56: Arrival at Shattered Star Island

Three days later, the east wind was strong, and the main pier of Iron Sand Island was bustling with people. The second-generation warship mobile fortress, the “sea wave,” and transport ships fully loaded with supplies were neatly lined up. The sea breeze whipped, fluttering the brand new star flag atop the masts, stirring the emotions of every warrior embarking on the expedition.

The 300 elites carefully selected by the Second Battalion had all boarded the ship. Their armor was gleaming, their weapons sharp, and their eyes shone with excitement for the unknown voyage and determination for the mission. Ocean Jack stood at the bow of the “sea wave,” his silver spearhead reflecting a cold light in the sun. Although the aura of Gold Novice was deliberately restrained, it still brought immense peace of mind to the crew.

By the pier, Linn was giving his final instructions to the core members staying behind. Karl, Hogan, Shirei, Angus, and others stood solemnly listening. They would bear the heavy responsibility of territorial defense and new recruit training. Morton hunched his back, but his eyes were exceptionally sharp; ensuring safety in the rear was his mission. Elise stepped forward and gently tidied Linn's collar, which wasn't even messy. Her deep blue eyes held both worry and determination: "Young Master, please take me with you!"

Linn held her hand, feeling its coolness and concern, and said gently, "Don't worry, wait for my good news. You now have a bigger task: assisting Angus in forging the Divine Arrow Army into an ace force that never misses."

Upon hearing this, Elise also understood the gravity of the responsibility and said nothing further.

Linn looked at Aivi beside him, who was already impatient to leave. Half a year of separation and worry had now completely transformed into urgency in her eyes. "Let's board," Linn said.

"Mhm!" Aivi nodded heavily and stepped onto the sturdy main deck of the “sea wave” alongside Linn.

"Anchor aweigh! Full sails!" Ocean Jack's powerful command echoed across the sea.

The heavy iron chain windlass groaned, and the massive sails opened, catching the abundant east wind, swelling like a full moon. The fleet, like Dragons breaking free of their restraints, slowly pulled away from the dock, gradually picking up speed. Their sharp bows cut through the azure sea, leaving long white wakes, steadily advancing northeast toward the Shattered Star Archipelago.

The crowd on the shore waved goodbye until the fleet became a black speck on the horizon. The remaining personnel understood in their hearts that the future of the Star Sea Territory hinged upon this expedition.

As the new type of warship Linn had put all his effort into building, the “sea wave” boasted a speed far exceeding ordinary cargo ships, nearly double. They sailed through the wind and waves, and although they occasionally encountered rough seas, they passed through them safely, thanks to Ocean Jack's superb command and the excellent performance of the vessel.

After sailing for about seven or eight days and nights, an exciting shout finally came from the lookout tower: "Land! The outline of a large island has been spotted ahead!"

Linn and Aivi rushed to the bow immediately. On the horizon, the shape of a vast, boundless land gradually became clear, its size far exceeding all the islands Linn had ever seen! The island was covered in rolling mountains and dense forests, with winding coastlines and bays extending deep inland faintly visible.

"That is Shattered Star Island!" Aivi's voice was filled with uncontrollable excitement and trembling as her fingers tightly gripped the ship's rail. "I'm finally back!"

Linn gazed at this land, which was about to become his new stage. His eyes sparkled, and his heart surged. If he could establish a foothold on such a vast and fertile island and use it as a springboard, the path to the Great Wilderness Forest in the eastern part of the Western Continent would become much clearer! He involuntarily clenched his fist, secretly resolving: This place must be captured!

Guided by Aivi, the fleet did not rashly approach the center or northern parts of the island, which might be controlled by Orcs. Instead, they cautiously sailed along the coastline, circumnavigating to the southern part of the island. The coastline here was relatively gentle, dotted with hidden small bays and dense coastal forests.

Finally, the fleet anchored in a secluded spot Aivi called "Crescent Moon Bay." After leaving Hogan to lead the majority of the soldiers to guard the ships, establish a temporary camp, and maintain high alert, Linn, accompanied by Ocean Jack and a team of about twenty Elite Personal Guards, followed Aivi on foot, advancing deep into the inland forest.

The deeper they went, the quieter the environment became, yet the air was filled with a subtle sense of desolation and tension. The forest, which should have been full of vitality, appeared somewhat messy. Along the way, they could even see traces left by battles—broken weapons, scorched earth, and simple graves that had not been fully buried in time.

Aivi's mood grew heavier, and her pace quickened. After passing through a thicket of tall ferns, their view suddenly opened up, and a village built against the forest and rock face appeared before them.

