As the first rays of sunlight crept over the horizon of Jo Isnd, the faint but rhythmic tig of a clock resonated from the bcksmith’s workshop. It was a sound fn to this era yet full of promise, a harbinger ress born from sleepless dedication.

  At the heart of the workshop sat a small metal box, its coiled spring unwinding with precision, driving the intricate gears within. The prototype was simple, with only hour markings on its face, but its significe far outweighed its modest design. The hands of the oved steadily, a testament to the persistence of its creators.

  In a quiet er of the workshop, Ravenna and Marie observed the marvel with keen i. Marie’s eyes sparkled as she watched the clock tick away, her amazement almost palpable.

  “Master... it really moves on its own,” she said, her voice filled with awe. “It was so worth waiting ht for the bcksmiths to plete this.”

  Ravenna nodded, her lips curling into a rare smile as she watched the girl’s excitement. “Indeed,” she replied softly, her gaze briefly shifting to the tired but proud bcksmiths who had poured their hearts into the project.

  The workshop was alive with a quiet sense of triumph. The bcksmiths, covered in soot and sweat, stood nearby, their exhaustion overshadowed by the pride of their aplishment. They had worked tirelessly through the night, fixing mistakes, fiuning the meism, and ensuring the clock would fun as intended.

  Rather than her usual sharp critique or demanding remarks, Ravenna surprised everyone by addressing them with warmth. “Good work, everyone,” she said, her tone carrying an uncharacteristitleness. “You’ve all earned a mueeded rest. Please make sure to take care of yourselves.”

  The bcksmiths exged startled gnces, clearly unprepared for such praise. he head bcksmith, managed a hesitant response. “Ah... yes, Yhness. Thank you,” he stammered, bowing slightly before signaling his team to pack up.

  Ravenna’s smile lingered as she watched them shuffle out, their steps heavy but their spirits high. This was more than a meical clock—it was the first of its kind in this world, a groundbreaking innovation crafted not with the plex weight-driven escapement meisms like the first clocks oh but with a simpler spring escapement design. Its creation was no less impressive.

  The successful crafting of a spring meism opened a world of possibilities. Springs were a marvel in their ht, with potential applications spanning far beyond timekeeping. Ravenna envisioned automating bor-inteasks, streamlining produ.

  This project was just the first step. Once her pns for a steam engine came to fruition, the possibilities for innovation would expand expoially. The groundwork was being id for a revolution in industry and daily life.

  Marie’s voiterrupted her musings. “Master,” the girl begaoinged with curiosity, “will we be making a lot more of these? To align schedules across the isnd?”

  Ravenna g Marie, a glimmer of amusement in her eyes. “Eventually, yes,” she replied. “But this clock is just the start. It’s a teag tool as much as it is an iion. The bcksmiths now have experience w with springs, which will be crucial for future projects. Timekeeping is important, but there’s more we do. Imagine maes that assist in farming, weaving, or even stru. This clock is the first step toward making those dreams a reality.”

  Marie’s eyes wide that, her imagination running wild with the vision Ravenna paihough she didn’t know how.

  Meanwhile Jo Isnd, Northern Coastline

  As the first light of dawn kissed the northern coastline of Jo Isnd, the fishermen stirred to life. The soft glow of the rising sun illumihe waves, casting shimmering refles that danced upoers. Torches, still burning from the night’s bor, flickered in the breeze. Slowly, the fishermen moved to extinguish them, their work now lit by the sun’s golden rays.

  It was time to check the s. Men waded into the shallow waters, their boots spshing against the tide as they began the arduous task of reeling in the heavy, waterlogged s. Grunts of effort filled the air, mingling with the gentle crash of waves. Horses were brought forward to aid the effort, their muscles straining against the weight as the s were dragged inch by inch closer to shore.

  Suddenly, the tension in the ropes increased, and a collective murmur of excitement spread among the fishermen. “We actually caught them!” someone shouted. The anticipation grew as the first glimmers of scales broke the surface.

  With a final heave, the s came ashore, revealing the bounty of Mira Fish, the magical beasts with rge, boar-sized bodies. Their shimmering scales reflected shades of silver and blue, and their purple eyes glowed faintly in the m light. The creatures thrashed and flipped on the sand, their powerful tails leaving marks on the ground.

  Knives o worked, keeping them in pce as the fishermen swiftly worked to secure the catch, cutting through the s and ensuring none of the precious fish escaped. As the Mira Fish were hauled ashore, the catch grew even more impressive. Maverick Fish, as rge as horses, emerged . Their formidable front scales gleamed like polished armor, while their oddly shaped, paddle-like tails spped against the ground in defiance.

  “Oh, my goddess Herptian! There are so many of them!” excimed Richard, his voice filled with awe as the fishermen tio pull more fish from the sea. Around him, smiles bloomed on every face. It was a rare sight among them for months, a catch of this magnitude meant prosperity for the isnd.

  Meanwhile, Hughes, standing among the knights overseeing the operation, turo assess the preparations for preserving the haul. “I’ll che the ice,” he said, striding purposefully toward the cave with several knights in tow.

  The small cave entrance was sealed with thick wooden doors to maintain its iterior. As the knights untched and swung the doors open, a burst of cold air greeted them, cutting through the warmth of the m. Inside, pots filled with water had frozen solid ht, thanks to the ingenious cooling teiques employed. Hughes ied the frozen tainers, satisfied with the results.

  “Alright, everyone!” Hughes barked as he stepped back outside, his voice carrying authority. “Bring out the iron boxes the bcksmiths crafted. We’ll pack the id fish together to preserve as much as we . The rest of the fish o be smoked and salt-dried. Move quickly! We don’t have much time before the sun starts warming things up!”

  “Yes, Captain!” the knights replied in unison, their voices eg off the cave walls as they sprang into a.

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