When Vasco heard that Shane was still busy with his duties and couldn’t start the first voyage of the Coastal Runner just yet, he decided not to waste the day.
After a half‑day’s rest, he walked back to the docks and turned his attention to another vessel... This ti, he focused on the Sea Mule Ship.
Unlike the Coastal Runner, the Sea Mule was not built for combat.
It had no cannons, no high-grade barrier or thick tal plating, and no ramp for rapid deploynt. But it had one advantage... It was Spirit Burst Propulsion, a system that allowed the ship to surge forward at incredible speed for short bursts.
Apparently, it was a transport vessel, designed to carry goods and crews quickly across the water.
’Let’s see what I can improve on this thing...’
Vasco muttered as he stepped onto its deck...
He ran his hand along the railing, noting the wear and tear. The ship was functional, but fragile compared to the Coastal Runner.
"No wonder this ship was cheaper... It’s fast, but speed alone won’t save you from the sea," he muttered.
He began his inspection thodically since he would have to propose an improvent plan later.
First, he checked the ship’s hull, which was very important...
He confird that it was thinner than the Runner’s, designed for lightness rather than resilience. It could withstand waves, but not the crushing force of many Zombie Sea Creatures.
Vasco tapped the seams...
Tok... Tok...
He couldn’t help but frown at the hollow sound.
"One strike from a Zombie Sea King and this thing folds."
He also noticed the crew space... The barracks were cramped, only enough for 26 crew mbers. Vasco noted the narrow bunks and limited ventilation.
"Fine for short trips, but miserable for long voyages. Morale will sink faster than the ship."
As for the Cargo Hold, it could be considered massive compared to the Coastal Runner. So it was easily the ship’s defining feature.
Vasco walked through the interior, imagining crates stacked high. "Good for supplies, but it makes her heavy. If the ballast isn’t managed, she’ll tip in rough seas."
Finally, he checked the technology he had no idea about...
It was the Spirit Burst Propulsion...
Vasco descended into the engine room, where faint spirit energy pulsed along the drive.
He admired the design even if he wasn’t sure how the energy works...
Still, based on the data given to him beforehand, it was efficient and powerful. Well, it would be up to the elves to try and improve it...
After all, the only concern about it was the fact that it was a bit unstable. "Burst propulsion is a gamble. If it fails while escaping, the crew is finished."
By the ti he finished, Vasco already had a list forming in his mind.
He sat on the deck with a notebook, scribbling ideas.
"First, strengthen the hull with the sa mana coating that those elves could do... Doesn’t need to be as thick as the Runner, but enough to survive a strike. Second, add barrier generators... three at least. They’ll give the crew a fighting chance if zombies swarm..."
Vasco then paused for a mont...
"Hmm... Third, adjust the ballast system. Cargo space is good, but stability is better. Fourth, install swivel mounts for ballistae or mana‑turrets. Even one or two weapons will make a difference."
He leaned back, staring at the horizon. "Speed is good. But speed without defense is suicide."
Later that evening, Vasco submitted his proposal to Fiona. He laid the parchnt on her desk, his handwriting was rough, but it was readable.
"Ohh... I didn’t know you were already working on this." Fiona said as if she had no idea. After all, there were already rats in all of the ships. That ans that she was fully aware of the situation happening in or out of the Blue Haven Shelter.
"Yes... I hope we have the budget on this." Vasco replied.
"Let see..." Fiona muttered as she checked the parchnt.
[ Proposal for Sea Mule Improvents: ]
[ Strengthen hull with mana coating.
Install 3 barrier generators for ergency defense.
Reorganize cargo hold with ballast control to prevent capsizing.
Add at least 2 light weapons (ballistae or mana‑turrets).
...
Expand ventilation in crew barracks to improve morale on long trips. ]
Vasco actually listed a total of 18 improvent plans, and Fional couldn’t help but like this shipbuilder. He was really an expert in the field.
It may be expensive, but after learning about the threat to the seas, there was no way Shane wouldn’t spend money on this project.
Just like that, Fiona read silently as she considered the cost.
anwhile, Vasco waited, hopeful for a positive response.
But seeing that Fiona was still not deciding after a few minutes, he decided to speak.
"This ship can move fast, but if we’re sending it into seas filled with zombies, it needs more than that. Otherwise, it’s just a mule waiting to be slaughtered."
Fiona finally nodded. "I actually like it... However, I’ll review this with Shane once he’s free. If we’re going to the islands, every vessel must be ready."
Vasco nodded...
After all, his plan wouldn’t just involve resources but also the ti of several elves, workers, and other experts...
Nonetheless, he had done his part. The Sea Mule was not yet safe, but with these improvents, it could beco more than just a transport ship...
***
Finally, after two more days, Shane returned to the Blue Haven Shelter.
Yet instead of heading to the docks to inspect the newly improved ships, he walked quietly into the orchard he had ordered built, where rows of fruit trees were already thriving under careful care...
"Ohhh... It looks better now." Shane comnted after seeing the small sapling at the very center
Needless to say, it was the World Tree he had planted before!
As Shane approached, Axis burst from his pocket in a flash of light, her wings glowed faintly as she landed gently on the trembling leaves.
The sapling responded with a subtle wave of mana, as if sothing hidden within had just begun to awaken...
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