Inside the Dawn Sound Observation Room.
The magic gathering stone floating in the center of the room was operating. This observation room had been renovated.
A transparent crystal disc opened in the center of the ceiling, its surface crisscrossed with magical patterns.
Around the magic gathering stone were various round crystals.
A pink, mist-like crystal was emitting light, connecting to the magic gathering stone.
As a result, the magic within the highly concentrated magic circle created by the magic gathering stone had transformed into a light pink mist.
Within this mist, Alka was meditating.
Two patrol aircraft were also nearby, monitoring data.
"Huh~"
A pale breath of air was exhaled.
Alka opened his eyes, picked up a towel that had been prepared nearby, and wiped the sweat from his face.
After standing up, he reached out and shut down the Magic Gathering Stone.
It can no longer be called a Magic Gathering Stone.
It should be called a Magic Gathering Array.
Looking at the objects overhead, Alka thought.
Although they didn't have the strength or the technology to create something as outrageous as the Magic Gathering Stone,
By adding some other modules based on the Magic Gathering Stone's capabilities, they could still accomplish it with a few people working together.
"Data...testing complete."
"Record analysis...file storage complete."
"File name: 'Single Attribute Modulator Model 1.21 - Changes During Dream/Spiritual Single Helix Ascension.'"
The data-recording patrol aircraft on either side archived the data and flew out the window.
The four differently colored crystals suspended atop the Magic Gathering Stone, and the crystal skylight that had been simply modified to accommodate the Magic Gathering Stone's operation, were all the fruits of their research during this period. A single crystal can transform the high-purity adaptive magic gathered by the Magic Concentration Stone into a single attribute.
The most complete and effective of these is the one adapted for Alka. It can transform high-purity magic into highly concentrated dream and spiritual energy.
Adaptive crystals like these must be crafted from highly compatible materials.
Alka can move freely within dreams, and his power there is even greater than in reality.
This allows him to gather more materials and even use his power within dreams for further forging.
Of the four crystals, the blue one is suitable for the three sea creatures on board, whose magic is more difficult to be altered by treasures.
So, one crystal can solve the adaptive magic needs of all three.
The other two are adapted for Jason, who possesses holy light, and Sofia, who possesses pure light.
Jason's magic power didn't change due to the crystal dragon's contract.
Contracts are mutual, designed to strengthen both parties' abilities, and lack the aggressive power of treasures.
Not to mention that this so-called "treasure" was an intelligent dragon.
The remaining treasures of Juanlu, Simon, and Lucelia didn't alter their magic power at all.
On the contrary, the purest magic power was more suitable for them and their treasures.
However, it must be said that after the creation of this device, everyone's strength increased again.
This increase wasn't reflected in efficiency.
It was in the ease with which this magic power was absorbed, putting less strain on the body.
The benefit of this was that they could meditate intensely, which used to last only an hour, but could now extend by half an hour.
The pressure caused by the highly adapted magic power was significantly reduced, effectively increasing their original efficiency by 50%.
It was an absolutely powerful improvement.
He replaced the devices at the top and closed them.
Alka examined the spirals within his body.
At this point, the number of spirals within him had reached 18.
The spirals within his body had completely transformed into two complete groups, each consisting of nine spirals.
He attached the powerful spells he had prepared long ago to this newly constructed spiral group.
[Mind Disturbance], a powerful spell targeting the mind, possessed a high degree of freedom.
It caused various mental disturbances, even hallucinations and illusions, to the minds of intelligent individuals.
It was a powerful spell among its peers.
The problem was that such a powerful spell needed to be attached to the entire group of nine spirals to fully unleash its power.
The remaining group of nine spirals held various other functional spells.
For example, adaptively activated shields, physical enhancements, and aura concealment.
"What a shame! I still haven't found a powerful attack that could seal the victory."
Alka couldn't help but think.
At this stage, Alka hadn't figured out a good way to deal with the powerful attacks.
He pulled out the hourglass from his pocket.
They had been on Trial Island for over 100 days and nights, plenty of time.
Alka had long ago completed the instructor's requirements, so for now, he mostly spent his time meditating and studying on the ship.
He also searched through Mirmi's fragmented memories to find some useful spells for his own use.
Or he would record some good spells and keep them in the ship's library for others to review.
And, on a regular basis, he provided training assistance to everyone.
He was mainly waiting for Sofia to meet the requirements.
Thinking of this, Alka came onto the deck.
He was the only one on the ship; the rest of his companions were undergoing trials in the Trial Tower. "Hello, Captain!"
"Captain!"
The puppet girls' voices echoed around them.
Alka nodded repeatedly: "Good, good, good, you too. Thank you for your hard work."
