000 - What Makes The Sky Blue

Heya me again for this chapter I'm actually using the new AI Deepseek for fixing my grammar instead of chatgpt.

Tell me if there is weird words or if the words is too stiff, when I'm reading it i thought this chapter word is kinda stiff than usual but tell me what you think.

Thank you~

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A month later, the once-barren Capital Mephorash had undergone a metamorphosis. The desert island, once a relic of crumbling ruins and windswept dunes, now thrived as a vibrant fusion of history and innovation.

The heart of the city gleamed with life. Cobblestone streets, once cracked and buried under sand, were now lined with blooming flowers in every hue—roses, lilies, and vines cascaded from restored balconies and arched gates. At the city's center lay a crystalline, its waters shimmering under the sun, surrounded by a sprawling park where emerald grass and ancient-looking trees offered shade. Families picnicked on checkered blankets, children chased floating petals carried by the breeze, and couples strolled along lantern-lit pathways at dusk.

The skeletal ruins of the past had been reborn. Buildings once on the verge of collapse now stood taller and grander, their stone facades polished and adorned with intricate carvings. Markets buzzed with activity: tailor shops displayed colorful fabrics, bakeries wafted the scent of freshly baked bread, and artisans sold pottery painted with motifs of Primal Beasts and floating islands. Laughter and music spilled from taverns where travelers swapped stories of the island's miraculous revival.

Beyond the city, the desert itself had disappear. Half of the arid wasteland had been reshaped into a sprawling resort, its design echoing the whimsical wonders of Rei's memories. A towering Ferris wheel spun lazily above rollercoasters that twisted like serpents, while carnival games and candy-colored stalls dotted the grounds. Golems, now transformed into sleek, humanoid figures with polished metallic frames and maid-like uniforms, manned ticket booths, guided visitors, and even flipped pancakes at food carts. Their glowing eyes pulsed gently as they worked, a blend of magic that fueling them.

The remaining desert had been tamed into curated zones—dunes for sunset camel rides, open-air theaters for starlit performances, and oasis gardens where fire dancers twirled at night. Airships now docked daily at a newly built skyport, unloading wide-eyed tourists eager to explore the "Jewel of the Skydom."

What was once a forgotten island of the Phantagrande Skydom now hummed with life, a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and Rei's memories of a world far away from the skies.

Meanwhile, in the garden at the back of the palace, Rei stood quietly, gazing at the city below. The sounds of laughter, chatter, and the hum of activity filled the air. People—locals and tourists alike—moved through the streets, their voices carrying a sense of joy and wonder. The city, once silent and desolate, now buzzed with life.

Tourists had already begun to arrive, drawn by the island's transformation. While the numbers weren't yet as large as those visiting the Auguste Isles, it was a strong start. With more promotion, Rei was confident the island would become a thriving destination.

"Fufufu~ You have such good ideas, Rei. I didn't expect to see this island change so much in just a month," a cheerful voice called from behind him.

Rei turned to see Sierokarte, the small Harvin merchant, standing there with her signature green parrot perched on her shoulder. Her sharp eyes sparkled with amusement as she approached.

"Siero, it's thanks to you for helping us promote this place. I don't know how to repay you for all of this," Rei said, his tone grateful.

"It's fine~ You don't need to repay me at all. Just let me set up a shop here, alright?" she replied with a playful smile, stopping beside him.

Together, they looked out at the city. In the distance, the towering roller coaster Rei had created loomed over the landscape, its tracks twisting and turning like a serpent. The Ferris wheel, illuminated by colorful lights, spun slowly against the evening sky.

"That's really cool—a mechanical roller coaster and a Ferris wheel. I don't know how you managed to create something like that, but the people seem to love it~" Sierokarte remarked, her tone light but curious.

Rei hesitated. He still hadn't told her he was an Astral, unsure how she would react. Given how Astrals were feared across the skies, he decided to keep it to himself for now.

"Well, I have my ways," he said, rubbing the back of his head and trying to steer the conversation away from the topic.

Sierokarte, of course, noticed his evasion. As the leader of the Knickknack Shack and a seasoned merchant, she was adept at reading people's moods and expressions. Still, she chose not to press him..

"I see~ Well, maybe if I have something I want to create, I can ask for your help," she said with a small laugh.

"Sure, if you have a problem, just let us know," Rei replied, relieved that the conversation had shifted.

