He stepped forward, picked up the object, and unfolded it. It seemed to be a torn shirt. Though the size was roughly right, the design and material were completely different from what they wore.
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"This clothing is clearly designed for human physique. Despite being soaked for who knows how long, you can still vaguely see the exquisite craftsmanship. It's definitely not something a non-sentient race could create." Shoyo's reference to a non-sentient race was, of course, to the "Skullbreakers."
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However, this was his one-sided understanding because at this moment he had no idea about the true origin of the clothing, nor did he understand what lay beyond the sea.
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"Every time I come here to clear my mind, I usually encounter this thing every few months. Maybe it's due to the ocean currents. They only drift here. At least, there have been no reports about this, proving that nobody knows about it."
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After hearing Shoyo's detailed explanation, Jennie was greatly surprised. "This is a major discovery! Why haven't you reported it?"
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Shoyo responded with a disdainful look. This place was his, and this clothing was his treasure. Reporting it wouldn't change anything. The royal families had poured countless resources and lives into this exploration in the past, only to end up with sacrifice and no information. They didn't even know what they were facing, just pure speculation.
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Now, what could this pile of ragged clothing really represent? And would the royal families dare to take such risks again? Even if they prepared thoroughly and still faced annihilation, would Shoyo bear that responsibility?
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"Well, as long as we know there's civilization beyond the sea." Shoyo's expression shifted from disdain to earnestness. "This secret is known only to you and me. Will you keep it for me?"
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Driven by her sense of justice, Jennie strongly wanted to report this information, considering it was an unprecedented discovery. However, she also remembered how Shoyo had brought her to this secret hideout, sharing so many secrets with her. It was indeed worth being considerate.
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Of course, she hadn't considered the impact of implementing her intentions on Shoyo. She was simply focused on the need to report the news.
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"...Alright, you shared this secret with me, and I thank you for trusting me. So, what are your plans? Did you become a Huntector with the goal of exploring beyond the sea?" Jennie struggled within herself for a while, and friendship ultimately overcame her sense of justice.
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At this question, Shoyo looked embarrassed. "You're overestimating me. I don't have such noble intentions. I'm just an ordinary citizen who wants to live a peaceful life. But since this clothing can drift here, I believe that one day the owner of this clothing will also land here."
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"Maybe you and the owner of this clothing are destined to meet. Hold onto that hope and keep living. I never expected you to be so idealistic. I thought you were just a shy guy."
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After today, Jennie's perception of Shoyo changed from the depths of her heart.
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As the sun was setting, and with the clothes almost dried, they began their journey back home, this time led by Shoyo. Climbing through that dark and dirty passage, they returned to Grandecy, feeling as though the entire afternoon had been worlds away.
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"We still have time. Would you like to go shopping with me?" Jennie extended an invitation, looking at the seashell pendant hanging from her neck. Shoyo didn't object this time.
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They arrived at the shopping street near the city gate. As it was Sunday, the street was even more crowded than usual. They hadn't spent a noon within the city walls for a long time.
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"Have you tried this shop?" Shoyo pointed to a place where dozens of people were gathered, waiting. A sign with a picture of a cow hung above. "Their beef stew is delicious. When I was a kid, my parents used to bring..."
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Suddenly, a loud boom echoed from above, seemingly indicating a massive explosion.
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Everyone immediately looked toward the source of the sound, and they were horrified to see countless burning rocks and tongues of fire falling. Shoyo quickly grabbed Jennie and pulled her away. The shopping street immediately turned chaotic, with people scrambling to escape. Many were trapped under debris.
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When everyone regained their senses, they noticed that a large section of the city wall's top had been blasted away, leaving a gap that was still burning.
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