Time Travel: Age of Discovery

Teya looked at Tina's eyes full of expectation, and he knew in his heart that this trip to Fishman Island was no trivial matter. Even if it was not said explicitly, he knew that with Tina and Smoker's keenness, they would definitely be able to guess some clues.

However, he chose to remain silent, as Tiger's plan to free the slaves was like a beacon in the fog, its direction unclear. "We'll wait and see," he replied briefly, his tone revealing an undeniable determination.

Upon hearing this, Tina suddenly became excited and raised her voice a few degrees: "Why don't you tell us your next plan? We are no longer rookies, we are capable..."

Before he finished speaking, Teya stood up and slowly walked over to Tina. He gently placed his hand on her shoulder and stroked her hair, as if comforting a frightened child. "You are witnesses to history now, but one day, you will become warriors who push the times forward. I kept this a secret because it's a thorny road. Few people mean fewer goals, so safety is paramount."

He smiled and continued, "Don't worry, time will reveal all mysteries, and you will eventually understand everything. Moreover, this is also preparation for future challenges."

Deep in his heart, Teya silently added: "When the storm comes, you will be my strongest support."

That night, the office was filled with an atmosphere of trust and anticipation. Although they didn't fully understand each other's feelings, their deep friendship was enough to support them in facing an uncertain future together. In the morning light, gently caressed by ancient magic, the lamp of "understanding" in Tina and Smoker's hearts swayed slightly, illuminating the deeper meaning behind Thea's words.

They longed to be the protagonists of this story, not just spectators. This eagerness was like a young sprout breaking through the soil in spring, vibrant yet a little immature. Teya's decision, like a gentle rain caressing the buds, seemed distant, but in reality it was the most gentle nourishment—protecting them from the wind and frost, a warmth that even they themselves hadn't fully realized.

Imagine Thea standing by the window of an ancient library, a sea of rolling clouds outside, a mountain of ancient books and unsolved mysteries within. Suddenly, Tina reaches out, her fingertips gently touching Thea's sturdy arm. Her eyes close, as if engaged in a silent conversation, vowing to every corner of the universe: "No matter the wind, rain, or lightning, our trust is as eternal as the stars, Master Thea." At that moment, Thea's heart ripples, and a warm smile curls at the corners of her mouth, a response to this pure trust.

Tina spun lightly, sauntering into the lounge as gracefully as a deer in the woods, leaving behind a room filled with silence and anticipation. Smoker, however, stood firm like an old oak tree with deep roots in the earth, his eyes flickering with a hesitant glint, as if a storm was brewing within him.

However, it was Teja who first broke the silence. His voice was deep and magnetic: "Smoker, what do you think of this world, both brilliant and dappled?" Smoker's gaze pierced through the mists of time as he slowly replied: "Once upon a time, I believed this world was a flawless paradise. But since following Teacher Teja into those unknown corners, I've come to understand that beauty and darkness coexist, and the latter is even more glaring."

Upon hearing this, a complex emotion flashed in Thea's eyes, as if he were weighing something. He knew full well that dragging Tina and Smoker into the "storm" he was about to unleash was a huge gamble. Especially regarding the grand plan of freeing the slaves, it was not just a contest of courage and determination, but also a dance of cunning and stealth. Thea's actions alone were already fraught with peril; adding these two to the mix would undoubtedly make the operation shaky, like a candle in the wind.

So, Thea began to conceive a series of ingenious "alibi", like weaving an invisible web, to protect the safety of Tina and Smoker while ensuring the smooth implementation of the plan. He thought that perhaps the most suitable role for them now was to become the observer behind this big drama, waiting for the situation to change and wait for the time to come.

Téa harbors a secret experiment in his heart: He wants to know how Tina and Smoker, unprepared for the sudden and devastating event, will interpret the storm in their own ways, and what courage and wisdom they will demonstrate. This is a silent test, and also a vote of confidence in their potential for growth.

"Smoker," Thea's voice sounded again, with a hint of depth and expectation, "In every corner of this world, there are lights that we need to protect. And are you ready? Light your path in your own way."

At that moment, Smoker seemed touched by an invisible force. He nodded, his eyes gleaming with unprecedented determination. Under Thea's guidance, the three of them, though fighting their own battles, remained united in spirit, weaving their own legendary story together. "Thea, my choice to conceal this from you and Tina is actually a way to weave an invisible safety net, gently enveloping you both.

The journey I'm about to embark on is like traversing a dark, misty forest, where every step could trigger an unknown trap. Even a lone hero like me must admit the danger is enough to make the stars tremble. Therefore, my silence isn't indifference, but a deeply felt watchfulness. Teya's words echoed softly in the air, each word seeming to carry a tremendous weight. He paused, then let out a long, complex sigh, as if absorbing all the unspoken meaning.

However, Smoker's thoughts had already drifted to another dimension, where he found the stage he had always dreamed of: Rogue Town. This decision quietly took root in his heart, like a seed growing tenaciously in a crack in the rock, until it broke through the ground and faced the wind and rain.

"Teacher Teya, I have decided. I will apply to be transferred to the place that witnessed the legend - Rogue Town." Smoker's words were filled with unquestionable determination. His eyes seemed to penetrate the boundaries of time and space and directly see the small town full of stories and dreams.

Upon hearing this, a flicker of surprise crossed Toya's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by understanding and encouragement. Smoker's inner monologue surged like a tide, his secrets, never revealed to anyone, now flowing freely. It turned out that many years ago, when he was just a naive teenager outside of Rogue Town, he had witnessed the shocking execution of Pirate King Roger.

At that moment, Roger was the embodiment of a hero and a dream, a lone king. However, his youthful passion didn't drive him down the path of piracy. Instead, he chose to wear a navy uniform. Perhaps it was because the pirates he encountered were all synonymous with greed and violence, tainting his pure yearning for the "great pirate."