Another day, another adventure. Robin and his crew were en route to their next destination: the River of Life, the largest man-made river in Arora.

From the horizon, Robin spotted the glimmering river. He leaned against the ship’s railing, staring at the colossal waterway. From their height, the river resembled a massive serpent carving its way through the landscape. Cargo vessels of all sizes moved along its surface, their numbers seemingly endless.

“Impressive, isn’t it?” Oliver said, standing beside him with a faint smile.

“It’s enormous,” Robin admitted. “From up here, it really does look like a giant snake.”

“That’s what many poets call it, sir. The Silver Serpent, the Coiled Lifeline, and other romantic names.” Oliver gestured toward the bustling scene below. “But for traders and merchants, it’s far more practical. This is one of the busiest trade routes in the world.”

“Why the river, though?” Robin asked, his curiosity piqued. “I mean, we’ve got flying ships. Wouldn’t it make sense to use them instead?”

Oliver turned to him with the patience of a seasoned teacher. “An excellent question. Flying ships are indeed faster, but the cost of flight is significantly higher. The energy required to keep them aloft is immense, especially for large cargo loads. Merchants prefer this slower pace of sailing, even if it means sacrificing time.”

Robin nodded thoughtfully. “Makes sense. Wherever you go in the universe, merchants always look for profit.”

“Exactly,” Oliver confirmed. “It’s been this way for centuries.”

Before Robin could ask more, a familiar voice chimed in. “What are you two discussing?”

Robin turned to see Seraphina approaching. The guide for their journey had a knack for joining conversations at just the right moment, her sharp eyes brimming with enthusiasm.

“We were just marveling at the river,” Robin said, gesturing toward the view. “Since you’re the expert, how about giving us the TL;DR version of its history?”

Seraphina chuckled, folding her arms. “Ah, the River of Life. The exact date when its construction began still remains a mystery. Some believe it was once a natural canyon or a modest canal, transformed over the centuries.” She leaned casually against the railing, looking down at the glittering waters below. “But most historians agree that its planning began long before the William family’s rise to power, back in the fragmented days when nations bickered over borders and resources.”

Robin’s eyebrows rose. “So, it’s ancient. But it wasn’t finished until after the unification?”

“Precisely,” Seraphina replied. “After the William family united the world, they sought to stabilize the newly formed central continent. The seas, while vast and full of promise, were deemed too unpredictable for the burgeoning trade networks. Storms, pirates, and even the occasional sea monster made maritime trade a risky venture. So, the leaders of the time turned to terraforming.”

“Terraforming? Like turning deserts into forests?” Robin asked.

“Exactly,” Seraphina said, her voice slipping into an almost lyrical cadence as she recounted the story. “It wasn’t a decision made lightly. Building a river of this magnitude required collaboration between the brightest minds of the era—scientists, engineers, and even sages from the William family. They designed massive, automated machines capable of carving through mountains and shaping the earth.”

Robin’s imagination painted vivid images of enormous machines, their gears grinding and pistons firing as they tore through the terrain. “How long did it take to finish?”

“Centuries,” Seraphina answered. “Generations of labor. The initial planners never lived to see its completion, but their descendants carried on the work, driven by the vision of a unified trade network. When the river was finally completed, it transformed the continent. Towns and cities sprang up along its banks, and the flow of goods brought prosperity to regions that had once been isolated.”

Oliver chimed in, his tone thoughtful. “And the William family’s involvement didn’t end with its construction. They negotiated an agreement that remains in effect to this day: half of the revenue generated by the river’s trade goes to the family, while the other half supports the government’s treasury.”

Robin let out a low whistle. “That’s… quite the deal.”

“It was a wise move,” Seraphina said. “By ensuring their stake in the river’s success, the William family secured their position as not just conquerors but also benefactors. They became synonymous with progress and stability. Even now, the river is a symbol of their legacy.”

Robin leaned forward, resting his arms on the railing as he gazed at the endless line of cargo ships. “It’s hard to imagine a time when this didn’t exist. It feels so… permanent.”

Seraphina smiled faintly. “And yet, nothing is truly permanent. The river itself requires constant maintenance. Engineers today work tirelessly to dredge its depths, repair its banks, and ensure its flow remains steady. Without that effort, even something as grand as the River of Life could fade away.”

