Black...
When did the sea in my memory turn this color?
Or perhaps the sea has never changed, and it's just that my memory has filtered it through a lens?
David couldn't tell the difference.
Occasionally, dreams of the ocean still creep in through the gaps in the blinds.
He dreamt that great golden ships rose from the waves, and his brother, leaning on the railing with his child between his arms, greeted him with laughter.
If it's not a dream...
Ring ring! Ring ring!
David's heart skipped a beat, and he woke up with a start.
Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the blinds, illuminating the room. The old man sat on the edge of the bed, lost in thought, as the alarm clock rang.
Soon, shouts came from outside the room.
"You damn old man! Turn off that damn alarm clock! I know you're up, stop pretending!"
Heeding Jones's call to turn off the alarm clock, the old man put on his glasses and went to the window as usual.
Snap--
The blinds popped open, letting in a warm sea breeze that ruffled the old man's hair, while sunlight illuminated his somewhat cloudy pupils.
Ugh--!
The sound of horns echoed from the dock, which had resumed operations, while the clamor of residents lingered in the air.
Many people gathered on the shore, some raising their cameras, shouting excitedly, and waving their arms.
Ugh--!
It's a ship, a large golden ship.
The golden behemoths announced with majestic horns, generously displaying their magnificent forms to the world.
"Iberia! Iberia!"
Those who had traveled from afar stared wide-eyed, their language system collapsing, only able to repeatedly utter the symbolic meaning of the spirit.
David looked at the completely transformed Gran Faro and murmured:
"It's not a dream..."
Bang--!
The door flew open, and Jones, wearing an apron and holding a spatula, stormed in, his hair standing on end in a rage.
By the time David realized what was happening, he was already eating at the table.
Jones stuck a steak into his bowl:
"Eat quickly, you're so old, aren't you afraid of starving to death?"
David believed he wouldn't starve even if he skipped breakfast, but he didn't want to refuse his adopted son's good intentions.
After a slow meal.
"Hurry up and get to the dock after you've finished eating. I need to clean up."
David picked up his briefcase and walked out at a leisurely pace, then stopped at the door, remembering something.
"Jones ..."
"What are you doing? Forgot something again?"
"I saw a girl about your age in the dock, and she's still not married."
"Get out of here!"
The adopted son chased after him, wielding a broom, but David started to flee.
Was it the change in diet that restored my body? My previously slow steps have become so light and quick.
Good morning, Grandpa David.
"Good morning, children. You don't need to take a nap today; there's a surprise waiting for you."
Okay~
Feeling the invigorating sea breeze, David walked through the crowd and arrived at his daily work check-in point.
Good morning, Lord David.
"I still prefer you guys call me Chief Designer, and... remember to eat well, a brave sailor can't be without muscles."
The guards stood at attention, David, after a brief moment of surprise, also bowed.
Footsteps approached from ahead, Vane impatiently dodged the waiter behind him, waving in their direction.
"If you're interested, I can arrange to change your name to Chief Designer."
"If it makes you happy, I'll accept anything."
"... There's no point in joking with guys like you."
Bend down and put his arm around the old man's shoulder, Vane led him into the dock.
"You've come at the perfect time; the experiment is about to begin. Aren't you excited?"
"Um, I don't understand what kind of experiment you're talking about. Perhaps I need to see it with my own eyes?"
David didn't mind Vane's eccentricities; his gaze, behind his reading glasses, drifted to the waiter beside him, who had a pained expression.
"This is..."
"Ignore them. Those old men have terrible taste. How could I possibly wear something that could kill someone?"
David was momentarily confused. He could roughly guess that the "old men" were the Saints —things that could kill...
He glanced at the jewelry in the waiter's hand—
"The Golden Branch Crown? I remember it used to be very popular in the royal family; the previous king was wearing it in his portrait..."
David stopped recalling; he saw the look of disgust on Vane's face.
"That's why they perished. It's best to avoid things with such significant karmic consequences. If I didn't know their loyalty, I would suspect they were plotting against me!"
No, no, no, being cursed by a piece of jewelry is such an exaggeration!
David helped up the waiter who had fainted from shock at these words.
He did know some of Vane's habits; the other party seemed quite knowledgeable about Yan culture. Was this kind of superstition also part of it?
The guards led the waiter away, and David wiped his sweat.
However, they certainly don't seem to like it, so what about the gifts they've secretly prepared...?
Thinking of the Golden Throne he and his old friends had pooled their money to build, David guiltily turned his head away.
There shouldn't be any problem, right? Didn't the Great Yan also have a dragon throne made of gold?
"What's on your mind?"
Vane's face suddenly appeared before him, David, suppressing the answer that almost slipped out, changed the subject:
"I was just wondering, why did you hold the coronation ceremony at noon?"
