Treasure Hunting System： The Ocean Conquerer

This was a forest made up of unknown trees. Three gigantic trees leaned toward each other, intertwining, appearing like triplets who had never been separated after birth and remained joined.

The three trees formed an extraordinarily exquisite detached villa. Clear signs of artificial modification were visible; sunken giant roots were twisted to create the entrance.

Huge branches extended out to form the villa’s balconies, with windows visible among the lush green foliage. Vines coiled around them, and the flowers and fruits hanging from these vines flickered faintly with light, appearing to be the source of illumination at night.

The entire forest held similar villas, but the one before them, formed by these three trees, was evidently the best and largest. Clearly, the intertwining of these three trees was not due to intervention but was a unique occurrence.

”Honored guests, this is your resting place, the Seat of Three Trees. It’s the finest residential area in the Emerald Fortress. I hope you have a wonderful night,” the young woman said, leading the group inside.

As they passed through the entrance formed by roots and stepped inside, the roots slowly shifted, becoming a solid door.

In this area, one could also see two or three guards patrolling. Compared to the vastness of the entire forest area, these few guards seemed somewhat token. However, considering they had just endured a perilous defensive battle, it was understandable why there were so few.

The detached villa, formed by the twisted and intertwined trees, had two levels with various rooms of different sizes. This made the group, staying in such a house for the first time, exceptionally curious.

After all, this was a house formed by three fused trees, and these three trees were still growing together perfectly. Julia could clearly sense that the trees were very healthy.

Because it was used for habitation, it was so well-maintained that there weren’t even any pests.

”If you need anything, you can ask the guards outside for help,” the young woman said as she prepared to leave.

The group nodded, watching her bid farewell and depart.

After she left, Alka stamped his foot on the floor, which was made of thick wooden planks. ”Phew... It feels good to be standing on solid ground.”

The swampy terrain they had recently traversed—the Sea of Moisture—had made Alka somewhat uncomfortable. This wasn’t because of any peculiar force at work, but simply because it was unpleasant to his senses. That Sea of Moisture was neither vast like the ocean, where one could sail freely, nor solid like the earth, which offered a sense of security. Beneath its surface, a layer of various plant vines and rocks formed footholds, much like a true swamp. This in-between experience had made Alka very uncomfortable. The Sea of Moisture was also as vast as a sea, which made it even more unsettling.

At Alka’s remark, everyone except for Pororo and the other two sea-dwelling race members nodded in agreement. For Pororo and his two companions, being of sea-dwelling races, both the Sea of Moisture and the Ocean were far more comfortable than the land on any island. This was a difference stemming from their race.

However, now that they had a relatively safe place to rest, Lucilia led her Puppet Legion to start choosing suitable rooms.

”Ling, let everyone rest well. Wu and the others, check for any damage and make repairs,” Lucilia instructed.

The previous battle had not been without losses for the Puppet Girls. Although there were no casualties, some damage was inevitable, and simple repairs were needed. They could handle such simple repairs and maintenance very well on their own, so Alka and the others didn’t need to worry. Fortunately, the detached villa was spacious enough.

After watching the chattering Puppet Girls pick their rooms, a dissatisfied roar from the Crystal Dragon sounded from outside a second-floor window.

Hearing this sound, everyone seemed somewhat helpless. Jason had no choice but to immediately go upstairs to comfort her by the window. From outside, one could see the Crystal Dragon standing on a thick branch, roaring in discontent. Beside her was a window leading inside.

Given the Crystal Dragon’s current size, it was apparent that the interior of such a building was no longer suitable for her. Fortunately, the building was formed by three giant, intertwined trees, and their upper branches created a comfortable resting place above, suitable for the Crystal Dragon.

But for the Crystal Dragon, this was still not an ideal choice. This wasn’t just the case here; even on the ship, there were already many places she could no longer enter, including the cabins, the forecastle, and the aftcastle. She could typically only roam on the deck. Her resting place had also been moved there, where her bulk usually occupied a corner.

However, this was a problem she had to face as she continued to grow larger over time.

Everyone else sat around the main hall, chatting idly, recovering their strength, resting, and enjoying the tranquility.

”Did you see the gray-black aura surging from the Life and Death Boundary earlier?” Chadite asked, leaning back in a chair woven from vines.

Alka nodded. ”The monsters attacking from the Life and Death Boundary... they haven’t completely retreated yet, have they?”

Hearing this, Simon nodded. ”That’s right,” he said. ”Just as we were leaving, I noticed those soldiers were still making preparations. They only cheered briefly; there were no shouts of victory.”