Naval Gacha System: It's Time To Monopolize The Seven Seas! - Chapter 302

Chapter 302: | 302 | The Mages of UWG

Somewhere within the vast cityscapes of Dawn, customers of a particular restaurant couldn’t help but turned their gaze towards a group of mages. These mages were nameless individuals, especially when they were the first to work together with the United World Government. Of course, these were none other than the elven mage and her two apprentice.

Althea and her apprentices sat comfortably on the chair as they arms rested over the table while they looked at various meals within the menu. A year has passed since their arrival within the world power of the sea, the United World Government. Naturally, when they first arrive, all of them were astounded. Even the elven mage was somewhat surprised.

It was understandable, after all, it was difficult to those who haven’t seen such towering structures to imagine them be crowded within a cityscape of glittering lights and vehicles. It was a different experience as if they had stepped into a different world. The three took their time in adjusting themselves and their psyche.

But no matter how much they try to think of it as natural. It was merely impossible. Especially to the two apprentices of the Mythical Mage, Arden and Isabelle. These two students have travelled the entirety of the continent of Europa together with their master. They have seen multiple, different, and unique cultures from various towns, cities, and even countries.

However, none could simply compare to the grandeur of the United World Government. Although not made of gold, such structures were beautiful and created a picturesque picture of a civilization carving a world of its own.

“Miss Althea, I heard that the meal here is from a local delicacy from the Frontier. Many seemed to promote it, especially some of the researchers within the R&D Department.” Isabelle remarked while holding the menu. The shy archmage girl was somewhat a lot more confident and mature now than a year ago. Perhaps, it may be because of the department affecting her mindset.

Althea glanced at her apprentice and calmly nodded. “I heard that the United Military is planning an expedition within the Frontier. It seemed that a group of refugees from the Frontier arrived and appealed the assistance of the United World Government.” When the elven mage heard of the Frontier, a report came to mind.

“Refugees, huh? Do you know the reason why they left their country, Miss Althea? I heard that it wasn’t war, famine, or sickness.” Isabelle was a bit surprised to hear such words from her mentor, but she immediately adjusted to the subject and uttered her thoughts about it. Although she mostly spent her time within the R&D Department, news sometimes go by from the researchers.

“Hmm… According to Mercedes, the islands of the refugees sunk for some unknown reason. Their country was practically lost over night and dead haven’t been accounted yet. It seemed that from the initial estimates of their hundred-thousand population, only a couple thousand had made it. An percentage of over 90% casualties.” Althea stated with complete indifference.

Even though she considered it unfortunate for others to die, death has been a life-long acquaintance of the elven mage. It was a hateful friend that she couldn’t avoid. As such, she had grew indifferent to it after thousands of years walking across the primordial world.

“It looks like the Frontier is as treacherous as the legends have told.” Isabelle sighed to herself, hoping that many more would survive such a cataclysmic disaster. Miss Althea merely looked at her and thought about it for a moment before nodding in agreement. “I guess sinking islands are something new. But I have already watch mountains collapse and sink into the earth.”

“Cities across the desert also disappear overnight, consumed by the sand dunes that stormed that region. A volcanic eruption would sometimes turn into a powerful explosion, bringing about an age of darkness where the ash and smog would dim the sun for a couple of decades.” The elven mage began recounting her experiences over a thousand years.

Such a reaction made Isabelle sigh further as she couldn’t help but wonder how much her mentor had gone through. But she had also accepted the intricacies amidst the complexities of the elven mage. Their perspectives were simply too different from one another. And there was nothing wrong with that. Differences make up variety, according to the researchers of the R&D Department.

Though, humans have to make much of their limited time within the world. Because of this, long-lived species might consider humanity hurrying up like a runner sprinting in an marathon of eternity in existence.

Before Isabelle could continue thinking about it, she noticed the distant expression of her friend, Arden. He seemed to be somewhere and nowhere at the same. With raised eyebrows, she couldn’t help but wonder about what was going on inside his head. After all, it was pretty rare for him to be silent without spouting even a tinge of nonsense.

