More and more ships were gathering around.
From the comings and goings, it was clear they were not far from the Twin Islands, and they were expected to arrive tonight.
"So handsome! Oh, I regret this so much." Jason leaned against the crystal dragon, looking at the situation on deck with deep regret.
He felt a deep sense of regret.
"How is it handsome? It stinks!" Urulius, behind him, turned his dragon head and said with disdain.
At this moment, a blood-red figure on the deck flashed across the mast, the side, and the deck, leaving a blood-red trail.
A flash of a knife flashed, and a smooth cut appeared on the target on the deck.
Narvi, clad in a blood-red cloak, revealed himself behind the target.
The blood-red figure looked unusually handsome.
He had already mastered this treasure and was making in-depth use of it.
From this, it can be seen that each artifact seems to be used differently by different owners.
And they also made a new discovery.
Regarding the theory of the aura on artifacts, and the fact that owning a treasure is a significant advantage, it can be said that blood ties are clearly reflected in the artifacts.
The strong personal aura that should have taken one to two years to dissipate was easily mastered by Narvi, even though the aura still existed.
Through their research, they discovered that the aura Narvi left on the artifacts and the artifact's own aura had a high degree of overlap.
While there were still differences, the impact of these differences was not significant.
After Narvi used the artifact for approximately ten days, the difference in aura had been eliminated.
The remaining aura was completely Narvi's.
The reason for this was very clear: it was because the previous owner was Narvi's younger brother.
You have to know that they share an extremely close blood relationship, as they are biological brothers.
Born from the same father and mother.
This certainly can't be considered a major discovery for them. But they were completely unaware of this situation.
That means this information must have been intentionally hidden.
For those families, this is indeed a good thing, as it means a treasure can be used seamlessly.
What's most concerning is the accumulation of auras within a treasure. This means that if a treasure remains within the same family for a long enough time, it can almost always be used seamlessly.
When the family falls into decline, or when the treasure is acquired by an outsider, the lingering aura alone is enough to make the recipient spend a long time eliminating their personal aura.
This can be considered an alternative form of protection, capable of deeply disgusting others.
If a family survives for hundreds or even thousands of years,
Just eliminating the aura might take more than a dozen, or even decades.
Others might be able to accept this, but for Alka and the others, it was truly a disgusting method.
"Can't the bloody smell from using the treasure be removed? It's a bit too strong," Sofia asked, leaning against the mast nearby.
Juanlu, who was also watching nearby, said, "I remember the last time your brother attacked us, the bloody smell from the treasure was very faint, and you could only smell it when you got close."
And we still have to rule out the bloody smell, wondering if it could be caused by something else.
Hearing the two's words, Narvi shook his head.
"Not right now. The bloody smell from using this treasure seems difficult to eliminate at this stage.
We can only see if we can control it somewhat after we master it."
"It should be no problem," Alka said nearby.
Because the fourth stage is the stage where protection is fully mastered, it can easily resolve some of the treasure's minor side effects.
Kalutto had just reached this stage.
Narvi nodded, stood up, and looked outside.
A large merchant ship passed them not far away.
"Are we almost there?"
There was a hint of regret in his voice.
Their voyage took about a month.
This was with the increased speed of the Voice of Dawn; in the past, it would have taken them about a month and a half.
This also meant that the new landmark island in the Land of All Spirits and the Twin Finger Islands were quite close.
No other landmark islands were so close.
"Yes, we should be there tonight," Alka replied.
Time passed quickly. Within a few hours, they could already see the Twin Islands in the distance.
This time, they were right at the entrance to the Twin Islands, eliminating the need to make a long detour to the other side as before.
After the ship was inspected, it slowly entered the sea channel and entered the central bay.
The ship docked under the guidance of personnel bearing the emblem of the Church of Our Lady.
This time, the ship was lightly camouflaged, and the gems on the central treasure tree were completely hidden unless someone was aboard.
This also reduced the burden on the port staff.
They no longer needed to deploy additional personnel to guard Alka and his crew's ship.
"When are you leaving?" Jason asked, looking at Narvi beside him.
Now that they had docked, it was time to say goodbye.
Narvi glanced at the ring on his finger, which contained his brother's body.
He sighed and said, "We'll pack up and leave. Their souls can't wait any longer. They need a true memorial."
Hearing this, Jason gave him a brief hug as a farewell.
Everyone bid Narvi farewell.
After all, after such a long journey together, they were considered very close friends.
