80: Shattered Star Island Resources

The Star Sea Day carnival lasted until late into the night. Star Sea City fell into a deep sleep of satisfied exhaustion, and it wasn't until the sun was high the next day that it gradually returned to its usual rhythm. Yet, the festive atmosphere still permeated the streets and alleys, and traces of yesterday's joy and relaxation lingered on people's faces.

Inside the study of the Lords Castle, silence reigned. Sunlight streamed through the glass windows, casting dappled shadows on the polished floor and the heavy desk. Linn was bent over, reviewing several reports from Star Moon Town and the Merchant Guild, his brow slightly furrowed as he considered the allocation of supplies for the next phase.

A soft sound of footsteps was accompanied by a faint, refreshing scent, like the air left behind after the tide recedes. Linn knew who it was without looking up—only Aivi could move so freely within the castle and possess that unique aura.

"It seems our Great Lord isn't willing to truly rest, even on Star Sea Day?" Aivi's voice held a hint of teasing as she lightly walked up to the desk. Today, she wore a casual light blue outfit suited for movement, her long hair loosely tied up, making her seem less formal than yesterday and more approachable, like a girl next door. The scale on her brow shimmered softly in the indoor light.

Linn put down his quill, rubbed his temples, and leaned back in his chair, a genuine, albeit weary, smile on his face. "Yes, I can't even slack off. Evan is rushing for a batch of iron and wood materials to reinforce the horse farm fences, and Guild Master Barton sent a letter from Haige City about securing a large order, but it requires coordinating shipping schedules and inventory... I just feel like there isn't enough time." His tone wasn't complaining, but rather a casual confiding of his busy schedule to a friend.

Aivi naturally walked over to the low table by the window, where a delicate tea set rested. She skillfully picked up the warming silver pot and poured Linn a cup of herbal tea that emitted a calming fragrance, placing it beside his hand. "Drink this. It's a recipe the High Priestess brought last time; it works wonders for relieving fatigue." She took a cup for herself and sat down in the chair opposite Linn, looking at him across the desk. "But seriously, Linn, sometimes when I look at Star Sea City, watching Star Moon Town rise little by little, seeing the secure smiles on people's faces... I still find it incredible. In just over two years, you've accomplished things many people wouldn't dare dream of in a lifetime."

Her gaze was sincere, filled with undisguised admiration. Her azure eyes, like the sea on a clear day, clearly reflected Linn's image. "I remember the first time I saw you on the beach; although you were resolute, there was still uncertainty and anxiety about the future in your eyes. Now..." She tilted her head slightly and smiled. "Now, the way you look at this land is like a father watching his child thrive—though worried, there is more pride and the confidence of controlling everything. This change... is truly astonishing."

Linn took the teacup; the warmth transmitted through the porcelain wall warmed his palm and his heart slightly. He blew on the hot tea and took a sip, the familiar sense of calm spreading down his throat. "Don't just praise me, Aivi. Without the Sea God Clan's alliance, without the safe sea areas and initial guidance you provided, we couldn't have established ourselves so quickly. Star Sea Territory's success today includes your contribution." He paused, looking at her. "Moreover, you've frequently traveled here over the past two years, helping me coordinate matters with the Southern Sea Territory, answering so many questions about the ocean and islands, and even... well, helping me handle a lot of tedious paperwork." As he spoke, Linn's tone carried a softness and gratitude he hadn't even noticed himself.

Aivi's cheeks seemed to flush slightly. She lowered her head and took a sip of tea, masking the momentary flutter. "The High Priestess always says I dump the clan's affairs on her and run off to 'slack off.' But..." She raised her eyes, her gaze clear. "Being here, I get to encounter many things the Sea God Clan doesn't when living in seclusion, seeing how different races cooperate, watching a city grow from nothing... I've learned a lot too. It's much more interesting than staying in a wooden hut all the time."

The conversation between the two was natural and casual, devoid of the initial politeness and testing between allies. It was more like friends who had known and trusted each other for years chatting. A quiet and harmonious atmosphere permeated the study.

After chatting for a moment, Linn put down his teacup, his expression becoming slightly more formal, though his tone remained gentle. "Aivi, speaking of knowledge about Shattered Star Island, I doubt anyone is more profound than your Sea God Clan. You have lived in seclusion here for over a thousand years. Although your main area of activity is in the south, you must have knowledge far surpassing ordinary people regarding the island's terrain, resources, and even potential dangers, correct?"

