Three days later.
Ryan stood on the pier, gazing at the newly completed giant ship in the center of Dock No. 3, his fingers lightly tapping the hilt of the Seven Star Sword.
The azure-blue hull shimmered under the sunlight with a glaze-like luster. The dragon-head figurehead at the bow blended seamlessly with the ship's overall blue hue, exuding an unusual sense of intimidation.
Ryan stepped onto the deck first via the suspension ladder, followed by Mikita, Porche, Daz Bones, and the others.
The deck's three-tiered design was clearly defined. The teak planks of the front observation deck were embedded with sand-like anti-slip particles. The water in the mid-section's temperature-controlled pool was a translucent light blue, looking refreshingly cool. The lounge area was even more spacious than the front section, with a wooden bar counter embedded with a wine rack beside the recliners.
"Shall we go up and take a look?" Porche tilted her head to gaze at the enclosed cabin atop the observation deck, wrapped in hexagonal glass curtain walls.
Ryan nodded, climbing up the metal ladder beside the mast and pushing the door open.
It was more spacious than a typical observation deck, offering an unobstructed view of the entire dock and the distant sea. Inside, cushioned seats were arranged, and even the corners were equipped with soundproof speaking tubes for direct communication with the cockpit.
After descending from the observation deck, Ryan headed straight for the hatch leading below. Eight luxurious cabins lined both sides of the corridor, each with an ensuite bathroom. The frosted glass doors of the built-in wardrobes revealed the hanging rods and shelves inside.
The power cabin on the middle deck was the most striking.
Beside the massive gear set, three rows of metal ports were neatly arranged, each engraved with different symbols.
The lightning-marked ports were power input ports, the gear-marked ones were mechanical transmission ports, and the droplet-marked ones connected to the freshwater purification system.
"These power transmission devices are all standard specifications," Kalifa explained from the side. "As long as sufficient electricity is supplied, they can directly power all the ship's systems."
"What's the maximum load capacity?" Ryan crouched down, poking the metal contact of one of the lightning-marked ports with his fingertip.
"Maximum capacity is 3,000 kW—three times that of a warship," Kalifa adjusted her glasses. "Even if the main propeller, pool circulation system, and all onboard lighting are activated simultaneously, there's no risk of overload."
3,000 kW... Ryan's brow arched slightly as he chuckled inwardly. This power output was truly nothing to him.
"What about speed?" Ryan rotated his wrist, lightly tapping the smooth edge of the control panel.
"When the three propeller nozzles underwater at the stern activate, they create a stable triangular vortex," Kalifa walked to the porthole, pointing toward the stern. "Coupled with the all-electric drive system, the speed is nearly double that of comparable fast ships."
Ryan followed Kalifa's gaze, noting the cold metallic gleam at the edges of the nozzles. He nodded slightly but asked no further questions.
Speed and stability were the two factors he valued most.
The group ascended the spiral staircase to the top deck platform, where the sea breeze suddenly grew stronger, tousling Mikita's curly hair.
Ryan looked up at the towering mast, his gaze lingering on the glass curtain walls of the observation deck. Suddenly, he asked, "If the sails are unfurled, will the observation deck's line of sight be obstructed?"
"No," Kalifa shook her head immediately, gesturing toward the observation deck. "The design intentionally offsets the angle, and the sail ropes avoid the observation sightlines. Even at full sail, the observer's view covers a full 360 degrees."
"This ship really leaves no room for criticism," Ryan thought to himself, satisfied. His fingers tapped lightly on the railing as his eyes swept over the azure-blue hull—from the dragon-head bow to the stern nozzles, from the temperature-controlled pool to the power cabin ports. Every detail perfectly aligned with his requirements.
His hand resting on the Seven Star Sword's hilt rubbed it lightly as Ryan suddenly spoke, "It's time to give it a name."
"How about 'Blue Crystal'?" Mikita's eyes lit up as she pointed at the ship's color, grinning. "Look at how blue it is—just like a gemstone! So pretty!"
"Ugh, that's so tacky," Porche shot Mikita a playful glare, twirling a lock of hair near her ear as she cooed, "Look at how majestic that dragon head is. Why not call it 'Dragon Head Ship'?"
Zala, who had been standing slightly apart, adjusted her glasses, her gaze behind the lenses tinged with rationality. "From a performance standpoint, 'Speedy Voyage' would be more fitting. The propeller and sail designs prioritize speed—this name highlights its advantage."
After the three spoke, they all turned to Ryan, awaiting his decision.
Ryan didn't respond immediately. Instead, he lowered his gaze to the proud dragon-head figurehead at the bow before finally declaring, "Let's call it 'Riding the Wind and Waves.'"
"That's perfect," Mikita blinked before clapping her hands with a laugh. "Way more imposing than my 'Blue Crystal'!"
"It does sound quite spirited," Porche chimed in, though it was unclear whether she genuinely agreed.
"Mikita, come with me to the Galley-La Company to settle the final payment," Ryan turned and disembarked.
In the office of the Galley-La Company, Iceberg was sketching a new blueprint. When Ryan entered, he set down his pen and stood, greeting politely, "I take it Mr. Ryan is satisfied with the ship?"
"Worth every penny," Ryan gestured, and Mikita handed over a black money case. "Here's the final payment."
Iceberg didn't bother counting it, simply stating, "Ships from Water 7 never disappoint our clients. May your voyage be smooth."
Ryan said no more, turning to leave for Dock No. 3. As he reached the entrance, he saw Rob Lucci leaning against the mast with his eyes closed, Kaku inspecting the timber by tapping the hull, Blueno standing guard at the hatch like a sentinel, Jabura filing his nails on the deck, Fukurou crouched on the ladder to the observation deck, and Kumadori striking a peculiar stance in front of the dragon-head figurehead.
"All aboard," Ryan spoke calmly as he stepped onto the spiral staircase. "Take the ship out to sea."
Lucci opened his eyes, his expression indifferent, and strode into the cockpit first. Kaku deftly hauled up the anchor chain, Blueno opened the hatch to store spare sails and tools in the storage cabin, and Jabura vaulted over the railing into the power cabin.
Soon, the soft whir of gears echoed. Fukurou leaped onto the observation deck, Kumadori folded his hands and murmured "Namu Amida Butsu" before leisurely entering the living quarters.
Porche had already set up drinks by the pool. Daz Bones sat quietly on the deck, while Zala and BABE stood by the helm, awaiting Ryan's orders.
Ryan stood at the stern, watching as the sluice gates slowly opened, seawater rushing in with its briny scent and gently lifting the "Riding the Wind and Waves" from the dock. Suddenly, he raised his hand. "Hoist the sails."
The sails unfurled on command, and the three propeller nozzles activated simultaneously, churning up three snow-white vortices underwater. The ship shot forward like an arrow loosed from a bow, breaking through the harbor's barrier with a tremor that sent a jolt of acceleration through everyone's backs as it surged toward the boundless sea.