บท 23: Ship Upgrade
Theo called up the system interface, his voice echoing quietly in the still night air. "System, pull up the list of ship upgrades."
A few seconds later, a list appeared in his vision, neatly organized with detailed descriptions of each upgrade. It read:
1. Alchemy Lab Upgrade: This specialized lab boosts the crew's ability to concoct a variety of potions, poisons, and explosives. Passive: Enhances production speed and quality of alchemical items, fostering more efficient utilization of resources.
2. Medical Bay Upgrade: This advanced facility can handle a broader range of injuries and illnesses. Passive: Speeds up healing and recovery, reducing downtime after battles or accidents.
3. Observatory Upgrade: Equipped with cutting-edge instruments for navigation and celestial observation. Passive: Improves navigation precision, decreasing the risk of unexpected detours or dangerous weather encounters.
4. Armory Upgrade: Enhanced weapon storage and maintenance space. Passive: Boosts weapon longevity and effectiveness, lending a minor edge to the crew's combat capabilities.
5. Meditation Chamber: A serene space, filled with calming energies and designed to enhance the crew's mental focus and spiritual growth. Passive: Boosts meditation efficiency, leading to increased mental clarity, better control over abilities, and faster recovery of stamina.
6. Library Upgrade: An extensive collection of books, manuscripts, and maps broadens the crew's knowledge horizon. Passive: Increases learning speed and knowledge retention, helping crew members pick up new skills and information faster.
7. Room Upgrade: Every room onboard is revamped, complete with in-built showers and other luxury features. Passive: Enhances crew's comfort and rest quality, leading to improved performance and morale.
8. Stealth Technology Upgrade: Advanced tech that can camouflage the ship, making it difficult for enemies to spot. Passive: Boosts stealth capabilities, reducing the chance of enemy detection and surprise attacks.
9. Mode Change System: This system allows the ship to transform into a submarine for underwater exploration and stealthy maneuvers. Passive: Boosts adaptability, allowing the crew to navigate through different terrains and evade enemy detection.
10. Recreation Room Upgrade: This leisure space offers games, entertainment systems, and comfortable seating areas for the crew to relax. Passive: Boosts morale and reduces stress, resulting in better overall performance from the crew.
Theo couldn't help but grin as he read through the list. The upcoming ship upgrade was indeed impressive. With each upgrade, their chances of survival and success in the brutal world of the Grand Line would dramatically increase. He looked forward to unveiling these upgrades to his crew come morning.
Theo glanced over at Mavis, the soft glow from the system interface illuminating her curious expression. "So, we have a bit of a decision to make about our ship's next upgrade."
He proceeded to describe each upgrade to her, careful to phrase everything in a way that didn't give away the existence of the system. The pair engaged in a thorough and thoughtful discussion about each option, weighing their benefits and potential drawbacks.
For the Alchemy Lab, they both agreed that having an advanced lab would greatly enhance their resources and preparation before battles. However, it would also require considerable knowledge and skill in alchemy, something they didn't currently possess.
The Medical Bay was a compelling option, as it could drastically reduce their downtime and speed up recovery from injuries. However, Theo mentioned their recent upgrade to LifeForce Beds, suggesting they might already have a similar benefit.
The Observatory was dismissed after a brief discussion. While navigation precision was vital, Mavis already excelled in this area, making this upgrade less necessary.
The Armory, Meditation Chamber, Library, Room Upgrade, and Recreation Room were each considered and ultimately set aside for the same reason: they were more for comfort than combat, and survival was their top priority.
The Stealth Technology, however, intrigued them both. "Being able to slip past enemies unnoticed could give us a serious advantage," Mavis noted, and Theo agreed.
The Mode Change System was another top contender. "The ability to navigate different terrains, especially underwater, could prove invaluable in escaping threats or ambushing enemies," Theo mused.
Lastly, they discussed the Meditation Chamber. While it didn't provide a direct combat advantage, they recognized the value of mental clarity and control in high-stakes situations. "It could help us better control our abilities and recover stamina faster," Theo pointed out.
After much deliberation, they narrowed down their options to the Meditation Chamber, the Stealth Technology, and the Mode Change System. Theo asked Mavis to look into each of these options further, hoping to gain more detailed information before making their final decision.
Theo leaned back in his chair, his eyes distant as he carefully considered each option. Mavis waited patiently, giving him the space to think. Finally, he spoke again, breaking the silence that had settled between them.
"The Meditation Chamber...it's not a direct combat upgrade," he began. "But mental clarity and focus are essential on the battlefield. If this chamber can enhance our ability to control our abilities and recover stamina faster, then it's worth considering."
Mavis nodded in agreement. "In battle, the mind is just as important as the body. Being able to stay calm under pressure and make quick decisions could mean the difference between life and death."
Theo gave her a small smile. "That's true. Now, about the Mode Change System... The idea of transforming our ship into a submarine is... fascinating. It offers us a new level of strategic options. We can go underwater to escape threats, or even use it to surprise enemies."
"It also offers exploration opportunities," Mavis added. "There's so much of the sea that remains unexplored. Who knows what we could discover?"
Theo nodded, impressed by her insight. "You're right. There's a world beneath the waves that we've barely touched. But there's also a risk involved. If we're detected while underwater, it would be harder to escape."
"But that's where the Stealth Technology comes in, right?" Mavis asked. "If we have that, we can reduce the chances of being detected. And not just underwater. Even on the surface, it can protect us from unwanted encounters."