Althea also noticed the gaze of her apprentice and glanced at Arden. Without a tinge of hesitation or delay, the elven mage questioned her dazed student. “Arden, is there something wrong? Have you picked a meal for you, yet?” The moment such words escaped her lips. Arden was interrupted from his trance and felt chills resounding throughout his body.

Regaining his composure, Arden awkwardly smiled and answered. “I’m good, Miss Althea. I was just wondering about something.” It was an answer that was truthful, yet intentionally concealing. Miss Althea accepted his words in face value and nodded without care. “Okay, but you’ll have to choose a meal. Otherwise, we would be finished long before you can even swallow anything. ”

On the other hand, Isabelle narrowed her gaze since she was suspicious about what may be going on inside his head. So, like her mentor, she questioned without even bothering to think of the implications. “Arden, something is bothering you, right? Since I’m a fellow apprentice like you, I will be willing to help.” It was a mere suggestion.

But for some reason, Arden’s eyes seemed to lit up as if he had realized something vital. In mere moments, he gazed at Isabelle and asked. “Hey, Isabelle… You are a girl, right?” It was a question alright, but a stupid one. She even wondered if she was hearing things right, but noticing his expectant gaze. She understood that she had heard correctly.

“Yeah, what kind of question is that?” Isabelle squinted her eyes as her patience was sinking by the seconds. Arden smiled in satisfaction and uttered another question. “Good, I want to ask you something important. What do you think girls like the most? Is it flowers? A meal? Maybe money? I need honest answers.” It looks like an intriguing thing was brewing.

Isabelle raised her eyebrows, wondering where the question came from. But she seriously thought of an answer. There has been many things she was interested with. Whether it’d be for pure enjoyment, or for the sake of her mentor’s attention. Though, it was at this moment that she realized something crucial. She was the worst one to be asked such a question.

“I’m sorry, Arden. But I’d like an artificial companion capable of problem-solving, adapting logic, and general intelligence. That is what I like the most, so it might not be applicable to what you have in mind. Besides, what girls like and enjoy are two different things. Although not mutually exclusive, there are some things that could be liked but not enjoyed.”

Her question was thorough while Arden could only sigh in disappointment. To be honest, he didn’t even know how her answer came to be. An artificial companion with intelligence? Do girls like these? Of course, not. Isabelle was simply a unique case, which meant that he wouldn’t be able to find a perfect gift. It seemed that there was only defeat.

However, before Arden could mope around, his mentor finally saved his day. Althea glanced at him and placed the menu on the table. “Are you trying to find a gift for someone, Arden?” She calmly asked him, to which he answered with a nod. “Alright, if you wanted to give a gift to someone else. I would recommend a flower and then a meal. These two are somewhat amongst the high of probabilities of success.”

Arden regained his flame, feeling his confidence soar. With this, he could finally move forward. That lady from that store should be delighted by it. “Arden… What matters is not the item, but the intent of your gift. You must be true to yourself. You must give it meaning. What does the item mean to you? Why do you want to give it to someone else? I believe that if you can answer these questions. You can tackle it with ease.”

Then, out of nowhere, Althea surprisingly gave an exceptionally relationship advice. Her words shocked Isabelle and Arden as they never thought that their indifferent mentor would have such deep knowledge regarding affection and relationships. It made them wonder about the experiences their mentor have never told to them. After all, she had lived for thousands of years.

Before they could react, the door to the restaurant opened as a cute little girl entered. Although young, she had the foundation of a beautiful woman. But it was natural as her mother was considered to be the most gorgeous within the United World Government. Whether it’d be humans or beastfolk, they considered her as attractive.

At any rate, she was none other than the newest apprentice of the Mythical Mage. The daughter of the Authority and the Dragon of Liberation. Thought of as the princess of the United World Government. She was Tiamat Shepherd, the rising genius of the arcane.