Chapter 89: Lashval: The Unparalleled Pearl

Wow! This place is amazing!

It really is! It's beautiful.

Darius, the leader of the Acacia Stargliders, said he'd let off fireworks to greet us... I wonder what he's planning here?

Who knows what they're up to? Why don't we take a look around?

Ah, you came. Welcome to Lashval.

Darius! What are you and the Acacia Stargliders up to here?

Let's leave that for later, shall we?

Sorry for calling you all the way out here, but we're not actually ready yet.

Actually, I have a little favor to ask before your welcome party.

Favor? We're not getting involved in your terrorist activities.

Don't worry, this is a personal matter, not business. Something I always regretted not doing myself. But if it works out, it would be quite the gift for you.

What is it you would have us do?

Hunt for treasure from a legendary kingdom that sunk to the bottom of the ocean long ago.

You want us to look for treasure?

Yes. For a pearl, beautiful and enormous, like none this world has ever seen.

An enormous pearl? That sounds amazing!

You're certain about this? It's not a trap, j'espère?

Why would I set a trap for you guys? It's all true, I'm telling you. I once searched for the treasure with my dearest friend, but we never found anything. I figured you guys looked savvy enough to find it. So, are you in?

A legendary pearl from a sunken kingdom...

It's so exciting!

A unique treasure belonging to a mysterious kingdom. It does sound interesting!

Okay. We'll look for it.

Where abouts is the treasure supposed to be?

In a place known as Aquatic Fantasia. It's at the bottom of the ocean, so you'll need an air tank. Go to the junk shop and stock up on that first.

Got it. We'll pay a visit to the junk shop. Let's go, everyone.

Welcome. Oh, you want an air tank? Darius sent you? Air tanks, we've got, but we're out of the airstones that go inside them.

Airstones?

Yep, they're precious stones of pressurized air. They supply the air to the tanks. You should be able to dig them up around Stone Shore... But the bedrock over there's pretty solid. You'd need a special drill to get through.

Hmm... Okay, so we need to get an airstone somehow.

We do have a mek drill arm for manufacturing, but I doubt you'd be able to use it.

Certainly, we do not have the capacity to install this drill upon our person.

I absolutely refuse to have civil engineering tools installed on my arm.

Moi aussi. It would not suit my aesthetics.

No one's going to force you to attach a drill to yourselves, you two.

Um, what about me? I could take the drill arm.

Actually, that's not a bad idea. You should be compatible with mek parts.

I am! I'd be happy to take it.

Okay, then I'll take care of the installation.

You will? Then take this drill arm. Out of respect for Darius, I'll give you the air tank for free.

Okay, let's get this installed. You ready, Korobo?

Yes! Go ahead!

There, done. Now you can do a new action using the drill!

Thank you! I love it!

It seems to be working fine. But you know, I'd also like to strengthen your battle equipment.

I can help you there. You got any gears? I can forge the perfect equipment for the little guy outta gears. I'll charge a few bearings for my time. Come see me if you're interested.

Gears, eh? The technology of this world is absolutely fascinating. I would love to know more about how this works. If we find any gears, I'll bring them to you.

Okay, let's go to Stone Shore and dig up an airstone for the air tank!

I found something! I think this is an airstone!

Good job, Korobo! Okay, let's install this into the air tank...

There. Now we should be able to breathe underwater.

Aquatic Fantasia awaits.

I wonder what this mythical pearl is? Do you think we'll even find it?

I'm sure we will, Feinne. Don't worry.

Okay!

Right, let's go. Let's find the treasure of this ancient, sunken kingdom!

I wonder where this treasure is?

Hmm... Perhaps this treasure of a distant past was nothing more than a rumor? A wishful story told by those who remained?

A material of large mass is buried beyond this boulder.

Do you think it's the enormous pearl?

The rock looks très solid. It would explain why no one else ever managed to reach it.

Korobo, can you drill through the rock?

You got it!

You did it! Well done, Korobo!

Now to feast our eyes upon this legendary treasure.

Huh? I don't see a thing. Where's the treasure?

What the?

What is this?

What's going on?

Eep!

But this...

This is the legendary treasure of the fallen kingdom?

