Treasure Hunting System： The Ocean Conquerer

Alka and his team hadn't played any decisive role, especially during the final battle when no one had dared to watch from outside. Later, Alka and his team formed their own Treasure Hunting Team, but they did nothing notable during their expeditions. At that time, the ship they used was even scavenged, and they didn't have their own team insignia. They had truly become a team with an emblem only a few months prior. These past few months had been spent preparing to leave this sea region.

Besides, Treasure Hunting Teams inherently found it difficult to gain Fame, as they were usually low-key, secretly amassing fortunes. After all, they were few in number and sometimes stayed in one area for extended periods. Being too famous was like telling others there was Treasure here, which would only attract unnecessary enemies.

It was uncertain how those two well-known teams had determined that the message they themselves had spread possessed high credibility. But it was no use worrying about these things now; as long as it was effective, it was fine. They had done all that they could.

"Alright, never mind these things. We've done our utmost. The storm will subside in two days. Are you ready, everyone?"

Hearing Alka's words, everyone looked up at him and nodded seriously.

The final moment was about to arrive.

A golden Spell Ship arrived in this sea region, its hull marked with green, vine-like stripes. The enormous sails and the flag atop its lookout tower indicated which power this ship belonged to. This was a Spell Ship from the Church.

As this ship slowly sailed into the sea region, it was as if it gave everyone here a signal.

「Dawn Sound.」

Onboard, a crisp copper bell chimed, its sound spreading throughout the vessel. A melodious song followed the bell's chime, and soon Julia's voice drifted from her room. These sounds resonated together, as if conveying some signal.

Alka emerged from a room on the second floor of the sterncastle, rubbing his eyes, and jumped directly down. Beside the ship, the water's surface rippled. A massive figure burst from the water, landing directly onto the deck and shaking off the droplets. It was Pororo. Ever since he had gotten his own room, he rarely used conventional paths, always entering and exiting via the water. The others also emerged from their respective rooms.

Then, a window in the crow's nest at the top opened, and Chadite's voice was heard.

"Everyone, the Church's ship has arrived. Get ready."

Hearing this, everyone understood the gravity of the situation. They straightened up and began inspecting the ship. After a series of checks confirmed there were no issues, everyone gathered at the bow.

「Not just them.」

At this moment, all the ships on the surrounding sea and those gathered around the island began to move.

Alka waved his hand, patted the railing beside him, and said, "Dawn Sound, let's follow them."

At his words, the sails automatically lowered, and the entire ship began to move slowly, following the other vessels.

They arrived before the two huge stone pillars. Maintaining a certain distance from each other, they slowly brought their ships to a halt. The crews of all the ships had gathered on deck, looking ahead. They stared between the two stone pillars at the diminishing rift storm.

The Church's ship moved directly to the front of the assembled fleet. The arrival of the Church's ship signified that today was the most important moment—the day the gate would open.

At this moment, the Church's Spell Ship, unstinting with its Energy, began to emit an enormous Holy Light. It gathered surging Energy like a small sun, and the surrounding Magic Power even showed a degree of recession. The light was intensely bright, yet it didn't dazzle anyone. Even if one gazed directly at the source, there was no discomfort or stinging in the eyes. This represented the mercy of the Holy Mother.

A vast amount of light gathered, then concentrated at the ship's bow, allowing everyone to see the stern of the Spell Ship through the radiance. The immense light finally condensed into an orb, like a glowing bulb, and began to float slowly towards the rift storm between the two giant stone pillars.

Although the rift storm was noticeably weaker now compared to a few days ago, it was still impassable for them.

As this orb of light slowly descended into the rift storm, like an explosion, an extremely distinct shockwave of light erupted from within, sweeping outwards. Even the clouds in the sky were instantly dispersed. The blazing sun shone down, illuminating an endless blue sky. The entire sea area became clear and bright.

The stone pillars also began to emit a powerful light, and a faint film formed, connecting the two. The rift storm within receded instantly until it vanished, as if it had been parted.

A wide sea passage revealed itself between the two monoliths. Beyond it, the ocean currents were turbulent, churning wildly. Beyond lay a dim world. It hinted at how dangerous the world beyond was, how perilous the colossal waves were.

They could see this outer world: countless bolts of Thunder struck down from the sky, combining with whirlpools and waves to form a terrifying vista. And this was the world they were about to venture into.

The sight of the world beyond was so brutal that it made the crews on all the ships shudder.

"This passage will remain open for only one day. After that, the storm will return. Everyone, make your choice."

A commanding voice boomed from the Church's ship.

Now, everyone present faced their first true decision on their journey to the Endless Sea. Would they charge into that turbulent sea, brave the lightning and Thunder from the sky, and pierce the darkness there? And then, would they break through the storm beyond?

For a moment, not a single ship moved.

The Church's ship slowly sailed to the side, waiting quietly.

They were about to record this momentous occasion.