Shadow Slave novel Chapter 2597

A few days later, the storm subsided, revealing the starlit sky. The vast expanse of rolling water glistened with a silver radiance, reflecting the shimmering stars. Wisps of mist flowed above the water like clouds, making it seem as if the Night Garden was suspended between two nebulous heavens.

Sunny was starting to feel better by then. Abandoning the peaceful embrace of Jet's shadow, he ventured to explore the ship—not because he expected to find something important, but simply out of curiosity. Avoiding the gazes of people living on the Night Garden, he moved stealthily here and there, eventually making his way to the lowest part of the living vessel.

‘Quite ironic'

There was a small sea hidden at the bottom of the Night Garden. Well, more of a lake, really—a vast reservoir spanned the entire length of the gigantic ship, filled with water. There was a shore of pristine white dunes, as well. Enchanted lanterns were scattered across the ceiling of the reservoir, shining upon the black water like stars... it was a perfect microcosm of the restless sea outside.

Kneeling on the white sand, Sunny brought a handful of it to his face and licked it. A strange expression appeared on his face. "Salt?"

Soft steps resounded from the darkness behind him, and Jet appeared on the silent shore, stretching as she raised a hand to hide a yawn. Each storm was a test of endurance for the captain of the Night Garden, so she had not had an opportunity to rest even for a minute until the storm subsided.

Noticing his confused expression, she nodded.

"Yes, it's salt."

Jet walked over to the water and splashed some on her face. New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on ɴovel(ꜰ)ɪre.nᴇt

“The hull of the Night Garden absorbs salt water from the sea, purifies it, and then desalinates it. Once all contaminants are absorbed, the fresh water and the salt are stored separately in this reservoir. Where did you think people aboard the ship got water from?"

Sunny scratched his head.

"I haven't really thought about it. That's quite convenient."

Jet nodded.

"If not for that function, sustaining a large population here would have been a logistical nightmare. As it stands, though, we are almost self-sufficient. We even supply salt to other cities in the Dream Realm, so everyone on the coast is happy to see the Night Garden appear on the horizon."

Salt was the lifeblood of civilization, after all.

Sunny glanced around with a thoughtful expression.

“Does it happen automatically, or do you control the water intake from the runic hall?"

Jet shrugged.

"The Night Garden handles it on its own. But I imagine I could take direct control and do it manually if I wanted to—that is how it works with most of its other functions. Why?"

Sunny looked up, studied the distant ceiling for a while, and then shook his head. "Nothing, really. It's just that this reservoir is far from being filled to the brim. So, I was thinking that it looks like a ballast tank."

Jet studied him for a few seconds.

“Like in a submarine?"

He nodded.

“Exactly. I am willing to bet that if you increased water intake and flooded this reservoir, the Night Garden would be able to dive into the depths. That is how it works, right? It only has to become heavier than the water it displaces to achieve negative buoyancy."

Sunny paused for a moment, then added: “I am also willing to bet that the same barrier that protects the main deck from the wind and the rain can hold the water at bay, creating a bubble of breathable air around the ship. Oh... I don't have proof for any of that, of course.

But it feels like something the Night Garden would be able to do."

Jet gave him a suspicious look.

“Why are you thinking about sinking my ship, though?"

Sunny chuckled.

“No reason. I'm just bored and curious."

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