With Log mostly back in spirit, the atmosphere on the boat grew noticeably livelier.
The earlier tension had given way to a sense of cautious optimism. I gathered some metal scraps and began repairing the damage from the earlier confrontation, my hands moving methodically, the familiar rhythm of work providing a much-needed distraction.
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTlG4LJJVb
"How old is this boat?"
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNZFjt8sTN
I focused intently on the task at hand, the rough texture of the metal cool against my fingertips.
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNpcJ8vMU1
"I've used it for the last seventy-nine years,"
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmuILY7pvk
Lizy had a hint of pride in her voice. She looked fondly at the vessel, her connection to it clear in her expression.
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0dj7MAVhv
"That explains a lot,"
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsAHo6d51d
I muttered, my fingers deftly making the final adjustments to the patch. The sound of the metal scraping against the hull echoed around us.
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5tXzG7c0S
"That’s why the boat got a hole from a single harpoon attack. It's old, very old."
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9t3Ekvcyy
I finished securing the patch, giving it a firm press to ensure it held.
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2wVb9VVgH
"Hey, RoseBud~"
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAjRnBNfvb
Log materialized beside me, his sudden presence accompanied by the faint scent of cedar. I was getting accustomed to his sudden appearances; he preferred to skip the stairs, and this boat had two floors. His unexpected arrival no longer startled me, but it always managed to catch me off guard in some small way.
He held out a halo, its design echoing his gray and red-tinted palette, with silhouettes of thorns etched into its surface. It was a striking contrast to the mundane surroundings, its intricate design catching the fading light.
Our halos change in design according to our personalities, which is why his is unique. His was always so intricately detailed, reflecting the complexity beneath his playful exterior. It was as if his very essence was captured in the delicate patterns and colors.
The fact that mine remained in a default design didn’t worry me too much, but it did make me ponder what kind of person I really am. What does it say about me? I looked down at my own halo, its simplicity a mirror to my current state of mind. Perhaps, over time, it would evolve just as I would.
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQrDKk7o59
"You can draw the union from here if you want,"
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFi32wbl1PH
"Wait, what?"
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YQaGeDU23
I blinked in surprise. I had heard that Max’s core thought was rare; why was Log offering me his union?
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRhyygPuZ0
"Well… secrets!"
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf99AUD42Os
He giggled, the sound light and infectious, clearly enjoying my confusion. I should have known better than to expect a straightforward answer from him.
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBaLTX76LH
"Well... thank you."
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTAFA2y24K
I reached for the halo. The warmth enveloped my hand even before I made contact, a comforting presence amidst our uncertainty. The halo’s energy felt like a gentle pulse, steady and reassuring.
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1s66chXi92
"Since this is such a rare moment, why not try your Union Magic?"
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXPGihvKxx
I hesitated; I had been concealing that part of myself from the group. But now, with him here, I couldn’t really deny it, could I?
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuB3P6INxs
"I want to see it!"
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRIMBZ3PJP
"Alright, I’ll try."
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3HoBD3a1U
I steeled myself. I gripped Log's halo tightly, feeling the surge of energy coursing through my body as it synchronized with my thoughts.
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIQexv2k6h
"He deserved it! He deserved to be bullied, I tell you, that was hilarious!"
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndF3pjRjcJ
"Didn't you see her puppy eyes, how pathetic! I'll have fun kicking her ass all year."
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizFQKcRYNN
These are... positive thoughts of bullying, flowing from the halo. I thought, shocked and disturbed by the cruelty of his core union thoughts.
Ignoring the shock, I extended my arm, focusing on my weapon—a union-forged yo-yo. I concentrated, willing the union to manifest in my palm. The air around us seemed to hum with anticipation, a slight vibration running through my fingers.
But... nothing happened.
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZP3hJb3Nx
"Huh?"
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttVkFNw9pV
Log blinked, confusion etched on his face, his playful demeanor momentarily replaced by genuine concern. His eyes searched mine for answers.
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRNwnDMZBJ
"Is that supposed to happen?"
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gWZCtYkND
Lizy asked, concern creeping into her tone, her brows furrowing.
I knew exactly why it didn’t work. The truth weighed heavily on me: I didn’t even know who I was. The clarity of my thoughts wavered under the pressure, the realization like a cold, hard slap. My hand fell to my side, heavy with disappointment.
Weren't we all just tied to the thoughts of humans? A byproduct of their consciousness?
The air was thick with tension, their silent disappointment like a weight pressing down on me. I dropped my arm, frustration bubbling up.
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsyWkHlGn6
"Why can't I access it? I should be able to."
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKLq7qjFnw
Log’s hand landed on my shoulder, steady and grounding.
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJK5yt4dcax
"You've done great without Union. Remember that."
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uRcdBmGU2
I took a deep breath, absorbing his words. The cool night air filled my lungs, easing some of the tightness in my chest. Yeah, my knowledge and the technology I've created have carried us this far. My studies of Union technology in Valance weren't for nothing, anyhow.
I mentally reminded myself that I was as capable as anyone, with or without Union Magic. I straightened my posture, taking a deep breath to steady myself, feeling the pulse of energy from the halo in my hand.
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErRIzP9GPj
"Miss RoseBud, you're amazing,"
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFy4RAYKL2
Lizy's voice brimming with admiration, her eyes sparkling with unwavering belief. She stepped closer, her smile sincere and filled with warmth, a gesture so genuine it almost made me believe it too.
Lizy's eyes sometimes scared me. If we three were dreaming, she would be the only one blissfully unaware. It made me even more curious about who had sheltered her for so long. I watched her for a moment, her innocence and optimism a stark contrast to the world we were navigating.
