We stepped through the portal once more, the familiar transition bringing us back to the ship. Log and Lizy looked up as we arrived, their faces lighting up at the sight of the supplies.
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbK8KagLrqY
"Hope this is enough to keep us going,"
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOyHCKN7tp
I smiled gently, setting the baskets down on the table. The aroma of fresh bread and coffee filled the room, mingling with the salty sea air.
Lizy's eyes lit up at the sight of the food.
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnnpnJvWd4
"Perfect! This will definitely keep us energized for the journey."
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixyhgn8Pgb
Log gave me a thumbs-up.
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5n6EXmax0
"Great job, RoseBud. And welcome, little one,"
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3fZwnHgp4
He nodded at Lily with a warm smile.
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkXjywqQDi
"Looks like we have a new recruit."
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PKPQWM55s
Afterward, he gives Lily a small head pat.
Lily's cheeks flushed as she glanced around the room, clearly overwhelmed.
We gathered around the table, the warm light of the portal casting a serene glow over our meal. As we ate, the conversation flowed easily, and the shared laughter and stories were a balm for our weary souls. Lizy's eyes sparkled with excitement as she talked about the flora in Axerith, while Log's steady presence provided a reassuring anchor.
Lily listened to the stories, trying to fit in, as Log finds her appearance amusing.
Log leaned back in his chair, a playful grin on his face.
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0D3Dtgeuxt
"You know, I think this boat just got a whole lot brighter.
It's not every day we get such talented company."
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dFus6ziKi
Lily smiled shyly, looking down at her plate.
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEde968KFf
"Thank you,"
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAx0MRzJirF
"So, RoseBud,"
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWraYnaZtZh
Log turned his attention to me with that familiar twinkle in his eye.
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVi2vFkciAv
"What's the plan now? Are we going to build an entire fleet of air blades or just the one for our new engineer here?"
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSgRRMRtgt
I chuckled.
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5ySExxBu1
"We might just need an entire fleet, since you're useless."
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7oV2uQML0
I joked; seeing Log's irritated face made me chuckle a little.
I then caught Lily’s eye and gave her an encouraging nod.
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66GBlPLLE0
"But first, we'll start with one."
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fS9mSzMP4
I turned to Lily, and our eyes met.
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVHQMyapRI
"As I said, I would be teaching you the basics of technology and machinery,
I believe you can create your own air blade by then.
But before that, I want you to watch me build one,"
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJkDbAWO5W
"Wait, now?"
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCN4n7djgu
"Now. Write down some notes, and ask questions. You wouldn't want to miss it,"
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMHIwTDOiA
I nodded towards the portal.
She hesitated momentarily, then quickly grabbed a notebook and pencil from her bag. Her brown hair fell into her eyes as she bent over the notebook, and she pushed it back with a quick, nervous gesture.
I led her to the workbench through the portal, where with a wave of my hand at its side, I projected my holographic tools. The blade works easily with Entech, another energy source resonating from Aelvale. I began by explaining the basic principles of what would create the air blade design, pointing out different components and their functions.
Lily's eyes followed my every move, and she scribbled furiously in her notebook. Occasionally, she glanced up, her expression a mix of awe and determination. I paused frequently to check her understanding, answering her questions and encouraging her to think critically about the process.
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPZ2s4EOY7
"See this component here?"
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nrLFPk1py
I held up a small, intricate piece of metal.
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AoEBR5rDz
"It is a resistor. It’s crucial for stabilizing the blade's Entech release."
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡax62B1ODnT
Lily nodded, jotting down notes.
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4cAMGFGMm
"Got it. And this part connects it to the main compressor, right?"
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eJ17Tc9vH
"Exactly,
Now, let's install the Entech battery, can you hand it over?"
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4B0B9V9HZ
As we worked, I could see Lily's confidence growing. She asked insightful questions and began to make suggestions, her initial shyness giving way to an eager curiosity. The more she learned, the more she seemed to realize her own potential.
LoggerHead and Lizy occasionally came over and peeked through the portal, their faces filled with interest and amusement.
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupZQBtMSz5
"Well, even Miss RoseBud has a student now!"
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mUp2S6Co9
"What happens if I mix you two up?"
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtZjt0uVBB
LoggerHead smirked, his tone playful.
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19WF6oAw5x
"Hey, that isn't cool!"
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4khq3Puy5D
Lizy retorted, giving him a mock glare.
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzKmOEXNik
Finally, after what felt like hours but was probably only a couple of intense minutes, we stepped back to admire the completed air blade prototype. It gleamed under the workshop lights, a testament to our combined effort and ingenuity.
Lily's eyes shone with pride as she looked at the finished product. She took it up and gave it a gentle, small swing as the blade of wind flew across the room.
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3OOKPb7Xc
"It's amazing,
Thank you for teaching me."
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemvkT4wJ3E
"You're welcome,
Remember, this is just the beginning. There's so much more to learn and create."
