The village buzzed with anticipation as Senku and Kuri worked late into the evening, their makeshift laboratory lit only by the flickering glow of a fire. News had spread among the villagers that something extraordinary was about to happen, and a crowd had gathered near the workshop, whispering in hushed tones.
Senku leaned over the table, carefully adjusting the thin tungsten filament he had salvaged. Beside him, Kuri observed quietly, her silver eyes gleaming in the firelight.
"This is it," Senku said, his voice filled with determination. "The birth of electricity in the stone world."
Kuri tilted her head, her lips curving into a playful smile. "And the first step toward illuminating humanity's future. I'm excited."
He smirked, glancing at her briefly. "You're catching on."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the village into shadow, Senku connected the last wire to their makeshift generator. He stood back, taking a deep breath before turning to Kuri.
"Ready to make history?" he asked.
"Always," she replied, her voice soft but brimming with excitement.
Senku flipped the switch, and with a low hum, the generator whirred to life. For a moment, there was silence, the tension thick in the air. Then, the filament inside the glass bulb began to glow, faint at first but quickly brightening until it cast a warm, steady light that pierced the darkness.
Gasps rippled through the crowd as the villagers watched in awe. The soft golden glow of the light bulb was unlike anything they had ever seen, and their murmurs of disbelief grew into cheers of amazement.
Senku held the glowing bulb high, his face illuminated by its light. "This," he announced, his voice carrying over the crowd, "is electricity. The power to light the night and bring civilization out of the darkness."
The villagers erupted into cheers, their voices echoing into the night. But Kuri wasn't finished. Stepping forward, she extended her hand toward the bulb, her eyes glinting with mischief.
"Let me add a little magic," she said, her voice low enough that only Senku could hear.
Before he could question her, Kuri reached out, her fingers brushing the light bulb's surface. The glow intensified, and tiny orbs of light began to pull away from the bulb, hovering in the air like fireflies. The crowd fell silent, their eyes wide as Kuri danced gracefully, guiding the orbs around her with fluid movements.
The orbs of light spiraled upward, casting soft shadows on the villagers' faces. They swirled around Kuri and Senku, lighting up the sky like stars. Senku watched in astonishment, his scientific mind racing to understand how she was doing it, but also unable to deny how mesmerizing the display was.
Kuri turned to Senku, her smile playful. "Your turn."
"Me?" Senku asked, startled.
"Catch," she said, flicking one of the glowing orbs toward him.
Instinctively, Senku reached out, his hand brushing the orb. It hovered in his palm, warm and weightless, before drifting upward to join the others. A rare laugh escaped him, a sound that caught Kuri off guard but filled her chest with warmth.
She flicked her wrist, sending the orbs spiraling around the villagers, lighting the paths and rooftops. The village glowed as if touched by magic, and the people began to cheer louder, clapping and dancing in the newfound light.
Senku watched her, his heart pounding as the orbs reflected in her eyes. For a moment, he forgot about science, forgot about logic—forgot everything except the girl who was lighting up the world in ways he never could.
Kuri paused, catching his gaze. "What?" she asked, tilting her head.
He shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Nothing. Just thinking how I might have underestimated you."
She smirked, stepping closer until their faces were illuminated by the same light. "You're not so bad yourself, scientist."
The villagers began to gather around them, shouting their thanks and marveling at the display. The atmosphere shifted from awe to celebration as they broke into dancing and laughter, their joy palpable under the soft glow of science and magic combined.
As the night stretched on, Senku and Kuri stood side by side, watching the villagers celebrate. For the first time since the Petrification, the village was alive with light—not just from the bulbs and orbs, but from the hope and wonder that had been ignited.
"You know," Senku said, his voice low, "this is just the beginning. There's a whole world out there waiting to be lit up."
Kuri smiled, leaning slightly toward him. "Then let's light it up, Senku. Together."