Vane scoffed, "You don't actually want to get up in the morning, do you? Can't older folks be a little more considerate of younger people? How are they supposed to get up so early?"
So that's the reason!
"Ahem... Then why did you choose to ascend the throne in Gran Faro? Perdoni should be the core of Iberia right now."
Could it be because it's close by? David thought with some concern.
"Narrow-minded! As the King of Iberia, wherever I am, that is the heart of Iberia."
Oh! That explanation is...
"Of course, proximity is also a factor."
As expected!
David wiped his sweat again. Spending so much time with Wang made him feel younger.
As they continued along the passage, the two arrived inside the dock, where the towering hull of the Stultifera Navis (Stultifera Navis) came into view.
"... Has the modification been completed?"
David looked down at the ship. He already had experience in building amphibious warships, and the land-based module had been added to the Stultifera Navis.
However, there probably isn't enough time.
David couldn't help but feel a little worried.
The coronation ceremony was actually quite rushed. After it was completed, the new King of Iberia would embark on a tour of the Daichi aboard Golden Armada.
While raising public awareness, it also serves as a demonstration to other countries.
However, the current refit has only completed the Stultifera Navis, which serves as the main ship, and the patrol of a single warship is too meager.
David voiced his concerns, but Vane waved him off dismissively.
"It's alright, it's alright. As long as we have a template, the Dead Souls on Kazdel's side will take care of the rest."
Kazdel?
David was taken aback, not because he doubted whether the so-called Dead Souls could do it, but because he suddenly remembered that Vane in front of him was actually a Vampire.
Sarkaz... David doesn't seem to have any prejudice against the "demon" people in Terra talk about.
The two countries are not even adjacent to each other, and Iberia has been closed off from the world for decades, so they have almost forgotten what the outside world is like.
The thought that the Sarkaz had a concept of Royal Court, and that their own king was subservient to others, was always somewhat unsettling.
"Why did you leave Kazdel in the first place? I mean... if you have enemies, Iberia will open Royal Court Kazdel for you."
Vane turned his head, caught a glimpse of David's serious gaze, and grinned:
"I'm glad you have this intention, but please don't say things like that again. Kazdel will be a steadfast ally of Iberia in the future, and..."
Who told you that's my hometown?
"Huh? Isn't that right?"
"Of course not. As for the Royal Court you mentioned, someone will take care of them."
Without questioning Vane's claims about allies, David quickly accepted the fact.
"Your intention is that our territory is not connected to Kazdel's, and future cooperation may have to proceed along the sea route."
"It's alright, the territory will expand on its own."
Self-expansion?
David pondered the deeper meaning of the words, but Vane didn't give him much time to think.
"Oh, here it comes."
David looked up at Vane's call, a puzzled expression on his face.
With the roar of Machinery, a huge sphere covered in various armor plates slowly floated in from the other end of the dock.
The armor wasn't perfectly sealed, which allowed David to see a reddish glow emanating from the gaps.
"This is..."
"This is a new energy source; the entire Iberia territory will switch to this energy source in the future."
"The entire territory!" David exclaimed in surprise.
Since it's a new energy source, it's naturally not one of those we've known before. But what new energy source can compare to the convenience of Originium?
Don't the people of Terra know that Originium causes Oripathy?
Of course, we understand, but when a small stone can release the energy to keep a massive steel structure running for days, the negligible drawbacks are overlooked.
It's not that some people haven't considered developing new energy sources, but in the end, neither their efficiency nor their convenience can compare to Originium.
David couldn't help but feel a little worried.
Does the new king intend to consolidate his position by leveraging the potential of new energy sources?
It's not impossible, but if new energy sources can't compete with Originium, it might actually cause a huge blow to people's livelihoods.
"Excuse me, what kind of energy is this?"
"The Magic Originium."
"... the Magic Originium?"
Vane gave an unexpected answer, and David looked at the crimson light.
Is it a special kind of Originium?
Of course not.
Can magic corrupt Originium?
Vera did not forget the questions that arose during her discussion with the Doctor.
While she and the Doctor were busy translating the magic book and handling government affairs, she entrusted the answer to this question to Vane.
Hey, Vane actually has some ideas.
In the fourth village of the Dungeon in Soul Knight, its backstory shares a strange similarity with Terra.
There is also a type of [Originium] there.
According to the backstory, after the original Magic Stone shattered, it scattered across the world, with one piece ending up in the Giant Stone Mountains where the High Priest Tribe was located.
The fragments infected ordinary ores into [Originium], a special ore that possesses incredible power, having immense energy and the ability to revive inanimate objects.
Therefore, it can be concluded that magic is likely corrosive.
Later, through his research on the Magic Originium, the high priest endowed creations with life, creating a magnificent Stone-Mechanical Civilization.
What a coincidence! Vane and the others also have a fragment of Magic Stone.
Although it's red instead of purple, the effect should be about the same, right?
