Extraordinary Voyage-Chapter 566 - 502: Territorial Ambition
"Endless Ocean Phorcys?"
Aiven and Olivia exchanged glances; this was a term they had never heard before.
The giant wave came swiftly and retreated even faster, leaving the sea calm once more in the blink of an eye.
However.
Splish-splash...
A tall human figure composed entirely of seawater slowly rose from the sea beneath their feet. As its skin, hair, and clothing gradually transformed, it soon became indistinguishable from a real human.
It finally transformed into a giant over three meters tall, clad in brown bone armor, with wild hair and a majestic appearance.
Clearly, this was something that captured the Kraken's utmost attention, even during the most critical moment of its life. Though its main body couldn't move, it couldn't wait to send this incarnation.
The arrival of the head honcho made the group of four unable to muster the courage to make the "King of Sea Monsters" look up at them, so they all descended to the sea's surface. Despite their stances, they bowed in respect, a reverence to power.
"Lord Kraken!"
The King of Sea Monsters noticed the confusion on Aiven and Olivia's faces and adjusted his feelings slightly, having already reacted to the situation.
Completely ignoring the other two individuals, the Kraken's amber eyes eagerly focused on the pair of male and female officers standing before him, reorganizing his words to explain:
"Endless Ocean Phorcys is located in a remote area beyond the known world map of humans.
Turn west from the New Continent, cross the entire Broken Star Sea, step onto the Stormy Sea Route, and keep going forward. If you survive the terrifying Storm Belt, you'll reach Endless Ocean Phorcys.
Unfortunately, long ago, it was sealed by a power surpassing the True God, keeping anyone from passing to the other side of the Door.
However, I sensed the presence of Endless Ocean within you!"
When the hidden truth was abruptly revealed.
After a brief shock, Aiven and Olivia, having realized, spoke in unison:
"Golden Kingdom!"
The "Sky Goddess" Kurutena once said that the "Golden Kingdom" at the end of the Broken Star Sea guards a gate.
Behind the Gate lies the ultimate secret of this world; when thirteen Golden Compasses converge here, they will open a passage to another realm, granting adventurers the chance to witness the secret.
She didn't say that it's actually an vast and boundless ocean.
"You say we have the presence of Endless Ocean? Which means the 'Adventurer's Blood' born from the deal with the 'Ocean Goddess' Thetis itself relates to the secretive ocean hidden behind that Gate.
In other words, the high-level mysterious connection we possess is actually a destined 'Extraordinary Gathering Effect'. Regardless of any unexpected events, one day, the descendants holding the Compass will gather there?"
Linking the Kraken's and Kurutena's words together, Aiven and Olivia exchanged a knowing glance, a suspicion close to the truth arose in both of their minds.
"Haha, you really are related to that place!"
This powerful King of Sea Monsters, when hearing the words "Golden Kingdom" from their mouths, a bolt of electricity flashed between his eyes. He rubbed his hands together, unable to conceal his excitement.
Noticing their wariness towards his eager attitude, the Kraken hurriedly waved his hand to explain:
"Don't worry, I bear you no ill will.
In fact, the earliest habitat of our Ancient Land Turtle species was in that boundless sea.
Although I haven't seen it since I was hatched from an egg, everything from inherited memories remains clear in my mind."
Despite hearing this, Aiven was still a bit hesitant. "Adventurer's Blood" was one of the most important secrets he held. Besides Olivia, no one knew what it concealed.
"Throughout your human so-called Age of Navigation, I never left these seas, and hardly encountered humans, so I'm not very knowledgeable about outside affairs.
But I understand the rules of the human world. I'm willing to make a trade with you.
You may listen to my proposal first, and then decide."
The "King of Sea Monsters" showed sincerity, revealing some of his own secrets to gain Aiven's trust. Such a powerful entity doesn't rely on deception.
Actually.
As a divine creature from the same era as the "Mother of Sea Monsters," after the Dark Council Goddess Hipponeo was sealed, he had a chance to aspire to the Black Sea God's throne, becoming a strong contender against the "Mother of Sea Monsters."
The main reason for not choosing to be a deity wasn't due to a lack of power, but because he didn't want to be confined to the fixed pool of the Black Sea.
He still wishes to explore the idealized Endless Ocean Phorcys, to see if his kind still resides there?
To determine if he truly is the last descendant of the "Ancient Land Turtle?"
At least, from his inherited memories, Endless Ocean is a place where the earliest Ancient Land Turtles could roam freely.
Even if planning for godhood, it must be a vast ocean like Phorcys!
"Therefore, reaching Endless Ocean has always been my long-held wish, but it's impossible to force through using a divine creature's body. If you have a way, I won't let you suffer."
Aiven and Olivia's eyes sparkled.
Great, that's the statement we've been waiting for!
Aiven agreed with the Kraken's mindset; individuals at different levels pursue different desires.
Ordinary people wish for safety and sustenance, while nobles seek power and wealth. As the Kraken stands atop the peak of Extraordinary Creatures, the Black Sea's godhood can't bind his heart, wanting the poetic and far-reaching spiritual realm is completely understandable.
