Thankfully, Clarke Quay was built in the 19th century.

While this wasn't the shopping mecca of the late 2010s, the promenade has become a trendy neighborhood for the wealthy to squander their hard-earned crystals. Sitting in the heart of the Singapore River, you can imagine a park that, like the French River, is adorned with Edwardian architecture and traditional Chinese facades. With the Singapore government's transformation of the old port warehouse area, it recreates the pearl of Asia from the era of the British Empire, providing the river with a leisure sailboat that serves as a floating restaurant and nightclub.

As a result, many of the dock warehouses at Clarke Quay have been converted into mega shopping malls full of boutiques offering some of the best mundane and magical handmade goods on this side of Singapore. The city is known as the most extensive manufacturer of "finished goods" in the southern hemisphere, and Gwen is especially looking forward to what they can find in the many corners of the city.

This time, Gwen breathed a sigh of relief when the trio got out of the taxi. This place is exactly what she recalls from her old life, even though there are a lot fewer customers here, which is not necessarily a bad thing.

The girl's public war safe is an HDM crystal, converted to S$970 at the current exchange rate, though Gwen has more money on hand if she needs it, and she'll happily "shout" out to her friends what they want, as long as it's not too exuberant.

When Elvia's blessed conscience asks the question of whether it is appropriate to go shopping in a safe and prosperous place while their home is burned down, Gwen gives her a life lesson taught by an experienced adult.

"Eve, there's time for everything. ”

There are times of sadness, times of action, times of procrastination, and times of relaxation. There's so much more to do in life than worrying about things you can't control. The city is gone, and that reality is now a foregone conclusion. As students with no resources and little to no influence, all they can do is symbolic help. In that moment of calm, they could not do much until they returned to Sydney, and for the next twelve hours, the time they spent pondering and exchanging anxieties at the port docks was undoubtedly of little benefit.

"Eve, the great poet Horace, told us that we should 'seize the moment' – that is: seize today and not trust tomorrow too much. ”

They are now in one of the most convenient and thriving shopping areas at the secondary border. All sorts of bizarre magical items were placed in their hands. When they return to Sydney, they will never have such an opportunity again for at least ten years, unless they travel or study elsewhere. If not now, then when?

"Not to mention, Eve, one should learn from your feelings, but not be consumed by them. Let them be fuel, not balls and chains. ”

After contacting their families and sharing the news of their survival, the girls already have tearful moments and long-awaited reunions. When a person is a teenager, everything feels exaggerated – from buying shorts for the first time to going through the funeral of a distant relative. As an adult, one learns that these strong emotions come and go, and with the wisdom of love, loss, despair, and victory, the heart becomes like a kaleidoscope.

Once again, Gwen spoke to someone smarter than her.

"Listen, Eve, we may be at the worst, but there are just as many of the best times. After all, the age of wisdom coexists with the age of ignorance. Where there is light, there is darkness, and where there is hope, there is despair. All we can do is have fun, you know?"

Elvia shook her head, then nodded, and shook her head again.

"I understand!" Yue shouted. "It's so simple. ”

"Really?" Gwen turned to her friend, her face full of smugness.

"yes, what you just said is the same thing. ”

"Go ahead. Gwen was happy because all her companions were well aware of the human condition.

"The act of life ......," Yue said. “... It's shopping until you fall off, whenever and wherever you want, because life is short!

Thankfully, Gwen didn't take a drink or take a sip, but even then, she almost choked as she swallowed her saliva. Avia had to rub her back and pat her a few times before recovering.

Oh well, Gwen thought to herself. No one ever said that the human situation was easy.

Clark Quay did not disappoint.

The promenade is filled with boutiques selling a wide variety of goods, both mass-produced and handmade.

Surrounded by sales outlets from the local clothing industry, Gwen took the opportunity to replenish her wardrobe. Natural beauty has many advantages, one of which is that when the clothes they wear can easily turn into a million crystals, the brand doesn't matter. For fifty popular songs, Gwen could easily find skirts and shorts, shirts and blouses, close-fitting vests and belts, bracelets and hats that wouldn't look out of place when worn in the right way and in the right layers. Going through the dark fashion era of the 90s and entering the Enlightenment of the 10s of the 20th century, Gwen was favored by soft Japanese minimalism, and Gwen knew exactly what she wanted.