"I'll leave you now, friends. I hope we'll meet again in the Land of the Spirits."
Narvi waved at them from the shore and headed off.
The Twin Islands also had regular boat service.
At that moment, the sky darkened, and night fell.
"What about us? Any plans?"
Sofia asked Alka.
Alka glanced at the others, pointed to the captain's cabin, and walked over. "Alright, let's have a small meeting to sort out the itinerary."
Everyone filed in, gathered around the large round table in the center, and began to chat.
Alka tapped the table lightly and began to speak.
"We still have two things to do. One is to retrieve Vastva's scepter-level treasure."
Everyone nodded. The island they first arrived on held the scepter-level treasure they first encountered.
"But have we met the necessary conditions?" Simon asked.
You know, the requirements for Vastva's scepter-level treasure were a bit too demanding.
"Seasonal treasures and divine power." Alka explained with a smile, then pointed at himself.
"I can use a little divine power." This was precisely what came from the fragment of the godhead.
"A treasure that symbolizes winter, Pororo." They all knew this without a doubt.
"Matlisa's new treasure symbolizes spring."
After saying this, everyone turned their attention to Matlisa.
"Can it work?" Sofia asked.
Alka nodded. "Don't worry, it's okay."
"What about the other two?"
"For the treasure symbolizing autumn, we can seek the help of the Mother Church," Alka said.
Hearing this, everyone pondered for a moment.
Indeed, if one were to ask which faction was most likely to possess a treasure symbolizing autumn, the Mother Church would undoubtedly be the first choice.
"As for the treasure symbolizing summer, remember our minor enemy on Southern Cross Island?"
"You mean the king's brother?" Jason asked.
That man had indeed caused them considerable trouble back then.
But it was also a blessing in disguise for Alka.
"Does one of his treasures symbolize summer?"
Alka shook her head. "No, not him. It's Baraz. Remember?"
As soon as the name came out, everyone briefly pondered for a second before remembering the man.
"You mean the merchant who suffered with us?"
"Yes, that's him."
Everyone had a deep impression of him. After all, Baraz risked staying by the enemy's side in the final act of revenge.
They didn't know what his current situation was.
Now they had the strength to pursue their vengeance.
"His treasure was used before us, and it emitted fire. It must be related to summer."
Hearing this, everyone nodded.
"Then we can kill that damned guy while we're at it," Jason said.
"That's right."
Alka continued, "After that, we have to go to the Tower of Trials again. We've reached the fourth stage, the stage where we can fully control the treasure. It's time to begin the final trial."
Those who pass the trial will receive the appropriate divine essence.
They won't forget that.
Those who complete the entire trial will directly receive a scepter-level divine essence. This is the final reward for completing the entire Trial Tower.
And it only comes once.
To ensure completion, Alka must reach perfection in all four stages, or even near perfection.
So it's scheduled after Vastva's itinerary.
"During your time on the Twin Islands, Sofia will be responsible for disposing of the valuables," Alka said, looking at Sofia.
You should know that their treasury contains many valuable items besides gold coins, all of which need to be sold, and the Twin Islands are a perfect location.
After all, this is an island with two divine temples. Its safe environment inevitably leads to a prosperous trade here.
If they can buy most things, they can also sell a lot of treasure.
After all, the treasures on their ship that need to be sold must be worth tens of thousands of gold sails.
It's not something any random chamber of commerce could just swallow up.
Sofia nodded.
"It's rare to have so much money, so it's time for everyone else to spend it, isn't it?"
Alka smiled and said, "You should be able to buy most things you want on Twin Island."
"Gemstones! Gems!"
Urulius's voice came from outside the door.
Jason held his forehead helplessly.
Everyone just smiled at this.
"By the way, I have some good news, but it's not completely confirmed yet. I'll tell you later." Alka suddenly thought of something and stood up and said with a smile.
"Keeping you in suspense, huh? Like a little kid." Sofia stood up speechlessly, rolling his eyes.
"What news? Is it so secretive?"
Simon asked curiously.
If Alka said it was good news, then this news would definitely be a surprise.
Although some people were being stubborn, their curiosity was palpable.
Alka smiled and waved his hand, "Since it's a secret, I can't say any more."
"Tsk, boring."
Everyone left the doorway.
…
Shortly after dawn the next day, Alka left the Voice of Dawn alone and headed for the Cathedral of Our Lady.
Everyone went about their business.
Through the side door of the cathedral, Alka walked inside.
"Oh! Look who's here? The hero's here!"
