The wind stayed steady as the ship moved toward the bright shape of Pearl Island.

For the first time since the sea battle, everything felt normal again.

Puddle peeked over the railing. "The water isn't angry anymore."

Rhys chuckled. "Let's hope it stays that way."

Aria sat up, stretched her arms high, and groaned loudly.

"My whole body hurts. Next time a fish bigger than our ship attacks—someone else punches it."

Sophia calmly replied, "You jumped first."

Aria pointed at her. "AND I REGRET IT."

Caria closed her notebook. "At least we learned one thing — the sea here is dangerous."

Lyra nodded gently. "But we're through the worst of it."

Soon, the island grew bigger and clearer.

White beaches.

Tall pearl-colored trees.

Dozens of shops made of shells and coral lining the shore.

Boats of all kinds moving in and out of the harbor.

Aria's eyes shone like she was seeing treasure.

"Oh yes. That's my kind of place."

Sophia smiled tiredly. "Food first. Then shopping."

Caria agreed. "We all need rest."

Rhys guided the ship into the dock.

The sailors and merchants working nearby waved at them.

"Welcome to Pearl Island!"

"You look like you survived something fierce!"

"Come in, travelers!"

Aria whispered, "They don't know how close we were to becoming fish food…"

Puddle jumped onto Rhys's head. "Master! I smell something good!"

Lyra walked down the plank and took in the sight.

"It's just as I remember… busy, loud, and full of travelers."

Rhys stepped off last, stretching his arms.

"Well, we made it. No more fighting for a while."

Aria grabbed his shoulder.

"FOOD. THEN SHOPPING."

Sophia nodded. "That's the plan."

Caria smiled. "Let's find an inn first."

Puddle raised both tiny hands. "And snacks!"

Lyra looked at Rhys, warm and relaxed.

"This will be a good stop for all of us."

He nodded. "Yeah. Finally time to rest a bit."

Together, they walked off the dock and into the lively streets of Pearl Island—

ready for food, supplies, and whatever came next.

The streets of Pearl Island were unlike anything they'd seen before.

Colorful lanterns hung from curved coral poles.

Merchants shouted from behind stands made of polished shells.

Shiny bracelets, glowing pearls, and enchanted rings were displayed everywhere like candy.

Aria's jaw dropped.

"This… THIS IS HEAVEN."

Sophia shook her head with a small smile.

"You're going to buy the whole island at this rate."

Caria scanned the signs. "Let's find an inn before she disappears into a shop."

They walked down the main street, passing stalls selling grilled fish, sweet drinks, enchanted trinkets, and even small summoned pets for rent.

Puddle floated from stall to stall, sniffing everything.

"Master! This one has shiny fruit!"

"Master! This one has tiny shells!"

"MASTER! This one has snacks!"

Rhys gently pulled her back. "Calm down. We'll eat first."

Lyra walked beside him, watching the marketplace with soft nostalgia.

"I haven't been here since the old era. It hasn't changed much… still overflowing with life."

Aria marched ahead, waving her arm. "I FOUND AN INN!"

They followed her to a sturdy building made of white coral and smooth stone. A sign read:

Pearl Rest Inn — Good food, soft beds, no noise after midnight

Sophia nodded approvingly. "Looks reliable."

Inside, the place was bright and cool. A woman behind the counter greeted them.

"Welcome, travelers! Rooms for five?"

Lyra added politely, "Six, including a small one."

Puddle puffed up proudly. "Yes. I am the small one."

They checked in, dropped their bags in clean rooms with soft beds, and finally headed downstairs for food.

Aria nearly cried when the plates arrived.

Fresh seafood skewers.

Warm bread.

Fruit slices that sparkled faintly with sweetness.

Cold drinks served in pearl cups.

Aria: "I love this island."

Sophia: "You say that everywhere we eat."

Caria: "But this time, she's right. This is amazing."

Rhys leaned back in his chair, relaxing for the first time in days.

"After the sea battle, this feels perfect."

Lyra sipped her drink slowly.

"You all did well. Rest as long as you need."

When they finally finished eating, Aria slammed her hands on the table.

"SHOPPING TIME."

Sophia sighed. "Here we go…"

Rhys stood up, stretching.

"Alright. Let's explore. Just don't wander too far."

Lyra placed a hand on her hip. "I will keep her from buying anything dangerous."

Aria pointed at her. "I ONLY BUY USEFUL DANGEROUS THINGS!"

Puddle clapped. "Let's buy shiny stuff!"

They stepped back into the busy streets.

Pearl Island buzzed with life—laughter, music, merchants calling out their best deals, and the warm smell of food drifting through the air.

Their troubles were behind them…

At least for now.

Rhys smiled.

"Okay. Let's see what this island has for us."

And their Pearl Island adventure began.

They didn't get far before the marketplace swallowed them.

Pearl Island's main street curved like a crescent, with dozens of side alleys branching off—each filled with more shops, stands, and glowing decorations. The air felt warm, busy, and strangely comforting.

Aria rushed ahead like a child on a festival day.

"LOOK! MAGIC BRACELETS!"

Sophia caught her arm. "Eat first, shop later. We already ate. Now we shop carefully."

Caria pointed to the left. "There's a supply lane. Tools, crafting materials, basic potions."

Aria pointed to the right. "There's a fancy lane! Jewelry! Rings! SHINY THINGS!"

Rhys sighed. "We're going to lose her."

Puddle tugged on his ear. "Master, follow her! Or she'll be shiny forever!"

Lyra smiled. "I'll watch Aria. She respects me enough not to run too far."

"…Does she?" Sophia asked.

Lyra tilted her head. "She fears I will pick her up like a child if she misbehaves."

Aria stopped mid-run. "HEY!! …Okay that's fair but still—HEY!"

They broke into smaller groups naturally.

Aria and Lyra wandered the jewelry stands.

Sophia and Caria went toward crafting tools.

Rhys and Puddle drifted somewhere between, taking in the island calmly.

"Master," Puddle whispered, "this place feels… warm."

Rhys nodded. "Yeah. It's lively."

They passed a stall where a merchant was polishing a glowing blue ring.

"For strength?" Rhys asked.

The merchant grinned. "For stamina! Keeps you from getting tired. Expensive, though."

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