CHAPTER 208: CHAPTER 152: SATISFYING REVENGE_3

This made things somewhat bearable for him later on.

Now that I think about it, it must be as I concluded: my father had been fighting the enemy for control of that body.

When he was finally rescued, although he had been prepared, he still hadn’t expected so many people to have died in that battle.

All the subordinate members had perished.

A key member, Sang Kaka, had also sacrificed himself while rescuing Alka and his own daughter, Chadite.

I was captured, and everything changed in these past six months. He looked at his empty left arm and shook his head helplessly.

Thus, everyone remained silent, watching the team sail towards the distant horizon where a bright line was gradually appearing. They were about to leave the Realm of Pitch Darkness.

As the team slowly crossed the boundary between darkness and light, they felt the long-awaited sunlight spill onto their bodies, dispersing the Dark Elements that had eternally surrounded them.

Basking in the sunlight, Akka closed his eyes. He couldn’t help but sigh comfortably.

"Sunlight. It’s been so long."

Smoke could even be seen rising from their bodies as the Dark Elements clinging to their skin were dispersed by the sunlight.

"To think you all managed to stay in the Realm of Pitch Darkness for such a long time; no matter how you look at it, it’s a miracle," Jason remarked, watching the black smoke rise from them. The sheer amount of black smoke indicated just how much Dark Element had accumulated on their skin and within their bodies. He still hasn’t figured out how these people managed to stay in the Realm of Pitch Darkness for so long.

Gazing at the sunlight and the blue sky, Alka turned his head to look at Pororo.

"Pororo, join us. Sail the seas with us in search of those buried treasures."

Hearing Alka’s words, Pororo turned to look at him. "So I wasn’t part of your team before? I thought I already was."

Upon hearing Pororo’s reply, Alka couldn’t help but laugh heartily. "Hahahahaha..." The others also broke into bright smiles.

"My mistake," Alka said, stepping forward and giving Pororo a fierce hug. "Welcome to the team, Pororo."

Of course, given Pororo’s stature, Alka could only embrace his leg at most. Pororo was considered tall even among the Merfolk and had to squat down to return the hug.

Beside them, Andre and Vanessa smiled at everyone.

The newly-formed Treasure Hunting Team.

...

「A few days later.」

The Great Cathedral. It was the island’s largest cemetery, known as the Holy Mother’s hallowed ground.

Alka, Andre, Chadite, Jason, Vanessa, Bobby, Gami, and Pororo stood before a row of tombstones. Bobby, who had retired and was residing on the island, had come to the cemetery. Gami, who had returned to the island and was now working at the Great Cathedral, was also present.

They had gathered here today to commemorate their companions who had died in the pirate attack half a year ago.

The row of tombstones before them belonged to Hammer, Matt, Liboka, and Sang Kaka.

After placing a sheaf of wheat before each tombstone, everyone crossed their hands and prayed silently.

Once they had paid their respects to each in turn, Alka looked again at the tombstone before him. It was Sang Kaka’s.

I’ve been in this world for little more than a year.

All in all, three people have helped me immensely, even saved me.

His mother, Lisha, who, upon his first arrival, had used the last remnants of her soul to cleanse the deadly Curse from him.

Sang Kaka, who, during the pirate attack, had desperately held the rear, ensuring their escape to safety, and had even arranged for Pororo to protect them afterward.

His biological father, Sifus, who, while in direct combat with Jack, had provided Alka with the most crucial intelligence before perishing and taking Jack down with him.

And one could even add Alka, the original owner of his body, who had not only provided him with the vessel but, before dying, had strengthened him with his own fading soul.

Witnessing the departures of my father and mother, all their remaining memory spiritual bodies completely vanished, and this even strengthened my soul once more.

He couldn’t help but sigh. He prayed again, for everyone.

Turning his head to look across the cemetery, he saw Andre, Vanessa, and Bobby speaking near other tombstones. Those were for other members of the Treasure Hunting Team with whom they had once adventured—comrades who had died in various incidents and were buried here. The three of them had already experienced too many farewells.

Such is the sea.

Once the mourning ended, the three walked over, chatting as they went.

"To think I’d encounter something like this right after retiring. Sigh." Bobby paused, unsure whether to consider himself fortunate.

Hearing Bobby’s words, Gami couldn’t help but scratch his head. If you say that, aren’t you implying I’m unlucky?

Then Bobby turned to Alka with a smile and asked, "Alka, and the rest of you, would you be interested in letting this old man hear about your experiences from this past while? Your adventures during this time are more legendary than anything in my entire life."

It was a subtle invitation to his home, perhaps also a way to help ease the pain of losing friends and companions.

Upon hearing this, Jason, Andre, and the others also turned to look at Alka’s group. They were very curious too about what Alka’s group had truly experienced in the past six months: how their strength had improved so rapidly, how they had gained so much, and how they had managed to survive in the Realm of Pitch Darkness for over half a year. Such a legendary tale naturally piqued everyone’s curiosity.

Alka looked at Chadite and the others. Seeing no objections, he nodded.

"Of course, no problem. Let me tell you all about it."