Haruka hung up the call with Kara, a small smile lingering on his lips. He turned his gaze to the passing landscape outside the train window, watching the countryside blur by. Haruka then called out,
"Ada, can you please show me the details of my current mission?"
A floating blue screen appeared before him, displaying the objectives and rewards for the tasks he had been assigned.
[Congratulations, Host, for completing: Stop Black Adam from getting Billy Batson's powers.
Rewards: 2000 points, 1 gacha draw
Would you like to use the gacha draw now?]
Haruka shakes his head. "No, save it for later."
Haruka looks at his points, which totaled to 3550. He saves them for now because he does not need anything in the shop urgently for now. Glancing back at the mission details, Haruka feels a sense of satisfaction at having thwarted Black Adam's plans. Though the victory was hard-fought, he's grateful to have played a part in protecting Billy Batson's powers.
Haruka rubbed his chin, pondering the events that led him here. "You know, I wouldn't have this Magic Power if it weren't for Billy." He glanced up at the floating blue screen. "Ada, can you show me how much it would cost to unlock this Magic Power using my points?"
The screen flickered, displaying the information. [Magic Power: 25,000 points]
Haruka's eyes widened in surprise. "Whoa, 25,000 points? That's a lot more than I was expecting." He let out a low whistle, scratching the back of his head.
Haruka felt lucky he did not need to exchange points for Magic Power since Billy helped him unlock it.
"Guess I'm getting a good deal on this one," Haruka said, glancing at the screen. "I owe a lot to Billy, that's for sure."
Haruka looked out the train window, watching the countryside blur past. Only a month remained before summer break ended, and he still needed to defeat one more supervillain to complete his mission.
Glancing down at the information displayed on Ada's screen, Haruka noted that his next destination was Amnesty Bay. The train was scheduled to stop there, and he planned to stay for a while to relax and enjoy the local seafood.
Haruka leaned back in his seat, allowing himself a rare moment of respite. The battle against Black Adam had been intense, and he was grateful for the Shazam Family's assistance. Now, with that hurdle cleared, he felt a sense of cautious optimism about the challenges that lay ahead.
As the train approached Amnesty Bay, Haruka straightened up, gathering his belongings. He was eager to explore the coastal town and hopefully find the last supervillain he needed to defeat. With a determined expression, Haruka stepped off the train, ready to immerse himself in the tranquil atmosphere of Amnesty Bay.
Haruka steps off the train, the salty breeze of Amnesty Bay greeting him. He makes his way to the local hotel, its weathered exterior exuding a charming, seaside aesthetic. Approaching the front desk, Haruka clears his throat, catching the receptionist's attention.
"Excuse me, I'd like to check in, please," Haruka says, his voice polite.
The receptionist, a friendly-looking woman in her 50s, smiles warmly. "Of course, sir. How long will you be staying with us?"
Haruka considers the question for a moment. "Just for a few days, if that's alright."
"Perfectly fine," the receptionist assures him, handing over a set of keys. "Here's your room key. And if you don't mind me asking, are you here on business or pleasure?"
Haruka accepts the keys, pondering the question. "A bit of both, actually. I'm exploring the area, but I also have some...personal matters to attend to." He offers a small smile.
The receptionist nods understandingly. "I see. Well, I hope you enjoy your stay. If you're looking for a good place to eat, you should try the Fisherman's Wharf. It's a local favorite, known for their amazing seafood chowder."
Haruka's eyes light up at the mention of seafood. "The Fisherman's Wharf, you say? That sounds perfect. Thank you for the recommendation."
"My pleasure," the receptionist replies. "Just head down the main street, and you can't miss it. It's right on the harbor."
"Appreciate it," Haruka says, turning towards the elevators. As he steps inside, he can't help but feel a sense of anticipation for the culinary delights that await him at the Fisherman's Wharf.
Haruka steps out of the hotel, the salty breeze guiding him towards the Fisherman's Wharf. As he approaches the harbor, the bustling activity comes into view. Fishing boats dot the docks, their weathered hulls a testament to the hard work of the local seafarers. The Fisherman's Wharf itself is a cozy establishment, its wooden exterior adorned with nautical memorabilia and the aroma of fresh seafood wafting through the air.
