Treasure Hunting System： The Ocean Conquerer

Chapter 102: Chapter 101 Great Cathedral

Alka nodded in strong agreement with Chadite’s assessment. This item was so simple that, forget anyone else, even he could craft it with a little time; it was extremely easy to handle. There was no need to intentionally learn engraving. As long as one learned the [Sharp] Spell, they could effectively enchant items with it using simple craftsmanship. The only advantage to these scissors, perhaps, was that even non-Touchers could use them. Even without infusing Magic Power, the Spell could make the blades sharper. Some wealthy individuals who weren’t Touchers enjoyed collecting such items. However, since this corpse had become an Evil Spirit, it strongly suggested it had been a Toucher in life.

”Forget it. It’s still some gain, even though it doesn’t match the strength of that Evil Spirit,” Chadite said, comforting herself. Finally, the two of them jumped down and continued in their predetermined direction.

Having explored all the blue points along their route, Alka casually noted the positions of some white points, considering if any were worth recording. After clearing out some skeletons that reanimated as they advanced, they arrived at the city’s central area. The buildings here were noticeably in better condition, with fewer collapses. Most were still fairly well-preserved, and a small portion was even in pristine condition. One could still distinctly see how exquisite they must have been hundreds of years ago.

The skeletons here were quite interesting. Several still wore decayed, tattered armor and carried long-rusted spears or blades. They must have been soldiers from this place. However, even these weapons didn’t significantly increase their combat power, and the skeletons were easily wiped out.

Looking at a spire in the distance, clearly taller than the surrounding buildings, Alka patted Chadite. ”Look at that. Isn’t that spire the style of a Holy Mother Church?”

Following the beam of Alka’s light, Chadite looked and nodded. ”That’s right, churches do have that architectural style. It seems the one here is over there.”

Churches of this scale within a city typically covered a large area; consequently, there was likely only one such church in the entire city. The two of them walked across the street, turned onto a side road, and finally saw the full view of the church from a distance. It was still in the classic church style but much larger than any Alka had previously encountered. Speaking of which, Alka hadn’t seen a large church dedicated to the Holy Mother before, only small ones on various islands. For various reasons, he had also never visited the headquarters of the Holy Mother Church.

The church before them resembled a small castle, situated right in the city’s central area. It boasted an impressively large footprint, complete with a vast surrounding plaza. This clearly attested to how strong the faith in the Holy Mother was here. In the plaza stood a huge statue, estimated to be seven or eight meters high. It was a classic sculpture: a woman holding an infant, with a young male child at her feet. They were surrounded by a circle of wheat sheaves, as if strolling through a wheat field. However, compared to the other statues of the Holy Mother Alka had seen, this one had subtle differences. Indeed, he had never encountered two identical Holy Mother statues. Yet, all these statues shared a few common elements: a woman holding an infant, a child at the woman’s feet, and the depiction of wheat. These three elements aptly represented the doctrine of the Holy Mother and the divine authority She held.

Gazing at the sculpture, Chadite slowly approached, crossed her arms over her chest, and silently bowed her head in prayer. Alka followed suit, performing the same gestures. Then Chadite opened her eyes, mouthed something silently, and rubbed her fingers together. Faint Magic Power flowed out, forming blue lines that coalesced into a Flying Bird, which then promptly split into two and flew off.

”I’ve notified Dad and the others. Let’s rest nearby for a bit,” Chadite suggested. Alka nodded, and the two of them found a stone bench beside the plaza and sat down.

These stone benches in the plaza were well-preserved and, adorned by the surrounding small plants and grass, possessed a unique charm. Alka scanned the surroundings but sensed no immediate danger. However, he recalled that the Difficulty of acquiring the Sword of Love was Two Spirals. So, it’s a given, he thought. The church ahead must harbor powerful Evil Spirits.

Chadite sat on the stone bench, resting her chin on her hands, which were propped on her thighs. She asked casually, ”Alka, have you thought about what you want to do in the future?”

Hearing Chadite’s question, Alka leaned back against the bench and shook his head. ”No. I’ve only just left my hometown. Everything out here is so new and exciting. I need to explore and see more before I can figure out what I want to do.”

Chadite nodded in emphatic agreement. ”Exactly! The world is so big, and there are so many places we haven’t visited yet. It would be a real shame not to see them.” As she said this, Chadite turned, her eyes seemingly sparkling with delight. She continued happily, ”Remember when we first entered the Realm of Pitch Darkness? Scenery like that... wouldn’t it be a terrible pity not to witness such things before you die?”