For a while, the two of them stood in comfortable silence, taking in the view of the vibrant city. Eventually, they turned and walked back inside the palace, the sounds of the bustling city fading behind them.

~~~

More weeks passed, and the island continued to flourish. Tourists poured in, drawn by the city's unique charm and attractions. The maid café, with its beautiful staff and playful atmosphere, became a hit among the male visitors. Meanwhile, the clothing shops, filled with designs inspired by Rei's world, captivated the women. The unusual yet stylish outfits were unlike anything they had seen before, and many couldn't resist buying them.

Couples, too, found the island irresistible. They strolled hand in hand through the scenic park, admired the shimmering lake, or headed straight to the amusement park to enjoy the rides and games together. The city was alive with laughter, chatter, and the hum of activity.

As more people arrived, the workload increased for everyone. Djeeta, Lyria, Orchis, and the others were constantly busy, barely finding time to rest. Days blurred together as they worked tirelessly to keep up with the demands of the growing city.

"I'm so dead..." Djeeta muttered, sprawled out in the palace garden.

The garden, once an abandoned warehouse, had been transformed by Rei into a serene oasis. Soft green grass carpeted the ground, and vibrant flowers bloomed in every corner. Gazebos dotted the area, offering shade and a place to relax, while a small pond added to the tranquil atmosphere.

Currently, it was Djeeta's turn to take a break. The group had agreed to rotate tasks so that everyone could rest. After all, if they kept pushing themselves without a break, someone was bound to collapse sooner or later.

Djeeta lay on the gazebo bench, staring up at the roof as her thoughts wandered. She couldn't help but reflect on how her adventure as a Skyfarer had taken such an unexpected turn. What started as a journey across the skies had somehow led to rebuilding an entire empire. She wasn't upset about helping Orchis—far from it. But she couldn't help wondering how things had ended up this way.

"And Rei's barely coming out of his research room... It's been a while since we actually had some time together," Djeeta murmured to herself, feeling a growing sense of frustration. She wasn't going to lie—being with Rei was something she enjoyed immensely. His ability to restore their stamina with his powers meant they could spend hours doing it without tiring. But lately, he'd been so busy that they hadn't had a moment to themselves.

As she lay there, lost in thought, she suddenly heard footsteps approaching. A familiar voice called out to her.

"Djeeta, you're here too?"

"Yeah, I really like this place. It's nice to look at, and this gazebo shields me from the sun while I enjoy the scenery," Djeeta replied, turning her head to see Orchis walking toward her.

Orchis smiled and sat down beside Djeeta, who was still sprawled out on the bench. The two of them sat in comfortable silence for a moment, taking in the peaceful surroundings.

"You taking a break too, Orchis?" Djeeta asked, breaking the silence.

"Yeah... I have a 10-minute break, so I decided to come here since it's close," Orchis replied, her voice tinged with exhaustion.

"My condolences for that..." Djeeta said, knowing how demanding Orchis's role as queen was. A 10-minute break was precious, and she hoped Orchis could make the most of it.

"It's fine. I knew what I was getting into when I decided to take over my parents' role. At least the Erste Empire has been helping reduce our workload," Orchis said, trying to sound optimistic.

What Orchis referred to was the recent arrival of volunteers from Agastia Island, brought back by Rackam, Katalina, and Rosetta. Many townspeople had chosen to move to Mephorash, and some former residents had returned to help rebuild. Even with their assistance, however, the workload was still overwhelming, and more workers were needed.

Sierokarte had also stepped in, posting job recruitment notices at her shops across the skies. Many people had applied, eager to work on the island or staff its growing number of shops.

"I see. Well, just rest for now. You can lay down here beside me," Djeeta said, patting the spot next to her.

Orchis hesitated, looking at Djeeta. She could see how exhausted her friend was, and it made her feel guilty. Orchis had asked so much of Djeeta and the others, yet they had never complained. She didn't know how to repay them, even though they insisted they didn't mind helping for free.

But then, Orchis remembered something she had heard a few days ago.

"By the way, Djeeta, I heard there's going to be a festival in the Port Breeze Archipelago," Orchis said, hoping to lighten the mood.

Djeeta's eyes immediately lit up. "A festival? What kind of festival?"

"If I remember correctly, it's called the Festival of Falling Flame."

"Festival of Falling Flame? That sounds amazing! When is it?"

"It's supposed to start in two weeks. If you're interested, you and your crew can go there to relax for a bit. Everyone's been helping me for so long—I don't mind if you all take a break and enjoy the festival."

Just as Orchis finished speaking, someone approached and interrupted them.

"Queen Orchis, I apologize for interrupting, but there's something that requires your attention," a tall man said. He wore a white coat with gold embroidery, a high collar, and epaulets, paired with a white cape and black boots. A sword rested at his waist, completing his commanding appearance.

The man was Imperial General Adam from the Erste Empire. After hearing that Orchis was rebuilding her kingdom, he had stepped down from his position without hesitation and moved to the island to assist her. Adam was actually a golem created on the island, and his sole purpose was to protect Orchis. He had once infiltrated the Erste Empire to spy on them and find a way to free Orchis from Deus Ex Machina. Now, he served as her secretary and protector, working alongside Apollonia.

"Alright, Adam. See you later, Djeeta. Just let me know if you decide to go to the festival," Orchis said before walking away with Adam.

Djeeta sat alone for a moment, her mind buzzing with excitement. She had never been to a festival like this before—Zinkenstill didn't have anything like it. The thought of experiencing something so vibrant and lively filled her with anticipation.

"And this is gonna be the perfect chance for me and Rei to go on a date~" she muttered happily to herself.

With a spring in her step, Djeeta stood up and walked away, eager to tell everyone about the Festival of Falling Flame.