Robin considered her words, a sense of awe settling over him. “It’s incredible how much history and effort is packed into something that, at first glance, just looks like water.”

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“Water that carries the lifeblood of a continent,” Oliver added. “Without it, the central continent wouldn’t be what it is today.”

The river wasn't just a marvel of human engineering it was the lifeblood of countless port cities scattered along its expansive banks. One such city, Eryndor, had long been a hub of activity, bustling with trade and alive with stories from every corner of the world. Robin, ever curious, decided to visit this vibrant city to see for himself.

As his ship descended toward the city’s main port, the sight that greeted him was nothing short of chaotically beautiful. The docks stretched for miles, packed with cargo ships of every size and shape, from metal freighters to wooden barges with sails painted in vivid colors. Workers hurried, hauling crates, inspecting goods, and shouting orders to one another in a cacophony of voices. Although most of the heavy work is done by robots but they still need human supervision.The air was filled with the sound of engines, the creak of ropes, and the occasional bellow of ship horns and announcements.

“This place is like an anthill,” Robin said, his eyes darting from one bustling scene to another.

“Indeed, sir,” Oliver said, stepping down beside him with his usual composed demeanor. “Eryndor is one of the largest trading cities alone the River of Life. Goods from all over the world pass through here—spices from the southern isles, rare ores from the mountains, even fabrics and technology from distant continents.”

Andrew, their ever-watchful guard, scanned the crowd with a soldier’s keen eye. “Busy or not, this place has its dangers. Watch your pockets. A place like this is a magnet for thieves.”

Robin nodded and thought "pickpocketing is still a thing in future i guess", but couldn’t suppress his excitement. The energy of the city was infectious, and he was eager to immerse himself in it. As they made their way through the busy streets, he saw merchants haggling over prices, artisans showcasing their wares, and street performers entertaining crowds with music and acrobatics. The smell of freshly baked bread mingled with the tang of saltwater and the faint metallic scent of machinery.

After exploring the main market for a while, Robin decided to visit a local pub . The pub he chose, The Silver Flagon, was a cozy establishment tucked away in a side street near the docks.

The pub was packed, its interior warm and lively. Merchants, sailors, and travelers from all walks of life filled the space, their conversations weaving together into a lively tapestry of voices. The air smelled of alcohol, and music was playing in the back.

Robin found a seat near the bar, his companions close by. As he sipped on a mug of cheap whiskey, he couldn’t help but eavesdrop on the conversations around him.

“Did you hear about the monster sightings near the southern seas?” a burly man with a thick beard said to his companion, his voice low but urgent.

“Aye,” the other man replied, his eyes wide. “They say it’s a leviathan a beast so large it could swallow a ship whole. Some even claim it’s the guardian of the old ruins beneath the sea.”

Robin’s ears perked up. Leviathans? Guardians? Although these stories exaggerate most of the time but atill they have some truth to them.

At another table, a group of merchants were engaged in a heated debate.

“I’m telling you, the prices of ambergris are going to skyrocket,” one of them said, his voice dripping with confidence. “The whales are migrating earlier this year, and the harvest is bound to be smaller.”

“Nonsense,” another merchant retorted. “The market’s already saturated. You’ll be lucky to break even if you invest now.”

Robin chuckled quietly, amused by their argument. It seemed that wherever there were merchants, there would always be talk of profits and losses.

Nearby, a trio of sailors swapped tales of their recent voyages.

“The northern seas were rough this time,” one of them said, his weathered face serious. “We lost some cargo on our way here . when we docked, we found strange marks on the hull. Claw marks.”

“Claw marks?” his companion repeated, leaning in closer. “What kind of beast leaves claw marks on a steel hull?”

“That’s the question, isn’t it?” the first sailor replied, taking a swig of his drink. “Some say it’s a new breed of sea monster. Others think it’s pirates are coming back. Me? I just want to stay on land for a while.”

Robin glanced at Oliver, who raised an eyebrow. “Seems the sea is as unpredictable as ever,” the butler remarked.

As the evening wore on, the conversations became more varied. Some patrons gossiped about political developments in distant lands, while others exchanged tips on the best trade routes and markets. A few even discussed ancient myths and legends, their voices filled with awe and wonder.

One story, in particular, caught Robin’s attention. A gray-haired man with a voice like gravel began spinning a tale about the origins of the River of Life.

