The starry glow above Undine sparkled gently as the soft sound of waves filled the air. The village square was alive with the aroma of fresh seafood and the sound of laughter. The celebration, held to honor Akira's team, began modestly but quickly grew into something extraordinary.
"We overheard you playing music last night!" a villager said with a grin. "Play for us at the festival, won't you?"
Mirelle hesitated for a moment before nodding. She picked up her instrument and started with a gentle tune, her voice leading the melody. Yue soon joined in, harmonizing beautifully. The simple yet profound melody captivated everyone, and as the song reached its midpoint, Mirelle paused, leaving space for Yue to sing solo.
"I'll sing an old hymn from Celes," Yue said softly before her voice rose, clear and angelic. Her singing resonated through the square, enchanting the villagers. The celebratory atmosphere shifted to one of reverence, as if a goddess herself had blessed the gathering.
When the song ended, Yue glanced around and added playfully, "That's all—don't look so serious!" Her lightheartedness broke the spell, and the crowd burst into laughter, the joyous atmosphere returning.
Children gathered around Draco, teaching him a traditional game, while the girls pulled Yue into a dance around the bonfire. Akira wandered from stall to stall, sampling the food and comparing it to the flavors of Earth with great curiosity.
Mirelle sat quietly in a corner, sipping fruit juice and observing the happiness around her. Memories of comrades lost in the past flickered in her mind, but tonight, those memories seemed lighter. This wasn't just a celebration—it was a moment for everyone to release their sorrows and begin anew.
The following morning, soft blue light filtered through the gentle underwater currents of Undine. In the quiet of the early day, Akira and his team gathered around a floating breakfast table near their seaside lodgings outside the dome. The food and drinks were served in strange, bubble-like vessels that hovered just above the water's surface.
"How exactly are we supposed to eat this?" Yue asked, staring at a floating fruit bubble. She reached for it, only to have it slip from her fingers and drift away.
"That's not how you do it," Mirelle said, her voice calm. She demonstrated by gently catching a bread bubble. "You have to handle it lightly, like holding a soap bubble, then bring it to your mouth and bite." She took a bite to show them.
Yue nodded intently and tried again. "Wow! I did it!" she exclaimed with delight.
Akira watched and followed suit, carefully grabbing a fruit bubble and taking a bite. "This is amazing! It feels like being on a space station. Food that floats—it's fun and tasty!"
"It's more than fun," Draco chuckled as he grabbed another bubble. "It's teaching someone like me to be patient."
Yue laughed softly, watching her friends grow accustomed to Undine's unique way of dining. "It's a bit tricky, but memorable."
As the meal continued, their conversation shifted to the events of the previous day.
"Princess Nagaria wasn't evil," Draco said, staring into the depths of his fruit bubble. "She was just lost in her feelings."
"Exactly," Yue added. "She taught us how important forgiveness is."
Mirelle, who had been quiet, finally spoke, her voice calm yet somber. "It's tragic… The thing she loved most became the very thing she destroyed with her own hands."
A knock at the door interrupted their reflections. A polite villager entered with a warm smile. "Lady Leviathan wishes to see you. An important guest has arrived."
The team stood in unison, their tranquil morning replaced by a sense of anticipation. They knew that a new journey awaited.
In the elegant underwater meeting hall arranged by Leviathan, the quiet was filled with the faint ripple of surrounding water. Standing beside Leviathan was a woman clad in armor that blended advanced technology with ancient Chinese motifs. The glowing geometric patterns on her suit marked her as both futuristic and traditional. In her hand, she held a large shield, its surface surrounded by a translucent barrier of immense power.
This was Elina Rayforge, a high-ranking officer of the Guardians from Draft. Her posture was poised, her brown eyes sharp with confidence and responsibility.
At the mention of "Draft," Mirelle shifted slightly, her expression hardening. "Draft… Do you realize your negligence has poisoned our waters?" she said, her tone sharp and accusing. "Leanne and I have sent countless complaints—documents, petitions from the villagers—but they've all disappeared into thin air!"
Elina sighed softly before bowing her head slightly. "I apologize on behalf of Draft for our failure to address this issue." Her voice was soft yet composed, though her measured tone seemed to irritate Mirelle further.
"A mere apology isn't enough!" Mirelle snapped. "You're just making excuses."
Leviathan placed a calming hand on Mirelle's shoulder. "Mirelle… I understand your pain, but we must hear all sides before passing judgment."