Moreover, the desire to return to one's roots is a common sentiment.
As for whether he has further motives upon arrival, it's none of our concern.
Indeed, when Aiven and Olivia eventually initiate their exploration plan, having such a powerful divine creature alongside will greatly enhance their safety. No ocean exploration is without risk, especially when probing the deepest secrets of this world?
Additionally, although this may be an existence potentially stronger than the Rose Sword Saint in its normal state, they are the ones asking for help currently. Seeking assistance reveals weaknesses, so there's no need to worry about losing wealth.
Then.
Aiven nodded to Olivia, and the two took out their inherited "Golden Compasses":
"Lord Kraken, this is the Divine Gift 'Golden Compass' from the 'Golden Kingdom'.
I once encountered a great being from the Golden Kingdom who said it was a blessing given to us by the 'Ocean Goddess' Thetis, with only thirteen existing worldwide.
If all thirteen Compasses can be gathered together, they can open a gate to another realm, but whether it leads to the Endless Ocean you mentioned, we do not know."
After examining the two Compasses for a long time, Kraken showed no intention to forcibly take them.
Although these "Golden Compasses" appear identical to ordinary ones, beings with Divine Creatures' high personality can see through deeper mysteries and the connection between the Compasses and the two before them.
More accurately, the true aura comes from the two of them, not the Compasses, something no one can take away.
Looking up deeply at the two:
"You indeed did not lie."
Thought for a while, then continued:
"I can promise you, if you are willing to take me along when opening that portal to Endless Ocean Phorcys. Not only will you earn my friendship, but also gain ownership of the large island I'm about to 'birth'.
This is not one of those alluvial islands with nothing but mud and sand; it is a large island drawn from void substances, with various mineral veins, fertile lands, and lakes.
Calculated in human measurement units, its area will reach 120,000 square kilometers. In two to two and a half months, it will truly take shape."
Aiven had not yet responded, but the projected status of Principal Princeton was already anxious:
"Aiven, listen to me! If possible, promise Lord Kraken. I can assure you half ownership of this land, whether for joint development or swapping it with the Kingdom for colonial land, it's up to you!"
He hurriedly continued, addressing Kraken:
"Lord Kraken, although our Kingdom Guardian, the Rose Sword Saint, cannot step away temporarily, I will apply to dispatch the Legendary Battleship 'Steam Fortress' personally to reinforce, ensuring success!"
Aiven was indeed considering land distribution issues, and with Olivia present, he couldn't pocket this treasure alone. Surprisingly, Principal Princeton was so understanding, so I won't hold back.
Feigning reluctance, he gritted his teeth:
"I wonder if the Goddess who gifted us the Compass will be displeased. But to fulfill your dream of returning to your roots, Lord Kraken, I agree.
It's just you can see that our current strength is temporarily limited, so exploring the world's mysteries has not yet been a priority on our agenda..."
Things obtained too easily are often not cherished, Aiven played a bit of negotiation tactics.
The King of Sea Monsters thumped his chest generously:
"Hahaha, no worries, I know humans grow quickly, I can wait, I won't fall asleep again within a hundred years.
Once this crisis passes, my island can be yours first."
Whoosh——
Having said this, the sea water-composed avatar of Kraken completely dissipated, evidently the "King of Sea Monsters" was not worried about Aiven reneging.
Beside.
Listening as they sorted everything out without him, Fisher tightened his priest's robe against the cold wind.
Maybe in this indifferent world, only his robe could bring him a hint of warmth.
God knows he was planning to use that soon-to-be-born island as a crucial bargaining chip in detailed negotiations later.
A vast island drawn from void with its own mineral veins is a temptation no island nation on the sea could resist.
This means increasing available land beyond the locked limits of national territory and natural resources, and deciding the island's location freely, which holds evident significance for a country.
Regrettably, the buyer bypassed the middleman, all schemes failed.
Though the purpose of seeking reinforcements was achieved, the price of a large island amounts to much more!
After placing Aiven and Olivia in the "Tempest Church" camp, Fisher left hurriedly with a stiff expression, like having lost a "small goal."
With two months remaining, after discussing, Aiven and Olivia decided it was better not to leave yet for the sake of the developing territory... ahem, and even more for the peace and stability of the Black Sea.
Then directly summoned the "Thorny Crown Sea Serpent" Pipi stranded on the Old Continent for rapid reinforcement, its speed could indeed catch up with this war.
At this time.
Facing the northern sea regions under the "Mother of Sea Monsters," priests of the "Tempest Church" had begun constructing various defense fortifications on a series of small islands urgently.
And on one of the islands.
Sss——
With white steam spraying.
Aiven's Alchemy Workshop slowly unfolded.
Now with the portable "Alchemy Workshop," even on such a deserted island, they needn't worry about disruption in research progress. At least before entering the mass production stage of Organic Gemstones, the thousand-square-meter internal space was more than enough for them to indulge.
Although their so-called half-year vacation had essentially been thoroughly ruined.
However.
Aiven and Olivia exchanged smiles, unsurprisingly seeing fleeting bright golden light in each other's eyes.
Making money... makes us happy!