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOHhc6P8f4
Lily nodded, her expression determined.
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ058lJtzjDV
"I won't let you down."
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmVaVPz1W4
"I know you won't."
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4LQ8AbdXV
I patted her shoulder.
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2G7VnjlAI
"Now, let's head back."
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0vNsP5YR7
The portal's soft glow cast a warm light over us, and as we stepped into it, we were momentarily bathed in a hopeful, golden glow. The transition back to the ship was smooth and seamless, and I could see that Lily seemed more comfortable now, her steps more assured.
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeboIrN75c5
We arrived back on the ship. The sky outside had deepened into twilight, casting a dusky glow through the windows. Lily and I didn’t realize how fast time had passed.
Log was already busying himself in the makeshift kitchen area, preparing something that smelled both hearty and inviting. The aroma of cooking food mingled with the salty sea air, creating a comforting and homey atmosphere.
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTdCPABE4a
“Welcome back, you two
Hope you’re ready for some dinner.”
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlxez3pJEn
Lily’s eyes widened at the sight and smell of the food, her stomach growling audibly. She blushed, but Log just chuckled warmly.
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLrlvpJJ39
“Looks like someone’s hungry,
Don’t worry, there’s plenty for everyone.”
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQDgHf04Dl
Lizy was setting the table and arranging plates and cutlery with practice. She smiled as we approached.
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VVxHh8eUI
“I hope you worked up an appetite, because Log’s cooking is not to be missed.”
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvcYniyq3f
We joined them at the table, and as we sat down, the conversation flowed naturally. Lily listened intently, her eyes flicking between the faces around her, trying to absorb everything. The camaraderie and warmth in the room seemed to put her at ease.
Log served generous portions of a hearty stew, steam rising in fragrant curls. The rich, savory smell was mouth-watering.
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8asTAsnB9L
“Eat up, everyone.”
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mjijESr8D
He sat down with his own plate. After, he flashed a wide, playful grin and winked.
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xNh4a6X4w
“Everyone loves this stew back in Oriken. You’re in for a real treat!”
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYB0BI3KwL7
Lily didn't need a second invitation. She dove into her meal with fervor, her spoon racing as she devoured the stew. It was clear she had not had a meal like this in a long time. The rich, savory taste seemed to surprise her with every bite, and her eyes occasionally flicked up to meet ours, filled with gratitude and relief.
As we dug into our meals, the shared laughter and stories continued. Lily even began to share bits of her own story, her voice gaining strength and confidence with each passing moment.
Log noticed Lily's rapid eating pace and smiled softly.
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiWnTMrm9i
"Good to see you enjoying the meal, Lily. There's plenty more if you want seconds.
And don't be shy—we farmers know how to serve up a feast!"
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkteVQZEVi
Lily paused, her cheeks flushing with a mix of embarrassment and gratitude.
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCvnwmIX3Z
"Thank you."
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4f4FPFVTP
She slowed down slightly, savoring the next few bites, allowing herself to fully enjoy the experience.
As the meal continued, the atmosphere around the table remained warm and filled with a sense of belonging. The shared stories and laughter wrapped around us like a comforting blanket, easing the day's tensions.
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXjDLORXV7
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXBqOWpZnI
"Sleep tight, everyone, cuz we will be arriving in the morning,"
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXr4XW6FHQ2
Lizy announced with a gentle smile, breaking the tranquil silence that had settled over us.
Lily decided to rest on the sofa of my apartment since she was feeling mildly seasick. She settled in, wrapping herself in a warm blanket, her eyes fluttering closed as the gentle hum of the apartment provided some comfort. While tidying up, I noticed the stolen bread and an entech motherboard hidden underneath it, and gave a sigh before I left her to a deserved rest.
Meanwhile, I chose to stay on the boat, feeling the gentle rock of the waves beneath me. The rhythmic motion was soothing, I leaned against the railing, gazing out at the calm, moonlit sea.
Lizy walked over to me, curiosity in her eyes.
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkA52XDtobK
"Why did you decide to take her in?"
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDg5byqFygP
"I felt like her journey would intersect with ours, even if just for a little while,
I saw potential in her, and I think she can help us as much as we can help her.
So, I'll give her a push, and she can help with a project I have in mind,"
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWF84bN7STY
I added, turning to meet Lizy's gaze.
Lizy nodded, her eyes reflecting the moonlight.
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvIySPRb0b
"That sounds really nice. She's lucky to have you looking out for her."
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCEvkiaDRo
My thoughts drifted back to the journal page I saw when I went through the portal the first time. Below the bold words "Open the cabinet" was another line that caught my attention: "Build the Techgirl Society Forum."
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsf6CSkUKb
"Let's make it happen,"
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtsuyGtSeQ
I murmured to myself.
As the night wore on, I found a quiet moment to rest, allowing the gentle lull of the waves to soothe my mind.
31Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVw6B1hcCuC
