Capítulo 38: Chapter 37: Sanchi's Whereabouts
Under Kado's persistent questioning, the old man began narrating the tale of Skull Rock Island.
"About ten thousand years ago, a gigantic sea turtle's corpse was discovered floating on the ocean. This turtle was as massive as an island, with its shell alone being hundreds of meters thick. No one knew where it came from, how it grew to such an immense size, or why it had died."
"The turtle's corpse drifted across the world's seas until one day, it collided with an underwater volcano. The impact triggered a violent eruption, shrouding the skies in ash and creating apocalyptic conditions. The eruption lasted half a month. Afterward, daring pirates ventured to the site to investigate but found that the turtle's corpse had vanished. People assumed it had been incinerated, but five thousand years later, the empty shell resurfaced, floating like a colossal island."
"Back then, some island residents fleeing pirate attacks relocated to the turtle shell. However, the shell was barren, without animals or plants, earning it the name 'Skull Rock Island.'"
"Years later, the shell disappeared again, only to reappear three centuries ago. By then, there were no signs of human habitation, but a unique plant called 'Crystal Vine' had grown inside the shell. These vines, transparent like crystals and filled with water, could be sliced open to drink directly."
"People from arid regions tried transplanting the Crystal Vine as a water source, but it could only grow on Skull Rock Island. With no practical use elsewhere, the island continued drifting aimlessly."
"Eventually, a pirate crew from the infamous 'Naga Pirates' sought refuge on the island after their fleet was crushed by the navy. Led by their captain, Naga, they settled there, hidden and sustained by the Crystal Vines."
"Over time, the pirates died off, leaving behind descendants. Two hundred years ago, these descendants established the Naga Kingdom, with Naga's direct lineage ruling as kings."
"For two centuries, the Naga Kingdom thrived, even becoming a famous tourist destination. Many came to witness the colossal turtle shell. The only drawback was the island's constant drifting, occasionally ending up in windless zones for years at a time."
"Twenty years ago, the island again drifted into a windless zone. At first, the Naga Kingdom residents weren't concerned. But this time, it lasted two decades. During this period, the island became primitive—clothing scarce, replaced by makeshift coverings like beast hides."
"Like this?" Kado pointed to the beast skin the old man wore.
The old man chuckled. "Indeed. I am a native of the Naga Kingdom and have lived here since the island entered the windless zone. The stories I told are mostly legends, but the island being a turtle's corpse is true. I've seen remnants of its bones myself!" His expression turned proud, as if witnessing the turtle's bones was a badge of honor.
Kado then gestured to the glowing red crystals on the cave's ceiling. "What about these red crystals?"
"Those are magma crystals. They're common in volcanic areas and can be used for lighting, but they have no other value," the old man explained.
"And why is this place called the Sea King's Nest?" Kado asked.
"Because it's home to many Sea Kings. But don't worry—they're blocked outside by the turtle shell and can't harm us. Many Sea Kings use the caves on the island as homes, so we hunt them for meat to improve our lives." The old man smiled nostalgically. "I was once a great hunter, capturing two or three Sea Kings in a day with my companions!"
"Is meat that scarce here?" Kado asked, pulling out a pinkish, translucent vine from a passerby's bag and biting into it. The vine, filled with sweet water, seemed like a variant of the Crystal Vine.
"Yes, we need to hunt to eat meat. Otherwise, we rely on things like Crystal Vines," the old man replied, eyeing the pink vine enviously.
"Where can I find some Sea Kings to hunt? I'm starving," Kado said, rubbing his stomach.
"Heh, if you're that hungry, I can invite you for a meal," the old man offered with a smile.
Kado shamelessly accepted and followed the old man to his cave.
The cave was simple, with a makeshift stone bed covered by old hides and a few crude rock tables and chairs. The old man lit a jelly-like substance on a stone stove, explaining, "This is Sea Cow fat. A small piece burns for a long time, and we use it for cooking and heat."
As the old man cooked, Kado helped eagerly, hoping to eat sooner. Eventually, the old man presented him with a sticky, slimy dish.
"Try it," the old man said nervously.
Famished, Kado dug in without hesitation.
"You don't feel any discomfort?" the old man asked, leaning close.
"No, it's tasty," Kado replied, confused by the question.
"Ah, so it really is edible!" the old man sighed with relief. "This dish combines Crystal Vine and Seaweed Grass. A recent castaway claimed to be a top-tier chef and invented this recipe. I wasn't sure if it was safe, so I had you test it."
Realizing he'd been a guinea pig, Kado wasn't angry—Sanchi often made him test strange dishes.
"Wait—Sanchi!" Kado exclaimed, piecing it together. A top-tier chef experimenting with food? That had to be Sanchi!
"Old man, tell me the chef's name and where he is!" Kado demanded.
"Uh, I think it was... Sanchi or something. The king invited him to the palace to cook gourmet meals," the old man said.
Finishing his meal, Kado stormed out of the cave, heading for the palace, leaving the bemused old man behind.
End of chapter
I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to those who support me on this journey. Your contributions make a real difference!As a Patron, you unlock:
Exclusive access : Get 170+ advanced chapters ahead of everyone else
Exclusive shout-out : Receive a special shout-out every chapter as a thank you for your support!
Your support not only fuels my creativity but also helps me grow on this community. If you're not a paetron yet, consider joining us.
Join now : patreon.com/DeCakraWnloverz
Estado de energía semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Piedra de
Poder