Chapter 101-The heatwave

Chapter 101: 101-The heatwave

By the time evening approached, the ocean had become a vast expanse of boiling sunlight.

The change began so gradually that most people barely noticed it at first. The clouds thinned, the wind grew strangely warm, and the sunlight that fell across the water became increasingly harsh.

However, as the afternoon dragged on, the temperature continued to climb until even the air above the ocean felt like it was coming from an enormous furnace.

The heatwave arrived in full force, the temperature rose at an alarming rate. The metal surfaces of exposed ships grew scorching hot, and the water surrounding them shimmered beneath the oppressive heat.

Even the ocean breeze, usually a welcome relief for survivors trapped aboard vessels, had become hot and suffocating.

On Aymara’s cruise ship, the system issued a warning.

[Warning! Extreme heatwave detected.]

[External temperature is rising rapidly. Prolonged exposure may cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, and damage to vulnerable equipment.]

[Recommend activating the ship’s environmental cooling system.]

Aymara was sitting in the lounge with Nathaniel when the warning appeared.

She glanced at the floating display, then looked toward the windows. The sunlight outside had turned an almost blinding white, making the distant horizon difficult to distinguish.

"That was quick," she murmured. "Heatwaves are probably going to become more common. We should be prepared for them."

Nathaniel shifted slightly in his seat. Although the ship’s interior remained comfortable for the moment, he could already feel the change in temperature.

A faint sheen of perspiration had appeared along his hairline, and the air seemed heavier than it had been earlier.

"Is this another consequence of the apocalypse?" he asked.

"Probably. First the rising sea levels, then the mutated creatures, and now a heatwave." Aymara shook her head. "At this rate, the world is determined to kill everyone in the most creative ways possible."

Nathaniel gave a quiet laugh at her humour. "You sound offended so I think the apocalypse’s aim is being fulfilled," he laughed.

"I am offended. I haven’t even finished enjoying my new life, and the world keeps trying to interrupt me."

She raised her hand toward the system display.

"Activate the cooling system throughout the ship. Maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, prioritize the medical rooms and living quarters, and ensure the food storage areas remain properly regulated."

[Command acknowledged, host.]

[Environmental cooling system activated.]

[Temperature regulation adjusted across all internal compartments.]

A soft hum passed through the ship. Within minutes, the air conditioning began circulating cool air throughout the corridors.

The oppressive warmth inside the lounge faded, replaced by a refreshing breeze that made Aymara feel as though she had stepped into a completely different world.

She stretched her arms above her head. "Much better!" She said, smiling with extreme relief.

Nathaniel watched her with amusement. "You really don’t hesitate when it comes to spending your resources."

"Why should I hesitate? What’s the point of having a system if I can’t use it to make my life comfortable?"

She leaned toward him, smiling. "Besides, I have more than enough power and fuel to run the cooling system. I’d rather spend a little extra energy keeping us comfortable than have you suffering in this heat."

Nathaniel’s expression softened. He found this version of her had things going for her than the version that had placed her life on pause to build a man.

Thinking of the man she had sacrificed everything for, including him, his earlier doubt surfaced but he swallowed it quickly before it showed and she caught a whiff of it.

"You always find a way to make everything about me," he played it off.

"That’s because you’re important," she said it so naturally that Nathaniel momentarily forgot how to respond. The words stung especially with the doubts creeping in his mind.

Aymara, however, seemed entirely unaware of the effect her words had on him. She stood up and offered him her hand. "Come on."

"Where are we going?" Nathaniel asked, questioning her sudden desire to move.

"On a stroll," she heartily suggested.

Nathaniel looked at her hand, then at her face. "A stroll?"

"Yes. The weather outside is terrible, but the inside of this ship is perfectly comfortable. We might as well take advantage of it and inspect everything while we’re at it."

She wiggled her fingers impatiently. "Come on, Nate. I’ll show you the whole ship. You’ll be able to see it better today."

Nathaniel placed his hand in hers. "All right."

Aymara’s smile brightened immediately. She helped him stand, making sure he was steady before allowing him to take his first steps. Although his condition had improved after the earlier medical episode, she remained careful not to let him overexert himself.

They walked slowly through the lounge and into the corridor, their hands still joined.

Aymara had visited almost every section of the ship since the apocalypse began, but there was something different about walking through it with Nathaniel.

She found herself wanting to show him everything, from the smallest conveniences to the most impressive upgrades. She wanted him to understand that he was safe here.

More importantly, she wanted him to feel that he belonged.

They began with the main living areas, checking the cooling vents, lights, and other equipment before moving toward the kitchen.

The kitchen was spotless, with refrigerators humming quietly and cabinets filled with ingredients. Aymara opened several compartments to inspect the contents while Nathaniel checked the inventory displayed on the system panel. Everything was in order.

They continued through the medical room, the bedrooms, the gym, and the storage facilities. At every stop, Aymara checked the equipment and asked Nathaniel whether anything needed improvement. He offered a few practical suggestions, and she listened carefully, making notes on her system interface.

Eventually, they reached the farming area. The moment the doors opened, Nathaniel stopped walking.

"Mara..." He became breathless.

Aymara turned toward him. "What is it?" She sounded, worried that his condition was acting up again.

He pointed toward the growing beds. "Look at those."

Aymara had expected the plants to be growing well, given the system’s accelerated cultivation feature. She had not expected what she saw when she took a look.

The farming area had been transformed since last she saw it. Rows of vegetables stretched across the growing beds, their broad leaves healthy and green. Tomatoes hung in heavy clusters, their skins turning red beneath the cultivation lights. Cucumbers had grown thick and long along their supports, while peppers dangled from sturdy stems.

Nearby, leafy greens had spread into dense patches, and the roots of several crops were nearly ready to be pulled from the soil but the vegetables were only the beginning.

Beyond the first section, the cereal crops had developed tall stalks bearing full heads of grain. Wheat and other grains that would ordinarily require much longer to mature had progressed so rapidly that their heads were already filling out.

Farther along, the fruit section was equally astonishing. Strawberries clustered beneath their leaves, their surfaces bright red. Mango trees already had huge mangos in their branches. Small melons rested among the vines, while young fruit trees had grown thick branches laden with developing fruit. Several varieties were already approaching maturity.

The entire area smelled fresh and earthy, carrying the scent of green leaves and damp soil.

Nathaniel stared before he slowly turned toward Aymara. "How long has this been growing?" He asked because he’d had she bought the ship seven days before the apocalypse and it’s only been two weeks since, not enough time for such produce.

"A few days..." Aymara subconsciously answered, she too was shocked to her limits.

"A few days?" His gaze returned to the crops. "You’re telling me that these vegetables, grains, and fruits have reached this stage in only a few days?"