The next morning, Lucian slowly woke up.
Beside him, Rover was already awake, gazing at him affectionately.
Last night, Rover had still refused to let Jinhsi and the others move into the Sonoro Sphere, driving them out.
However, Rover knew this was her last stand, as Lucian had already given them the spiritual contract, allowing them to come and go freely.
Afterward, Lucian used holographic projection technology to communicate with Chixia and others, arranging for their next meeting.
Jinhsi was right— with the Data Bank being so convenient and the existence of the Sonoro Sphere, they could meet anytime, anywhere.
Right now, Rover was in a state of high tension, where the slightest thing could set her off, so Lucian decided to take things slowly.
For now, Rover had only agreed to let Shorekeeper and Jiao-Jiao stay in the Sonoro Sphere.
Shorekeeper, as the "housekeeper" of the Black Shores, was considered one of their own, especially since the Sonoro Sphere was derived from her.
And Jiao-Jiao was his "pet," making her family as well.
After getting dressed, Rover pulled Lucian to the greenhouse, where Shorekeeper had been waiting for some time.
"Alright, with this letter, we can head to Rinascita, right?" Rover asked.
"Last night, I looked at the tidal geography on the Pioneer Association's records. If we want to go to Rinascita, do we have to take the sea route?"
The Black Shores weren't marked on the Pioneer Association's tidal geography, so Rover was looking at the route from Mt. Firmament to Rinascita.
The two regions were separated by the sea, and the Black Shores weren't far from Mt. Firmament. Besides, the Black Shores were surrounded by water, so the sea route was likely the only option.
Lucian mused, "Is it possible for me to just transform into Jué and fly over?"
Rover narrowed her eyes into crescent moons. "Aren't you afraid of being shot down by that Imperator?"
Lucian hesitated. "The relationship between Jué and her shouldn't be that bad, right?"
Rover shrugged. "Who knows? But a powerful unidentified flying object passing through her territory would probably make anyone uneasy."
Shorekeeper chuckled lightly. "I can open a spatial tunnel for you."
Lucian shook his head slightly. "It's just a trip to another region. No need to expend so much computing power for something so small."
"By the way, didn't Camellya say that before heading to Rinascita, we could check the mission reports brought back by Black Shores members?"
Shorekeeper nodded slightly. "I'll have Aalto prepare a ship and set it to follow the designated route."
"As for the mission reports you mentioned, I'll have Aalto bring those as well."
Rover nodded. "In that case, let's set off now."
Shorekeeper gently took their hands and said softly, "No matter where you go, the Black Shores will always be your home."
"I'll always be here, guarding the Black Shores, waiting for your return."
At the port, they saw Aalto talking to a white robot. "...Why is my funding gone?"
The white robot replied exasperatedly, "You haven't had any missions lately, so of course there's no funding support."
Aalto clutched his chest, clearly in pain. "Do you know my funds were swindled away by a certain someone? I can barely make ends meet!"
The white robot was helpless. "If you're really stuck, why don't you ask Shorekeeper or the Rover System?"
"I'm just a worker. Why make life hard for a working robot?"
Spotting Lucian and Rover approaching, the white robot quickly said, "The people you're waiting for are here. I'm off, KU!"
Aalto turned around, saw Lucian, and rushed over, whining, "Oh, my dear ancestor!"
Lucian was bewildered. "Aalto, what's going on?"
Aalto, with tears and snot, pleaded humbly, "Lord Lucian, please, have mercy and return my Shell Credits..."
Seeing Aalto in such a state, Lucian felt deeply guilty. He patted Aalto's shoulder and said solemnly,
"What I did before was wrong. Rest assured, as long as you properly introduce us to Rinascita and take us there on the fixed route, I promise to return your Shell Credits."
Aalto's eyes lit up instantly. "Really?"
Lucian nodded firmly. "Of course. I, Lucian, value integrity above all in my dealings. I'd never deceive you."
Aalto perked up immediately. "No problem! Leave it to me."
He pulled out a notebook from his chest. "This is the mission report you wanted from Black Shores members. It includes notes about Rinascita."
Lucian opened the mission report and saw several rules listed about Rinascita:
"1. To reach Rinascita, the southern port city of Ragunna City is a mandatory stop."
"The sea between the Black Shores and Rinascita is called the 'Storm Sea,' with raging waves and relentless storms."
"Please remember, there is only one safe route from the Black Shores to Ragunna City. If you veer off course, return immediately."
"2. Rinascita's seas are home to countless bizarre aquatic Tacet Discords, but human understanding of the ocean is less than one-tenth."
"No matter what you encounter in the Storm Sea, stay calm."
"Do not speak to the fish-like shadows in the sea, do not approach them, and do not touch them—especially if they notice and approach you. Flee as quickly as possible!"
Aalto chimed in, "I'll set the route for you to ensure you don't go off course."
"But you do need to be cautious of sea creatures. Still, with your strength, I'm sure you can handle it."
Lucian nodded slightly. "So, we'll be landing in Ragunna City?"
Aalto: "Exactly. Since you're looking for the Sentinel Imperator, that city is your best bet."
Lucian continued reading.
"3. Ragunna City is the city in Rinascita most closely tied to the Sentinel, revering her as a deity. The Order of the Deep, known as the 'Sentinel's Spokesperson,' is located there."
"If you encounter a statue of the Sentinel, lower your head and maintain humility and respect. Do not stare at the Sentinel's statue for more than 30 seconds."
Rover raised an eyebrow, slightly annoyed. "So domineering? We have to lower our heads and act humble?"
Aalto chuckled. "Every region has its unspoken rules. As outsiders, it's best not to challenge them."
"But… with your strength, you don't have much to fear. I'm just saying it's better not to."
Lucian's lips curled slightly. "No worries. Taming an arrogant Sentinel sounds like fun."
Rover: "?"