Treasure Hunting System： The Ocean Conquerer

Then, holding Alka’s hand, she started running forward.

”Hurry, come with me! Mom is waiting for you.”

Alka let the little girl lead him, running ahead. To match her small size, he had to stoop and quicken his steps.

Soon, more children’s laughter echoed from ahead, a mix of boys’ and girls’ voices, interspersed with faint sounds of crying. More children, both boys and girls, emerged from the wheat field, all looking at Alka. Some faces showed timidity, others curiosity, but most lit up with delight.

A few of the boys were exceptionally bold, running right up to Alka and swarming around him, hugging his legs and waist.

”You’ve grown so big already?”

”How did you get so big? Teach me!”

”Carry me! Quick!”

”COO COO!”

A cacophony of voices clamored in Alka’s ears.

”Quiet, you little troublemakers.”

A gentle, captivating voice called out, and the children immediately hushed. They scampered towards the source of the voice, eager for that figure to hug them. Alka looked over.

In the wheat field ahead, a woman’s figure had appeared at some unknown point. She stood amidst the wheat, the heads of grain, like waves, swaying gently around her legs without a breeze. She was about 1.7 meters tall, dressed in a modest, wheat-yellow gown. Her golden hair was woven into a thick, long braid that cascaded down her back. Her attire was exceedingly simple, devoid of any extravagance, yet no one looking at her would think she lacked nobility.

She embraced the little girl who had brought Alka there, then stood up. Only then did Alka see her face clearly. She looked like a young woman in her late teens or early twenties, yet also possessed the grace of a beautiful woman in her thirties or forties. She was exceptionally beautiful and enchanting, yet also exuded an air of ordinary approachability. These seemingly contradictory qualities coexisted harmoniously on her face, not creating any sense of discord; instead, they felt perfectly natural, as if it ought to be so.

A gentle smile adorned her face, and an approachable, kind aura radiated from her. Her beauty inspired reverence, not a hint of profanity.

She cuddled the little girl in her arms, rubbing their cheeks together twice, which made the little girl giggle. Then she patted the boisterous little boys nearby, saying, ”Quiet down, you little rascals.”

The children quieted down and stood around her, though they still occasionally nudged each other and fidgeted. She looked up at Alka, a gentle smile on her face, and beckoned him over.

Alka walked over slowly and came to stand before her. He lowered his head slightly in a bow.

”Stone Mother.”

Then he felt a gentle touch on his head—Stone Mother lightly patting and caressing it.

”This ring is not suitable for you; it will impede your progress. The compatibility between a Holy Grail and a Scepter is demonstrated by their mutual connection. If there’s no such demonstration, it means the Scepter is suppressing the Holy Grail; they are, in fact, repelling each other.”

Upon hearing this, Alka nodded in understanding. So that’s why. No wonder I had that premonition; this was the reason. If one wishes to become a Divine and advance further, their Treasures must be compatible.

”All things in creation can coexist within this world, but there must be something to bind them together. Otherwise, they are incompatible and will be in opposition.”

The Holy Mother imparted this teaching.

”However, you can continue to use this ring. It won’t affect you, as long as you don’t try to delve too deeply and attempt to fully master it.”

Alka nodded.

”You have already formed a deep bond with this world, which is good, and you are doing what you wish to do. But this undertaking is not easy; in fact, it is exceedingly difficult.”

Alka understood what Stone Mother was referring to and couldn’t help but ask, ”Why don’t the Four Gods try to piece the world back together?” This was perhaps his greatest question.

Based on what they had learned from casual conversations with the Dwarves, while the status of other gods was unknown, Stone Mother and the Sea God might already possess the ability to recreate the world. They were powerful beings with considerable Fame throughout the Star Realm. Yet, they apparently lacked the ability to reassemble this shattered world, which seemed incongruous.

Hearing Alka’s question, Stone Mother patted the head of the little girl in her arms, glanced at the sky, and then said, ”It’s not that we are incapable, but rather that the world itself does not permit it. She rejects us. This is because the ones responsible for the world’s current state are beings like us. We forsook the ’Mother’ who bore and nurtured us.”

Although Stone Mother had spoken simply, Alka instantly grasped the meaning behind her words. So, that was it.

”So, in this matter, no one can help us, correct?” Alka asked, looking at Stone Mother.

Stone Mother shook her head. ”Not entirely. Only the Old Gods face this rejection. The God of Rebirth also represents new hope for the world.”

”So, there is a chance, isn’t there?”

”Of course. It’s just very, very difficult to achieve.”

Alka nodded. As long as there’s hope, that’s enough. Stone Mother’s meaning was clear: the primary condition for piecing the world back together is to become a Divine. That requires sufficient power.

Stone Mother looked at Alka and said softly, ”When you require assistance in this matter, any Church of the Four Gods will be willing to help you, provided your efforts are truly effective.”

”Alright, your time is nearly up. You should leave now.”