"Yes. Based on our appearances here, we can bring the things we wear into this space. That explains why we are clothed here. This includes things like my wristwatch and my multi-purpose pen. So, my first theory is we can actually use this space for storage of wealth, ingredients and important documents in the future if we have a storage ring." Ford began explaining his theories. He gestured down at his immaculate attire, tapping his wrist with a sharp click of his fingernail.
"Oh... that does make a lot of sense. The clothes I'm wearing has also changed. But why didn't your clothes change to the clothes you wore yesterday?" Vastocean looked down at his own rough, travel-worn garments, smoothing out a crease as curiosity took over.
"I thought about that and the only plausible difference is that I have died already while you're still alive. Although I'm not entirely certain, these are the clothes I wore before I died so its probably the from my soul conforms to?" Ford offered a casual, almost nonchalant shrug, as if discussing the weather rather than his own demise.
"So you're saying that since I am the only one that's alive, I'm the one who can bring stuff in from the outside world to the Cosmic God's Mansion Space?" Vastocean's eyes widened slightly as the sheer utility of the idea began to click.
"That's exactly what I'm thinking. Although it would not hurt to test out whether I can bring objects from the outside world, when it's my turn to use the body." Ford tapped his chin, a calculating glint flashing in his eyes.
"True, it would not hurt to try." Vastocean nodded in agreement.
"The second theory, although I have already proven it, is that time in this space is dilated here. I'm approximating around 2:1 based on my wrist watch right here." Ford said as he showed his limited edition Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime. He unclasped the intricate timepiece, holding the gleaming metal up so the ticking mechanism caught the ethereal light of the space.
"I'm estimating you left here around 4 in the morning and entered at midnight. That was supposed to be only twenty hours but it turns out that already forty hours have passed in my watch."
"Time here is longer? T-that's absurd!" Vastocean was dumbfounded by this revelation. His breath caught in his throat, his mind reeling from a concept that defied every law of nature he had ever known.
He suddenly got lost in thought, 'Wait, did I not notice the time earlier because I was too angry?'
But he was soon able to rationalize it, 'Hm... that might be true but I would not be able to accurately determine the time different since I don't have a time-measuring device like Sir Ford.'
"Indeed, in the future where we are able to cultivate, training here would be our most valuable asset. We may be able to eventually compensate for lost cultivation time and surpass your peers as long as we are connected to this space!" Ford's voice swelled with rising fervor, his hand clenching into a resolute fist.
"This is space truly is a treasure then!" Vastocean rejoiced but he doused his own excitement once he realized, "Only if we could cultivate..." His shoulders slumped slightly, the harsh reality of his broken foundation dampening the sudden surge of hope.
"That's okay. We could still utilize this space for planning even if we end up not being able to cultivate at all." Ford consoled Vastocean before continuing, "On to the third theory! This one is still unfounded but I believe that this time dilation might be larger if we are inside the mansion." A razor-sharp grin spread across Ford's face as he leaned in closer.
"I-impossible! How were you able to determine this...?" Vastocean took an instinctive step back, his voice trembling with sheer awe.
"I was able to maintain a slight difference in time dilation the closer I am to the gate rather than if I was just standing here where we arrive or spawn. It had a ten percent difference! So, imagine just how large it would be if we were at the very heart of the mansion!" Ford pointed toward the massive, looming gates of the distant mansion, his eyes burning with absolute conviction.
"Does that mean that the Cosmic God had mastery over the power of time?! How truly godlike!" Vastocean stared at the distant structure in reverence, a chill running down his spine at the thought of such incomprehensible power.
"I am neither completely certain the extent of his abilities nor can I hope to understand it but it does seem that way." Ford remarked calmly, turning his gaze back to Vastocean with a cool, collected expression.
"I wonder what other mysterious abilities does the Cosmic God Mansion have..." Vastocean said while looking at the grand building in front of him.
"We will be able to learn of them eventually. Now, let's plan out the other details and steps we need to do moving forward." Ford proceeded to discuss the methodologies and logistics they need to address to get the restaurant running.
Vastocean was shocked with the piece of clothing that Ford gave him. It comprehensively described that the details of the tasks that he needs to do moving forward.
Seeing Ford seriously planning out and managing the administrative tasks efficiently, he felt like he had to give his due effort and listen intently.
...
In the next morning, it was Dylan Ford who had now taken control of the body. He opened his eyes, taking a deep breath of the cool morning mist that clung to the air.