Elina met Mirelle's gaze steadily before continuing, "The pollution in the Cyber District has been accumulating for years, and it's now generating Chaos on its own. If Chaos spreads to the main communication cables, it won't just endanger Draft—it will threaten all of Arcadia." Her voice grew firmer. "Your team is our only hope. We need your strength and experience to stop it."
Akira nodded without hesitation. "We'll help."
Yue smiled brightly and raised her hand. "We'll do our best!"
Draco added, "Yeah, we've never backed down from a challenge."
Leviathan turned to Mirelle. "You must go, Mirelle. You know this issue better than anyone."
Mirelle pressed her lips together, glaring at Elina before reluctantly nodding. "I'll go… But that doesn't mean I forgive you."
Elina thanked them with a faint smile, though Akira noticed a flicker of concern in her eyes, masked by her composed demeanor.
Aboard the Crystal Whale Submarine, Akira's team admired the underwater scenery outside. Light filtered through the water, reflecting off the crystalline structure of the submarine, creating a dreamlike display. Yue pressed her face to the window, pointing excitedly at a school of vibrant fish swimming by.
Draco, watching the fish, muttered, "Looks tasty…" earning a playful swat from Yue. "You can't eat them, Draco!"
Elina sat calmly in a corner, raising her arm to activate a device embedded in her armor. A glowing blue hologram appeared, projecting maps and data midair. The team, especially Akira, stared in awe.
"Is this… a hologram?" Akira asked, amazed. "I thought I'd only see something like this in games or sci-fi movies back on Earth!"
Elina glanced at him briefly. "This is Guardian technology. It helps us manage data efficiently," she explained, before detailing the situation in Draft. "The Cyber District is heavily affected by Chaos. It's not just disrupting systems—it's endangering the remaining Cyberfolk…"
"And what about Cain?" Mirelle interjected, twirling a small ice crystal in her hand.
Elina froze, her expression tightening as she looked at Mirelle. "Cain isn't involved in this situation."
"Really?" Mirelle smirked. "Because every time he 'helped' Leean and me, it only made things worse."
Elina's jaw clenched slightly, but she maintained her composure. "This isn't the time to discuss him."
"Oh, so he still manages to get under your skin," Mirelle teased with a laugh. "Finally showing some emotion, huh? I thought you were a robot who never gets angry."
The playful jab left the room momentarily tense. Elina's usually serene gray eyes flashed with annoyance as she locked gazes with Mirelle.
Sensing the growing tension, Yue whispered nervously to Akira, "Are they going to fight?"
Draco leaned in conspiratorially. "If they do, I'm betting on Mirelle."
"Don't say that," Akira muttered, trying to steer the conversation elsewhere. "Uh… Mirelle, you haven't told us the names of those rainbow fish out there."
Mirelle exhaled sharply before turning to Akira. "Fine. I'll tell you. But don't ask dumb questions like that again."
The atmosphere gradually eased, with the rainbow fish outside swimming by as if nothing had happened.
As the Crystal Whale Submarine surfaced, its engines quieted, replaced by the gentle sound of waves lapping against the shore. Ahead lay PPP Pier, a coastal haven where nature and humanity coexisted in perfect harmony.
The crystal-clear waters reflected the brilliant blue sky, while limestone islands of various shapes dotted the horizon like sculptures. Some rose tall and narrow like spires, while others concealed deep caves that whispered of ancient legends.
"This place looks just like the southern seas of Thailand…" Akira murmured, breathing in the salty sea breeze.
The pier bustled with life. Vendors lined the docks, selling keepsakes crafted from Undine crystals, intricately carved shells, and brightly colored sweets.
"That necklace is so pretty!" Yue exclaimed, pointing to a shimmering crystal pendant. Without a word, Akira bought it and handed it to her with a smile, earning a delighted grin in return.
Draco, meanwhile, carried an armful of snacks, his childlike enthusiasm on full display. Mirelle walked quietly along the shore, sipping fruit juice and taking in the scenery with a rare sense of peace.
Elina sat apart under the shade of a tree near the pier, sipping a cup of Elfgreen coffee, a renowned beverage of refined taste. Her gaze, however, remained fixed on the holographic data projected from her arm. The soft glow of the display reflected on her face, which remained calm but betrayed a deep undercurrent of worry.
As Akira strolled along the sandy beach, the tranquil waves lapping at his feet, he gazed out at the vast horizon. The serenity of the moment filled him with a quiet determination.
"No matter how fearsome the enemy may be…" he thought, "…I can't wait to see who will join us next and what kind of world we'll build together."
The gentle sound of waves and the salty sea breeze filled their hearts as they prepared for the next chapter of their journey—one filled with unknown challenges and endless possibilities.