When Xiao Yue reached for a turquoise down jacket to match a white low-cut vest again, Gwen slapped Yue's hand as if she was fighting a wayward snake.

"No, Xiaoyue, you look like avocado bread, not even toast!"

Ivy also wonders if a pink skirt is paired with a cream pink top, especially when paired with cherry blossom pink underwear.

Of course, it's scary.

But in Ivey, it's so cute

"yes, that's cute. Advance. I'll pay?"

Then there's the harrowing main course.

Armor Bracket (Tier 3)

Marius Farrick used to craft this item.

Increases the wearer's resilience to physical attacks.

5th layer stone skin, Orange Zone, South Africa.

Written by Master F.J. van der Fal, 4 English. 4E。

Approximately $98,000 SG Company ~10H. D. Meter crystals

Goggles for the real night

These beautifully crafted goggles give the wearer the vision of a true ancestor, with the ability to see the blood of living people, including most half-humans, in complete darkness and bright light. A must-have for adventures in the Dark Zone.

Level 6 Vampire Eyes, Black Zone, Bulgaria.

Author: Mags P. Gorchev, 7 years old. 5 tons. Fourth floor.

Approximately $220,000 SG Company ~220H. D. Meter crystals

The magician's staff

A hallucinatory spell that enhances you, greatly increasing strength and decreasing mana usage. This staff can store up to 12 illusion slots of tier 6 and below. A truly unique project!

8th layer ancient cedar core, black zone, Indonesia.

Led by 8-year-old G· Created by Master G. Fulcher. 5 English. 3 weeks.

Approx. $1200000SG~1220H. D. Meter crystals

Barter options are available upon request.

"Wow, that's so sad. Gwen smiled at the clerk, who asked them if they wanted to demonstrate.

They entered an upscale store that sold European goods. As soon as they entered the double doors, a handsome young man in a waistcoat opened the door, and an assistant served them a glass of chilled pineapple juice. Under normal circumstances, girls would be ignored or left out in the cold, and Gwen's noble demeanor, combined with the magic rings on her fingers, earned them top-notch service.

At the same time, Xiao Yue was still trying to count the zeros on her fingers.

Elvia stuck her tongue out and nervously ducked behind Gwen, embarrassed by their lack of funds.

When the girls finally get tired of the expensive shops, they come to the localization area of the magic goods market, where low-level artisans set up their stalls. Unfortunately, there's nothing particularly noteworthy, unless the girls want to replenish potions or buy disposable scrolls, which they don't currently have the funds at their disposal to buy.

Later in the afternoon, the girls found a nice run-up that had been converted into a riverside café. Gwen ordered a FRAP, soy, no cream, and the others had a coke and a juice.

"It's so mature," Elvia amazed Gwen as she lovingly sipped OJ and enjoyed the cool breeze blowing from the river.

They rested for a while and didn't feel recovered until they had walked so long. Avia was very relaxed and fell asleep for a few minutes leaning on Yue's meat pillow.

"Where are you from?" the waiter asked Gwen when he would get the bill.

"Melbourne," Gwen replied without blinking.

"Oh, I heard that place is lovely. However, what happened to Sydney is sad and I hope they can get through. ”

"yes, it's bad. ”

"I don't think we're going to see too much lamb and beef from that region for a while, especially wine. What a pity. They are very popular here. ”

"I can imagine. "The girls finished their drinks and were soon on their way.

Dinner time was fast approaching, as the scorching sun finally set on the horizon, causing the temperature to drop from a suffocating to barely bearable. A water taxi takes the girls from the pier to the river, and the famous restaurant giant floats on a wooden platform tethered to the pier. Famous for its chilli and pepper crabs, the restaurant boasts a magical grade 3 mud crab caught directly from Sri Lanka's orange region and transported to Singapore in crates on barges with inscriptions to sedate slaughtered animals.

By the time Gwen arrived with the two girls, Huitu, Paul, Taj and Jonas were already seated, and they had arrived early to find a seat at the Bay View.