"We talked and discussed for hours. Yet, it is still just dawn. The time dilation perk of the Cosmic God Space is a serendipitous find!" Dylan said. He flexed his fingers, marveling at how refreshed the physical body felt despite hours of intense mental planning.
"I need to gather more decorative materials." It was still the break of dawn but Dylan was already moving.
He returned to the forest to get materials like the wild ivy and flowering vines, and aromatics like rosemary, thyme, mint, and lavender. He also picked up some river stones along the way. The damp wood scent filled his lungs as he selectively gathered nature's treasures with the practiced eye of a seasoned curator.
Upon his return, Dylan did not bother with the crafting the table sets and pergola. What he did prioritize was the landscaping and the entrance.
Utilizing raw, unpeeled logs and carved wooden signage framed by climbing wild vines, he laid out a grand, rustic archway to mark the entryway of the Garden Ford Tavern. Then, he used a mix of stones and flowers to trace the walkways of the restaurant.
For The Vastocean Grove, he terraced the courtyard with crushed river stones, weaving timber fencing and natural foliage around the designated seating areas to create an immersive, woodland dining atmosphere. He put also put markers to where he wants to place the trestle tables he will be commissioning as well.
"I think that's enough preparation for the layout of the restaurant, it's all coming together." By the time he finished, it was already mid-morning. The decorative touches and structural arrangements he had implemented transformed the space, imbuing it with a serene and natural atmosphere.
"It could still be improved but that can be done over time. Now, all that's left is hiring a craftsman." Dylan went inside the house and got the necessary funds for the crafting commission before he set out to downtown of the Cirrus Cloud Town.
===
Cirrus Cloud Town, Bob's Builders
Dylan stood in front of this workshop for local builders. It was an open establishment where you can see the craftsman working on different commissions and projects.
*Bang* *Clang* *Bang*
The sound of hammers striking iron and the rhythmic scrape of saws against seasoned timber greeted him, a symphony of industry that seemed to vibrate through the very air of the open hall. All the workers were rugged men with beards.
Every corner of Bob's Builders was crowded with activity: apprentices hauled stacks of oak planks while master carpenters squinted over complex blueprints, their brows furrowed in concentration. The scent of sawdust and fresh varnish hung heavy, mingling with the earthy tang of the nearby river.
"They all look very skilled. I wish I could hire one directly but we don't have a stable source of income yet to convince any of them to work for my business." Dylan took a moment to observe the workflow, his eyes scanning for someone with the precision required for the delicate task he had in mind.
He wasn't looking for just anyone to hammer nails into boards. He at the very least someone who could actualize his vision. Someone who could understand the rustic, immersive aesthetic that he was aiming for in the Grove.
He stepped forward, his boots crunching against the wood shavings littering the floor, and asked a craftsman nearest to him, "Where do I go to submit a request?"
This craftsman was very old. He had a bald head and a very long beard yet his muscles were enormous and toned for someone his age.
The old muscular craftsman suddenly stopped to look at Dylan for a second. Without speaking a word, he twisted his head towards the shop as he shouted, "Hey, Harry! There's someone who wants to request here! Come here and take care of him. I'm fucking doing something."
"Uh..." Dylan was momentarily stunned but he quickly regained composure and thanked the craftsman, "Thank you very much, sir."
"..." The craftsman simply ignored him as he continued on with his work.
*Bang* *Clang* *Bang*
'I guess he is too immersed with his work.' Dylan observed as the craftsman before him was carving a humungous ten-meter tall double door with dragon and phoenix engravings: the dragon being on the right side while the phoenix was inscribed in the left side. The design was obviously very complex and detailed yet this craftsman had actually managed to make this wood engravings look life-like.
Then, a panicked boy came over running as he greeted Dylan nervously, "Welcome to Bob's builders! My name is Harry. How may I help you?"
"My name is Dylan. I wish to put in a crafting request. But before I do, may I ask who this esteemed craftsman is?" Dylan responded.
Harry then replied, "Oh, this is Sir Raul Bobman, the finest master craftsman in Bob's builders. The only Purple Rank Master Craftsman in town and he is also one of the the the two Master Craftsman within this city. Comparable to even Sir Boyle, another Purple Rank Master Craftsman who works in the main branch, yet he chooses to stay in a remote area like this. He is also the brother of Robert Bobman, the owner of Bob's Builders."
"A Purple rank Master Craftsman?" Dylan exclaimed.