"Adventure!" the boy said immediately. "And Dad promised we'd see new things. I've never left Veridian Gate before. This is my first real journey!"
The family's enthusiasm was endearing. Thomas and Elena had the optimism of parents trying to build a better life for their child, while Liam had the unbridled excitement of youth.
Over the next few hours, as the Wanderer's Promise navigated the Sky Ocean, Max found himself naturally opening toward the Clearwater family.
Thomas told stories about his craft, showing Max small wooden figurines he had carved. "This one's a horse for Liam. I make him a new animal every month. Helps him learn about the world."
Elena shared knowledge about herbs, pointing out medicinal plants growing on floating islands they passed.
"That's starlight moss—it grows only in high altitudes where moonlight is strongest. Can treat fevers if prepared correctly."
Liam asked a million questions. About Max's sword. About how tall the monsters were. About whether dragons were real. About what it felt like to be in a dungeon.
Max answered patiently, finding himself enjoying the boy's curiosity. It reminded him of himself at that age, before his father had died, when the world still seemed full of endless possibilities.
Around midday, the ship's cook—an NPC named Greta—served lunch to all passengers. It was simple fare: bread, cheese, dried meat, and apples. But eating it on the deck of a flying ship, surrounded by the impossible beauty of the Sky Ocean, made it feel like a feast.
Max sat with the Clearwaters, and the conversation flowed easily.
"You've been to the Obsidian Depths?" Thomas said, impressed. "That's legendary. Most adventurers don't survive those depths."
"I got lucky," Max said. "And I had help."
Elena looked at him thoughtfully. "You carry a sadness with you. I can see it in your eyes. You've lost someone important."
Max was surprised by her sudden question. "My father. Years ago."
"I'm sorry," she said gently. "Loss changes us. But it also makes us stronger, doesn't it? We carry their memory and try to live in a way that would make them proud."
"Yeah," Max agreed quietly. "That's exactly it."
Thomas raised his cup—filled with water, but the gesture was meaningful. "To those we've lost, and to the futures we're building in their honor."
They clinked cups, and Max felt a strange tightness in his chest. These were NPCs. Artificial Intelligence. But in that moment, the connection felt absolutely real.
**
The hours passed peacefully. The Wanderer's Promise navigated through breathtaking scenery—natural rainbows, floating islands covered in glowing plants, and waterfalls that defied physics by flowing in loops.
Liam ran around the deck, playing with other children who were passengers—some merchants' kids, equally excited about the journey. The adults talked, shared stories, and made plans for what they would do once they reached the Iron Frontier.
It felt less like a game quest and more like being part of an actual expedition. A community of people working together toward a common goal.
As the sun began setting, Captain Reeves finally announced that they were approaching their destination.
"The Iron Frontier ahead! We'll reach the coast in thirty minutes!"
Everyone gathered at the bow to watch. And as the ship rounded a massive crystal formation, the new continent came into view.
The Iron Frontier earned its name. The coastline was dominated by massive iron-gray cliffs, with forests of trees that had trunks like metal. Strange rock formations erupted from the ground like enormous blades.
There were also ruins of an ancient civilization visible in the distance.
"By the Goddess," Elena whispered. "It's beautiful."
"And dangerous," Thomas added, pulling Liam close. "We stay together, understand? No wandering off."
The ship descended toward a natural harbor—a sheltered bay where several other ships were already resting. This was the expedition's base camp, a temporary settlement of tents and simple structures built by the Explorer's Guild's advance team.
As they docked, Captain Reeves addressed the passengers. "Welcome to the Iron Frontier! Base camp is secure, but beyond the perimeter, this is unexplored territory. I recommend hiring local guides if you plan to venture far. Monsters in this region are level 40-45, some even higher. Travel in groups, stay alert, and return to camp before nightfall."
The passengers immediately got busy. Max helped the Clearwaters carry their supplies—Thomas had brought tools, Elena had botanical equipment, and Liam clutched his father's carved horse figurine like a talisman.
"Where are you headed?" Thomas asked Max as they set up a tent in the camp.
"Probably just exploring. Seeing what's out there."
"Would you..." Thomas hesitated. "Would you consider traveling with us? At least for the first day? Elena and I are capable in a fight, but having someone with your experience would make me feel better about bringing Liam into unknown territory."
Max considered it. He had planned to explore solo, test his abilities, and maybe find some hidden content. But looking at this family—at Liam's excited face, at Elena's hope, at Thomas's protective concern—Max found himself nodding.
"Yeah. I'll come with you."
Thomas's relief was visible. "Thank you. Truly. I promise we won't slow you down."
"It's fine. I could use the company."
**
Day One
The next morning, the four of them set out into what locals were calling the Metallic Forest—a strange woodland where the trees had bark that shimmered like bronze and copper and leaves that chimed softly in the wind like bells.
Thomas collected wood samples, carefully recording each type. Elena harvested unusual plants, making detailed notes in her journal. Liam explored under his parents' watchful eyes, occasionally running back to show Max interesting rocks or flowers he'd found.
"Look! This one glows blue!"
"That's moss," Elena explained, examining it. "Fascinating—it shouldn't grow in direct sunlight, but here it does. The ecosystem is completely unique."