Treasure Hunting System： The Ocean Conquerer

Chapter 519: Chapter 256 Southern Cross Island_2

The ships in that area were visibly more advanced than other Spell Ships, judging by their appearance alone. Most measured between 40 and 60 meters, and each possessed a distinct personality. Their colors were not just vibrant but also adorned with various patterns, and the figureheads were diverse. Some were even ostentatious.

The most eye-catching was a 60-meter-long ship with three gun decks, standing about three to four meters taller than Alka’s vessel. However, the gun ports on its gun decks were all closed, locked by Spells. This wasn’t unique to those ships; when Alka and his crew sailed the Sound of Dawn into the area, its gun ports were also sealed with Spells.

Seeing this, Simon nodded approvingly. ”No wonder they dare to let ships like ours, equipped with Vibrating Stone Cannons, dock so openly.”

As their ship slowly approached the shore, the sound of chains echoed, and the anchor sank to the seabed. Once Alka and the others disembarked, a naval officer accompanied by two soldiers approached them.

”Greetings. We are the navy from Southern Cross Island. There is a docking fee of 1 Golden Sail for your ship.”

One Golden Sail? Isn’t this practically robbery? Alka thought. However, he said nothing further and silently produced a Golden Sail.

It was clear the local authorities understood that owners of a Ghost Ship wouldn’t care much about such a fee. And, judging by appearances, this Demon Gathering Area and its auxiliary facilities did look impressive. But it certainly wasn’t worth that price. We’re new here; we should observe more.

Seeing Alka and his group comply so readily, the naval Squad Leader was somewhat surprised. He was sure he had never seen this ship or these people before. It was truly unusual that they didn’t cause any fuss. This noticeably improved the officer’s attitude.

After accepting the Golden Sail, a wisp of Magic Power emerged from his hand, shooting towards the Cross Star Mark on the side of the Sound of Dawn’s bow. The Cross Star Mark glowed faintly.

”This is valid for one week. If you need to dock longer, please renew the payment. For long-term docking, or any repairs or maintenance your ship requires, please consult the Starship Factory over there.” As he spoke, he pointed to a small, crowded building not far away. ”Well, enjoy your stay here,” he said, bowing slightly before leaving with the two sailors.

Jason turned and asked, ”What should we do now? Is there anything we should be doing?”

Having been away from the civilized world for so long, he felt a momentary sense of disorientation.

Alka calculated the current time and said, ”We’ve just arrived, so do whatever you want. You can explore the island freely. We’ll meet back on the ship tonight.”

Daylight had only been present for a little over ten hours, meaning there were still more than six hours until nightfall—plenty of time for them to get a decent understanding of this island. This was the first large island with a city they had docked at in the Endless Sea, and their hearts were already brimming with curiosity and the urge to explore.

Hearing this, everyone nodded. After chatting for a while, they paired up and left.

As for the ship, the Puppet Legion was naturally guarding it. Besides, this was a port under a significant power’s jurisdiction, so no one would dare act recklessly.

A few of the young women headed towards the port town together.

Jason turned and asked, ”Are you coming along?”

Alka thought for a moment, then shook his head; he planned to explore on his own. Jason didn’t insist and joined Simon and a few others, heading towards the town as well.

Alka stood in place, surveying his surroundings. This place, to say the least, was spectacular. Neatly lined ships extended outwards, their enormous hulls and towering masts resembling a dense forest. Wooden and metal cranes constantly turned, hoisting wooden crates of cargo. The plaza bustled with laborers carrying goods. Besides humans, there were numerous sub-races and other races of various skin colors. Alka even saw gray-skinned Broken Islanders, and there were quite a few various types of fish-folk as well. After all, fish-folk were generally larger and stronger. A casual glance revealed that most racial differences were primarily in skin tone and slight variations in their limbs or physical features, such as the distinctions between Broken Islanders and ordinary humans.

With a flip of his hand, a business card appeared between Alka’s fingers. It read: Balazs’ Golden Trout Commerce Association, Mast Street No. 28.

After tucking the card away, Alka began to walk towards the town.

””Make way, make way!””

””Looking for ten cargo laborers! Work until tomorrow morning, ten Copper Swallows! The more you work, the more you earn!””

””Watch your heads! Cargo coming through!””

””Red Blade Assault Team recruiting Sailors! Fifty Copper Swallows per day and night, high pay! Two Silver Snakes settling-in allowance upon boarding!””

All sorts of chaotic noises came from every direction. Most were various people or factions recruiting for different roles. Alka heard calls for laborers, Sailors, and even Combatants.

The hiring rates for Sailors ranged from ten to fifty Copper Swallows per day and night, which could indeed be considered high pay. As for why the disparity was so large, one look at the recruitment post offering fifty Copper Swallows told the whole story. It was basically deserted. Judging by its deserted state, the danger involved was clearly significant, and it seemed to be notoriously perilous. Especially since that group even offered a settling-in allowance; it was more like danger money, or compensation for risking one’s life.

The factions recruiting Combatants offered very high wages, estimated to be a monthly salary ranging from over ten Silver Sails to one Golden Sail.