Haruka pushed open the door, the small bell chiming to announce his arrival. The interior was warm and inviting, with large windows overlooking the bustling harbor. Patrons, a mix of locals and tourists, filled the tables, their lively conversations adding to the lively ambiance.
"Excuse me," Haruka said, approaching the counter. "I'd like to try your signature dish, please."
The server, a weathered-looking man with a kind smile, nodded. "Ah, the seafood chowder, eh? Good choice. That'll warm you right up on a day like this." He turned and began ladling the creamy soup into a large bowl, the aroma of fresh seafood and herbs filling the air.
"Here you are, sir," the server said, placing the steaming bowl on the counter. "Careful, it's hot. Let me know if you need anything else."
Haruka nodded his thanks, taking the bowl and finding an empty table by the window. He sat down, the salty breeze from the harbor caressing his face as he dipped his spoon into the chowder. The first bite was a revelation, the flavors of the sea mingling with the velvety broth and tender chunks of seafood. Haruka couldn't help but let out a satisfied hum, savoring each spoonful.
As he ate, Haruka observed the comings and goings of the Fisherman's Wharf, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling harbor. Fishermen unloaded their catches, their weathered faces creased with the lines of a life spent at sea. Tourists snapped photos, their laughter and chatter adding to the lively atmosphere.
Haruka found himself lost in the moment, the stresses of his mission momentarily forgotten as he indulged in the simple pleasure of a delicious meal and the tranquil surroundings of Amnesty Bay.
Haruka finished the last spoonful of the chowder, savoring the flavors that lingered on his tongue. He set the empty bowl aside and glanced up at the server, who was wiping down the counter nearby.
"Excuse me," Haruka called out, catching the server's attention. "Is there anything particularly special about Amnesty Bay that I should know about?"
The server paused his work and turned to face Haruka, a warm smile spreading across his weathered features. "Special, you say? Well, I suppose you could say Amnesty Bay has a certain charm to it that sets it apart from other coastal towns."
Haruka leaned forward, intrigued. "Oh? Do tell."
The server chuckled and leaned against the counter. "Well, for one, we've got the Amnesty Bay Lighthouse. It's been a beacon for sailors and fishermen for generations. Folks around here take a lot of pride in that old landmark."
Haruka nodded, his gaze drifting towards the harbor, where the distinctive silhouette of the lighthouse stood tall against the horizon.
"And the people," the server continued, "they're a hardy bunch, used to the ebb and flow of the tides. You'll find a real sense of community here, even if we don't go out of our way to attract attention."
Haruka listened intently, his curiosity piqued. "I see. So, it's a quiet, close-knit town, then?"
The server nodded. "That's right. Amnesty Bay may not be the most exciting place, but there's a certain peace and tranquility to it that you just can't find anywhere else."
The server's expression grew thoughtful as he continued, "You know, there's been some talk around these parts about a certain... protector of the seas."
Haruka leaned in, his interest piqued. "A protector of the seas, you say? Do tell me more."
The server glanced around, as if to ensure no one was listening, then lowered his voice conspiratorially. "Well, the locals have been whispering about a man who can breathe underwater and commands the creatures of the deep. They call him Aquaman."
Haruka's brow furrowed. "Aquaman? That's an unusual name. What else do they say about him?"
The server's eyes gleamed with a hint of wonder. "They say he's the rightful ruler of the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, and that he protects our shores from the dangers that lurk beneath the waves. Some even claim he can summon the power of the tides themselves."
Haruka listened intently, his mind racing with the implications of such a figure. "That's quite a tale. Do you believe these rumors to be true?"
The server shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. "Who's to say? All I know is that the sea has a way of keeping its secrets. If there is an Aquaman out there, he's certainly a force to be reckoned with."
Haruka thanked the server and paid for his delicious meal. As he left the Fisherman's Wharf, the rumors of Aquaman lingered in his mind. Haruka remembered that in his previous life, Aquaman was a popular superhero, but for some reason, he had not yet revealed himself to the world. Haruka couldn't help but hope that one day, he might have the chance to meet this enigmatic protector of the seas.
///
Give Power Stones so I can continue to write this story. If it does not gain any interest, I will drop it.
Advance chapters on my P@tE0N Najicablitz, which is also the best way to support me.