To compare the effects, Gorth wrapped the Magic Stone with different types of ores, and the final conclusion was--
Magic Crystal Ore are the most efficient at generating Magic Originium, followed by Originium native to Terra.
What is the use of the special Originium formed by the latter, and is it still infectious?
Vane Gorth to research this, while he took the batch of Magic Crystal Ore.
Originium is indeed a high-quality energy source, but with Priestess's attitude unclear, Vane didn't want to hand over any leverage to the other party.
Therefore, another energy source that can replace Originium is very important.
As for the energy intensity of the Magic Originium?
Take a look at the four villages.
Your high priest uncle used Magic Originium to create a giant ball, and then created a stone Giant whose waist was taller than the clouds.
He combined the two and, piloting his Thunder Gundam, swept across the Daichi.
Vane couldn't imagine the shadow cast by the High Priest Tribe neighbors.
But the mere fact that the absurd Giant could move was enough for him to be certain that the Magic Originium's role in energy was in no way inferior to that of Terra's local relatives.
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, the confined new energy was sent into the processing chamber through the passage.
With the reformation project in full swing, David decided to join in.
When the seat next to him becomes available, Alfonso, carrying a bottle of wine, is refreshed.
"His Majesty."
Alfonso solemnly, then resumed his relaxed posture.
"Does your new energy source really work? Stutifaira has never used Originium as an energy source before."
Alfonso's concerns were not unfounded.
The Golden Armada's technology comes from Aegir, a sea kingdom that has never developed its own Originium energy, and its creations are no exception.
"Don't worry, we'll fix it for you if it breaks."
Alfonso's lips twitched; that was precisely why he had asked.
Vane glanced at him.
"What, you're unhappy to see a bunch of men touching your partner inappropriately?"
"... Of course not. They're undergoing a beauty treatment and upgrade at Stuttgart. In human terms, they'd be makeup artists. Why would I be angry about that?"
"Then why is your face so dark?"
"... from sun exposure."
Alfonso kept telling himself to respond with a blank expression.
This is the king, the king who can bring new life to all of Iberia. Hold on... you must hold on!
Somewhat surprised by the other party's composure, Vane remarked:
"Is it my change in status that has caused your estrangement? It seems a sad barrier has formed between us."
"By the way, how about letting people along the pilgrimage route come in and visit, so we can promote the Golden Armada?"
"It's just coming and going on the Stultifera Navis; maybe someone might steal something occasionally. Captain Alfonso won't mind, will he?"
"..."
"Captain, why aren't you saying anything, Captain?"
Alfonso's face grew increasingly dark, and before the enemy could go berserk, cheers erupted from above the ship.
"It's a success! It's a success!"
As the sound emanated, the Stultifera Navis began to vibrate, and energy radiating a red glow flowed through the pipes into each compartment, casting a faint red light on the golden hull.
This situation is clearly abnormal.
"Is this... this kind of energy radioactive?"
Hmm... I think so?
Vane gave an uncertain answer, and the engineers' expressions kept changing.
"However, it's highly likely to be harmless to humans, so don't worry."
Trusting the King, everyone's expressions gradually returned to normal, and Vane was also able to learn about the experiment.
"Perfect! I have never seen such high-quality energy before. It has no physical form, yet it flows through pipes like a liquid, and the delivery time difference is almost zero!"
"Most importantly--"
An engineer handed over the monitoring panel.
"We can't detect any change in the total energy output, meaning the energy required to start the entire warship is negligible compared to that special energy source!"
"My God! This energy... Are we witnessing history?"
Alfonso didn't quite understand, but he could tell that the plan was successful.
"So, the upgrade is complete?"
"That's right! This energy can greatly increase the warship's range, and those energy-intensive special modules can also be loaded onto the Stultifera Navis!"
Upon hearing the good news, Alfonso looked up at the tall ship, reached out and stroked it, his eyes filled with love.
"... I love you even more now, darling."
[Me... me too!]
Despite no one being in operation, the Stultifera Navis's loudspeaker blared.
"..."xN
Upon hearing this child's innocent voice, everyone fell silent.
"Go check it out. What are the guards doing? How did they let the child sneak into the broadcasting room?"
"Hmm... maybe it's not a living person?"
After confirming that no one was in the broadcasting room, Vane began to suspect something.
"A ghost? A phantom?" Some engineers huddled together in fear.
"... Look at your cowardly behavior. If you don't know each other, why don't you just ask them?"
Alfonso was standing to the side, was already furious and roared loudly.
"I don't care who you are, get out of the Stultifera Navis right now!"
[You... you actually yelled at me!]
"[Iberia profanity!] Whose brat are you? Do you know who we're talking to? Call your parents!"
[Hmm... you didn't treat me like this before.]
Noticing the strange looks from those around him, Alfonso's eye twitched, and he shouted towards the broadcasting room:
"Still haven't found it!?"
