Robin leaned back on the sofa, and relaxed as he looked around at his crew, all gathered in the resort's drawing room. All of them were in the states of exhaustion, visibly worn out by their day's activity in athena .

“So,” Robin began, as he looked at Raylan and Marla, “how was the sightseeing? And those famous restaurants you mentioned?”

Raylan’s face lit up, and said “It was amazing, young master,” Raylan replied, his tone overflowing with enthusiasm. “We found this little place up on a cliff that overlooks the entire Beach. The view was unbelievable, especially at sunset, and the food… well, it was some of the best we’ve had in a long while.”

Marla nodded, a smile of fond remembrance gracing her lips. “It’s been ages since we just went out and enjoyed a day without worrying about our duties at the family estate. Walking through the local markets, sampling new dishes… it reminded us of our youth.”

Robin’s smile as he listened, genuinely pleased that his crew had taken time to enjoy. Then, he turned his attention to Norman and Silas, both of whom wore broad grins, clearly reliving the excitement of their day in their minds.

“And you two, how was the surfing? I take it you didn’t stay dry for too long?” Robin teased.

Norman laughed, nodding eagerly. “Absolutely not, sir! The water was crystal clear and the waves were constant. So it was a pleasant experience, and we saw reefs teeming with colors you wouldn’t believe. Fish darted all around us, some even coming close enough to touch. We spent hours marveling at the underwater world.”

Silas jumped in. “And we ended each day with fresh seafood right off the beach. You could taste the ocean in every bite.” He sighed, a dreamy look in his eyes. “It’s been ages since we’ve had such downtime with doing chores.”

Robin chuckled, nodding with satisfaction. “It’s good to hear everyone had a proper break.”

Finally, Robin’s eyes settled on Elric, the quietest guy in the crew. Elric had been listening to everyone’s stories with a faint, almost secretive smile. Robin raised an eyebrow, curious.

“Elric, so what did you do in these few days, i never saw you in the resort.” Robin leaned forward.

Elric smirked, his eyes gleaming with a hint of mystery. “Not exactly, sir. I’ve been hearing rumors from the locals,whispers about a hidden treasure somewhere in the surrounding islands. Thought it might be worth investigating while we had the chance.”

.

“A hidden treasure, huh?” Robin realized he had heard the same thing. So this guy despite being smart fell for the trap robin thought. He first thought to give him his honest answer but later decided to let him enjoy his time.

Elric shrugged, with spark in his eye. “Just a few leads, nothing solid yet. But if I get anywhere with it, I’ll be sure to keep everyone in the loop.”

Robin leaned back, a grin spreading across his face. “Well, when you do, count me in. A little treasure hunt might be the perfect end to our ‘vacation’ here.”

They all laughed, the room filled with an easy warmth as they shared more stories and bantered over their recent outings. But as the days passed and they continued to explore Athena, Robin began to feel a strange sense of detachment. Beneath it's beauty and charm, something felt manufactured. Every island, every beach, every marketplace seemed meticulously curated, crafted to give tourists exactly what they wanted a picture-perfect paradise. While the golden sands and crystalline waters were undoubtedly beautiful, he noticed everything repeats. Each island was almost identical to the last, with luxury resorts, souvenir shops, and upscale restaurants all following the same pattern. It felt like a giant tourist trap to syphon all the money they can . They are indeed the descendents of pirates.

Robin began to feel a growing sense of boredom. Athena, with its stunning landscapes and calming atmosphere, was undoubtedly beautiful, but he craved something more, he want thrill but he know in a advanced civilizations like Arora he couldn't find it but it's better to go sightseeing than looking for non-existent thriller .

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One evening, as the crew gathered in the beach to watch the sunset, Robin called Oliver over. “I think I’ve had enough of Athena, Oliver,” he said, his gaze fixed on the horizon. “It’s a wonderful place for a short getaway a true paradise. But if you’re looking for adventure… well, this isn’t it. It’s too perfect. Too peaceful.”

Oliver nodded, a knowing look in his eye. “I understand, sir. A place like this is a delight to the senses, but it doesn’t have the kind of edge you’re after. Sounds like it’s time to move on.”

Without hesitation, Oliver gathered the crew together to share the news of their next destination. As everyone settled in, a sense of anticipation filled the air. “Our next stop is the central continent,” Oliver announced, glancing at each of them. “We’ll be heading to the country of Ignisara.”

Excitement buzzed through the crew. The center continent was known for its wild landscapes, Rocky and Sandy terrain, ancient ruins, and untamed regions brimming with rare creatures and hidden wonders a stark contrast to the polished tranquility of Athena.

“But before we set sail,” Oliver continued, “we’ll need to make sure we’re well-prepared. Let’s stock up on fresh ingredients, provisions, and any other supplies we might need for the journey ahead. We’re in for an adventure this time.”