“The nomads say the river isn’t just a marvel of engineering,” the old man began, his eyes glinting in the dim light. “It’s alive. A spirit dwells within its waters a spirit that grants prosperity to those who respect the river and misfortune to those who don’t.”

The crowd around him leaned in, hanging on his every word.

“They say,” the man continued, “that when the river was first carved, the workers unearthed an ancient artifact a relic from a time before time. Some claim it was a key to another realm. Others say it was a weapon so powerful that even the stars feared it. Whatever it was, the spirit of the river rose to protect it, vowing to drown anyone who dared disturb its slumber.”

Robin couldn’t help but be intrigued. He glanced at Oliver, who seemed less impressed. “Another tall tale,” the butler whispered.

“Maybe,” Robin replied, “but it’s a good one. It's human nature to make up stories of things they can't imagine.”

As the night deepened, the pub’s patrons began to thin out. Robin and his companions eventually left, stepping out into the cool night air. The city was quieter now, though the docks still buzzed with activity. Huge lights cast warm glow over the streets, and the distant sound of waves lapping against the ships created a soothing backdrop.

“Quite the lively place,” Robin said as they made their way back to their lodging.

“Indeed,” Oliver agreed.

As they walked, the lights of the port city reflected on the waters of the River of Life, shimmering like a thousand tiny stars.

He turned to Oliver, who was walking calmly beside him. “Oliver, do you think there’s any truth to those stories? The ones about monsters attacking ships or those claw marks on the hulls?”

Oliver glanced at him, the faintest hint of amusement in his expression. “You don’t have to worry about such things, sir. The family has everything under control.”

Robin raised an eyebrow. “Under control? What does that even mean?”

Oliver smiled knowingly but said nothing for a moment, clearly savoring the mystery. Then, as if deciding to throw Robin a bone, he added, “There’s a reason the William family is as influential as it is. We don’t just deal in wealth and power, sir we also ensure the safety of our people .”

“really?” Robin pressed. “Are you saying monsters exist in Arora?”

Oliver chuckled. “Let’s just say, sir, that some threats are better left unsaid until the right time. Spoiling them now would ruin the fun.”

Robin frowned slightly, his curiosity piqued. “Fun? What kind of fun are you talking about? Also i thought monsters only exist on other planets not in Arora.”

Oliver didn’t answer directly. , he said, “During our journey around the central continent, there will be opportunities to visit places where you can see some truly extraordinary creatures. Surprises, after all, are best experienced firsthand. Also if there's aether there is bound to be a monster. What the sailors are talking about might not be a monster, i think it's maybe a mutated sea creature. So the government that controls that part of the sea will handle this situation.”

Robin stared at him, trying to decipher the hidden meanings in his words. What kind of monsters was Oliver talking about? Were the mythical leviathans the sailors in the pub had whispered about, or something even more fantastical? Whatever the answer, Robin couldn’t deny the spark of excitement growing within him.

Andrew, who had been silent during their exchange, finally spoke up. “If we’re talking about monsters, let’s just hope they’re not flee type. I’ve had enough of those during my military days.”

Robin said jokingly . “You said you defeated giants but you're afraid of flees?”

Andrew shrugged. “big monsters are easy to kill but small ones are annoying.”

“Sounds thrilling,” Robin said with a grin.

“Thrilling’s not the word I’d use,” Andrew muttered, shaking his head.

They continued their walk through the port city, soaking in its unique atmosphere. The streets were quieter now, but pockets of activity remained

“Quite the lively place, isn’t it?” he said, glancing at Oliver.

"Yes sir, almost all the port cities are busy like this. The River of Life doesn’t just carry goods and people—it carries stories, dreams, and ambitions. That’s what makes cities like Eryndor so remarkable. They’re not just places; they’re gateways to the world." Oliver replied

Robin reunited with the rest of his crew in a high end hotel in the city. Robin shared his experience with them. And after a great day he lay down on the bed and slept like a baby.

After their first day in the bustling port city of Ignisara, Robin and his crew decided to extend their stay, spending the next several days exploring its various sights and neighboring small towns.

One particular day, they visited a vineyard nestled in the rolling hills outside a small town. The owner, an elderly woman named Marabel, gave them a personal tour, explaining how the fertile soil and proximity to the river created a unique

flavor in their wines. Robin purchased a few bottles as gifts, thinking they might come in handy for future family gatherings or special occasions.