"Report: No abnormalities found."
Growing increasingly impatient, Alfonso was about to board the ship to investigate when Vane grabbed his shoulder.
Why didn't you ask what their name was?
Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Alfonso gritted his teeth and said:
"Who are you!"
You don't even remember my name... You clearly said you loved me, you liar!
"You bastard! Tell me where you are if you dare, and we'll confront you face to face!"
[I'm right in front of you!]
"You dare to play me!"
Alfonso drew his longsword and was about to rush onto the ship when David, standing nearby, stared wide-eyed and said in a trembling voice:
"You... you are Stutifaira?"
Alfonso nearly fell over, turned around and glared at her:
"Are you crazy? How could Stutifaila possibly...?"
[Dad!]
"..."xN
A crisp call was followed by a longer silence. David remained calm and raised his hand shakily.
"If you really are her, how can you prove it?"
The next moment, the huge anchor and anchor chain suddenly rose into the air, and the terrifying weight of hundreds of tons crashed down.
Alfonso was trying to push his friend away, was stopped by Vane and watched helplessly as the giant anchor fell and stopped above David.
The anchor gently touched the raised hand, and at the same moment, all the engineers heard the sound of their worldview shattering.
"It really is you..."
David trembled with excitement.
The creation I considered my pride, like a child, has truly come to life, and even affectionately calls itself --
[Dad!]
"Ooh!"
"Designer David! The infirmary! Someone come quick! Designer David has fainted!"
Just before the medical staff were about to carry him away, David's eyes widened, and he regained consciousness through sheer willpower.
"Make way! Let me see my child one more time!"
"... You weren't this excited when Jack came back," Vane muttered to himself.
"Are you really Stutifaira?"
Alfonso nearby, finally confirmed this absurd fact: his "lover"... had come back to life?
[Snort!]
Dissatisfied snorts were accompanied by a loud honking of horns.
The engineers pinched each other's philtrum to stay awake, their eyes filled with admiration as they looked at Vane.
I see. Wang had already considered that.
There aren't enough people to operate the Golden Armada, but if it's just about maneuvering, completing the pilgrimage is possible.
However, it becomes useless when it comes to actual combat, and it's impossible to train a sufficient number of fleet combat personnel in such a short time.
But what if the fleet possessed intelligence and could control itself?
Living warships...
Everyone felt a chill run down their spines.
But unlike the shock of the others, Vane felt a sense of knowing it was inevitable.
"That's actually pretty good..."
Recalling the intelligent refrigerator in the game that was brought to life by Originium, Vane speculated about the possibility of the battleship gaining life.
According to Gorth, he tested it at the same time that the Magic Originium was created.
The target was the Infection Patrol vehicle, but there was no sign of it being activated.
Vane sent the new message to the other party.
Perhaps the possibility of revitalization lies in the structure of the creation itself, and in its history of existence?
While Vane remained silent, Alfonso's feelings were more complicated than anyone else's.
This old sailor, who could be considered a grandfather, suddenly became awkward and hesitant.
"I... you... I'm sorry."
[Then tell me you love me!]
"I..."
Facing the gazes of the crowd, Alfonso blushed with embarrassment, but ultimately his love for his "lover" outweighed his shame.
"I love you!"
[Then I forgive you!]
Alfonso immediately grinned foolishly, and the tender look in his eyes as he gazed at the ship sent a chill down Vane.
Then, Vane grinned wickedly.
"By the way, Left Protector, you're going to the prison next."
"What?" Alfonso woke up with a start, looking at the other person in confusion.
"Is it hard to understand?" Vane pointed to the ship.
"Although she is an 'antique' with a history of over 60 years, she has only just developed consciousness today, which means she has only just been born."
"... What do you mean?"
Alfonso's brow twitched; he suddenly had a bad feeling.
Vane shook his head, feigning heartache.
"Left Protector, you're peddling a virgin!"
Upon hearing Vane's words, David, who considered himself the father of the Stiaula, suddenly turned around and his gaze toward Alfonso immediately turned fierce.
In the suffocating silence, Alfonso looked up and smiled.
"It doesn't matter! No matter what she becomes, no matter how many years have passed, she will always be my beautiful and beloved lover!"
A sharp whistle, accompanied by billowing steam, carried a piercing, ear-piercing sound.
[Hey, you rascal!]
The anchor emerged from the seabed and struck Alfonso's smug face.
Flying over the crowd and crashing through the walls, Alfonso left a trail of red and white.
At the end of the road, Alfonso, now an Alfonso of images, lay glued to the ground, blood flowing forward in the direction of his fingers.
Terrified screams filled the air as the guards, bewildered, struggled to maintain order.
Vane sighed, grabbed a clump of Bloodline Heir that was passing by, and walked towards the other party.
"After all that, I still have to assemble it myself."