3 Chapter 2: Return (1)
The two saw the disappearing back of the young Ryan with two contrasting expressions.
Edgar was smiling as he saw the potential of the youngster while Joshua was feeling perplexed due to the strange feeling in his chest.
When Joshua saw Ryan's determined look, he wanted to support his dream but he knew that the path his grandson chose wasn't filled with flowers and butterflies. He couldn't help but worry.
"Don't worry too much about it, grandpa. He is still a child and may change in mind in the future."
"… I hope you're right. That kid is always the stubborn type. What if he still wants to sail despite all the odds?" Joshua sighed.
"I understand your worry… but you've heard my words. If it really came down to that, I promise that I won't let him sail if he doesn't have the strength required to stay alive."
"Is that not too much trouble, Chief? Although I am really thankful, I would feel bad if he cause any trouble for you."
"It's nothing, really. This matter has actually been in consideration for a while now. The means of travel to the outside world will undoubtedly cause 'adventurous' ideas to spread among the youngsters. Although I don't think it is a bad thing, it is also not necessarily best for everyone to sail to the sea without any preparation. They will only be delivering their head to the others if that's the case.
That is why I plan to create a training camp to educate the others about the situation in the outside world and to help increase their strength as a precaution for the future."
"What do you mean by that?" Joshua asked, seemingly confused by what Edgar meant by 'having precaution'.
"…. Grandpa, this village is actually really lucky to only have kind and honest people but this may not be the case in the future. I'm sure you've also noticed that I'm not someone completely innocent either… I've killed people and not only one or two."
"But you must have your own reasons, right?"
Edgar's heart tingled with warmth at that question. He could never think that someone would have that much trust in him, especially in this chaotic age.
"Although that may be true, it does not mean that what I did could be erased nor forgotten… Grandpa, the current age is an age where the number of pirates is significantly higher than the number of merchants or anyone else traveling the sea. There is a high chance that in the future, a pirate ship may come, bearing ill intents towards us."
Joshua fell silent after that.
The two didn't say anything else for a while as they continued their journey to the port.
It was only after a while, when the port was visible from their distance, did Joshua started another conversation.
"Is that the reason why you plan to create a training camp?"
"… That's right. Not only the camp, but I also plan to establish a defensive force soon. This matter is still confidential so I hope grandpa can keep it a secret for me."
Joshua paused for a while before letting a heavy sigh escape his lips.
"Edgar… I and the rest of the villagers, including the late chief, put all our trust in you. We don't have any information about the outside world and if you think what you plan to do will protect the peace in this place, I have no further issue and will fully support you."
Edgar felt the sentiment in that sentence. He almost choked on his feelings but he know it would not be appropriate. Instead, he gave a reassuring smile that was filled with his conviction.
"I will definitely live up to everyone's trust of me. Please hold my words that if there came a situation where the whole island fell into danger, I will be the first one to risk my life for it."
"Shush! How can you say something so unlucky!? You should have prayed that nothing of such will happen so we can live here comfortable and in good health."
"Haha! That is naturally for the best" Edgar gave a bright smile.
"Really, what can I do with you young ones… Anyway, I'll take my leave here, Chief. It was really nice to talk to you again after so long."
"The pleasure is mine, grandpa. Say hi to uncle and auntie for me too!"
Joshua waved his hands as he walked away towards the port, hands on his back and a smile on his face.
The port was visibly more crowded compared to the empty village as most of the villagers were currently here for the same reason as Joshua and Ryan.
The total population of the island only amounted to 438 villagers. When compared to the enormous land, this number could only occupy around 2% of the entire island while the rest was filled with lush greenery.
The rich resources of the island were also what kept the villagers alive in a situation of no contact with the outside world. Their only problem is the presence of wild animals in the forest.
The boar, chickens, or anything similar naturally poses no threat to them. However, large animals like bears are also present, which makes it dangerous for them to stay too long in the wilds.
Fortunately, the sea was just next to them and hence, became everyone's main source of consumption.
There are hunters in the village but that job is relatively more dangerous compared to fishing in the sea. So, everyone prefers to fish to fill their stomach.
Edgar was aware of this so he first build a port to make it easier for everyone to fish more effectively. It must be noted that the changes he made to the previous port were akin to the difference between heaven and earth.
It was so shocking to see a sight that could only be described as being straightly taken out of a history book for the stone age at that time.
Edgar would also shake his head whenever he recalled that scene.
Only now, when he saw the current port that actually looks like one, did he smile in satisfaction.
As Edgar walked toward his destination, he was greeted by anyone he came across, and he returned with a friendly smile.
It took him a few minutes to reach his goal, the port's main observation deck that also functions as a lighthouse.
The door wasn't locked so he directly went inside with no problem.
The interior of the observation deck was made simple and effective. The entrance was decorated simply with a receptionist-like desk to greet any guest in addition to a few seats nearby for waiting purposes.
The floor was further separated by a room leading towards a staff-specific living space that includes a lounge for relaxation, a kitchen, dining room, bathroom, and bedroom for those on night watch duty.
The stairs leading to the next floor were located just beside the reception desk, which is currently empty due to a lack of workforce.
The second floor is where the main magic really happens. The whole floor was transformed to fulfill their purpose of observing the surrounding sea.
The room can be said to be out of this world due to its high-tech-looking equipment that was contradictory to the current technological development in this world.
At the moment, there was only one person seen in the room.
He is seen to be relaxing with his hands crossed behind his head and legs on the table. His black hair was uniquely shaped to be similar to pineapple, tied with a thin string.
Despite the creaking sound of the door opening when Edgar came in, he didn't have any major reaction. He looked to be at peace as if nothing will ever disturb him.
"Oi! Wake up, you lazy pineapple!" Edgar slapped his head and the inertia made him fall out of his chair.
"Ouch! What did you do that for?"
"You lazy bum. Shikamaru! Why the hell are you sleeping while on duty?"
Shikamaru finally recognized the person who woke him up. He looked up and stood with a yawn.
"Oh, it's you. Don't worry, I made sure to set up an alarm that will ring whenever something reached the observation area. There's nothing else to do while waiting and it's such a drag to just wait while doing nothing. It's better to use the time to sleep."
"…You're really one lazy piece of shit. Do you know that?"
"I'm flattered."
"Y—-"
At that moment, music of some kind rang throughout the room, interrupting Edgar.
He was confused at the familiar tone at first but he couldn't seem to remember which song it belongs to.
Hence, he decided to just wait and find out.
♫ ONE TWO ONE TWO THREE FOUR ♫
♫ I WANT YOU ~~ ♫
♫ I NEED YOU ~~ ♫
♫ I LOVE YOU ~~ ♫
"..... What a drag..."
