As they ventured further into the cargo bay, the large, open area before them revealed the full scale of the landship's storage capabilities. The space could easily support a small community if necessary. Large containers were scattered throughout, some toppled over and rusted, while others had been repurposed into makeshift living quarters. In the distance, sections of the cargo bay had been refurbished, walls erected from spare metal sheets, and areas cleared out to make living spaces more manageable.
The world around them was different now, and Sera couldn't help but reflect on how far things had come. Since we're on the topic of the world, she thought, oil isn't really a thing anymore. She had read about how most of the oil deposits were exploited long ago, with only two of the seven continents still having anything left of value. In Terra II, conventional guns didn't operate the same anymore—those old technologies had to be adapted. Now, guns worked by channeling magicules, the world's energy, to manually move each component individually to fire. And then there were SU's—expensive and intricate systems that only the wealthy could afford. But they served a similar purpose, albeit based on a different principle of operation.
Alaric moved confidently toward an open control panel, pulling wires and making connections. Sparks flew momentarily, and then a series of lights flickered to life, illuminating the space in a dim, uneven glow. "There we go," he muttered under his breath, before turning to face the group. What came into view was more than they had expected: a makeshift home in the belly of a forgotten landship. Containers that had once held supplies were now converted into walls, tables, and sleeping areas. A small kitchen space had been assembled with salvaged parts, and there was even a shower area tucked away, out of sight from prying eyes.
Sera's gaze traveled across the space, her tail flicking behind her as it formed a crooked question mark. It's a lot homier than I would've imagined, she thought to herself. I guess we could spend some time here.
"Welcome to my… uh… home." Alaric's voice broke the silence, sounding slightly awkward as he gestured around the space. His rifle was still slung across his back, the old-world technology standing out against the more modern makeshift camp. Despite his gruff exterior, there was an undercurrent of pride in his voice, as though he were showing them something personal—his sanctuary.
Ava's eyes widened as she took in the sight of the camp. "Wow… I thought it would've been worse, but it looks pretty good for a place like this!" Before anyone could respond, she darted off into the cargo bay, exploring with a childlike curiosity, poking at random trinkets and gadgets.
Sera watched her, shaking her head as she let out a small chuckle. "That one never stops, does she?" she muttered to Zyra, who stood by her side, arms crossed as she observed Alaric's interaction with the group.
Zyra gave a shrug. "She's got energy, I'll give her that. But we'll need her expertise sooner or later, especially if we're going to make this place work."
Ava's voice suddenly echoed through the bay, growing louder as she rushed back toward them, her hands full of random pieces of metal and wires she had scavenged. "Hey, bossu! Look at this!" She sprinted toward Sera, arms outstretched in excitement. Before Sera could react, Ava crashed into her, sending both of them tumbling to the ground.
"Ava, get off me!" Sera growled, trying to untangle herself from the mess. "Why are you so damn strong for such a small person?!" She struggled for a moment before freezing completely as Ava's hand wrapped around her tail.
A mischievous glint appeared in Ava's eyes as she held Sera's tail aloft, inspecting it closely. "Wow, this thing is amazing! But… it doesn't really suit you in black, boss." Without waiting for permission, she grabbed Sera's mask—the one strapped to her Ghost Guard—and with a swift flick of her hand, changed the color to white.
"Stop—wait! No, I—!" Sera stammered, but it was too late. Ava beamed, presenting the newly colored mask with a flourish. "Much better, don't you think?"
Sera blinked, staring at the mask. She just changed the color… to white? A long sigh escaped her lips as she reached out, snatching the mask back. "Fine. I guess it's okay," she grumbled, though the faintest hint of a smile tugged at the corner of her lips. She had to admit, it did look kind of nice.
Zyra and Alaric approached, both looking slightly amused by the scene in front of them. Alaric scratched his cheek, his rifle still hanging at his side as he watched the chaos unfold. Despite himself, he found it oddly comforting to have some semblance of life around him again after so long.
"Cough… uh… you're free to stay here for as long as you need." Alaric's tone was awkward but genuine. His gaze flicked between Sera and Ava before settling on Zyra, who seemed to be the calmest of the bunch.
Ava, who had recovered quickly from her earlier scuffle, jumped at Alaric with the energy of a child, clinging to him like a koala. "Really, old man? You mean it?!"
Alaric stiffened at the unexpected contact, his expression shifting between confusion and mild annoyance. "Yes, I mean it… but maybe don't cling to me like that."
Ava grinned, releasing him and giving a mock salute. "Aye, aye, captain!"
Zyra shook her head, chuckling as she watched the interaction. "Troublesome woman, indeed."
As the day wore on, the group settled into the camp, each finding their own way to unwind. Alaric remained somewhat distant, still wary of these strangers who had suddenly become his companions, but he allowed himself to relax, if only a little. The air was cool, and the sound of the landship's ancient metal groaning under the weight of time was oddly soothing.
Sera sat by the fire, her tail swishing lazily behind her as she turned the newly-colored mask in her hands, inspecting it with curiosity. It's not so bad, I guess, she thought to herself, her eyes flickering with the reflection of the flames.
The sun dipped below the horizon, and as night fell, the cargo bay was filled with the quiet hum of peaceful coexistence—a small reprieve from the chaos of the world outside. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for now, they could rest.