"It's said to be three years, but we only have two years at most. If we wait until the island is completely submerged by the sea, it will be useless even if we really bring back the darkness." Charles said to Hahood in front of him with a frown.
"Yes, that's true. That's why we cooperate with each other. By the way, I heard that they found some clues about the darkness? How's the progress?"
"We can go to the Explorers Association right now to solve this problem. There is a map there that can show you more intuitively."
Hahod nodded, followed Charles and walked towards the Exploration Association.
The Explorers Association lobby was bustling with people, most of the exploration captains were handing over missions. It was as noisy as a vegetable market.
The surface map is hung on the wall, and its scope is expanding. There are various icons on it, marking dangerous areas.
The number of icons on the west side is gradually increasing, and the marks on them clear the way for the explorers behind.
"Look here, the fastest exploration team has reached nearly 500 kilometers and is making rapid progress." Charles looked up and pointed at the map.
"What are those red arrows?"
"Each arrow represents an explorer who never returned. This map was paved with human lives."
Hahod nodded with satisfaction. "Finally we know where the people and supplies from our West Sea Region have gone. You know, life down there is getting harder and harder. Everything is closely tied to what's up there."
Charles looked at the map in front of him with a serious expression, "But for ourselves, everything is worth it. This is our only hope."
After thinking for a while, Hahod asked Charles again: "By the way, when do you plan to leave the port again? If you have time, some of the people from the West Sea want to see you."
Charles looked around cautiously. Explorers in various costumes came and went and passed by him. "We can't talk about this here. The Fortan Cult won't let this go so easily."
Hahod nodded. "Indeed, after what happened last time, it's good to be more vigilant."
"Let's go to the compartment on the side." Charles took Hahood to the counter next to him and walked into the heavily guarded compartment inside.
This is where the Pathfinder Society talks about the big things.
"In fact, I did find something and I plan to look in that direction next time I sail. My sailing plan this time is not displayed on the map above to avoid being discovered by others." Charles sat down on the sofa in the compartment.
"Dark clues? Really?" Hahod looked very nervous.
Charles took a look and reached out to pull out a photo. "Maybe it counts. Maybe this time we can find another witness to the death of the God of Light."
Hahod stretched out his wrinkled right hand and held the photo.
The area shown above looks like a Gobi Desert, not much different from the Gobi Desert in the Giant Pit Fortress.
But the Gobi Desert, which should have been flat, was full of potholes and had two curled marks on it, as if it had been turned over by a huge plow. The marks extended to the end of the photo.
"What is this?" Hahod asked in surprise.
"068's movement traces. When the God of Light reshaped his body, he also brought it in. Judging from these traces, this guy has started his new journey again."
Charles did not forget 068, the city formed by the relics of the Foundation. The creatures on it should know something. It would be great if he could get from them what exactly killed the God of Light.
"Does it really have to be you alone? Can't someone else do this?"
"The Explorers Association has already sent some people there, but that place is not simple. I think it would be better for me to go there in person. After all, I have dealt with them once before."
All the wrinkles on Hahod's face lifted up and he smiled. "Very good, as long as there is a clue, go with peace of mind, I will take care of this."
"Well, I will let the person in charge of the Giant Pit Fortress hand over to you and let your people integrate as soon as possible. I heard that the people in the West Sea have many rules, but I hope you can restrain yourself. This is not a trip."
Harhod returned the photo in his hand to Charles and said, "Of course, of course. Now everything else has to be put aside. Saving Dihai is the most important thing."
Hahood and Charles walked out of the secret room again and dealt with some details. Then, in the early morning of the third day, Charles left quietly.
After suffering a loss last time, Charles' itinerary this time was kept absolutely confidential. Except for the top leaders of the Explorers Association, no one knew which direction they were heading.
The Gobi Desert on the surface is incredibly large. If you don’t know the exact coordinates, it would be impossible to guess.
The two bats kept patrolling the ship to make sure they would not be attacked again.
Charles in the captain's room was looking at the map on the wall. There was a line on it, which was the distance between the Giant Pit Fortress and the 068 mark.
After drawing a new map as a backup, Charles stood up and prepared to inspect his ship.
At this moment, a tentacle with black scales stretched out from behind and gently wrapped around his neck.
Smelling the familiar fragrance, Charles knew who the tentacle belonged to. He lowered his head and kissed it, "Why are you here? Is there something wrong?"
"I miss you." Anna's soft body slipped into Charles' arms from the side. She was naked.
Charles enjoyed the rare pleasure of their lips and tongues intertwining in tacit understanding, and the long-term pressure gave him a good release.
Since coming to power, Charles has had very little time to spend alone with his wife as both of them are very busy.
After a long time, Anna lay on Charles' chest, listening to his gradually calming breathing.
"What are you thinking about now?" Anna asked.
"I'm thinking about how to preserve this moment forever. I don't want the darkness to disappear, and I don't want the Futan religion to be eyeing me covetously." Charles' hand gently stroked Anna's smooth and delicate back.
"You are not a robot, nor are you made of iron. Take more rest when you need to."
Charles shook his head slightly, and used his hands to hold Anna tighter.
"It's just a thought. Now is not the time to rest. Time is not on our side."
Anna gently stroked the bandage on Charles' face with her hand, and her sharp nails cut it open, revealing the bloody red head covered with flesh and blood underneath.
"Look at what you've become now. If there's a young Charles imitation contest, you probably won't even make it to the audition."
(End of this chapter)