CHAPTER 208: 102 ABYSSAL TIER 2 CREATURE (PLEASE COLLECT)_4

"Aside from President Hawke, only Hunter the Great Knight survived. Most of the people here escaped in bits and pieces afterward."

"Freedom Port..."

Something seems to be changing there. According to those who escaped, many people’s bodies have undergone mutations, likely turning into merfolk.

Turning into merfolk?

Carl’s brows furrowed.

Freedom Port was a large city, with hundreds of thousands of residents. If they all turned into merfolk...

"Why stay here?" Carl spoke up, "This place is too close to Freedom Port, and too dangerous."

"Even at the speed of merfolk, it would take at least a day and a night to rush here from Freedom Port," Conni explained. "Such a long time is enough for us to move to another place. We don’t need to worry too much about safety for now."

"Carl," Susan took over, "the people of Freedom Port live by fishing and hunting. Without the Endless Sea Domain, they have no means of survival. Miss Lula and President Hawke have discussed finding another coastal area similar to Freedom Port to rebuild the city."

"Moreover..." she lowered her voice, "we’ve received a message from the Duke’s envoy saying he will come to suppress the will of the Evil God and asked us not to stray too far. Next, we’ll likely build the city nearby, recruit people, and wait for the Duke’s army to reclaim Freedom Port."

Oh!

Carl’s gaze flickered.

If Duke Ferdinand was truly willing to take action, that would be more than welcome. No wonder everyone chose not to move far away.

"Uncle!" Ayala stood under the tree, her face covered with tears.

...

「Autumn gave way to winter.」

Several days of heavy snow had draped the Black Swamp in a layer of pure white, and even the sky seemed much brighter.

CRUNCH... CRUNCH...

A few people trod on the snowy ground, their footsteps producing a rhythmic sound.

"This way!" Hibell extended her hand. "This snowfall came right on time, just perfect for a break, and the team leader can’t say much."

She had joined the Swamp Alliance team exploring the interior and made quite a few friends. They planned to party on the island today.

Some of them were visiting the island for the first time, their faces full of curiosity and envy! Most of them were Intermediate Wizard Apprentices, not very old yet, and didn’t have the privilege to own an island. Hibell’s living environment was obviously much more comfortable than the others’.

"Yes," Lawson from the hill cottage nodded, instinctively glancing toward the snow house on the island. "Is Carl still busy?"

"Don’t mind him," Hibell shook her head. "Lately, he’s been engrossed in studying witchcraft and won’t see anyone."

"Witchcraft?" A young man clad in luxurious attire chuckled. "If I remember correctly, Apprentice Carl’s Wizard Talent is quite ordinary. There’s really no need for him to spend so much time on witchcraft."

"Matt!" Hibell frowned. "He is my junior brother."

Matt shrugged. The young man was fond of Hibell and naturally bore hostility towards Carl, who lived on the same island.

"TEE-HEE..." a female Wizard Apprentice laughed. "Hibell, I heard that Apprentice Carl saved your life and that you have an adventure story together. Matt, don’t you want to hear it?"

Matt’s face darkened.

"Come!" Lawson waved. "Let’s go inside and sit down. I heard from Heidi that you’ve bought a lot of nice stuff for the gathering, Hibell."

"Yes," Hibell nodded with a smile. "And I also have Hibell to thank. The Gold Coins invested in her have earned me substantial profit. It’s no less than what we would get from exploring the Black Swamp."

It seemed Lawson’s sister Heidi was a business prodigy. The land she acquired at a low-level now had its price multiplied several times over. The upward trend in prices had not yet seen its peak.

As investors, Hibell and Carl had made a fortune, while her brother Lawson regretted not investing and missed out.

"Come! This is high-quality wine from the Royal Capital of Sake. Supposedly, their grapes are of exceptionally good quality. Let’s all try it!"

Everyone gathered in the hall. The long dining table was laden with food, appealing aromas wafting through the air.

"Let’s toast to a new year of safe and healthy living!"

"To safety and health!"

"Cheers!"

On the two sides of the island, one was lively and tumultuous, the other silent and still.