"How about you let me take over for a while? You have nothing to do, but I have plenty on my plate," Richard's voice suddenly echoed in Charles's mind.

  After a moment of contemplation, Charles readily relinquished control of his body. He was curious to see what the other version of himself would do in this situation.

  The confused expression on Charles's face was instantly replaced by exaggerated joy. He pushed off the ground and soared into the air, using the shoulder of a nearby laborer to propel himself onto the rooftop.

  With swift movements, Richard hopped across rooftops, eventually diving into a bar flashing with neon lights—the largest bar in the port district, "Carnival Night."

  He danced his way to the bar counter and lightly tapped a small metal bell with his black blade. "Ding!"

  Everyone in the bar turned to look, curiosity lighting up their faces. The regulars knew what that sound meant.

  "Hey, everyone! Today, I’m buying drinks for everyone!! Let’s get this party started!!"

  Cheers erupted from the crew members in the bar, nearly shaking the roof.

  Richard laughed heartily, pulling a scantily clad waitress into an embrace and downing a drink from her tray.

  In contrast to the aloof Charles, the vivacious Richard was a natural at making friends. Although they had just met, he quickly mingled with nearly everyone in the bar.

  His jokes had everyone rolling with laughter, and his coin tricks left people amazed.

  To show off, he casually handed various relics to patrons to play with, and the atmosphere in the bar shifted to center around him.

  Charles, controlling his left eye, watched the reflection of his laughing self in the glass of a drink.

  To his eyes, that distorted smiling face looked more like a cry. For the first time, Charles felt a resonance with Richard; after all, they were both just high-spirited individuals longing for home, albeit reacting differently.

  "Hahaha!!" Charles suddenly thought of something amusing and began to laugh uncontrollably, slapping his thigh until tears streamed down his face.

  The reflection of the distorted Charles in the glass was raised and poured into his darkened mouth.

  As drink after drink went down, Charles's consciousness gradually faded under the influence of alcohol.

  Time passed, and when he finally regained consciousness, a splitting headache greeted him. The scenery before him was still a bit dizzying. He tapped his head on the left side, and his vision finally cleared.

  At that moment, he realized he was lying on a rope, with drunken patrons and tilted chairs below him.

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  Pushing himself off the rope with his hands, he stepped on the ground and walked out of the bar.

  Charles moistened his dry mouth and mentally asked, "So, how was that? Did it help?"

  "Quit the chatter; I’m tired. I need to rest!"

  It seemed Richard's method wasn't very effective. A slight smile crept onto Charles's face as he blended into the crowd, his thoughts expanding.

  "How did I used to relax on the surface? Playing on my phone, video games? Arguing with my sister?"

  "When I first arrived in the Sea of Earth, I remember often going to bars with other sailors to drink and chat. At that time, everything here felt fresh and intriguing. When did I start to become so impatient?"

  Charles raised his gaze to the dark ceiling above.

  "It seems like it was when I realized I wasn't the chosen one, when I understood I could die here at any moment, and when I recognized that my hopes of going home were fading. That inner torment made my heart grow increasingly anxious."

  "But now it’s different. I’ve finally found my way home; I just don’t know if the outside world is still mine."

  He shook his head vigorously, trying to clear his mind of such thoughts. He was out to relax today; he didn't want to think about these things.

  When Charles came back to his senses, he realized he had drifted away from the port area and into the lively interior of the island.

  Noticing the bonfires on the streets, he suddenly remembered that today was the Coral Island Landing Festival. Every island celebrated the day they claimed their territory as a significant holiday, and today happened to be Coral Island's day.

  It was a joyous festival. The islanders donned their finest clothes to celebrate, and the cheerful atmosphere infected everyone, their steps light with happiness.

  Musicians on the roadside played violins, trumpets, and drums. Islanders surrounded them, dancing with fervor, while those who couldn’t dance cheered on the performers with extraordinary enthusiasm.

  Charles strolled along with the crowd, soaking in the laughter and festive spirit, feeling himself being drawn into their joy.

  This festival oddly reminded him of the Spring Festival back home, though it lacked the firecrackers and red decorations.

  "Gurgle..." The sound of his stomach broke his reverie. After a night of heavy drinking, he was feeling a bit hungry.

  He approached a street vendor, pulled out four coins, and bought a spider crab leg, cracking the shell open to eat.

  The grilled crab meat was incredibly chewy. As he bit into the snow-white meat, the fresh flavor burst in his mouth.

  Though a single crab leg didn’t contain much meat, it opened up his appetite. His eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for his next target.

  Soon, the sweet aroma of milk caught his attention. Following the scent, he arrived at a small stall where a portly old man with a white beard was quickly stirring fresh milk and oysters on a griddle with two spatulas.

  Seeing the familiar face, Charles called out, "I’ll have a serving, please."

  "Sure! Just a moment, it’ll be ready soon." Old John worked swiftly, but after a few seconds, he suddenly felt the voice was familiar. He looked up, and excitement lit up his face. "Ha! Captain! Long time no see!"

  Looking at his former first mate, Charles pointed at the stall. "Aren't you supposed to be retired onshore?"

  "Ah, you know my character. Before the money even warms in my hand, it’s already gone to the casino and the ladies' beds. But don’t underestimate my little stall; I’ve calculated, and I earn more than when I was at sea!!"

  Glancing at the patches on his pants, Charles pretended not to notice and nodded. "That’s good. At least there’s no danger to your life."

  Old John chuckled heartily and continued, "I heard you really bought an exploration ship? Is there still a crew position available? Not that I’m short on money, but I just feel the sea is more interesting. Staying on this island is so dull. The locals look down on me as soon as they hear I’ve been to sea. Damn it, I went to be a crew member, not a pirate!"

  Charles paused for a second and shook his head. "Sorry, the ship's crew is full."

  He didn’t want Old John to take any risks. Life on the island might be poor, but at least he could live to an old age.

  Old John’s face fell in disappointment but quickly masked it with indifference. "Oh, no problem. I was just asking. Your milk oysters will be ready soon."