The man straightened at their question, eyes flicking over the children cautiously. "A map?" he asked, voice polite but wary. "Why would two young children need a map of the seas? Surely you don't intend to wander far from home?"
Veyra's small voice was steady. "We… we want to see the world, sir. Learn about it. We're just… curious."
The man's posture softened slightly, though tension lingered. "Curiosity is noble," he said. "But the seas are dangerous. That is why the Marines and the Government watch over us. They keep order, protecting us from pirates and chaos."
Argento's jaw tightened. He forced a polite smile, hiding the frustration that churned in his chest. The villagers believed in the World Government's righteousness. Any hesitation, any hint of truth, would only draw suspicion.
"Y-yes, sir," Argento said, bowing slightly. "We… we just want to study the islands."
The man considered them for a moment, then retrieved a rolled parchment from the back of his cart. "Very well," he said, handing it over. "This map shows Isla Solida and the nearby islands. Keep it safe, and respect the seas. Listen to the guidance of the Marines—they protect us all."
Argento unrolled the parchment carefully. Every cove, village, and bay was marked. Simple, precise, practical. Exactly what they needed.
Veyra leaned in, eyes wide with excitement. "Big Brother… look! We can plan where to go next… explore… and train!"
Argento nodded, slipping the map into his satchel. "We'll have to be careful," he murmured. "No one can know what we're really doing. Not even here. They only see the Government as righteous."
The man smiled once more, unaware of the weight his words carried. "May the seas be kind to you, children. And may you grow strong and wise, like those who protect the world."
Argento's stomach twisted. Innocence like this would never survive the truth. They could not afford to let anyone find out.
Back at their small beach hut, built from driftwood and palm leaves over the past month, they returned to their routines with renewed purpose. Survival had strengthened them, but now there was a spark beyond endurance.
They trained with focus and precision. Sand kicked up beneath their feet as they sprinted along the shoreline, testing balance and stamina. They climbed cliffs, leapt across rocky outcrops, and timed their movements against the rhythm of the waves. Sparring remained simple but effective—Veyra honing precision, Argento building resistance—while laughter occasionally punctuated the grueling sessions.
After training, they ventured into the shallow waters surrounding the island, casting nets and wading into the surf to catch fish. The work was tiring, but it taught them patience, precision, and coordination.
"Big Brother! Vivivivi! We caught so many fish!" Veyra squealed, eyes sparkling as she pointed to the nets sagging under the weight of shimmering silver-scaled fish.
Argento grinned, ruffling her hair. "Not bad, Vice-Captain. Looks like we'll have enough to trade at the village today."
Veyra bounced on her feet. "Then we can get more supplies! And maybe… some sweets too!"
Argento laughed softly, the sound carrying over the gentle roar of the surf. "First things first—we survive. Everything else comes later."
Together, they hauled the nets toward the beach. Every step was a testament to the strength and coordination they had built over the past month. Their laughter mingled with the cries of gulls, a fleeting moment of joy amid the hard lessons of survival, training, and the quiet promise of the world waiting just beyond the horizon.