Treasure Hunting System： The Ocean Conquerer

”Are you leaving so soon? Wouldn’t you like to stay a bit longer? The Blooming Festival is coming up, and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.”

The elderly woman, busy with her duties, saw Alka and his companions approach to bid farewell and tried to persuade them to stay.

She genuinely wished for Alka and his group to stay longer.

Alka and his companions hadn’t been present during the initial period of the war. However, since their arrival to offer support, they had practically assisted from the beginning to the end. Although reinforcements from other locations arrived later, meaning Alka and his group were no longer required to exert themselves as much on the battlefield, help is help, especially when it was offered at such a critical time. Yet, so soon after receiving their help, the beneficiaries—her people—had not yet fully expressed their gratitude before their benefactors were set to depart. This made them feel somewhat ungrateful. The sentiment was deeply unsettling to her.

Hearing her plea, Alka smiled and waved his hand dismissively.

”There’s no need, really. We have other matters to attend to. Thank you for your kind intentions, Lady Melvi.”

Seeing that Alka and his companions seemed resolute, the elderly woman, Melvi, decided against further persuasion.

After a moment’s thought, she asked, ”If you are heading to other places within the Land of Spirits, would you mind telling me where?”

Alka considered for a moment before replying, ”We plan to travel to the Land of Fragrance.”

That was the island with the nearest orange light spots. But since vines now connected it to other land, it wasn’t strictly considered an island anymore. Thus, it was known as the Land of Fragrance—a large landmass that had originally been an island. At least, it was much larger than the one they were currently on.

Hearing this, the old woman nodded with understanding, her mood clearly improving. She smiled and said, ”That’s good. Whether you walk there directly or travel by boat, you should be able to arrive in time for the Blooming Festival. In recognition of your assistance, I have already spread word of your deeds. Other communities will also maintain a friendly attitude towards you. I hope this small gesture will be of help.”

Upon hearing this, Alka made a gesture of the Holy Mother, bowed slightly, and said gratefully, ”That’s very helpful. May the Holy Mother bless you.”

”It is we who should be thanking you. Compared to the help you’ve given, this is insignificant.” As she finished speaking, watching Alka and his companions prepare to depart, the old woman made a gesture. ”May the flowers in your hearts always bloom.”

After bidding farewell to the old woman, they reluctantly accepted some local specialty products gifted by the island, mostly consisting of various Flower Fruits.

Amidst the expressions of gratitude from the soldiers on the island, they departed from the area.

”Sirs, wait! Wait for us!”

A familiar voice called out from behind them.

The few people loading supplies onto the Phoenix Flight turned to look.

It was the supply team from Piaoqiu Village that had originally traveled with them. Leading them was the bearded Madro. He appeared to be considerably injured; his left hand was bandaged, and a fresh-looking wound was visible on his head. These were injuries sustained during the defense battle. Only three militiamen remained with him, two of whom also bore various scars. However, their ability to move was not affected.

Jason watched them approach, then quickly went forward and said with a smile, ”Madru? It’s great to see you’re alright!”

Madru replied, ”It’s rather embarrassing, but we didn’t contribute much. We just got knocked unconscious. Fortunately, we survived. We’ve already heard about your great deeds in the fortress. Thank you so much.”

After they exchanged pleasantries for a while, Madru then asked, ”Judging by your preparations, are you planning to leave?”

Jason nodded.

”Then, may I be so bold as to ask...”

Before he could finish, Jason smiled, clapped him on the shoulder, and said, ”We’re returning the way we came. Would you like to join us?”

”Really? What a coincidence! If it’s possible, then of course. It would be our honor.”

After chatting for a little longer, the groups joined up and set off together once more.

Compared to their journey there, the transport sleds now carried more, and more valuable, goods. These were supplies being returned to the village from the fortress, a reward for their courageous contributions. But the ranks of the militiamen escorting these supplies were now diminished; two were forever missing, reportedly lost in the defense battle.

This return journey was exceptionally quiet and safe. They encountered no obstacles along the way, and after a few days, they arrived safely back at Piaoqiu Village.

Gazing at Piaoqiu Village in the distance, Alka sighed. Clearly, Piaoqiu Village had also suffered an attack.

Numerous vine-ball houses showed evident signs of attack and damage. It seemed reconstruction work was still underway. Although a significant portion of the damaged areas had been repaired, traces of the previous battle were still visible on the vine houses that remained under reconstruction. Some villagers were using magic to control Spell, guiding vines to grow and entwine, mending the breaches caused by the destruction. Some houses lay abandoned, presumably to be demolished later.

”Madru, you’re back! It’s wonderful to see you safe. When news came from the fortress earlier, I feared you all had...”

At this, the elderly village chief sighed, walked over, and gently embraced Madru. He then greeted and embraced each of the militiamen who had returned with Madru. Seeing the diminished group, he shook his head and sighed heavily once more.