The magma-powered Crystal Train departed from Draken, leaving behind the searing heat and glowing rivers of lava. In their place, a horizon of endless blue and the fresh scent of the ocean stretched out before them, promising new adventures.
Inside the passenger car, Akira sat by the window, his eyes lost in thought as the scenery blurred past. Draco leaned back against his seat, hands clasped behind his head, while Yue pressed her palms against the glass, her bright eyes sparkling with awe.
"Brother," Yue said softly, turning her gaze back toward Akira. "I can't stop thinking about the Flame Lion. He was so consumed by his rage… he forgot why he was even angry in the first place."
Akira paused for a moment before replying, his voice steady and reflective. "That's the danger of anger. If we don't control it, it controls us."
"It's terrifying, Akira," Draco interjected, his tone unusually serious. "The image of his flaming sword splitting an entire volcano in two… I don't think I can feel sympathy for him. It's too much."
Akira gave a faint smile, his expression calm. "My grandfather once said, 'Anger is like a wildfire—it destroys everything in its path, including the one who sparked it.' If we let it consume us, we'll never see the light ahead."
Yue nodded thoughtfully, her eyes shimmering. "Brother, you sound just like your grandfather. I really like the things he says."
Their conversation drifted toward the blessings they had received from Ignis. Draco lifted his gauntlets, admiring the intricate flame-like runes etched into the metal. They resembled blooming peonies, radiating a comforting warmth.
"These gauntlets are incredible," Draco said with a grin, raising one hand. "Unlimited fire power. Sure, I'm not a mage, but I don't have to worry about running out of flames anymore."
Akira glanced at the red bracelet on his wrist. Unlike the six-colored bracelet he always wore, this fiery charm granted enhanced vitality and regeneration. It gave him a sense of security, even in battle.
Yue touched the delicate hair ornament she wore—a glowing, crescent-shaped piece adorned with blue runes that shimmered like moonlight.
"This hairpiece is so pretty, Brother Akira," she said with a bright smile. "It even helps me use light magic better. Do you think it suits me?"
"It suits you perfectly," Akira replied without hesitation, smiling warmly. "It's beautiful—just like you."
Yue's cheeks flushed as she quickly turned back to the window, hiding her embarrassment.
When the train arrived at Serena Station, the gateway between the surface world and Undine, the trio was greeted by a bustling hub of activity. The grand station buzzed with merchants, travelers, and announcements echoing through the speakers.
After grabbing a seafood lunch, Yue exclaimed with delight, "Brother Akira, this squid is so fresh! I've never tasted anything this good!"
"Don't eat away all your travel money," Draco teased with a laugh.
At the docks, they marveled at the sight of the submarine waiting to take them to Undine. Its design resembled a massive blue whale, its crystalline surface glimmering under the sunlight. They entered through an entrance shaped like the whale's mouth and found themselves in an interior that resembled a five-star hotel.
"This is amazing!" Yue exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement.
"Undine must have even more surprises waiting for us," Akira said with a smile.
As the submarine descended into the ocean, vibrant schools of fish came into view. Yue pressed her hands to the glass, her wide eyes filled with wonder. "Brother Akira, look at that fish! Its scales shine like a rainbow!"
"It feels like we're swimming through a rainbow ourselves," Draco added.
The vibrant coral reefs stretched endlessly beneath them, teeming with life. Yue pointed out a stingray camouflaged on the ocean floor, only to watch it strike a small fish with its sharp tail. She flinched slightly at the sight.
"Is that…" Yue hesitated, her voice trailing off.
"It's nature," Akira said quietly. "Even beauty has its harsh side."
Eventually, the shimmering silhouette of Undine emerged in the distance. The city's crystalline structures glowed softly beneath the waves, like a dream materializing in the ocean's depths.
"Brother Akira, is that Undine?" Yue asked, her voice brimming with excitement as she pointed to the massive structures ahead.
Akira nodded. "That's it… It looks like an underwater space station. I didn't expect it to be this grand."
Draco crossed his arms, studying the scene intently. "These structures… they're more intricate than anything I've seen in Draken. It's like they're made entirely of glass."
Undine was a city of interconnected glass domes, linked by transparent tunnels that shimmered with a soft blue glow. At its center stood an opera house-like structure, resembling a giant blooming flower amidst the ocean depths.
"It's like the Sydney Opera House… but so much bigger," Akira murmured to himself as the submarine docked.
After presenting Ignis's letter of endorsement at the reception station, they were escorted to the grand opera house. Inside, the elegance was unparalleled. The glass walls sparkled with light refracted from a fountain in the grand hall.
As the grand doors opened, a figure emerged—Leviathan. She was a vision of oceanic beauty, with pearl-like skin, silver hair adorned with blue gemstones, and an aura of regal grace. Her attire, made of delicate scales, flowed like a gown crafted from the sea itself.
"Welcome, allies of Ignis," Leviathan greeted, her voice gentle yet commanding.
Yue stared in awe. "Brother Akira… She's as beautiful as an angel!"
Akira smiled faintly. "More like a queen of the ocean."
Leviathan's gaze was warm as she addressed them. "You have faced great trials. I thank you for cleansing the chaos in Draken."
She explained the dire situation in Undine and why she needed their help. "My powers are vast, but they are required to maintain the dimensional gate. I cannot leave to deal with the chaos myself. That is why I rely on you."
Leviathan promised that they would meet Undine's most skilled mage the next day to plan a critical mission. "Tonight, rest and enjoy the beauty of Undine. May this city inspire you and bring you peace."
After settling into their accommodations, the trio explored the city. They walked through glass tunnels that connected different parts of Undine. The shimmering reflections of water and colorful fish outside made every step feel like wandering through a dream.
"This is like walking inside a giant aquarium," Akira said in awe, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "It's so vast… and real."
"Aquarium? What's that, Brother Akira?" Yue asked curiously, tilting her head.
"It's… a place where fish are kept, with glass walls like these. But much smaller," Akira explained, pointing to the glass tunnel revealing the vibrant underwater world outside.
"I've never seen anything like this before either," Draco admitted. "It really feels like another world hidden beneath the ocean."
At the bustling underwater market, the trio was captivated by the lively atmosphere. The scent of fresh seafood wafted through the air, mingling with the chatter of merchants and the laughter of children.
"What's that amazing smell?" Akira asked, sniffing the air.
Yue pointed to a stall. "Look, they're grilling fish. But it looks… different from what I've seen before."
Draco leaned closer to examine the stall. His eyes widened in surprise. "No way! They're using leaves from the Eternal Flame Tree of Draken to grill the fish!"
"Eternal Flame Tree?" Akira asked, curious.
"It's a tree that grows in Draken's lava fields. Its leaves can burn without fire. I've seen them before, but I never thought someone would use them like this," Draco explained, amazed.
"That means the fish is grilled with lava energy!" Yue said excitedly. "Brother Akira, I want to try it!"
They bought grilled fish and sat at a quiet corner of the market to savor the unique flavors. For a moment, there was only the sound of chewing as they enjoyed their meal.
"This is amazing!" Yue exclaimed, beaming. "I've never eaten anything like this!"
"Neither have I," Draco agreed, nodding. "It really does taste like it's infused with lava."
Akira stared at the fish thoughtfully. "Just a leaf from a lava tree… and it changes everything."
As they continued exploring the market and the city's shimmering tunnels, Akira found himself in awe of Undine's breathtaking beauty. The vast ocean, once a simple expanse of water in his mind, now revealed itself as a hidden world of wonder… and secrets waiting to be uncovered.