"Shipyards?" Xingmei tilted her head in thought, then rattled off several coordinates. "However, those shipyard systems ceased operation long ago. The vessels haven't been maintained for a very long time, so they're likely in terrible condition by now."
"Regardless, let's go have a look," Raven said to Ranni.
"Oh, wait!" Xingmei clapped her hands together. "If you need a boat, the aquarium actually has one. It was used to take guests on tours of the underwater world—it can even submerge!"
"Can a tour boat navigate the Ainsel River?" Ranni asked.
"No problem! It was originally a sub-vessel of a touring research cruiser, purchased by the aquarium after it was decommissioned. Though it's a bit old, I've kept it well-maintained. Plus, it can sail directly into the Ainsel River via the drainage canal. Please follow m—Wait, wait, wait!"
It was as if Xingmei had only just realized something. "Is this little one a guest as well? I am so sorry for overlooking you earlier! I didn't know there were such petite races on the surface. It seems I still have much to learn."
"I wonder if we might be able to borrow this vessel from your aquarium?" Raven asked tentatively.
"Of course you can."
Xingmei's answer was so immediate that Raven hesitated for a moment before deciding to be honest. "However... it's unlikely we'll be able to borrow it for a short time. I can't guarantee we will return it."
"It doesn't matter. A guide's mission is to resolve any difficulties for our guests." Xingmei's voice dipped slightly, sounding a bit dejected, but she quickly cheered up again. "In truth, only nine of the one hundred and twenty-eight tanks are still operational, and only one of those contains living lifeforms. I won't have any use for that ship in the future anyway. But before that, may I show you around the facility first? I promise you won't be disappointed!"
"Alright," Raven nodded, seeing the expectant look in Xingmei's eyes. "As long as it doesn't take too long."
Xingmei almost leaped with joy. She walked ahead with light, dancing steps to lead the way. "Please deposit your weapons first, and then we shall begin our voyage upon the water!"
"Is it absolutely necessary to store them?" Raven frowned slightly.
"It would disturb the other tourists. According to the regulations, if someone enters the venue with weapons, I am supposed to call security, however..."
"However?"
"I can't contact them right now," Xingmei said with a look of distress. "So, if you insist on carrying your weapons, I should try to stop you."
Raven sighed. Thinking that they weren't likely to encounter any enemies here, he did as she asked and placed the Sword of Night and Flame into a locker compartment. The keyhole was blocked, so he had to leave the locker door slightly ajar.
"Thank you for your cooperation! You are far more reasonable than the previous guest."
"Was that giant we passed not security?" Ranni asked.
"No, he's only here to maintain the buildings in this sector. Aside from him and me, there's no one else still working nearby," Xingmei said with a smile, though Raven could detect a hint of loneliness in her voice.
Following behind Xingmei, Raven walked deeper into the aquarium. The entire venue seemed to be in power-saving mode; glintstone lamps only flickered to life as they approached.
"This is Tank Number One. It originally housed Pig Sharks. They are a fierce predatory species, reaching up to four meters in length..."
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Elden Ring: The Unborn One's Journey Through Elden Ring(266 Chapter - Ongoing)
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