly," he reassured me.
"I see, then that's fine," I replied.
Then he turned to Mr. Norman and said, "All right, Grandpa, why don't you take Frankie to David's shop? He can fix Frankie's arm and leg," he told Mr. Norman.
"Ohh… That's a good idea. I will leave with Frankie. But before that, do you know how to operate NS Scorpion?" Mr. Norman asked Nolan.
"Well no, I am gonna need some help," he told us.
"Then I can help while Frankie and Mr. Norman are away," Lucas quickly volunteered.
"That's a good idea, Lucas, but keep in mind that even you don't know everything," I chimed in, considering the complexities of operating NS Scorpion.
"That's alright. Right now, I just want to relocate it to my shipyard. I don't think it would be that hard," Nolan explained.
"If that's all that needs to be done, then it's fine. I guess we will meet up with you guys later," I bid farewell to Nolan and Lucas, and together with Mr. Norman, we set off to visit David's shop.
We entered a place that seemed like a mix between a hospital and a mechanic's workshop. It was filled with mechanical parts like prosthetic limbs, wings, and tails, giving it a unique and somewhat strange atmosphere. The air carried a scent similar to a hospital, with the smell of medicine and antiseptic. The building had an impressive appearance, although it wasn't as grand as the former Scorpion Syndicate headquarters. Unlike the quiet Scorpion Syndicate office, this place was bustling with people of different races, creating a lively environment.
Mr. Norman confidently approached the reception desk and started talking to the person there.
"Hello, I'm looking for David," Mr. Norman said.
The receptionist was surprised to see Mr. Norman and interrupted herself, "Hello, do you have an appoi- Mr. Norman, it's you! Just wait a minute, I'll inform Sir David that you're here."
Her reaction showed that Mr. Norman's presence was important, and she quickly allowed us to meet with David.
As we waited, the receptionist called Mr. Norman over again and said, "Mr. Norman, Sir David will meet you now. Please go to room number three, just walk straight and take a left. You'll find room three."
We thanked her for the information and followed her directions. Eventually, we arrived at room number three. Mr. Norman knocked on the door before entering. Inside, we were greeted by a man in his late twenties. He had black hair, black eyes, and tanned skin. He was dressed in a curious blend of something resembling a jumpsuit and a white doctor's coat. As soon as he saw Mr. Norman, he greeted him.
"Mr. Norman, what a pleasant surprise! I didn't expect you to show up at my office. So, what can I do for you?" David inquired of Mr. Norman.
"Hello, David. Sorry for showing up unannounced. I actually have a favor to ask," Mr. Norman explained.
"Don't worry about that, Mr. Norman. So, what's this favor of yours?" David asked further.
"Well, it's kind of a long story, but to put it shortly, the NS Scorpion has been found. This is the guy who found it, and as you can see, he's not exactly in top shape," Mr. Norman gestured toward me while explaining to David.
"What? The NS Scorpion has been found? If my grandfather was still alive, he would be very happy to hear about this," David expressed genuine surprise and continued.
"I remember all the stories that you guys told us when we were kids about your adventures through two different worlds. How you guys, who were drifters, managed to become a beacon of hope to the other drifters and even your epic fights when you guys were mercenaries," David reminisced about the past.
"Yes, poor Charlie left us too early. When we found out that the NS Scorpion was lost, both of us were devastated. I was unsure about what to do with my life. I even thought about committing suicide, but Charlie was the one who stopped me. He said that we should keep living for the others from the Scorpion Syndicate and brought me back to my senses. If only he were still alive, he would be jumping up and down with joy when he learns about the NS Scorpion's discovery. Well, if you have some time later, feel free to come and check the NS Scorpion out," he invited David warmly.
"Well, I will make sure to do that. And why don't you introduce me to the person who found it?" David asked Mr. Norman.
"Of course. This is Francis Slander, he found NS Scorpion on one of the monstrous Mermen's Islands," Mr. Norman introduced me to David.
"What, the monstrous Mermen's Islands! Is this how you lost your leg, hand, and an eye?" David asked me, his curiosity evident.
"Well, kind of. I lost my leg and my eye to those monstrous Mermen, but I lost my arm to a cannibalistic pirate," I explained to David.
"What! Now it's cannibalistic pirates? What in the world happened to you?" David's curiosity deepened as he asked me.
Then I recounted everything that had happened up to that point. I shared the story of the cannibal island Mermaid's Veil, my visit to Mermen Island, my encounter with the Monstrous Merman, and even the tale of Captain Francis and the crew.
"I see. Well, to be honest, it's kind of a miracle that you're still alive," David remarked with genuine amazement.
"Well, I can definitely understand where you're coming from," I replied, acknowledging the perilous situations I had faced.
"So, do you want to get your limbs and eye fixed?" David asked, his attention focused on my injuries.
"That's the plan," I responded, affirming my intention to undergo the necessary procedures for healing and recovery.
"I see. Then I need to take some measurements," David said, his eyebrows slightly raised, "and what about your budget?"
"Well, the money is not the issue, so make sure to create your new masterpiece," Mr. Norman said to David, a mischievous glint in his eye and a sly grin on his face.
David's eyes widened in genuine surprise, but that surprise quickly gave way to a cautious, suspicious look.
*Sigh*
He let out a sigh, his shoulders drooping slightly, and said, "Mr. Norman, please don't joke around at a time like this."
"I am not joking. Make sure to give it your best," Mr. Norman's tone was determined, his gaze unwavering.
"If you're not joking, then where did you get the money from? Did you win the lottery or something?" David asked, his eyebrows furrowing with skepticism and curiosity.
"Well, something like that. Anyway, as I said, I am not joking, so make sure to do your utmost best," Mr. Norman replied with a casual shrug, his eyes gleaming with determination.
"Well, if that's what you say, then I will do my best. Don't worry, I will give you a discount," David assured Mr. Norman, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
After that, David carefully took measurements of my hand and leg. Unfortunately, when it came to my eye, he explained that there wasn't much that could be done. I nodded in understanding; at least it wasn't completely blind, so I considered myself fortunate in that aspect.
"Alright, Frankie and Mr. Norman, everything is done for today. I will let you know when I will finish these things," David informed us.
"Sure, and come visit the workshop on weekends. I will give you a personal tour of NS Scorpion," Mr. Norman extended the invitation to David.
With our business concluded, we bid David farewell and made our way back to the workshop to assist Nolan with the ongoing repairs.
…..
A few days had passed since our visit to David's office when he summoned us again. Intrigued, Mr. Norman and I headed over to find out what he had planned.
"Frankie and Mr. Norman, you guys are here!" David greeted us with an excited tone, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
Mr. Norman, ever the skeptic, quirked an eyebrow. "You look happy. Did you inflate the price of the Neo's now that you know money isn't a concern?" he asked David, his tone tinged with suspicion.
David chuckled, shaking his head. "Of course not, well, maybe a bit. But that's not the point. Anyway, I've completed the Neo prosthetics for Frankie, and I'm proud to say they turned out even better than I expected. I consider them my new masterpiece," he declared with evident enthusiasm.
With a flourish, he revealed his creation and announced, "I call these Taurus."