I glanced at Log, his eyes twinkling with mischief, and then back at Lizy, who was practically vibrating with anticipation. Breaking out of our own systems felt like a foreign concept, yet here we were, trying our best, navigating through uncertainty with determination and a shared sense of hope.
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fdCkDlFJw
Having patched up the boat, I saw no reason to stay on the bottom deck, so I climbed back to the top.
When night fell, we were embraced by a sea of stars that seemed to stretch endlessly into the distance. Log and I began recounting stories of the Dafael Angels, our voices mingling with the gentle sounds of the waves.
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAccSL1WoJe
"When Rubberband first fell into Justitia, she was called a fallen star, a Messiah to help humanity. They saw it as a symbol of hope,"
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCN0kWMhnZ
It is a story I told myself again and again.
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyedpYctM4s
"Each of our falls had to be discreet to avoid attracting attention, to not end up like the first one,"
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclVI3AafE7
I continued, watching Log's eyes light up with a mix of nostalgia and amusement.
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFib3C5TswF
"Both Max and I fell during the night when most people were asleep. But the disadvantage is that you can't see clearly."
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTaokiZdCh
"And the first object you touch would determine your entire life!"
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGJcJvhYYv
Log added with a hint of dark humor, a smirk playing on his lips, his eyes gleaming with a mischievous glint.
Lizy listened to our discussion with rapt attention, her eyes wide with curiosity. She seemed drawn to knowledge, leaning forward slightly as if to catch every word.
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbX0x3fu0A
"How does that work?"
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSE9SWAvDC
Her curiousity was obvious.
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofGlcrUHyF
"We don't really know."
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Z9URg7CVS
I can see Lizy's dissappointment on her face as I replied. Yes, the thing I know least, is ourseleves. Log somehow seems alright with that, but that gets me lost a lot.
The conversation flowed, each story we shared weaving a tapestry of memories. Log's laughter would sometimes echo across the water, a sound that felt both comforting and bittersweet.
Eventually, the chatter died down, leaving a peaceful silence. My mind wandered to our next destination, North-East Axerith. The last I heard, new villages were being reestablished there. Maybe there, we could all find some answers. There was a page I needed to read once we arrived.
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3zyDppbJg
"We'll reach Axerith by three days at this pace!"
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0tHnG1Zll
Lizy chimed in, seemingly staring into the distance, the moonlight casting a soft glow on her face.
The gentle rocking of the boat and the soothing sound of the waves lulled us into a peaceful silence. For a moment, the uncertainty and fear of change seemed to melt away.
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqT4Jdlt4A
As the night grew darker and the sea calmed, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was still weighing heavily on Log. His usual playful demeanor had returned, but there was a shadow in his eyes that I couldn’t ignore. The starlight reflected off the water, casting a gentle glow over the deck, but it did little to lift the heaviness I sensed in him.
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToUuo643tH
“Hey, Log,”
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBhujDDyZ3
I stepped closer to him as we stood at the railing, the cool sea breeze tugging at my hair and the scent of salt filling the air.
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKlEz1b6sa
“Are you really okay? You seemed...”
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTwb1iEMqF
Log glanced at me, his eyes momentarily reflecting the starlight before he looked away, staring out into the dark expanse of the ocean.
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ741UoXTG5s
“I’m fine, RoseBud,”
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jnsfKSIja
He interrupted, but his voice lacked its usual spark. It was as if he was trying to convince himself as much as he was trying to convince me. The usual lilt of mischief in his tone was absent.
I placed a hand on his arm, the warmth of his skin a stark contrast to the cool metal of the railing.
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxg4dLzXvSg
“I don't know everything about you, but I know enough that Kartheina's leave only brought you pain.”
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuKZak9Z0Y
He sighed, a sound that seemed to carry the weight of the world.
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFGNYKa3fx
“She was the only one who made me feel alive.”
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8qhZAcQ6C
His shoulders sagged slightly, as if the admission took the last of his strength.
I nodded, understanding the pressure he must feel.
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacxU6LQUut
“I'm certain of it.”
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9SA1CtdXb
The wind whispered around us, carrying away the unspoken words.
Log turned to face me, his eyes searching mine for reassurance.
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyABYTLhaz
“How about you, Yoyo?”
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZrRDwKvh2
“She is, keeping me alive,”
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyN1qhb6h1T
I admitted softly, feeling a jolt of surprise as he used my real name in this situation.
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8z6MuJFMQ8
“But... maybe this is also her wish.”
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMppjy3b8F0
My voice wavered, heavy with the truth.
A small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUgCwWT9h1
“Hm, maybe so...”
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjwX4zzXsJ
His eyes softened, the shadow lifting just a little.
I squeezed his arm gently.
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeypJWhI6l
“Anytime, Max. We are here together.”
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbe3R8IWqV
He nodded, his shoulders relaxing slightly.
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmx54xZS6n
“At least we aren’t completely alone.”
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZHk6Ce5Xb
There was a hint of vulnerability in his voice, one that he rarely showed.
We stood there in silence for a while, the gentle rocking of the boat and the sound of the waves creating a soothing backdrop. The stars above seemed to shine a little brighter, as if offering their silent support.
For a moment, the weight of our journey felt a little lighter, knowing that we had each other to lean on. The darkness of the night seemed less oppressive, and the promise of dawn felt a little closer.
As I gazed at the stars again, I couldn’t help but feel a spark of hope. Perhaps in Axerith, we would find the answers we sought. The stars, like silent sentinels, watched over us, a reminder that despite the challenges, we were not alone.
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1OpWcRxmS
然後按「加至主畫面」