novelraw Chapter 410 - 220: Passing Through the Final Gate
Chapter 410 - 220: Passing Through the Final Gate
Upon hearing Alka agree, Maldo’s expression clearly showed joy, and he nodded with a smile.
"Let me say a final farewell to my granddaughter."
With that, he turned to Matilda and began speaking to her in their unique language.
Soon, Matilda’s expression showed a hint of surprise. Then, frowning, she clenched her fists as if to steel herself, and nodded.
Maldo extended his hand, and a faint glow traveled from his fingertips into Matilda’s forehead.
This glow carried some knowledge. When Matilda opened her eyes again, she could clearly understand the conversation among Alka and the others.
Then, Maldo took a ring from his hand and gave it to Matilda.
The ring had very distinct features; Alka recognized it at a glance as a pocket ring.
"Go, child. Go say your goodbyes."
Matilda nodded. Twisting her snake-like tail, she swiftly swam upwards toward the Mountain Peak, likely to bid farewell to her tribe and friends.
Watching Matilda leave, Maldo turned back to the group and said, "The path through these mountain peaks leads to the Endless Sea, but it is not a safe road."
"As a token of gratitude, I will coat your vessel with a protective film, blessing your ship to help you pass through safely."
Hearing this, Alka nodded. "If possible, of course."
Receiving extra protection was naturally a good thing.
Maldo took out his Trident. Azure Magic Power swirled around it as he pointed its tip at the side of the ship before him.
Alka and Simon deliberately stepped forward to get a clearer view. They wanted to ensure this stranger didn’t try anything while applying the protective coating to the ship. After all, even though his granddaughter would be boarding with them, who truly knew his intentions?
As the Magic Power surged forth, it didn’t cling to the ship. Instead, it slowly expanded outward, forming a film-like barrier that enveloped the entire vessel.
A water-blue insignia briefly appeared on the side of the ship, then vanished.
Seeing this, Alka glanced at Pororo, who nodded.
Pororo had sensed the blessing of the Sea God within the insignia; Maldo had not lied.
"Do you have anything to tell us about the Endless Sea?" Alka suddenly asked.
Although they had the "Land of Dreams," much in the book was hidden.
So Alka wanted to ask if this Guardian Race, which protected the way to the Endless Sea, had more information.
Regarding that unknown sea, any additional information would be invaluable.
"The Endless Sea..." Maldo said, looking up slightly at the sky.
"It is a completely different sea. My only warning to you is this: never view that ocean with your current understanding of the world. It is an entirely different, utterly chaotic place."
Seeing Maldo’s expression, Alka couldn’t help but ask, "Have you been to that sea?"
"No." Maldo shook his head. "But this is a warning that everyone heading to the Endless Sea must know."
Alka nodded, not pressing further.
While they waited, everyone gazed towards the passage they were about to enter.
The water between the two Mountain Peaks looked no different from any other, simply lying still ahead.
The currents here were as calm as a lake’s surface.
It was as if an invisible line had been drawn between the two Mountain Peaks. Beyond it, a faint mist hung in the air, obscuring their view. The mist was thin, yet it seemed to completely block any attempt to see further in.
Then, a figure swiftly swam down from the Mountain Peak. It was Matilda, who had finished her farewells and was ready.
After a farewell embrace with her grandfather and the man beside him who looked like a guard, she slowly boarded Alka’s ship.
"My name is Matilda. Thank you for agreeing to take me to the Endless Sea."
"Compared to you saving our crewmate, this is a small matter indeed," Alka replied with a smile.
She then introduced herself to everyone on board before settling quietly on the deck.
"If you are ready, you may proceed," Maldo said, looking at everyone on the ship.
Alka took a deep breath and walked to the bow, gazing at the area veiled by the thin mist.
A smile touched her lips. She turned to the others and asked, "Well, everyone? Are you ready?"
"Yes, I can’t wait!"
"Let’s go! Forward!"
"..."
Hearing their responses, Alka turned back, her gaze growing more resolute.
"Alright!" she exclaimed. "Sound of Dawn! Set sail!"
With Alka’s command, the Sound of Dawn began to move. Its bow sliced through the calm sea, sending water splashing to either side as it gradually headed towards the faint mist.
On the stone platform beneath the Mountain Peak, Maldo and the guard beside him watched them depart.
Watching his granddaughter wave back from the deck, Maldo’s eyes filled with sorrow at their parting.
"Chief, rest assured. She is the most outstanding among us; she will surely end the punishment we bear."
"Ah... let’s hope so," Maldo murmured to himself.
However, the guard beside him looked puzzled and asked, "But Chief, why did you entrust her to a completely unfamiliar group of people?"