Alka nodded. Her words rang true. The scenery at that time had indeed left a profound impact on him; it was a majestic spectacle that even the Alka of his previous life could never have imagined.

”Hmm, well said. The world is vast and beautiful; not exploring it would be a lifelong regret,” Lucilia’s voice murmured in Alka’s mind. Having never left her island in life, she harbored a strong yearning for such experiences and felt immense empathy. It was a lifelong regret for her. But ironically, it was only after dying that she gained the ability to pursue the dreams she once had.

”Being with the Treasure Hunting Team is great!” Chadite continued. ”We search for treasure everywhere, get to see different landscapes, and even uncover ancient secrets during our quests.”

”Indeed, treasure hunting is so enchanting,” Alka couldn’t help but exclaim.

Chadite nodded repeatedly. ”That’s why I didn’t want to stay in the Great Cathedral and become a Saintess. There’s no freedom in it at all. But if Dad brings back the Sword of Love this time, it’ll be a huge contribution. Considering his past achievements, he might get recalled.”

”Is the Treasure Hunting Team going to disband?” Alka turned his head, asking with some surprise. He genuinely liked the atmosphere within the Treasure Hunting Team.

”Not necessarily. I’m just saying it’s a possibility,” Chadite replied. ”After all, Dad isn’t really passionate about treasure hunting. If it weren’t for the Church’s missions, he probably wouldn’t be sailing around like he is now. Besides, Vanessa isn’t particularly fond of treasure hunting either; she’s just accompanying Dad.” As she said this, Chadite raised an eyebrow and winked at Alka.

Seeing her expression, Alka largely understood her implication.

Chadite continued, ”And Gami? No need to even mention him. The Church surely sent him out to experience the world. Given his nature, how could he ever leave the Great Cathedral? He’d have no problem staying there his entire life. Jason does enjoy adventure, but I think with his... intellect, he’ll definitely run into problems if he ever tries to go solo in the future.”

Hearing this, Alka couldn’t help but nod.

Then Chadite suddenly straightened up and clapped Alka soundly on the shoulder. ”Don’t worry! I’ll definitely inherit the Treasure Hunting Team in the future. When that happens, the two of us will make a real name for ourselves!”

Seeing Chadite’s smile, Alka couldn’t help but grin and bump fists with her. ”No problem, future leader,” he said jokingly.

”HMPH! HMPH!” Hearing this, Chadite couldn’t help but lift her chin, humming proudly.

”And me! I want to be part of the Treasure Hunting Team too!” Lucilia’s voice chimed in Alka’s mind. Hearing her, Alka patted the Mirror on his chest, silently assuring her it was no problem. It seemed Lucilia would need to meet everyone eventually. Always staying hidden wasn’t ideal. After all, Lucilia longed to make friends with them. Perhaps due to her past, she was naturally a bit shy and had never considered revealing her form to anyone other than him.

”What are you two talking about? You’re grinning so much your faces are going to crack!” Jason suddenly popped up from behind them and asked.

”We were just saying your brain doesn’t work too well, and you’ll definitely never make it as an independent Treasure Hunter. You’d end up too poor to even afford food,” Alka replied casually.

Hearing this, Gami couldn’t help but laugh out loud. ”HAHAHA! I think so too!”

Jason glanced at them. ”Stop talking nonsense.”

Just then, Andre and Vanessa also walked over, approaching from behind the others. Andre looked ahead at the Great Cathedral, his eyes flickering with a faint blue light. ”I can already vaguely sense the aura of the Holy Artifact. It’s inside the church.” He turned his head, glanced at Alka and Chadite, then nodded at Alka. ”Everyone, get ready. Given how things have been on our way here, it definitely won’t be calm inside that church.”

After speaking, Andre clenched his fists. Only then did Alka notice that a pair of Finger Tigers had appeared on Andre’s hands at some unknown point. These weren’t smooth; they had a row of sharp blades along the knuckles and were densely engraved with golden patterns. No doubt, Alka thought. Another weapon prepared to inflict Holy Light damage.

Chadite and Alka flanked Andre, with Jason and Gami behind them. Vanessa walked in the center of their group. They formed a triangular formation and slowly advanced. Guided by their beams of light, they arrived at the main doors of the church. The imposing entrance was tightly shut. The heavy iron doors, at least three meters tall, were carved with figures: one of a young girl holding a sword, and the other of an old woman holding an oil lamp. These were surrounded by depictions of wheat and various other elements symbolizing the Holy Mother.