"Teacher, would he be misunderstood?"
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Like a distant memory, a child's voice echoed in my head, tugging at the corners of my consciousness.
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"No, that is what history decides," I murmured
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"It determines the truth, not the facts."
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"Oh, you're up, sleepyhead?"
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LoggerHead's voice jolted me awake, cutting through the haze of my dreams. I blinked, disoriented for a moment, and rubbed my eyes. The early morning light filtered through the cabin windows, casting a gentle glow over everything.
I never thought I would have to get used to waking up to his voice, but it seemed like I would from now on.
I stretched, feeling the gentle pull of muscles awakening from slumber. The sea breeze caressed my face, the salty air a familiar, comforting embrace. The sky above was a canvas of soft pastel hues, the dawn painting the horizon with delicate strokes of pink and orange. Gulls called in the distance, their cries mingling with the rhythmic sound of the waves lapping against the ship's hull.
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"You've been talking to yourself in your sleep."
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Log remarked, his eyes glinting with a mix of curiosity and amusement as he leaned casually against the railing. "Does your core thought annoy you that much?" He adjusted his posture, the morning light catching the edges of his silhouette, highlighting the rugged lines of his face.
I took a moment to gather my thoughts before replying.
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"It's probably because using your halo made it more real."
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My voice was still groggy with sleep but laced with relief. At least I still held on to my sanity. Some angels succumb to these thoughts, and I wouldn't want to know their fates.
I rubbed my temples, trying to dispel the lingering fog of sleep.
Log chuckled.
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"Well, as long as you don't start blaming your crazy dreams on me," 268Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCbUmnuzCc
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he had a teasing lilt in his voice.
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"It's much like a curse, isn't it?"
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he noted with a snarky tone, a smirk tugging at his lips. In Kagal, curses were common, but I categorized it as merely an environmental alteration out of union. But if we take the ordinary meaning, he might as well be correct.
I nodded, the motion feeling sluggish.
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"LoggerHead, Miss RoseBud, breakfast is ready!"
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The aroma of freshly cooked food wafted through the air, making my stomach rumble in anticipation. Lizy stood by the doorway, her eyes bright with the energy.
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"Our food will run out soon,"
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she remarked as we walked to the table.
Then, as if on cue, we both looked at Log. He scratched the back of his neck, looking slightly sheepish.
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"Hey, just because I'm a farmer doesn't mean I bring food everywhere I go!"
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He protested, raising his hands defensively, a playful grin spreading across his face. His eyes sparkled with a mix of amusement and mild frustration.
Lizy held a hand on her forehead, her brow furrowing in exasperation as she placed the plates on the table. Thankfully, I had a plan.
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"I was working on fixing the portal system last night,"
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I tried to sound more confident than I felt. The weight of fatigue pressed down on my shoulders, but I pushed it aside and composed myself.
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"I've managed to get it operational again."
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The portal system was one of my projects that had failed initially, as I couldn't connect two distant locations. I used the prototype to create a portal gun because it could only connect to nearby spaces. But now, with this new portal system, I can create portals between two places where I have installed the module, no matter the distance.
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"You didn't sleep again?"
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Log bellowed. The lines of worry were etched deeply on his face. He crossed his arms over his chest and gazed at me.
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"I slept for four hours,"
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I maintained a calm demeanor despite my exhaustion. The lack of sleep made me more irritable and less composed, and I needed to maintain my persona the best I could. I took a deep breath to attempt to keep my composure.
Log shook his head, a teasing smirk still on his lips.
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"You need to take better care of yourself, RoseBud. We can't have our most capable member collapsing on us, now can we?"
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"It's necessary for the trip preparations,"
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I continued, adopting a tone as if I were delivering an important speech.
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"We need to be ready for anything."
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"Everyone knows you're sleep-deprived,"
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Lizy handed me a cup of steaming tea. The warmth seeped into my hands.
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"It was needed for the service of Oriken's citizens,"
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I knew how absurd it sounded, as I would pull off all-nighters for repair commissions.
I sipped the tea, feeling the warmth spread through me, momentarily easing the fatigue.
I could feel the gazes of Log and Lizy silently judging me with concern, their worry evident in the way they exchanged glances.
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"Anyways, as you can see,"
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I turned on a holographic display on my tablet. The cool surface lit up under my fingers as I pressed a few buttons. A portal shimmered into existence on the wall of the ship's room, its edges glowing softly with a pulsating light.
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"I've made preparations. This leads us back to my apartment,"
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The portal's glow bathed the room in a soft light, casting elongated shadows that danced along the walls. The sound of the portal humming filled the room, a low, steady thrum.
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"Now that is the RoseBud I know,"
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Log chuckled, his eyes twinkling with a blend of pride, affection, and a touch of confusion as if he wasn't quite sure what he was saying.
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"I'll get us some food. What do you guys want?"
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I stepped closer to the portal, the glow reflecting in my eyes.
