Only God-Chapter 580 - 494 Kind-hearted Slaier (Combined) _2
"Child, then I shall satisfy you."
As he spoke, the old man’s body leaned backward, turning into a wisp of smoke and drifting away.
In the house, only a stunned young girl remained.
When night fell, Gloria heard a knock on the door again. She stood up tremblingly, pushed the door open, and saw no other than her husband, Cloth, standing outside.
Gloria froze in place, her legs weakening, and she thudded down to the ground, unbelievingly staring at the husband in front of her as he, with tears in his eyes, stepped forward, embraced Gloria and then fervently kissed his wife.
Behind Cloth, stood an old man.
As Gloria slowly recovered from her shock, she cried tears of joy, then turned her gaze towards the elderly man who had aided her.
"What is... going on?"
Gloria asked with a trembling voice.
Under the night sky, the old man curved a smile that seemed so innocent yet, against the backdrop of the night, was utterly chilling.
"Obviously, I fulfilled your wish,"
the old man said.
Gloria caressed the body of Cloth, who looked back at the old man with grateful eyes.
"This wish... could there be additional terms, or..."
Gloria hesitated.
"Any other plots?"
the old man finished for her.
The girl nodded.
"Rest assured, child, there are no schemes, I’m not Slaier. You’re worrying over nothing, probably been listening to too many scary stories,"
he said, noting Gloria’s still dubious expression, the old man continued:
"You know, your wish was for Cloth to come back.
I could have taken it literally, brought back his corpse, turned his soul into a ghost, or presented you with a dying Cloth, only for him to die in front of you again.
But I wouldn’t do that...
Because what you wanted was just this, a lively Cloth, the original Cloth."
The old man’s voice was gentle, like a soothing breeze in spring.
Gloria stood rooted to the spot, and after a long while, she softly said:
"You... You are truly kind! You’re so wonderful... I’ve never met anyone as benevolent and powerful as you."
The old man nodded in agreement,
"Yes, that’s just the person I am.
Let the news that Cloth has returned spread through this village,
and let all who wish to make a wish come, I will fulfill all their desires!"
...............
...............
Even though the Sects’ journey through Ajia Land was slow and intermittent, as time passed, they eventually reached the border port of Ajia Land.
"The weather has not been very good these past few days, with frequent thunderstorms."
In a tavern, a captain who regularly traveled between the two countries told the Sects’ Priest.
The Sects’ Priest turned his face towards Veldor and asked:
"How long can our remaining budget allow us to stay here?"
Veldor calculated in his heart and gave the answer:
"Don’t worry, even ten days would be fine."
The Sects Priest nodded slightly and let out a sigh of relief.
When they had rushed to the Holy Land, they were in dire straits several times, nearly falling into a state of hunger and cold. But after returning from the Holy Land, it seemed like good fortune had always accompanied them. Despite the expenses along the way, their money had never run out.
This way, there was no need for the Sect members to take reckless risks in this constantly stormy weather, hurrying to set sail.
"I have something to say, out of respect for Kagawus, I still need to inform you ahead."
After gulping down a sip of beer, the captain said breathlessly:
"It’s not just about setting sail as soon as the weather improves. Recently, this area has seen a lot of pirate activity, mostly big-bearded Dwarfs like you guys, oh damn, maybe I should ask a Noble or a Priest to make a Prophecy? No, can’t afford, can’t afford..."
As he spoke, the captain’s voice lowered and then he bowed his head, eventually falling asleep at the table.
The Sects Priest and Veldor stood up somewhat helplessly.
"Recent pirate troubles..."
Veldor pondered the words.
"Don’t worry, Veldor, with God’s protection, we will be safe."
The Sects Priest said, comforting him.
He didn’t know that Veldor wasn’t worried about the pirates; after all, encountering pirates was a low probability event.
Veldor was just wondering why this area, which was normally calm, had seen an increase in pirate activity recently.
"Could it be because of the ’Mechanical Book’?"
Veldor mused inwardly.
Due to the technology from the "Mechanical Book" being massively utilized, the once orderly Kingdom had gradually begun showing cracks.
Back when they were leaving Kaelonde, Veldor had witnessed the various changes the "Mechanical Book" had brought to Dwarf society along the journey.
He had not realized at the time that this would be an unprecedented transformation.
Now, the changes the "Mechanical Book" had brought to Dwarf society were not limited to the Dwarf Kingdom but had truly impacted the distant land of Ajia.
With this thought, Veldor couldn’t help but feel amazed; a book he had picked up inadvertently was having such a massive impact on the whole world.
After a few more days, the turbulent sea calmed down. They encountered a storm along the way, but after the torrential rain, the humid border port seemed to have a newfound sense of freshness. Two days of fine weather made the upcoming voyage seem promising.
The Sect had agreed with the tavern-captured captain that if it remained sunny for another two days, they would set sail.
Two days passed, and the weather remained clear; the captain kept his word—as he must. He and his crew depended on ferrying passengers and cargo for their livelihood; not honoring his word wasn’t an option.
The travelers heading to Kaelonde weren’t just members of the Sect; some merchants, Minstrels, Priests, craftsmen, and other individuals were also boarding this large ship headed to Kaelonde. The large shipand its crew, carrying roughly two hundred people, along with some cargo, sailed majestically under the sounds of horns and rites offered to the Water God Angel and the Sea God.
Veldor stood on the deck, his Dwarf stature not allowing him to lean on the mast like Humans or Three-eyed Ape People; instead, he grasped a mast pillar, peering through a gap at the slightly wavy sea.
Based on the previous situations, it would take them about ten more days to return to Kaelonde, where they would continue their duties with the Sect. Veldor calculated the journey and realized that from their departure from Kaelonde for pilgrimage to the eventual landing at Kaelonde, it had taken nearly a year.
Veldor couldn’t help but marvel at how time flies. Just then, a sudden jolt on the deck made him stagger, nausea rising in his stomach.
Dwarfs mostly struggled with the seafaring life, so seasickness was common; it wasn’t rare for someone to accidentally fall overboard and die amidst dizzy spells. Not daring to stay on the deck too long, Veldor decided to only walk on the deck each morning to get some fresh air.
Returning to the Sect’s room, he opened the "Disciple Xilan’s Story" again, thinking of the virtuous Monk who truly was humble and wise, patiently listening to whatever was taught to him.
"God, I wonder when I will meet him again; I still have much to teach him."
Veldor murmured softly and began reading the "Disciple Xilan’s Story."
The large ship continued its journey on the predetermined route—it was spacious and secure. Although it moved slowly, everything was orderly. Naturally, the vessel’s captain was pleased to see such conditions, even if it meant moving a bit slower; calm seas are every sailor’s first prayer, followed by making money.
However, the peacefulness wasn’t just experienced by those on the big ship.
It was also seen among the pirates who roamed this maritime region, just as rain falls on the just and the unjust alike.
