Treasure Hunting System： The Ocean Conquerer
Chapter 51: Merman

Chapter 51: Chapter 51: Merman

Watching the petite figure carrying him, Alka had never imagined Chadite as a melee fighter. It completely contradicted her delicate appearance. Who would have thought such a beautiful and cute girl would fight with her fists?

"That punch just now was awesome," Alka suddenly remarked.

"Really? Hehe." Hearing Alka’s compliment, Chadite smiled faintly, a little pleased.

After a short while, Alka felt he had recovered considerably and seemed able to walk on his own. So he said, "Put me down. I think I can move by myself now."

Upon hearing Alka’s words, Chadite stopped and slowly crouched down. Seeing Alka still looking a bit strained, Chadite moved to help him.

Alka waved his hand; though his legs were still somewhat weak, it no longer hindered his ability to walk. After a couple of steps, he felt back to normal.

He turned to look at Chadite’s back; her white sailor uniform was completely soaked with his blood.

"Are you alright?" he asked, looking at Chadite, who seemed unconcerned about her uniform and, instead, slightly worried about him.

Alka nodded.

They slowed their pace, walking towards the seaside.

At this moment, Alka asked, "What were those red thorns on that clown’s body? Why could they heal his wounds so quickly?"

Such intense flames engulfing and burning the clown’s entire body had done absolutely nothing to impair his mobility. Instead, the numerous wounds covering his body were swiftly healed by the blood-red thorns entwined around them. The wounds healed at a speed Alka could almost see with his naked eye. However, with his limited understanding of the Extraordinary World, Alka had no idea what those things were.

That’s when Chadite remembered. Alka seems to have only just been introduced to the Extraordinary World.

After a moment’s thought, Chadite answered, "Those are the [Blood and Flesh Thorns], a Spell mastered by Nivek. It can rapidly heal any damage he sustains and also enhance and improve his physique."

"You’ve seen those three books in Dad’s room, right?"

Hearing Chadite’s question, Alka nodded. "Yes."

"Spells actually have a concept of adaptability," Chadite explained. "Most of the ordinary Spells accessible now are the result of generations of improvements by our ancestors, making them better suited for everyone."

Considering Alka’s unfamiliarity with the Extraordinary World, Chadite continued her explanation. "When you come into contact with a Treasure, the Magic Power within your body is activated and will, more or less, be influenced by the type of Treasure. For example, if you touch a flame-type Treasure, your inner Magic Power will afterward involuntarily become more fire-aligned. Learning and using fire-related Spells then becomes easier and more effective than for others."

The books didn’t elaborate much on this kind of information, Alka mused, listening attentively. That means it was better to be selective when touching Treasures, if possible. Of course, ordinary people clearly didn’t have this opportunity. Being able to touch one was already incredible, let alone having the right to be picky.

"However, it isn’t irreversible," Chadite suddenly said. "After all, it’s just a single touch, so your inner Magic Power only shifts slightly in that direction. If you later get the chance to touch a favored Treasure multiple times, your inner Magic Power will gradually align with this new Treasure. Humans are highly adaptable to their environment, and their inner Magic Power is no different."

I understand, Alka thought. So, human Magic Power, or perhaps its pathways, are quite malleable and easily influenced by external factors. This means it’s best to be selective when learning Spells, depending on one’s experiences and individual differences.

A faint, salty sea breeze drifted past them. They would reach the seaside soon.

Taking this opportunity, Chadite continued explaining to Alka. "For instance, Nivek’s [Blood and Flesh Thorns] isn’t universal at all. There’s no other known Spell like it; it must be unique to him. It’s a Spell he comprehended himself."

"What do you mean?" Alka asked curiously from beside her.

Chadite replied unhurriedly, "From the books, you should know that there’s a chance to comprehend Spells when touching Treasures, right?"

"Yes."

"Spells one comprehends are actually suited only to oneself. Even if you were to explain them to others, they would find them very difficult to learn. Even if they succeeded, the Spell’s effect and power would be greatly diminished. That is unless you were willing to specifically modify it, weakening its effect and power to a degree that most people could learn it. Of course, modifying Spells isn’t something just anyone can do."

So that’s how it works, Alka nodded to himself, his understanding of the Extraordinary World deepening. Thinking about it this way, Jack was actually much more formidable than I originally thought, Alka mused. He couldn’t help but recall Jack’s book on Spell analysis. In it, Jack had detailed his unique modifications and adjustments to those three Spells. He hadn’t just adjusted the Spells themselves but had also researched the materials used to channel them.

Thinking about this, Alka couldn’t help but touch the Crystal Stone on his belt. It had entirely dimmed, looking like an ordinary stone. Because he hadn’t been able to turn it off after activating the Red Card earlier, its Energy had long since drained completely.

Recalling the [Cross of Righteous Fire] from before, its immense power had truly astonished Alka. He’d never imagined such a small, thin card could unleash such immense power.

"We’re almost there," Chadite remarked.

They reached the coast, though this area wasn’t a port. Besides, the actual ports were guarded, making it impossible for them to dock their ship there.

TOOT! WOO! GURGLE! GURGLE!

At this moment, Chadite covered her mouth with her hands and made a strange sound. This sound, akin to a very subtle sound wave, traveled far.

After the call, Chadite turned to see Alka’s puzzled expression. Laughing, she explained, "This is a sound wave Sang Kaka can hear; he can pick up this signal from a great distance."

Alka nodded.

Then a question arose: Who is Sang Kaka? His mind began to race. According to the wanted posters, there’s still one key member I haven’t met. Only one remains. So, this Sang Kaka must be that sole non-human Race member—the Swordfish Merman.

A surge of curiosity welled up in Alka. A genuine member of a non-human Race! I only recently read about such beings in a book.

Just then, a wave broke the surface in the distant sea, standing out from the relatively calm waters surrounding it. As it drew nearer, a blue fin sliced through the water. Then, a figure leaped high out of the sea, silhouetted against the moonlight.

Watching the figure leap into the air, displaying itself under the moonlight, Chadite couldn’t help but touch her forehead.

Alka’s smile also inexplicably stiffened.