Ryuu’s idea of leaving the kingdom did not align with the system’s idea of leaving the kingdom. So instead of a southeast-to-northwest tour across the kingdom, he was presented with the endless blue coast of the eastern territory. 

“Can’t we just walk along the shore, it leads to the same place, right?” The system didn’t bother answering the question.

“If you’re fine with arriving in half a year, sure.” Kai was fine with whichever, but the way he said it wasn’t reassuring.
Besides, Ryuu was given about a month to reach the next checkpoint. 

[Do you have any problem regarding the sea travel? Health or psychological?]

‘It’s not the sea travel that’s the issue, it's the sea we’ll be crossing. I don’t trust the circumstances in this world. I don’t want to meet sea creatures. I can’t even swim!’

[...But that’s part of the bargain. You need to build up experience.]

‘I hate you.’ 

[I’m unhurt.]

There was no point in arguing with the system. At least Ryuu had some time to relax before the ship sailed in two days. 

[Mission Unlocked]

‘Did I mention how much I hate you?’

[Type: Exploration quest.]

[You have a key that is yet to find the lock.]

‘Stop saying weird things and get to the point.’ 

[...

Under the city of Cynefin lies the ruins of an ancient city. For a thousand years, it has been unexplored by humans. 

Find the entrance to the underground city. Explore the depths of it and find the lock that corresponds to the key. You may find something unexpected.]

It was Ryuu’s first time hearing about an underground city, more so one by the coast. ‘But the ship leaves in two days. You expect me to explore an underground city in just two days?’

[The time is more than enough as long as you don’t face something unexpected.]

Ryuu didn’t find it the least bit reassuring. ‘Ok, where’s the entrance?’

[Find it.]

Up until this point, all the checkpoints, coordinates, and Mission points had been marked by the system. 

‘What happened to the upgraded locator? The arrow thingy? I thought you were supposed to help?!’

[Help will be provided when necessary. The entrance, however, you need to find yourself. Best of Luck.] 

With a sigh, Ryuu turned towards Kai. “Does the system act like this with everyone?]

“Like what?”

“Nevermind. Let’s go find a place to stay.” 

Cynefin greeted them with the salty taste of the sea breeze and the distant cries of seagulls circling above the port. It was a calm town compared to Selcouth. Its narrow streets and simple houses seemed to have been painted by the sea itself.

Other than the main ports and trading centers, the rest of the city wasn’t too busy. It was much like Orsa, the village Ryuu was initially at. But instead of farming, life around here centered around the sea. 

“I don’t see any clue of there being a secret door somewhere around here,” Ryuu muttered as they stopped by the 12th temporary stand. 

“You’re looking for something?” Kai questioned while looking through the food options of the stall. 

“Yeah. it’s for a side quest. You see—” Ryuu stopped midsentence, “That fish looks very alive.” 

The shopkeeper perked up. “That’s how you know it’s fresh.”

“Uh…huh…” 

“Give us fish that aren’t alive,” Kai remarked.
“Season them too,” Ryuu added. 

“I’ll prepare them right away.” 

While the shopkeeper busied himself preparing the food, Ryuu’s eyes landed on another shop. “I’ll be right back.”
Ryuu wasn’t expecting to see a flower shop in a coastal town. It would be one thing if there were many tourists, but that wasn’t the case. A young girl who looked about fourteen was watching over the shop. Her eyes gleamed upon seeing Ryuu. 

“Good day! How can I help you?”

“Hello,” Ryuu felt a bit overwhelmed by her excitement but didn’t let it show. “Are you the owner?” 

“Oh no. My family runs the inn,” the girl pointed behind, “I’m watching over today.” 

“Oh, I see. I was curious. These flowers don’t grow near coasts, I was surprised to see them.”

Along with the common flowers that grew in these parts, there were also tulips, lavender, and lilacs. As far as Ryuu knew, these plants didn’t do well on salty ground. 

“They usually don’t,” the girl spoke with an excited smile. “But everything can grow on the Floren.”

“Floren?”

“It’s a garden right outside the west gate. There’s a lot of flowers there, these were also grown there.”
‘That could be it!’

A special land where you can grow anything. It might not be entirely true, but Ryuu was looking for a mysterious place and this place hit the mark. 

“Which flower do you like?” Ryuu glanced back at the young girl. He wasn’t planning to buy anything, but looking at her, he couldn’t manage to say so. ‘She makes a good salesperson.’

He looked through the flowers. In his lifetime, Ryuu had looked at flowers either to find medicinal or poisonous properties. “Which one do you recommend?”

“If you mean to give it to someone, among these, I’d recommend Tulips or the Lilacs.”
To give someone? ‘Hey, System, you want flowers?’

[...
No thanks.] 

Then the only one left was Kai. Which one would he like better?
‘System?’

[How am I supposed to know?]
After contemplating for a few minutes, Ryuu decided to take the Lilacs. 

Back at the food stall, Kai was talking to the shopkeeper about the food.
“I’m back. Is the food ready?” 

“Almost,” Kai replied, his eyes landing on the purple and blue flowers in Ryuu’s hand. “You went to buy flowers?”

“Technically, no,” Ryuu answered, “Here.”

Kai looked at him, confused, “Why are you giving them to me?” 

“Cause they’re for you? I wouldn’t really have bought any if I was alone.” Ryuu’s tone was casual, but he shifted his weight awkwardly. Buying flowers for himself when it wasn’t for experimenting wasn’t Ryuu’s forte. And he figured he’d never gotten anything for Kai in all the while they knew each other. “Consider it… I don’t know, souvenir or something, although they don’t last long.”

Despite looking out of it, Kai took the flowers after staring at them for a few more moments.
[A—]

The system screen disappeared as soon as it appeared, making Ryuu wonder what it was trying to do again. 

“The food is ready.” 

“Thanks.” 

Kai continued to observe the flowers while they ate and even after they moved on from the food stall. 

“You like flowers that much?” Ryuu asked, thrilled to have found something about Kai. 

Kai didn’t answer right away. “I suppose so.”

“Then you’ll like the place we’re going to now.” 

“Where?”

“Floren.”

Kai’s expression changed once again, but Ryuu didn’t notice as he walked ahead, eager to see what this garden was actually like, unaware of the universal notice all the other players were observing with their eyes popping out of the socket.