Huitu was drinking Coke, but the men had already drunk six beers.

Gwen cheered for the Alesian trio, including Huitu, who returned the salute.

"There's no Moyer yet," Paul said, but it wasn't a surprise to Gwen. If her father says he'll be back tomorrow morning for a boat, that's when it's time for him to arrive. While Gwen wanted him to be here and enjoy the celebratory dinner, she didn't want to force him to attend.

A waiter arranged for them to be seated, and Gwen skimmed through the menu. The price of these crabs is S$98 per kilogram, which is reasonable considering how difficult they are to catch and how they are stored. Similarly, a mage-chef with considerable talent and skill is needed to prepare a creature capable of tearing through galvanized steel sheets with its claws.

The girls' bio cores are only around $100 left, but Gwen is happy to use her private funds. "Shouting" is a fine Australian tradition, and a Gwen is happy to pay those who risk their lives for the sake of loyalty and goodwill to save her friend from some kind of bad luck.

Gwen ordered a bottle of Yarra Valley Riesling for the group, a beautiful pear and floral flavor paired with spices from beaten tomato peppers to enhance the juicy, plump Sri Lankan crab.

As the food was served, Gwen stared at two crabs the size of a child. When the waiter explains the size of the serving, she should pay attention.

She cried over the loss of two HDM crystals in her collection, but it was worth it. As the group gulped into the soft, supple meat, and the greasy peppers and peppers in their mouths, they could feel an impressive replenishment of their mana. Grade 3 wasteland products are rare in Sydney and are usually only supplied to first-tier cities. It can be said that these crabs are only one step away from the mermaid species, and are able to grow to the level equivalent of the 6th level of wild animals.

With just one bite, the juicy meat fills her mouth, and it suddenly becomes fragrant, spicy, and sweet. Gwen is in heaven.

When the inevitable food coma took over the entire group, they sat down to make small talk and discuss life after returning to Sydney.

These people themselves will return to the army or take on tower missions, becoming unwell in the foreseeable future.

"I miss you guys so much, but I can't say I'm not happy to see Oaklund," Vitu said, washing his hands with the lemonade offered to customers. "I learned a lot and saw a lot. Thank you. Really?"

Gwen said apologetically: "I'm sorry, the international high-level competition has not been successful.

"I dare say that seeing the world, the people of Drade, experienced the decline of a city – and that doesn't just make up for it. The same goes for fighting those merfolk and the Void Sheila. Dude, this is a real deal. ”

Gwen raised her glass to the toast.

"Good luck back to Auckland, back to Turanga!"

"For the new Zulan!" announced Rittal.

"Cheers!"

Everyone raised their glasses and clinked glasses, and the air was filled with crystal notes.

"Do you all have to do military service?" she asked the girls. He is already enrolled in Auckland and is just waiting for July to arrive.

"I'm sure," Yue affirmed the question of the kiwi. She turned around and looked at the Alexian trio expectantly. "You don't mind if I go along, do you?"

"You're welcome. Paul smiled kindly.

"What's wrong with two Alesia in the team?" Taj Mahal said sarcastically. "Double the power, double the exaggerated fun. ”

"Ahh......h He can already see the attached report, which he will fill out after each mission is "explosive" and "expensive".

"Okay, that's fine. For Yue's new party!Gwen raised a toast.

The group agreed, and some were happier than others. As Jonas and Taj joked, Alesia would want Yue Deliang at her feet when she was doing her compulsory military service. What better place to train her apprentices than a team she trusts?

"What about you, Gwen?" Yue asked. "What are your plans?"

"Well, my big performance at Inter is a toast," Gwen sighed, not wanting to think of her owner so soon after their recent departure. "I'll have to talk to Gunther about it, but I'd like to say military service in the tower. With the accolades that I plan to get in the next two years, I can apply to a university somewhere, maybe join Richard? Previously, my goal was to be the Arcane University in Sydney, but a city like this, maybe somewhere in Shanghai? Anyway, you know what needs to be put behind. ”

Thinking of Richard, Gwen wondered if the mage in training would be willing to stay with her if it meant that they would serve directly under the tower, working together to earn an award from a prestigious university. He can earn the money he needs for tuition, and so can she, and they can find something mutually beneficial between them. Maybe it's the best way out for them, working together and helping each other as families and partners.