The following morning, Robin and his crew set out early, eager to explore the colorful market district one last time before departing Athena. The streets were already bustling with activity, alive with vendors calling out to passersby, the aroma of freshly baked bread mingling with the rich scent of exotic spices and coffee beans. Robin’s eyes gleamed with fascination as he took in the sheer variety around him. Each stall was brimming with unique finds—from colorful jars of spices to bundles of herbs, rare liquors, and delicate teas from across the islands.

As they moved through the spice market, Robin gestured to Oliver. "Let’s bring back some spices for our journey," he suggested.

Oliver nodded, making careful selections from each stall while the vendors eagerly demonstrated their finest spices, showcasing blends used in traditional dishes and others meant for specific regional delicacies. They also gathered rare ingredients, including some famously strong island coffee, a must-have for the long nights aboard the ship. The crew joked about who could handle the boldest blend, each daring the others to try a stronger brew.

When they reached the fish market, Robin was taken aback by the sheer variety on display. Vibrant fish of every shape and color were laid out on ice, their scales glistening under the early sun.

“Oliver,” he said, “we should get a few of these. Fresh fish for the journey, don’t you think?”

However, before Oliver could respond, Captain Raylan, standing nearby, shook his head with a slight smile. "Young master, we’re about to sail over waters teeming with fish. Trust me, we won’t lack seafood anytime soon."

Oliver nodded in agreement. “Raylan’s right, sir. No need to add extra weight—especially when we have the ocean’s bounty right at hand.”

Robin laughed, raising his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright, I yield to the experts," he said, casting a last glance at the market’s offerings before they continued on their way. With their bags filled with provisions, spices, and a few unique bottles of island liquor, they returned to the ship.

As they approached the docks, Robin turned to Oliver, recalling their next destination. “Oliver, our next destination is Ignisara . Can you tell me more about it?”

Oliver’s eyes sparked with excitement as he prepared to share what he knew. “Ignisara is a fascinating place, sir—unlike any other. It’s located on the central continent, a land that was once a vast, barren desert and Rocky mountain just like the whole center continent. Thanks to advanced technology, they’ve transformed it into a thriving oasis. This adaptation not only changed the landscape but also brought unique evolutionary changes to the animals. Creatures that once only survived in harsh, dry conditions now thrive in environments filled with strange oases and lush greenery.”

Robin listened intently, picturing the vast transformation. “So, it’s a place of contrasts?”

“Exactly,” Oliver replied, nodding. “But the transformation goes beyond just the land. Ignisara is divided into two main territories, each ruled by a different faction. They’re separated by a man made great river that runs through the heart of the land, marking a physical and ideological divide.”

“Two factions?” Robin’s curiosity was piqued.

“Yes,” Oliver continued. “One faction has fully embraced modern technology. They see it as the key to survival and progress, constantly pushing boundaries with their innovations. Their cities are advanced, with sprawling architecture, high-tech industries, and an efficient infrastructure network. To them, technology is both a tool and a weapon.”

“And the other side?” Robin asked, already sensing the rivalry.

“The other side clings to their nomadic roots,” Oliver explained. “They value tradition above all else, staying true to the customs and ways of their ancestors. They believe that progress should come naturally and have rejected most modern technologies. Their lands are filled with makeshift camps, mobile markets, and great caravans. They hold an incredible respect for the land and the creatures they share it with, almost as if they’re guardians of the past.”

“So, they don’t get along,” Robin murmured, understanding the tension.

“Not at all,” Oliver confirmed. “It’s a delicate situation. They coexist, but barely. When we visit, we’ll need to navigate carefully. We’re fully capable of handling any trouble, of course, but it’s wise not to stir conflict unnecessarily.”

Robin nodded, absorbing Oliver’s words. “I see. And if we visit the nomadic territory, should we expect any hostility?”

“Possibly,” Oliver replied thoughtfully. “But you are a member of the William family. Everyone from Arora knows about the family. They're taught from childhood whatever you do don't do anything that will offend a William family members . If you wear your family emblem openly, it will show your status, a reminder that you're not to be trifled with. We’ll use it if necessary. Besides there are some incidents in the history when some counties tried to do some shady stuff behind the family's back the whole upper echelon was killed in front of the whole country. So they know not to mess with the family”

Robin felt a mix of excitement and anticipation.

As the crew gathered on the deck, preparing the ship to set sail, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the water. Robin took one last look at the islands of Athena, appreciating their beauty even as he felt the pull of the unknown.

As they set the engine of the ship for Ignisara, he looked forward to the challenges and discoveries that lay ahead a land transformed by human ingenuity and yet grounded in ancient traditions.