A knight captain, who seemed to be guarding the cathedral with his squad, looked at Alka, walked over and said with a laugh.
It was Captain Marlowe, whom Alka had met and known several times at the port.
Alka gave him a brief hug.
"Great hero? Me?"
Alka asked, somewhat puzzled.
Malo nodded, then patted him on the shoulder. "Of course it's you, young man. Word of what you did in Zehai has long since spread. Your team is now quite well-known in this area."
Hearing this, Alka frowned again in confusion.
"Did the news spread so quickly?" After all, their team should have been the first to leave.
No one should have returned to the dual-guidance team faster than them.
"Well, only a few of us knew about it," Malo smiled awkwardly.
"The Silent Saint and some of the accompanying priests returned first via teleportation.
Those young men have been talking about your team's situation, and I've gotten a rough idea of it.
You are truly an incredible group of young people," Malo explained.
Hearing this, Alka nodded in understanding. So it's only normal that a few insiders knew about it. Although some people from the Land of All Spirits later began to return.
The stories of Alka and the others were bound to spread.
Alka didn't mind the rise in fame.
After all, sailing on the seas inevitably involves some money, power, influence, and fame.
Especially when it comes to fame, sailing all the way. Unless you're unknown, your deeds will naturally spread along with your actions.
Thinking of this, Alka smiled and asked, "I came here to find the Archbishop."
"The Archbishop? He's up there. Do you want me to take you there?"
Hearing this, Alka nodded. "That would be great."
After all, this damned church was incredibly complex and winding, and it wasn't right to rashly expand one's perception here.
"Come on, then."
Marrow briefly spoke to the soldier next to him, then led Alka upstairs, around the nearby staircase.
After reaching the second floor, they crossed the hallway and knocked on the door.
"Who's there?" The voice from inside didn't seem to be the Archbishop.
Alka remembered the Archbishop's voice quite clearly; it had a slightly different quality to it.
And it was clearly that of a young girl.
"It's the Shining Blade Saint," Marrow whispered beside Alka.
A complete stranger.
Then he answered the door, "Lord Alka has returned, and he wishes to see the Archbishop."
"Come in," the Archbishop's voice echoed.
Marrow opened the door and walked in with Alka.
He then politely nodded to the two people inside and took his leave, closing the door behind him.
Alka walked in and took a look. The archbishop was sitting at a large wooden table, seemingly writing something. The tapestry behind him depicted the Virgin Mary holding a child and standing in a wheat field.
The classic pattern within.
Next to him was the girl who had just spoken.
She was about 1.8 meters tall, with brilliant blonde hair. What caught her attention was the metal eyepatch she wore.
The eyepatch was heavily decorated with religious motifs.
On her head was a metal laurel wreath shaped like wheat ears, studded with gemstones.
She also wore close-fitting metal soft armor, which looked both practical and ornate. A slender sword slung across her waist.
The scabbard that held the blade was densely engraved with patterns.
Through the table, Alka could see another sword on her other side. However, it was obscured, preventing Alka from seeing clearly.
"I hope you'll consider this matter. I'll take my leave now." The girl, whom Marlowe called the Saint of the Shining Blade, left.
The archbishop simply nodded. "I'll consider your suggestion."
After the saint left, he turned to look at Alka.
"Sorry to have kept you waiting."
"You've performed very well in the Land of Spirits. Thank you for your help to Arati and the church members."
Hearing this, Alka quickly said, "I'm also a member of the church. This is what I'm supposed to do."
"You're right. Helping each other is a given," the archbishop said with a smile.
"How can I help you?" the archbishop asked, rising from his seat.
Alka smiled, and a heavy book flashed in his hand.
"I have a small favor to ask."
He placed the book on the table.
As Alka held out the book, the archbishop's gaze remained fixed on it.
He couldn't help but walk over and touch the cover.
After confirming the book's authenticity, he forced himself to withdraw his hand and sighed deeply.
"Has anyone ever told you that your bribery methods are a bit rigid?"
Hearing this, Alka simply smiled. "As long as the bribe is valuable enough, even a small flaw can be completely covered up, right?"
"Indeed, although you're young, you're certainly very perceptive. I have to say this book really hits the spot. I don't think any church member would refuse it."
The book Alka produced was none other than the manuscript of the ancient Stone Mother Canon he had retrieved from the Nafas family treasury.
"Speak now. As long as it doesn't violate church doctrine, I will consider providing you with sufficient assistance."
The archbishop placed his hand on the book and looked at Alka.