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"Anything edible will do,"
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Lizy laughed a little, her eyes still fixed on the portal, mesmerized by its soft glow.
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"And don't forget the coffee! You need it!"
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Log nodded, his grin widening.
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"And maybe get something for your sanity while you're at it,"
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he winked at me. Surprisingly, the comment felt genuine, carrying a touch of warmth despite the playful jab.
I nodded, feeling a sense of relief. I took a deep breath, feeling the cool, refreshing air fill my lungs.
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With a determined sigh, I stepped into the portal, feeling the familiar tug of its energy as it whisked me back to my apartment. The transition was smooth, the swirling lights of the portal giving way to the warm, familiar surroundings of my home. The scent of my favorite rose candles filled the air as I looked around.
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"Not bad, future me,"
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I walked to the desk where I hid the journal in a secret compartment. The room was bathed in the soft glow of the portal, casting long shadows that danced across the walls.
"Open the cabinet," it said in bold words on the page I was supposed to read.
What? What's happened to the cabinet?
I approached it cautiously and opened the door to reveal a young girl huddled in the corner. Her brown hair was tousled, and she wore a hoodie and an orange scarf that stood out vividly against the dim light. The musty smell of the old cabinet mingled with the scent of metal and machinery from the scraps and prototypes she clutched in her hands.
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"I—"
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she stammered, stunned, while a few sparks flew from her hands for a second.
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"People saw you leave Oriken! How are you...?"
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"I make the impossible happen, dear,"
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With strangers, I needed to uphold my image even harder. I stepped closer, noticing how her eyes darted around, searching for an escape.
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"I'll give it back, everything...I promise...but please, can I have some of it? I beg you,"
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Her voice was trembling. Her fingers tightened around the materials, knuckles turning white. But the voice also sounded familiar.
I glanced at the bag behind her, noticing a prototype paper sticking out. Its design was completely different from mine. Without warning, I walked closer, causing her to shrink back slightly in fear. I gently but firmly pulled the paper out, feeling the rough texture of the aged document.
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"It's a failed prototype. It's nothing,"
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"Air Protrusion Blade Design," I read, scanning the details. It described a sword that could send wind slices through friction, enhanced enough to deliver fatal blows. I examined the design, intrigued by its potential. The ink on the paper had faded slightly, and its handwriting was chaotic.
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"Why don't we make a deal?"
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I lowered the prototype.
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"You can be my assistant, and I will teach you things, including how to make this blade work properly.
It is a good design, after all. It would be a shame to let it go to waste.
...And so are you."
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I saw through her easily. She wouldn't live thieving in Oriken for long. This could be an opportunity, and it’s the least I can do for her.
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"Really? You'll teach me?"
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"Yes, but after you tell me your name and put down my portal gun."
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"I'm Lily Wright! From the Tingu Mines!"
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she quickly put down the portal gun she had hidden behind her. Her brown hair fell around her face in messy waves, and her orange scarf slipped slightly from her shoulder as she moved. The fabric of her hoodie was worn and frayed at the edges, probably due to the rough life she had been leading.
The portal gun clattered softly onto the wooden floor, and the tension in the room seemed to ease. I could see her taking a deep breath, her small frame relaxing ever so slightly.
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"Alright, Lily. Let's pick up some supplies,"
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I extended a hand to her. She hesitated momentarily before grasping it, her fingers cold and calloused.
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"Come on, we'll head to the market,"
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I leaded the way out of the apartment, and she slugglishly followed behind.
We made our way to the bustling marketplace. The streets were alive with vibrant sounds and smells of vendors selling their goods. The air was filled with the scent of fresh produce, baked goods, and spices. Lily looked around in awe, her eyes wide with wonder.
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"I've...never seen so much food in one place."
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"We’ll get what we need,"
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I guided her through the crowd.
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"Stick close to me."
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We moved from stall to stall, filling our baskets with fresh bread, fruits, vegetables, and various provisions. The vendors called out their offers, their voices blending into a symphony of commerce. I showed Lily how to select the best produce, and we shared small conversations with the vendors. Some vendors weren’t so pleased to see Lily. She profusely apologized to the vendors, some accepting and understanding, while others were the opposite. I kept her close, reassuring her she was safe with me.
After our baskets were brimming with supplies, we made our way back to the apartment. The walk was filled with the gentle sounds of the marketplace fading behind us, replaced by the more subdued sounds of our footsteps and the rustle of leaves in the breeze.
Back in the apartment, I felt accomplished and placed the baskets on the table.
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"Alright, let's get this back to the ship,"
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She nodded, her expression grateful.
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"Thank you, RoseBud. For everything."
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Her words were sincere, and I could see the relief in her eyes.
I looked at the basket of food and saw that there were some items we hadn't actually bought. Lily's nimble hands were clutching some stolen bread. My heart skipped a beat at the sight, a mix of concern and understanding washing over me.
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"You're welcome,"
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I decided not to address the stolen bread at the moment.
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"Now, let’s get going."
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