Alka seemed somewhat helpless. There was nothing she could do. The personalities and wisdom of these puppet girls were awakening.
As Lucelia grew stronger, the personalities and wisdom of these puppet girls also awakened.
Their personalities now resembled those of the second and third members, each with its own distinct characteristics.
The only difference was that they all bore a touch of Lucelia.
As Lucelia was younger, while not as mischievous as Sofia, she wasn't much different.
It was just that a leg condition had suppressed this personality.
And these puppet girls were helping Lucelia release that repression.
Lively, active, carefree, and full of laughter.
That's exactly how these puppet girls are today.
Thankfully, they aren't mischievous or play pranks, and at least half the time, they're quiet.
Thank goodness.
"I'm going to the island first. I'll leave the boat stuff to you. Zero, keep an eye on them."
Hearing Alka's instructions, Zero, standing at the edge of the boat, lifted the hem of her skirt and bowed slightly.
Looking elegant and polite.
"Please leave it to me."
Alka nodded.
People like Zero, who long ago developed their own personalities and wisdom, have now grown into their own complete personalities.
As soon as they reached the shore, they saw the huge ship docked at the harbor, preparing to leave.
Watching the camp packing up at the harbor.
Arka saw Nova, a young man with dark green hair, commanding the group. He was one of the six members of the Tarutas family.
He was also one of the only two members left on the island.
"Nova? Are you ready to leave?"
Hearing Arka's voice from behind, the young man named Nova turned and smiled as he approached.
He gave Arka a brief hug.
"It's Arka. I haven't seen you in a few days. Have you met the instructor's requirements?"
"Yes, I'm waiting for my companions."
Hearing this, Nova's eyes flickered with envy.
"That's great! Your team only has a few people, and everyone's so talented that the instructor is willing to teach them."
Hearing this, Arka smiled but didn't explain.
He couldn't say that everyone on their ship was officially qualified.
Being taught by an instructor was considered a sign of exceptional talent by others.
Of the six people who had come with them, only Nova and another family member had managed to gain the approval of the two instructors, willing to teach them in the Trial Tower.
Including the leader, the fourth-stage member, Maru, none of them were favored.
Thus, only one ship remained anchored, waiting for the two.
The others had already left the Trial Island, following the other two ships.
"We're ready to leave. My brother and I have met the instructors' requirements."
Hearing this, Alka glanced at him and smiled, "You say you envy us? Your talent is more enviable, isn't it?"
"Haha, you're kidding."
"By the way, I don't have the guiding flag you need to reach the landmark island where the cathedral is. Take this one for now." Nova placed a guiding flag in Alka's hand. Alka looked at the flag in his hand.
The flag was wheat-yellow, bearing the emblems of the Church of Our Lady and the Church of the Holy Machine.
Two church emblems on one flag?
Looking at the flag, Alka was puzzled.
How could the emblems of two churches be on the same flag?
Could it be that in the Boundless Sea, the two churches have united?
Alka couldn't help but wonder.
Nova explained, "This is the guiding flag of the Twin Islands, where our family resides.
The Twin Islands are a vast island, divided into two, yet they function as a single entity.
Each island is occupied by the Church of Our Lady and the Church of the Holy Machine, respectively, hence the flag's appearance.
The right island is where the Church of Our Lady is located, and it's also home to one of its larger churches, so if you need anything, you can head there first."
After hearing Nova's explanation, Alka nodded and accepted the flag. "Thanks, I owe you one."
"No, no, no, it's just a guiding flag. It's nothing serious. We're all children of the Virgin Mary, so helping is only natural."
Hearing this, Alka said nothing more, folding his arms.
"May the Virgin Mary wish you a safe journey."
"May the Virgin Mary bless you."
The two said goodbye to each other.
Alka walked through the ruins and arrived at the base of the Trial Tower.
At this moment, only Julia and Sofia were at the bottom of the tower.
"Why are there only the two of you? Where are the others?"
Seeing Alka approach, Sofia glanced at the woods behind. "They're either clearing their inner elementals or fishing. They're not here."
"By the way, Juanlu has met the requirements. Now the only one left is Matriasa."
Alka hadn't been to the Trial Tower for several weeks, so he wasn't very up to speed on everyone's progress.
However, Juanlu, Matlisa, and Jason still hadn't met the instructor's requirements.
Since the two men, now possessing the treasure, met the instructor again, the standards had become even stricter.
It seemed the instructor had very high expectations for Jason, simply because he was a Crystal Dragon Warrior.
Now, only Matlisa was missing, so it would be quick.
Sure enough, before Alka could reply, a flash of blue light flashed from the nearby teleportation array, and Matlisa appeared on it.