"That is true. Although we follow the Ancestral Teachings and try not to conflict with other forces on the island, focusing on the ocean, a thousand years is enough time for our ancestors to explore many places, and some ancient memories and maps have been passed down through the Legacy. What kind of information do you need?"

Linn stood up and took a large parchment map of Shattered Star Island from the bookshelf behind him, spreading it out on the wide desk. The map already marked Star Sea City, Star Moon Town, known mineral deposits, forests, and rivers. "I want to know, besides the Western Region we've already developed, the known Orc territory in the east, and your Sea God Clan's southern region, are there any undiscovered, valuable resources in other areas of Shattered Star Island, especially the Central and Northern Plateaus? For instance, rare mineral deposits, special magic plant habitats, or... other strategically important locations?"

Aivi rose and approached the map. Her slender finger slowly moved across the map, a faint blue glow flickering at the tip, seemingly verifying it against the imprints of ancient sea charts in her memory. After pondering for a moment, her finger pointed to several spots in the Central Mountain Range. "Here, and here... according to ancient memories, there might be rich iron ore veins underground, and the grade should be good. Here," she pointed to a coastal hill in the Eastern Region, "ancestors once sensed faint but pure elemental fluctuations. This might be associated with Magic Crystals or special gemstone mines, but the exact location and reserves require on-site investigation."

Her finger continued to move, finally resting on the top of the map, on the vast Northern Plateau marked "Unknown Danger Zone." "As for here..." Aivi's voice involuntarily dropped slightly, her delicate brows furrowed, and her expression showed clear apprehension. "Linn, regarding the Shattered Star Island Northern Plateau, I advise you not to venture there easily in the short term, and certainly not to send large teams."

"Oh? What is there?" Linn also became serious. He knew that anything the Sea God Clan warned against so solemnly was definitely not ordinary.

"The specific form and species are very vague in our records, because very few ancestors who ventured deep were able to return safely and leave detailed descriptions." Aivi's fingertip lightly tapped the area, a flash of recalling ancient legends crossing her blue eyes. "We only know that at least one, and possibly more than one, extremely powerful Demonic Beast resides deep within the plateau. Its aura is so terrifying that even sensitive creatures tremble when near the plateau's edge. Fragmentary memories mention 'footsteps that shake the mountains,' and 'breaths interwoven with frost and shadow'... We suspect it or they might be terrifying existences that have reached Fifth Rank, or perhaps even touched the threshold of Sixth Rank. It or they seem to be constantly sleeping, but their territorial awareness is extremely strong, and any large-scale intrusion might be seen as a provocation, waking it up."

She looked up, gazing seriously at Linn. "Your Star Sea Territory has excellent momentum right now, but facing an existence of that level, your current strength... is likely far from enough. For now, let that plateau remain 'unknown.' Don't touch it easily until you have absolute certainty."

Linn took a deep breath, firmly engraving the information "Northern Plateau—Suspected Fifth Rank or higher Demonic Beast" into his mind. This was both a warning and a long-term goal. "I understand, thank you for the warning, Aivi. I will designate this area as the highest danger zone and temporarily seal it off." He looked at her gratefully; had Aivi not informed him, he might have blindly charged in during future expansion, and the consequences would have been unimaginable.

Seeing that he had taken the warning to heart, Aivi's expression softened, and she smiled faintly again. "It's good that you're cautious. Shattered Star Island still holds many secrets. We'll take our time. After all," her gaze swept over the areas on the map that were marked and unmarked, hinting at something, "we still have a long road ahead."

Her tone was gentle, yet it seemed to carry a certain promise and expectation. Linn's heart stirred slightly. Meeting her clear and profound gaze, the study fell silent for a moment, with only the sunlight flowing quietly. An atmosphere transcending allies, somewhere between confidants and a vague romantic feeling, quietly lingered between the two. The mountains, rivers, and seas on the map seemed to become a corner of the future canvas they would face together.

"Indeed," Linn finally smiled slightly, his tone firm and gentle. "The road is long, but we are not walking it alone."

Aivi nodded gently, the curve of her lips tender and bright.