CHAPTER 171: CHAPTER 140: POWERFUL ABILITY_2

So they pinned their hopes on Alka and the others using the Sword of Love. This way, they could find Alka’s position based on the fluctuations emitted when the sword was used.

At first, they all thought this opportunity would come soon.

However, they waited for half a year, yet Alka and the others still didn’t use the Holy Artifact, leaving them perplexed.

Logically, this wretched place should be very dangerous, and pirates were constantly pursuing them from behind.

Given Alka’s current strength, this sword could definitely be considered an absolute asset.

It was unexpected that, even under such circumstances, they managed not to use the Holy Artifact.

Use it! Face the danger, draw the sword, and cut them down! Isn’t a sword meant for cutting? Why hold back? Don’t feel like you’re desecrating it just because it’s the Holy Mother’s Holy Artifact. Wield the Holy Mother’s Holy Artifact and let it be stained with the enemy’s blood! This was what they had been constantly shouting in their hearts.

Finally, it was used.

Jason stood beside him, a layer of worry on his face, and couldn’t help but ask, "They haven’t used the Holy Artifact for so long, yet they used it now. Did they encounter some danger?"

This meant Alka and his group had likely encountered the most dangerous situation in the past six months. He wondered how they were doing now. His heart couldn’t help but vacillate between hope and fear. He was glad they had finally used it, but the fact they had to use the Holy Sword also made him worry. SIGH...

"What if they moved after using the Holy Artifact? Can we still track them?"

Hearing Jason’s question, the Knight Captain patted his shoulder. "Don’t worry," he said. "Your concerns are unfounded. As long as they’ve used the Holy Artifact, we can find traces of it, unless they’ve discarded it.

"Besides, the Holy Artifact is still moving, which means they probably aren’t in too much trouble. There’s a high chance they’re still alive, so rest assured."

Of course, it was also possible that the ones currently moving with the Holy Artifact were the enemies who had already killed Alka and his group. He certainly couldn’t say that aloud. Still, if they went to investigate, they could at least avenge Alka and his companions.

The Knight Captain then looked at Jason and asked, "How’s the Pirate Gang of Prayer for the Dead doing recently? Any new intel?"

Hearing the captain’s question, Jason nodded but, with a furrowed brow, said, "Their ranks have clearly been replenished. According to information from interrogating newly joined members, they were all drawn here by the treasure rumors spread earlier. Many who were also pirates have been absorbed by them.

"And the strangest thing is, it feels like their operatives haven’t suffered many losses, even though we’ve eliminated quite a few of them."

Hearing Jason’s report, the Knight Captain nodded. "Don’t underestimate them. After all, they also possess a Treasure, and we still don’t have specific intel about it. It might have some peculiar ability."

Jason nodded, indicating he understood. A Treasure in enemy hands, with unknown capabilities, was indeed the most dangerous. No one would ever underestimate the power of a Treasure.

「...」

At this time, the flagship of the Prayer for the Dead was sailing through the central region of the Realm of Pitch Darkness, accompanied by only two escort frigates.

Alka’s father, Sifus, once again stood at the bow of the flagship.

"Have you found any trace of him?" he asked.

Hearing the captain’s words, the old man beside him took two steps forward. "We found traces," he said, "but the ship they encountered had already been burned. None of its crew survived.

"Moreover, the environment here is driving the pirates on board to their limits. Recently, groups have been constantly trying to mutiny and desert."

Hearing the old man’s words, Sifus waved his hand dismissively. "Let them be," he said, his tone indifferent. "Those dregs can’t stir up any real trouble. I granted them new life; naturally, I can easily grant them death."

"He’s still with that little girl, right?" Sifus mused aloud after a moment.

The old man nodded.

Sifus contemplated for a moment before speaking. "I’m running out of patience. The Day of Intersection is approaching. Tell those dregs that on the Day of Harvest, I’ll be waiting for him on Elcott Island. If he doesn’t come, his former captain won’t live to see another day."

The old man nodded, and a bird formed of blue lines of light flew into the distance.

Countless pirates who had been searching for Alka received this news. Their mission now changed: they were to ensure this message reached Alka.

「...」

"Treasure Harvest"—this was the name of the Spell Ship Alka and his group had just acquired.

It was boldly engraved on the ship’s stern.

How should one put it? The name was a bit too straightforward, not elegant at all.

However, since it had belonged to someone else, and to commemorate that, Alka and his group couldn’t be bothered to rename it.

Currently, Alka and the others were on board, operating the vessel.

Although this ship’s automation wasn’t as sophisticated as the Sea Fist’s, it only required someone at the helm.

Within the Realm of Pitch Darkness, it handled much like the Sea Fist.

Pororo was at the helm.

Alka, meanwhile, was on deck, talking with Chadite and Lucilia.

Together, they were experimenting with the Dream Catcher’s ability.

Alka looked at the bloody scratch on his arm.

"That wound appeared on your arm just now, while you were sleeping," Chadite remarked from nearby.