Matlisa looked very good, no longer as delicate as before.
She looked much stronger and more elegant than before.
"How's it going, Matlisa?" Sofia asked, approaching.
"All right," Matlisa nodded, excitedly saying.
"Then it seems we should get ready to leave."
"Congratulations," the triangle floated over, looking at the group.
"I look forward to your next all-comers challenge."
"Of course, you won't be waiting long."
Alka said with a smile.
Not long after, the others returned.
Alka looked at Pororo, who had several bleeding wounds.
"What happened?"
With their current strength, could a group-fighting elemental creature really hurt them?
"I just caught a big one on the beach. It's quite strong, and it scratched me."
So they went fishing.
It's not uncommon for the Infinite Ocean to have powerful fish and sea beasts.
You can see them from time to time.
Matlisa swam up, and several thin needles floated around her, entwined with currents.
Under her control, the needles were inserted into the wound.
Water quickly flowed into the wound, and it began to heal at a visible speed.
[Plague Needle] This was the name of this treasure.
A Holy Grail-level treasure, like Juanlu's divine essence, both were obtained through a challenge.
Having learned from their previous experience, they carefully prepared this time's item, bearing divine essence, before even beginning to forge it.
It had to fit within the capabilities of the divine essence and suit Matresa's needs and desires.
The result was this set of fine needles, 16 in total.
As the name suggests, this treasure offers more than just medical treatment; it can also rapidly infect enemies with various virulent viruses.
This treasure's power allows Matresa to skillfully craft and control poisons and medicines.
Combined with Matlisa's existing medical knowledge and the accompanying spells, this technique is extremely effective.
"Alright, everyone, our journey on this island ends today. We must prepare to depart."
No one was surprised by Alka's words.
This had already been decided; they were simply waiting for Matlisa to meet the instructor's requirements.
It's not that they must meet the instructor's requirements before leaving, but rather that meeting them is the true measure of their strength at this stage.
With the instructor's guidance, there's no need to rush.
Now that everyone has met the instructor's requirements, they simply need to wait for them to fully master their treasures.
At that time, they can return to challenge mode, which is equivalent to obtaining a treasure suitable for their current abilities.
This is evident from what Juanlu and Matlisa have already achieved.
Challenge mode is a must, and only when you are absolutely certain of victory can you return.
Otherwise, we'd suffer a great loss.
Everyone returned to the Voice of Dawn.
...
"Cheers to the Trial Tower!"
"Cheers to a better tomorrow!"
Everyone toasted haphazardly, sipping their beers.
In front of them was a pile of barbecued meat grilling on a fire.
The existence of the Trial Island had elevated their strength and brought them under perfect control.
Everyone had undergone systematic training, gaining a deeper understanding of how to fight and how to fight.
No longer were they attacking haphazardly like before.
Not to mention, they had each learned some very practical techniques from their instructors.
Techniques that had existed before the War of Gods.
Now that the Trial was complete, of course, a proper celebration was in order.
The puppet girls around them were also running around.
"Don't run around! Why are you drinking secretly?" Zero, the deputy leader, lectured like an elder.
Alka quickly picked up Lily, who was trying to sneak away from her feet, and took the small cup from her hand with his fingers.
"What's in this?" He looked at the orange-yellow liquid in the small cup, which still emitted a faint smell of alcohol.
"This...this is...a drink that Sister Lucilia wanted. I'm getting it for her."
Lily said with a stiff smile.
Hearing this, Alka turned his head and looked at Lucilia, who had slumped over on the table, mumbling something incoherently, completely drunk.
Then he turned his head to look at Lily.
"Hehe..."
He stretched out his finger and flicked her forehead hard, then put her back to the ground.
"Don't let me catch you drinking secretly again, or you'll be in trouble."
"It's Dad!" Lily corrected him.
Then, after Alka turned around, he made a face at his back.
"Likely!"
Hiding in a corner, he pulled out another cup from somewhere and began to sip it with relish.
"Ugh, so bitter, so unpalatable."
Amidst the laughter and chatter,
Sofia, who was sitting next to Alka, looked at him and asked.
"Where are we going next? A casual voyage?"
Hearing this, Alka took out the flag he had obtained today.
"Let's just aim for one flag. If we encounter other islands along the way, we can take a look. There's no rush this time."
Sofia was also puzzled by the fact that the flag had the emblems of two churches printed on it.
After Alka's explanation, the others nodded.
"Does an island like this exist?"
"I didn't expect to be slaying my colleagues from the Church of the Endless Sea so soon." Simon looked pleased.
"Let's take action early tomorrow morning."