Then there is her "new" family in China, about which Gwen is ambivalent. It was an opportunity to relive a completely overlooked part of her past life. If she was no longer willing to meet their terms, neither would she. She is a hillbilly living on the border with Sydney, and they are residents of China's largest first-class metropolis. Travel to and from Tier 1 cities is highly restricted and unlikely to occur without a significant reduction. Of course, she can apply for a refugee, but that means separating herself from Alexia and Gunther, which is both stupid and dangerous in her current situation.

Ten days ago she thought her life was planned, but now everything is a mess.

But that's what life is, isn't it? Gwen wiped the feeling of trouble out of her mind. She could only continue to do the lemonade business with the lemons given to her.

"Gwen ......," Elvia said suddenly, tugging at Gwen's sleeve.

"Yes, Eve?"

"What if...... I want to stay with you guys while my parents are adamant about going abroad...... I can stay with you...... In the Tower?"

"Of course!" Gwen shouted happily, grinning. "We can share a room as usual, but I'm sure there's a lot more out there, you know-"

"Cheers to the three of you staying together!" Jonas raised his glass. "Divide your own team evenly! All you need is one confessor and the other!"

Xiao Yue's eyes sparkled.

They can go on missions, go on adventures, travel to exotic lands. With Gwen's appeal to the tower and their combined talents, this is a perfectly reasonable assumption!

"Oh! I can tell!" Yue exclaimed, blushing. "We can-dynamic three plus two!"

There was a burst of laughter at the table.

A waitress cleans empty seashells. The final dish is a rickety coconut tart topped with golden caramel.

"Oh. It's mine. My God. I'm in heaven!" she exclaimed as the crème brûlée touched her tongue.

Gwen smiled and continued to look down, watching as Elvia closed her eyes and entered a sweet nirvana. Because he didn't eat much dessert, Xiao Yue stole his bowl and the two girls shared it together.

"Don't you really want to stay with us?" Yue coaxed the big man with a suggestive look.

"When I became a mage, of course," Rittal replied confidently. "When you see my neck, my Punamu will be penetrated. ”

Gwen suddenly felt a wave of consciousness. Will Richard fill that position? He is a first-class anti-juror, with the same capacity, able to take on both support and opposition roles within the party. If they can recruit Richard for their cause, it means they only need one more member, maybe a shapeshifter or a magician, and they're good to go.

Gwen was sure that Richard would not refuse, at least not in his current situation. Even with the four of them, they can start performing tasks in the tower as soon as they begin their military service. After all, there is a silver lining in every cloud!

Gwen gave a final toast of wine, and everyone drank their glasses as a tribute.

And so the acclaimed dinner came to an end. Gwen bought some seasoning to take home to Gunther and Alesia, put them in the ring, and paid for the sumptuous dinner in the HDMS.

By the time they stepped out of the restaurant and into the promenade by the river, the city had completely changed.

Shimmering colors refract from skyscrapers onto meandering rivers and flow calmly through the city center. The cold air at the end of the day brings the city's citizens out to relax with their families and office workers for dinner by the river. Compared to Sydney, Singapore's population is more homogeneous, with a veritable sea of Asian faces as far as the eye can see, with men wearing slim-fitting suits and white shirts, while women are flashy in their choices and colours.

Not far from the horizon, the shape of Singapore's Capital Tower looms as a sword soars into the sky from the city's super-dense city blocks.

When the blue hour comes, a flood of colors sweeps across the sky. Huge arrays of hallucinatory glyphs embedded in the sides of the skyscrapers burn the air with their dazzling colors. Multinational corporations display their corporate pinnacles from above, flickering between advertisements for products and services and huge signs that are ten stories high and tens of meters wide.

Further ahead, the flashing red and blue lights in the night sky indicate that the air mages are patrolling, and in the crowd, Gwen can see military mages in dark uniforms patrolling the streets.