However, the sight that greeted them tightened their hearts. The village was not small, but many tree houses and simple shacks showed signs of damage, and some areas were still undergoing repairs. The people moving about were sparse, mostly wearing expressions of fatigue and worry, and many were injured, wrapped in simple bandages. Children hid behind adults, observing Linn's group of unfamiliar visitors with timid yet curious eyes. The entire settlement was enveloped in a low-pressure atmosphere of post-war recovery, where Origin Qi had not yet been restored.

Everyone, like Aivi, had three scales arranged in a triangular pattern on their brow, and all were handsome and fair-featured.

"Aivi?! It's Aivi, she's back!"

A sharp-eyed Sea God Clan maiden was the first to recognize her, crying out in disbelief and joy.

This shout was like throwing a stone into a calm lake, quickly causing a commotion. More and more people emerged from their dwellings and gathered around.

"Sister Aivi!"

"It really is Aivi! You've finally returned!"

The crowd automatically parted, creating a path. A woman wearing a sea-blue Priestly Robe and holding a staff inlaid with deep Aquamarine Gems hurried over, surrounded by guards. She appeared to be about thirty years old in human terms, with an elegant face that held wisdom accumulated over the years. Her azure eyes were like the calmest deep sea, but they were now rippling with emotion due to her excitement. She was the Great Priestess of the Sea God Clan, Hai Ge Ossiana, and a figure who was both a Teacher and a mother to Aivi.

"Aivi! My child!" The Great Priestess Sea Song's voice held a subtle tremor. She rushed forward, tightly grasping Aivi's hands, her gaze urgently sweeping over her, as if to confirm she was safe and sound. However, this inspection made her body tremble. Her deep aquamarine eyes instantly widened, filled with incredible shock!

"You... not only has your Origin injury healed? And... this power... High Gold Rank?! How is this possible?!" The Great Priestess Sea Song's voice rose due to extreme surprise. She clearly sensed the vast and mighty energy fluctuation within Aivi's body, which was several times stronger than before Aivi left! This was a miracle!

Aivi felt the Great Priestess Sea Song's shock and concern, gripped her hand in return, and nodded vigorously, a bright, grateful smile blooming on her face: "Yes, Teacher! Not only have my injuries healed, but I've also achieved a Breakthrough! All of this is thanks to Linn!"

She turned sideways and formally introduced Linn, who was standing beside her, to the Great Priestess Sea Song. Her tone was filled with respect and intimacy: "Teacher, this is the Baron of Star Sea of the Aolai Kingdom, Lynn Ellis. When I was gravely injured and drifting at sea, Lord Linn rescued me. Not only did he carefully treat my wounds, but he also spared no expense in using extremely precious treasures to help me restore my Origin and achieve a Breakthrough to my current Realm!"

Instantly, all eyes, especially the sharp and scrutinizing gaze of the Great Priestess Sea Song, focused on Linn. Surprise, doubt, gratitude, and a trace of indescribable scrutiny were interwoven.

Linn stepped forward at the opportune moment, his posture elegant and composed. He performed a standard noble greeting toward the Great Priestess Sea Song, his voice gentle and courteous: "Respected Great Priestess Sea Song, I have long admired you. I am Linn; you may call me that directly. I am fortunate to have met Young Miss Aivi and to have offered a small token of assistance. Seeing her return safely and reunite with you brings me great comfort."

Since landing on Iron Sand Island, Linn had never used the surname Ellis when introducing himself in formal settings.

The Great Priestess Sea Song took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the turmoil in her heart. She took another deep look at Linn. The scrutiny in her gaze had not lessened, but the shock caused by Aivi's sudden increase in strength had transformed into high regard for this "mysterious" human lord and a trace of indescribable gratitude. To be able to casually produce treasures that allowed Aivi to achieve a Breakthrough to High Gold Rank, this person was certainly extraordinary. His background strength and intentions needed to be reevaluated.

"Baron of Star Sea," the Great Priestess Sea Song's voice regained its usual composure and dignity, though her tone was much softer, "The Sea God Clan, and I, Hai Ge Ossiana, will forever remember your life-saving and restorative kindness toward Aivi. This debt of gratitude is as heavy as a mountain." She nodded slightly, expressing her thanks.

Linn accepted the gesture calmly, smiling: "Great Priestess, you exaggerate. Aivi and I are friends, and mutual assistance is natural between friends. Moreover, I have come here hoping to become better friends with the Sea God Clan and face the current difficulties together."

The Great Priestess heard other intentions in Linn's words, but before she could elaborate, Aivi interrupted: "Great Priestess, Linn, let's go back inside and talk in detail first."

The Great Priestess also put aside her doubts and curiosity and led Linn and the others toward Aivi's Clan Chief Tree House.