Four Months Later...
The journey after that day had been surprisingly smooth, without any major troubles. Tyler and his crew sailed from island to island, with Tyler steadily expanding his influence wherever they docked. He founded new branches of the White rchant Group in every port city they visited, gradually building a comrcial empire that was beginning to gain so recognition. In particular, the White rchant Group had started to make waves in the New Rose Kingdom, and the na "Tyler White" was quickly becoming synonymous with success.
Unlike most rchants, Tyler didn’t bother renting spaces for his stores. Instead, he bought out properties, giving him more control and stability. He also made it a point to hire the slaves he had freed from his ship, giving them jobs as store managers and workers. This wasn’t just a business move for Tyler—it was a promise he had made to the people who had joined him. He wanted to offer them a new life, a purpose, and in return, he earned their unwavering loyalty.
Every ti Tyler bought a new batch of slaves, he would follow the sa process—freeing them and providing them with jobs in his expanding rchant business. However, this ti, things were different. As they neared Cedar Island, Tyler made a decision. He wasn’t going to expand any further, at least not for a while. He had already established a solid network across multiple islands, and now, it was ti to focus on sothing else.
Darla, anwhile, was getting used to her new childlike body. The transformation had been a shock at first, but over the months, she had slowly adjusted. She explained to the rest of the crew that the captain had gifted her a natural treasure, causing her body to revert to a younger state. This revelation was t with a mixture of surprise and envy from the crew. After all, Tyler had access to so incredibly rare and valuable items, but no one dared to ask for one. They knew better than to expect such gifts from the captain without earning them.
However, not everyone was thrilled with Darla’s new appearance. Situ, one of the ship’s stewards, was a bit heartbroken. He had developed a quiet crush on Darla, but now that she had transford into a child, he was unsure how to feel. He often muttered to himself, wondering if he would have to wait for her to grow up again before anything could happen between them.
One day, after mulling over his feelings, Situ approached Tyler. "Captain, I’ve been thinking... I’d like to settle down on Cedar Island once we arrive. Maybe open up a business there and—"
Tyler, who had been looking over so maps of their next destination, patted Situ on the shoulder before he could finish. "I understand, Situ. Cedar Island would be a good place to start over. You’ve been working hard for the crew, and I won’t stand in the way of you finding your own path."
Situ gave a grateful nod, but there was still a hint of sadness in his eyes. He had enjoyed his ti on the ship and had hoped for sothing more with Darla. But now, things were different.
Tyler, noticing the man’s downcast mood, smiled and added, "Before you go, though, I have sothing for you. You know how Mathilda has been working on a potion?"
Situ’s eyes lit up with curiosity. "The one which made by the Natural treasure you found?"
Tyler nodded. "That’s right. She is still researching it. When it’s ready, I’ll make sure you get a dose. It is not good as the real natural treasure but it will extend your life and restore so vitality."
Tyler plan was to give a life orb to Situ too... But since he decided to settle in the Cedar Island Tyler decided to give him the Life Potion after Mathilda creates one.
Situ blinked in surprise, a mixture of relief and gratitude flooding his face. "Thank you, Captain. I—"
Tyler cut him off with a wave of his hand. "No need to thank . You’ve been a valuable part of this crew, and I look after my people. Just make sure you co back to visit us once in a while, alright?"
Situ grinned, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders. "You can count on it, Captain."
With the decision made, Tyler returned to his preparations for their arrival at Cedar Island. He had heard much about the place—one of the larger islands in the region, known for its advanced teleportation arrays and bustling markets. It would be their final stop before heading to the distant Ixalaria Continent, where Tyler hoped to enroll in the academy that Hawk had ntioned months ago.
┉┈ ◈ ◉ ◈ ┈┉
Cedar Island stretched out before them like a natural fortress, dominated by towering cedar trees that ford a dense forest all around. The island was blanketed with these ancient trees, their trunks thick and imbued with a faint glow, evidence of the Aura energy naturally present within the wood. The air itself felt different here, rich with vitality, as if the island itself breathed with an unseen power.
As Tyler, Mana, Lily, Silvia, and Mathilda stood on the deck of their ship, they gazed in awe at the sight. The buildings, made entirely of cedar wood, rose high into the sky. Despite being constructed from raw wood, the structures were grand, towering over the streets with a strength and durability that surpassed any stone or tal architecture Tyler had ever seen. These buildings, crafted from the Aura-infused cedar, were resilient, far tougher than ordinary buildings, and they radiated an earthy warmth that made the island feel alive.
Mana, unable to contain her excitent, began to explain everything in a rapid, cheerful voice. "These cedar trees aren’t like any regular trees. They’re special! Infused with Aura energy since the beginning of their growth. Because of that, the wood from them is incredibly strong, tougher than anything you’d find elsewhere. The buildings here can withstand things most normal structures can’t."
"That’s not all," she added, practically bouncing on her heels. "Just by living on Cedar Island, people—warriors and non-warriors alike—beco stronger. The Aura that seeps from the trees enhances our bodies, making them tougher and more resilient. It’s why so many warriors choose to stay here to train."
Tyler raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Mana’s words. He had read about places that could naturally enhance a person’s abilities, but seeing it in action was sothing else entirely. This island wasn’t just ho to unique trees and buildings—it was a natural training ground, shaping the people who lived within its boundaries. No wonder Mana was so eager to return here.
As she spoke, Mana’s eyes sparkled with excitent. "And Mana can’t wait to see my uncle! He’s Man’s father’s brother."
Tyler nodded, watching the distant movent of carts in the city. The island was bustling, and from where they stood, he could see wooden carriages and carts moving steadily along tracks. His eyes narrowed, trying to get a better look.
"Are those... trains?" he asked, rembering the books Hawk had left behind. He had read about Northern technologies, and trains had been one of the more fascinating concepts. They looked similar to what he had studied, only these seed to be powered by so kind of Aura/Prana-based chanism. His eyes lit up with curiosity.
As they all stood there, marveling at the sight before them, Tyler’s copper pot—secured at his waist—began to vibrate suddenly. The strange sensation stopped him mid-conversation, and his eyes widened in shock. The copper pot had never reacted like this before, not once since he had acquired it.
He froze, staring down at the pot with confusion and suspicion. "What in the world?" he muttered, his fingers brushing over the cool tal. He couldn’t explain the sudden vibration. It was as if the pot itself was responding to sothing on the island.
The girl’s noticed Tyler’s strange reaction, and Lily was the first to ask, "What’s wrong?"
Tyler didn’t imdiately respond and slowly said "Oh I think this Island is going to be interesting."
anwhile, in the heart of the city, a man carrying a long, bandage-wrapped package was walking through the busy streets. He, too, suddenly felt sothing—a shift in the air. The package in his arms trembled slightly, and the man’s face turned to one of shock. He gripped the package tighter, his heart racing.
"Why is there a reaction now?" he whispered to himself, eyes narrowing as he scanned the bustling city around him.
Whatever was happening, it wasn’t just a coincidence. Both the man in the city and Tyler on the ship felt the sa strange pull. Sothing was drawing them closer, sothing connected to the island.
Tyler, feeling the weight of this unexpected developnt, clenched his jaw. He wasn’t sure what was going on, but he had a feeling their journey on Cedar Island was about to take a mysterious turn if he find the source.
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