This time, Orobashi's hatred hadn't congealed into a polluting evil spirit.
The weather remained clear, and the village peaceful as ever.
Perhaps Elliot had truly fulfilled Orobashi's final wish...
If that were the case...
Then Yashiori Island might never become that plague-ridden land everyone avoided.
The villagers here wouldn't have to suffer anymore.
This peace had been bought at the cost of one hand.
Elliot was content. He didn't feel even a hint of regret.
Though he'd lost a hand and his combat strength had dropped considerably, the Khaenri'ah War was still far off.
Still, Elliot wasn't sure whether his interference might trigger a butterfly effect and cause the war to erupt earlier than it should.
But no matter how early it came, it wouldn't be by hundreds of years. After all, the Archon War had only just ended.
"It's Lord Sasayuri!"
Just then, a man from Himuki Village spotted Elliot and immediately lit up with joy, hurrying over.
"Hello," Elliot greeted him with a calm smile.
"Lord Sasayuri, how's your body holding up?" the man asked, full of concern.
"I'm fine now."
"Are you here to visit Yashiori Island? If there's anything I can help with, please don't hesitate to ask."
It was clear the man held deep admiration for Elliot.
"I'm just passing through on my way to Watatsumi Island and stopped to take a look."
"I see... then, could you wait here for a moment? Just a moment!"
Originally, the man had wanted to invite Elliot to his home and offer proper hospitality. But upon hearing he was only passing by, he quickly changed his mind.
"Sure," Elliot agreed without hesitation.
"Great, just wait here, I'll be right back!"
Saying that, the man ran off toward Himuki Village.
While he waited, Elliot took the chance to admire the scenery around him.
Some time later, a complex scent wafted over.
Soon, a large group of villagers came running over.
All of them wore warm, gentle smiles, each carrying something in their hands.
"Sir, we made these pastries ourselves. Please don't mind their simplicity."
"Sir, this is fresh sea fish I caught this morning. You must accept it!"
"Sir..."
"Sir..."
One by one, the villagers from Himuki Village approached Elliot, offering him food and drink.
"What... are you all doing?" Elliot was momentarily stunned by the sight.
"Sir, you protected us. You protected Himuki Village. We remember your kindness deeply. We have no way to repay you, so we hope you'll accept these gifts."
At that moment, the village chief stepped forward to speak on behalf of everyone.
"Protecting you was my duty. I appreciate the thought, but please take these back for your children," Elliot said with a faint smile, his gaze sweeping over the kind villagers in front of him.
From the bottom of his heart, he felt—if one hand could bring peace to this place...
Then it had all been worth it.
"Sir, we may be poor here in Himuki Village, but we know how to repay kindness. These gifts come from every household. Please, accept them."
After Elliot defeated Orobashi, the villagers had gone west to see the aftermath.
The sheer size of the serpent was overwhelming—its head alone was larger than two or three houses. The blood flowing from it had formed a river.
The ground was littered with craters, shattered mountain peaks, and even a deep pit on one peak that looked like it had been struck by a meteorite. At its center was the outline of a human figure.
Seeing all this, the villagers had been left shocked and heavy-hearted.
Even with the serpent's body lying there, none of them could truly imagine how fierce the battle had been.
If Elliot hadn't risked his life to stop Orobashi, their village would've been swallowed in an instant—none of them would've survived.
Elliot had lost an arm in the process.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call him the hero of Yashiori Island.
"Yes, sir, please take them. This is the only way we can thank you."
"My child talks about wanting to meet you every day. If he knows you accepted our gift, he'll be overjoyed."
"That's right! You're Himuki Village's hero. With you here, we're no longer afraid of those so-called Archons. You gave us safety."
Faced with the villagers' heartfelt sincerity, Elliot found it hard to refuse.
"Then... alright."
As soon as Elliot gave in, the villagers broke into wide smiles.
They all placed their offerings onto Elliot's boat. Though it was a small vessel, it quickly filled up.
Fortunately, Himuki Village wasn't too large, so the boat didn't get overloaded.
"Then I'm off to Watatsumi Island," Elliot said, leaping aboard.
"Safe travels, sir!"
"Please visit Yashiori Island again!"
The villagers waved enthusiastically, sending him off with heartfelt cheers.
As their figures faded into the distance, Elliot's boat gradually drifted away.
He followed the coastline of Yashiori Island, heading west.
After a long journey across the water, he finally arrived at his destination—
Watatsumi Island.