Theo leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "The Stealth Technology is definitely a powerful tool.
Mavis looked at Theo thoughtfully before finally breaking the silence, "Theo, hear me out. While the Stealth Technology is indeed powerful, don't you think the Mode Change System can cover its function to a certain extent?"
Theo raised his brows, signaling her to continue.
Mavis gestured emphatically, her hands mirroring her fervor, "See, if we consider the Mode Change System, it would enable the Silver Wave to convert into a submarine, right? Isn't that a form of stealth in itself? We could dive beneath the waves and remain undetected. Most pirate ships, or even Marine vessels, don't have the technology to track submarines."
Theo paused, letting her words sink in, "That's true. I hadn't considered that angle."
She leaned forward, her eyes bright with conviction, "In addition, if we go with the Mode Change System, we'd have an extra method of escape, exploration opportunities, and yes, a measure of stealth. It's like killing three birds with one stone."
Theo frowned slightly, contemplating her words. Mavis noticed his hesitation and decided to press further. "Moreover, don't forget the inherent risks with Stealth Technology. If it fails at a crucial moment, we could be exposed and vulnerable. But with the Mode Change System, even if we are discovered, we can retreat underwater."
She paused for breath before continuing, "And let's not overlook the Meditation Chamber. It might not seem as attractive compared to the others, but the benefits are undeniable. Greater control over our abilities, quicker stamina recovery... it could be a game changer. We can combine it with the Mode Change System for a balanced upgrade - one for mental prowess and the other for strategic maneuverability."
As she finished her argument, she locked her gaze with Theo's, waiting for his response. Her words echoed in the room, imbued with a profound logic that was hard to refute.
Theo opened his mouth to issue the command when Mavis abruptly held up her hand, cutting him off.
"Hold on, Theo. Let's not repeat previous mistake," she said, her gaze steady and insistent.
He blinked at her, puzzled, "What do you mean?"
She pointed out towards the open sea, "Remember what happened before the battle with Zargo? Our ship's upgrade caught the attention of the Beast Pirates. They had no idea about our strength, and it led to a full-scale battle. We were lucky that time, but what if we attract a bigger and stronger pirate crew or even a Marine fleet next time?"
A look of realization dawned on Theo's face, "You're suggesting we sail to a secluded location before we upgrade our ship."
Mavis nodded, "Exactly. We can use our Advanced Navigation System to find a safe and remote location where no one can spot us. Only then should we carry out the ship's upgrade."
It was sound advice. Their last upgrade had inadvertently created an unnecessary battle, and it was a mistake Theo didn't wish to repeat. His gaze shifted towards the endless expanse of the sea. A twinkle of anticipation flickered in his eyes as he prepared to issue a new command.
"Ship, transform into submarine mode and dive," Theo commanded, his voice echoing slightly in the quiet night.
With a low hum and a series of mechanical whirrs, the Silver Wave shifted and settled into its submarine form. The top transparent layer slid over the ship, covering the entire deck. The sails folded into themselves, disappearing into a compartment that closed seamlessly behind them. The ship's hull streamlined even further, molding itself perfectly for underwater travel.
Propellers hummed to life at the stern, and the ship gradually started to sink beneath the surface. As it did, the bright blues and greens of the sea engulfed them, and the submarine began its descent. The transition was smooth, almost peaceful, as they left the world above and entered the one below.
Inside, the submarine was quiet, the only sounds being the gentle hum of the ship's machinery and the soft murmur of the sea outside. The crew quarters, now well insulated and protected from the sea's pressure, was just as tranquil. In their LifeForce Beds, the crew continued to rest, completely undisturbed by the ship's transformation.
For the next few hours, the Silver Wave, in its submarine form, silently navigated the underwater depths of the West Blue. Hidden from prying eyes above the surface, they were safe from any unwanted attention, be it marines or other pirates. This was their temporary refuge, a sanctuary beneath the waves, where they could rest and prepare for the challenges that awaited them.
As the Silver Wave descended deeper into the sea, Theo found himself feeling faint and weak. The strain of the fight with Zargo and his crew was catching up to him, despite his best efforts to shrug it off.
Mavis noticed his exhaustion, her perceptive eyes missing nothing. Taking his arm, she led him gently to his quarters. The moment Theo sat on his bed, he could feel a strange warmth seeping into him, invigorating and soothing at the same time. Mavis, too, felt a similar sensation as she sat next to him on the LifeForce bed.
In the soft light of the room, Mavis looked exquisite. Her jet-black hair was tousled, cascading down her shoulders and contrasting beautifully against her light skin. Her striking eyes were softened, filled with concern for Theo. Her petite figure, accentuated by her modest but perfectly shaped 34B cups, was leaning towards him in worry.
Theo couldn't help but be drawn to her. Her dedication, her strength, her beauty - everything about Mavis was enchanting. And in that moment, overcome by emotions and the strange, intimate atmosphere, he found himself leaning in, his lips meeting hers in a soft, exploratory kiss.
Mavis stiffened in surprise at first, her eyes wide. But as Theo's gentle touch persisted, she found herself melting into the kiss, returning it with equal fervor. Her hands moved to his shoulders, holding onto him as they deepened the kiss.
Their hearts pounded in their chests, their breaths hitched and mingled. The world outside seemed to fade away, replaced by the gentle caress of their lips and the electrifying touch of their bodies against each other.
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