The training grounds slowly emptied as the sun dipped lower, painting the sky in soft oranges and pinks. Students trudged back toward the dorms, groaning about sore muscles and bragging about their sparring wins. The "No Name" crew lingered near the edge of the main pit, catching their breath and trading tired grins.
Ato stretched his arms above his head, his white shirt still dusty from the earlier chaos. "That was fun! King hits like a sea beast, but I think I won the staring contest."
Kojo, leaning against a stone pillar with his three swords resting beside him, snorted. "You were half-asleep the whole time. I carried you here like a sack of potatoes."
Manjo laughed, wiping sweat from her forehead. Her lightning had left faint yellow sparks still dancing between her fingers. "You did good, Kojo. Those sickles were tricky, but your Three-Sword Style is something else."
Lemon adjusted his glasses, looking slightly embarrassed. "I mostly calculated the trajectories. Gravity is useful, but I still need more practice against fast opponents."
Faramis was already tinkering with a small gadget, his goggles reflecting the fading sunlight. "I took notes on everyone's techniques. We should analyze them later. Efficiency is key if we're going to survive the next ranking match."
Poison stood quietly a few steps away, his long black hair catching the breeze. He offered a small, polite smile. "It was... educational. Thank you for letting me watch."
Ato clapped his hands together, his eyes sparkling with sudden energy. "Alright! Training's over. Time for the real important stuff — food! Manjo, you promised a welcome feast!"
Manjo rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. "I said I'd cook, not that I'd feed an entire army. But fine. Let's head back to the dorm kitchen. I saw some fresh ingredients in the pantry earlier."
The crew made their way through the winding stone corridors of the Pirate School. The architecture was ancient and grand — high ceilings with banners of legendary crews, statues of famous captains lining the halls, and the distant sound of waves crashing against the cliffs below. Students passed them, whispering about the "93 million captain" and the new transfers who had already caused a stir.
Kojo walked beside Ato, his steps steady despite the bandages peeking from under his coat. "You really declared you'd surpass the King in front of the whole class. Bold. Stupid, but bold."
Ato grinned, throwing an arm around Kojo's shoulders. "Come on, it's true! We're gonna see the whole world, eat every kind of meat, and become the best crew ever. Right, everyone?"
Lemon nodded, though he looked a bit distracted. "As long as I get to navigate properly. My mother's map is still the best tool we have."
Faramis adjusted his goggles, already scribbling notes in a small book. "And I get to upgrade the ship. The Beast's Debt needs better Void-resistant plating after what happened at Kogane no tori."
Manjo walked ahead, her lightning occasionally sparking harmlessly around her hands as she thought about recipes. "I'll make something special tonight. Maybe grilled sea beast with thunder-spice glaze. And for dessert... melon tarts."
Ato's eyes lit up like stars. "Melons? You're the best, Manjo!"
Poison chuckled softly from the back. "Melons again. I still don't understand why they're so important to you, Captain."
Ato spun around, walking backward so he could face everyone. "Because they're sweet, juicy, and they make everything better! Like life! You bite into one and it's like — boom — happiness explodes in your mouth!"
Kojo groaned. "Please stop. You're making me hungry again."
They reached the dorm wing, a cozy section of the school with shared common rooms and small kitchens. Manjo immediately took charge, rolling up her sleeves and raiding the pantry. The crew gathered around the large wooden table, watching her work with varying degrees of enthusiasm.
Faramis pulled out a gadget that looked like a floating whisk. "I can help with mixing. This auto-stirrer should speed things up."
Lemon floated a few spices over with his gravity powers, carefully measuring them. "Precision is important. Too much salt and it's ruined."
Kojo sat on a stool, sharpening one of his swords with a whetstone. "I'll guard the meat. Make sure no one steals it."
Poison helped set the table, his movements graceful and precise. "I don't remember much about cooking, but I can arrange the plates nicely."
Ato hovered near Manjo, trying to sneak tastes. "Just one little piece? For quality control!"
Manjo swatted his hand away with a spoon. "Touch it again and you'll be eating seaweed for a week. Sit down!"
The kitchen filled with the sounds of sizzling pans, chopping knives, and laughter. Manjo's lightning occasionally sparked, adding a faint crackle to the air as she seared the meat perfectly. The smell of grilled sea beast, fresh herbs, and sweet melon tarts soon wafted through the dorm.
When the food was finally ready, the crew dug in like they hadn't eaten in days. Ato attacked his plate with wild abandon, sauce splattering everywhere. "This is the best thing ever! Manjo, you're a genius!"
Manjo blushed slightly, trying to hide it behind her hand. "It's just basic cooking. But... thanks."
Kojo ate more slowly, savoring each bite. "Not bad. Better than hardtack."
Lemon ate with refined manners, though he kept glancing at Manjo when he thought no one was looking. "The seasoning is perfectly balanced. You've got talent."
Faramis took careful bites, analyzing the flavors. "The thunder-spice glaze has a nice kick. I might need to study your technique for future experiments."
Poison ate gracefully, a small smile on his face. "It's... comforting. Like something from a memory I can't quite reach."
As the meal wound down, the crew leaned back in their chairs, stomachs full and spirits high. Ato patted his belly contentedly. "Best day ever. Training, food, new friends... what more could we want?"
Faramis raised an eyebrow. "Maybe not having a 93-million-coin bounty on our heads?"
Lemon nodded. "Or not having to explain to the entire school why our captain talks to melons in his sleep."
Manjo laughed softly, nudging Ato with her elbow. "Just don't grab any more melons without permission, okay?"
Ato grinned sheepishly. "No promises."
The night deepened, and the crew eventually moved to the upper deck to watch the stars. The Beast's Debt was docked nearby, its silhouette peaceful against the moonlit sea. Kojo leaned against the mast, his swords resting beside him. Faramis tinkered with a small gadget, Lemon studied his mother's map, Manjo hummed a soft tune while cleaning her cooking knife, and Poison sat quietly, gazing at the horizon.
Ato sprawled out on the deck, hands behind his head. "You know... even after everything — the Void, the Navy, the ruined island — I'm glad we're here. Together."
The crew fell into a comfortable silence, the gentle rocking of the ship and the distant crash of waves lulling them into a rare moment of peace.
But as the stars wheeled overhead, a small, distant light flickered on the horizon — the lantern of an EDEN scout ship, watching silently.
For now, though, the crew rested. The journey had only just begun, and the Drowned World was full of wonders — and melons — waiting to be discovered.