Oh no, what now?!

What is this beast?

Some kind of treasure guardian?

Watch out, it's coming for us!

Phew! I think we scared it off.

What is this vessel, I wonder?

The pearl belonging to a long-since fallen kingdom?

The Sleeping Pearl, that's the name.

Huh? Who said that?

Ze ship. Ze Sleeping Pearl...

The ship has a consciousness, like Hydra?

Our probability of dealing with an intelligent lifeform like Synth Hydra is less than 20%.

Who are you? Why am I here?

That is what we would like to know. We discovered you in search for a legendary treasure. Have you no memory of how you came to be sleeping at the bottom of the ocean for so long?

I was sleeping? For a long time? I...I don't know. I don't remember anything...

Well you were asleep for a really long time. It's not surprising your memory's a bit foggy.

Yeah, give it time. Things will start coming back to you.

Indeed?

This must be quite difficult for you right now, so why don't you come back to Lashval with us?

Lashval?

I will provide the coordinates.

Darius wasn't kidding when he said this was a unique pearl!

No, he wasn't. Let's head back to Lashval.

Watch out, it's coming for us!

So this is the legendary Sleeping Pearl, treasure of the lost kingdom? We never even got close when we went hunting for it.

We never imagined the treasure would actually be a ship.

You know what this is? It's the royal ship of old. It's an amazing sight, to see her fully revived.

And how are you doing, Sleeping Pearl? Is anything feeling off?

Yes. The movement of my paddle wheel seems unstable...

Don't worry, that's only to be expected after such a long time sleeping underwater.

First thing's first, I think she needs an overhaul. She'll be much safer at sea once she's been properly looked over.

I know a good craftsman on Dierkuul Island. You'll find it northwest of here.

Got it. Let's get the Sleeping Pearl back to her former glory.

Let's go, everyone.

Not often humans come to these parts. You don't look like Imperials, so what're you doing here?

We came to ask you to overhaul our ship. It's quite old..

An old ship, eh? Interesting. Modern ships all look the same. Gets kinda boring after a while.

So, what's the ship?

It's called the Sleeping Pearl. It's from an ancient kingdom.

WHAT?! The Sleeping Pearl?!

You'd better not be messing with me, kid!

Eeep? N-No, I'm serious, I swear.

You are, huh? So you found the royal Sleeping Pearl, eh?

Then what're we standin' around for? Bring me to her! Come on! Chop, chop!

Okay, okay! We'll take you there.

Whoaaa! I ain't dreamin', this is real. This really is the lost Sleeping Pearl... So the legend was true. I never thought the day'd come when I'd see with me own two eyes.

Okay, lemme inspect the inside real quick.

Would you mind if I also took a look? I would love to know how the ships of this world are made.

Suit yourself. Come on in, you two.

So you're an engineer too, eh? I can tell just by lookin' at ya. I'm Fugart. Nice to meet ya.

I'm Ashtear. Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Fugart.

While we're here, I'd like to increase her maximum output. By adding a boost function and pumping steam to the rear, we can create some explosive power.

Hey, I like that! Let's do it!

Okay, that's the overhaul done. Didn't seem to be much wear overall. Wonder what metal they used. The paddle wheel fault was caused by a loose shaft. I tuned it all up, so it won't be a problem anymore. I've seen to everything else I noticed, so you won't need another inspection for a good 30 to 50 years.

Um, I can only guarantee my work for 10 years...

Understood. Thank you.

No one ever knows what's actually gonna happen. Sleeping Pearl, you were asleep at the bottom of the ocean for so long... And then Ashtear and the others came and woke you up. I bet you never guessed that's how it'd go.

No one can predict the future. There is no such thing as an absolute in this world. Everyone's stuck putting all their effort into moving forward, never seeing what awaits them.

Guess so. Well, whatever will be, will be. Or rather, whatever must be, will be. A young lad who used to hang out here used to say that.

Yes, you're right.

Gotta say, this whole sentient-ship thing was a bit of a shock. Never heard anything like it.

We were surprised at first, too. Thanks for your help, Fugart.

Now let's return to Lashval. It must be almost time for Darius' welcome party.