Chapter 591

Chapter 428: Abundance

In a remote sea area far from the main shipping routes, lies the main island of the Summer Tree Archipelago.

The Summer Tree Archipelago consists of several islands that are not far apart, with the largest island being almost as large as half of Prit. Hidden within the thick forests of the main island are ancient towns inhabited by an ancient people called the Summer Tree.

The most spectacular sight on Summer Tree Island is the towering giant tree, standing over a hundred meters tall. Compared to the low woods on the island, this giant tree is strikingly prominent, more distinguished than the island’s lighthouse during the day. Beneath this giant tree lies the largest town on Summer Tree Island.

Within this ancient town, hidden among the dense woods, paths paved with irregular stone slabs crisscross through the trees. On either side of the paths are simple houses, most of which are wooden two- or three-story buildings, with vines climbing up their walls. There are also low stone houses made from rough stone blocks, with moss covering their stone walls. Occasionally, some simple wooden carvings depicting abstract figures of voluptuous women can be seen placed beside the paths, while many of the columns on the houses are etched with images of flourishing trees.

This town, built among the woods, exudes a harmonious natural atmosphere. However, the tense air that permeates the streets prevents such a feeling from being completely uplifting.

On the stone-paved roads, weeds grow between the cracks of the bricks, where people dressed in simple, distinctive robes come and go, some carrying fruits and others holding fish baskets. Each person’s eyes reveal a trace of worry. Occasionally, some stop on the streets to share anxious glances and discuss something, while others pause in front of the wooden carvings of women, stopping to pray with unease.

In a large house somewhere in the town, a group of young people gathers around a crackling bonfire for dinner. In front of them are an abundance of grilled fish, fruits, roasted meat, and even some strange pastries, as well as drinks resembling alcohol. These young men are mostly soldiers who participated in the seizure of the church’s ships. Under Bahoda’s lead, they raise their cups and drink heartily, enjoying the food before them.

At the banquet, the celebrators converse merrily in an enthusiastic atmosphere. Although each face bears a smile, hidden deep within every smile is a hint of unease, yet no one expresses this inappropriate emotion at what is supposed to be a lively feast.

Finally, as time passes, the sun in the sky completely sinks below the distant horizon, and dusk falls upon Summer Tree Island, ushering in the night. The feast for the Summer Tree warriors continues for a while longer before approaching its conclusion. Just as the banquet is winding down, a man who has been drowning his sorrows in drink turns to Bahoda and speaks.

“Bahoda, do you think the Radiant Church will truly agree to our terms and respect our faith?”

Hearing the man’s words, a sudden silence envelops the banquet as all eyes turn to Bahoda. After a slight pause, he slowly replies.

“I don’t know… While I can’t ascertain the Radiant Church’s attitude, what I do know is that, regardless of what happens, Summer Tree cannot be separated from the blessings of abundance. We have been under the goddess’s protection for a thousand years; Summer Tree can no longer do without Her.

“This action of ours is merely a glimmer of hope pulled from despair, but concerning the final outcome, I believe it’s best for everyone to prepare themselves mentally.”

With that, Bahoda takes his leave from the gathering, leaving the warriors glancing at one another before they too rise to depart.

After the banquet ends, the participants leave the scene and head to the town’s streets. They do not linger but return to their homes. Exhausted from the tense transport of the past few days, they quickly fall into deep sleep as soon as they arrive home.

Just as they sink into a profound slumber, a hidden, extraordinary power emanates from the far side of the distant sea. Among the sleeping warriors, three suddenly open their eyes, slowly rising from their beds and moving to their windows, staring blankly at the scenes outside in the streets.

“Finally… the moment when they all fall asleep has come. For now, allow me to use this body…”

In the distant city of Trua on the far edge of the sea, Dorothy, clad in pajamas, murmurs to herself in her hotel room. Utilizing the Puppet Marks buried within the three bodies, she remotely controls them while they sleep, turning them into puppets fully manipulated by her.

After establishing control over the three Flesh Puppets, Dorothy immediately sends them outside their homes to scout the town under the tree, collecting intelligence on Vania, who is currently imprisoned. This is the only way for Dorothy to execute her rescue plan from afar.

Although she knows the church will likely organize a rescue operation as well, Dorothy does not intend to place all her hopes on them. In this unexpected situation, her primary concern is ensuring Vania’s safety.

The key goal of Dorothy’s operation is to secure Vania’s safety while also trying to protect the other Pilgrims as much as possible.

While Dorothy feels a certain sympathy for these natives striving for freedom of faith and considers whether she can save them to prevent them from facing a terrible disaster in the wake of the church’s retaliation, she ultimately cannot figure out a way to assist them. She is unsure how to resolve this sharp conflict of beliefs.

In summary, while Dorothy wishes to save more people and prevent disasters from occurring, she feels unable to intervene in such a large matter with her current abilities. Ensuring Vania’s safety is her minimum requirement.

Then, Dorothy manipulates the three Flesh Puppets to meander through the streets of Summer Tree Island at night, collecting information from different locations and confirming the specific whereabouts of the Pilgrims and Vania. Unfortunately, the conclusions drawn are not favorable.

From the reconnaissance information obtained from various perspectives, Dorothy roughly assesses that the Pilgrims have all been taken ashore from three ships and divided into several groups to be held at different locations on the island, preventing a unified rescue by the church.

These natives have left ample guards at each location. If a strong rescue attempt takes place at one site, the hostages at other locations may very well be killed. In this scenario, even the church would find it challenging to save everyone at once. A forced rescue could likely result in significant casualties.

Currently, Vania is being held alone in a small house located on an island’s lake, a very concealed location with strict security. If the church attempts a forced rescue, the risk of Vania being killed is very high.

Surrounded on all sides by water and accessible only by boat, there is no telling how many water mages guard the area. The terrain provides a great advantage for the captors.

At this moment, Vania has no suitable weapon at her disposal. Dorothy considers that enhancing Vania to allow her to break out forcefully carries a high risk. Previously, Vania’s ability to combat the White Chalk Tier’s power relied heavily on the Frenzied Banquet Sigil, but Dorothy has already exhausted that, and without a sword, Vania’s swordsmanship is unlikely to be effective. Escaping from within a crowded area of water mages in such a water-surrounded environment poses a significant challenge.

‘This is troublesome… with the natives arranging things this way, it’s not just the other Pilgrims; even Vania will find it hard to escape. If the church comes to rescue, it feels like they won’t be able to save many people…’