vncnus Chapter 306, page 305: The Secret of the Island, the Beginning of a Myth
Chapter 306, page 305: The Secret of the Island, the Beginning of a Myth
Chapter 306, page 305: The Secret of the Island, the Beginning of a Myth
Humans and magical animals live in harmony.
Even Ian, a legendary wizard, couldn't help but exclaim that it was unscientific.
"What's unscientific? And... what is science?" Xiaoya didn't understand Ian's remarks at all. Although Ian was using their language, some of the phrases were completely unfamiliar to her.
Therefore, I couldn't help but ask out of curiosity.
"Uh...it's nothing."
Ian waved his hand, showing no grand ambition to popularize science in ancient times. As he looked around, he couldn't help but feel even more puzzled.
The more he thought about it, the more confused he became. What kind of mental state did that Titan, who was driven away by the Titan race, have to be to create such a small world?
Looking at the bustling crowd and colorful buildings in front of me.
Ian could sense the prosperity and happiness of this race. Although he himself did not possess any great power, their standard of living and mental outlook were far superior to those of the Zeus race in the outside world.
"This way, come and see our beautiful clothes." Little Sprout could be considered a qualified free tour guide, and she was very enthusiastic towards Ian, this stranger of unknown origin.
There was no sense of defensiveness.
The two entered a hotel called "Tide House," with a signboard featuring an owl with a feathered tail—said to be the island's most common guardian beast, the "Night Feather."
The shop is decorated in a warm and inviting style, with hand-woven tapestries hanging on the walls and a long wooden table in the corner where several travelers are sitting together enjoying hot food.
Welcome to the Tide House!
The shop owner was an old man with a white beard and a flower on his head. He was wearing a long robe with a wavy pattern and his gaze immediately fell on Xiaoya and Ian.
The old man revealed a smile that truly resembled a crescent moon.
"Isn't this Xiaoya? Did she go out to find friends again today?" He seemed to know everyone in the town, and he also knew what Xiaoya did every day.
"Yes, yes, although I haven't found my partner, I've made a new friend." Xiaoya introduced Ian to the shop owner.
"He's an incredibly powerful trainer who can merge with his partner." Goodness, they even copied the name verbatim. Ian was once again amazed by the mysterious Titan.
"A trainer who can control one mind and body? That's quite an achievement!" The shop owner was clearly surprised and scrutinized Ian with a critical look.
"Are they adventurers from other islands?"
The shop owner began to speculate about Ian's identity and also revealed to Ian that there might not be just one island in the heart of the storm.
"Yes."
Ian readily admitted it.
After all, explaining one's identity is too difficult. The best way to live in a place is to integrate into the local community rather than trying to challenge the local culture and customs.
"Young man, you're here for that too, right?" The shop owner suddenly lowered his voice, looking around. There were quite a few people in his shop who looked like they were traveling.
Ian was studying the puppet on the counter that could dance on its own. It had no magical runes, only natural magic. Upon hearing this, he couldn't help but look up and make a curious sound.
"Which one?"
The flower on the old shopkeeper's head trembled mysteriously, and vines sprouted from his body. These vines pulled out a yellowed leather ledger from under the counter. Turning to one of the pages, a phoenix-like creature was drawn in hastily written runes, surrounded by patterns of lightning and flames.
"A herb gatherer spotted it in the Storm Mountains last month."
The old Bulbasaur's tendrils lightly touched the pattern. "The feathers are flowing molten gold; crystal flowers bloom wherever it flies. The legendary magical creature that protects our island has begun its activities again."
He gave Ian a meaningful look. "Recently, there have been quite a few outsiders like you inquiring about the legendary elves. Everyone believes that basking in its light can prolong life."
Are there really magical animals that can influence other people?
Ian was quite surprised.
"Is it really possible to prolong life?"
He had seen these magical creatures before; the tears of the phoenix could heal injuries, and the droppings and secretions of the unicorn also had miraculous effects.
Is there any connection between the phoenixes here and the phoenixes of the future?
Ian had no idea.
But he felt his curiosity growing stronger.
"It's more than just prolonging life! Let me tell you, the Phoenix Goddess is truly miraculous!" The old shopkeeper suddenly became excited, and a few specks of pollen sprayed out from the flower stamen on his head.
"My great-great-grandfather met someone like that when he was young. He lived to be over two hundred years old! Before he died, his hair turned back to black. He was in such good health; he truly died of old age." He suddenly lowered his voice. "And there's the blacksmith at the east end of town—one of his ancestors drank from the spring where the legendary elves dwell."
"Now the whole family has the ability to control things with their minds." The shop owner spoke with great enthusiasm, leaving Ian completely stunned. Was this because they had awakened magic for some reason?
Before he could figure it out...
"Good lad, may you have a safe journey. If you can truly meet that being, that would be an immense blessing! Your life will surely be extraordinary."
The shop owner offered his blessings to Ian.
Ian was a little confused.
Am I Ash Ketchum from Pokémon?
He clicked his tongue in amazement.
And at that very moment.
"Since you've come here in search of the legend, I can't let you travel on an empty stomach. I'll treat you to a meal." The shop owner displayed the warmth and hospitality of a true local.
The people on this island all seem to be like this. Perhaps when the Titan created them, he removed some of the bad traits that the Titans had implanted in the wizards when they created them.
"What about me? What about me?"
Little Sprout couldn't help but feel envious.
"You have one too."
The shop owner spoke with a smile.
He turned and went into the kitchen, and soon brought out a large plate of steaming food—golden and crispy "thunderfish" paired with fragrant "star fern cakes".
There was also a bowl of soup that emitted a blue glow.
This information was obtained by Ian through the shop owner's introduction.
"This is made with local specialty thunderfish, which contains trace amounts of electrical energy. When stewed with star fern, it not only tastes delicious but also enhances physical fitness."
The shop owner is very proud of his skills.
"And this star fern cake, it's a family recipe passed down through generations. Eating it can boost your stamina, and it's the best blessing for those embarking on an unknown journey."
His words immediately put Xiaoya to work.
"Yes, the symbol of Hoshi-warashi mochi is a smooth journey." It has to be said that this island still has many of its own customs, which seem to have been developed for many years.
"It smells pretty good." Ian scooped up a spoonful and put it in his mouth. He immediately felt a warm energy flowing through his body, and he felt refreshed.
He understands.
The restaurant owner added potion ingredients to the dish and stewed it together. The potion ingredients fully released their medicinal properties, and this is how the most original potion was made.
This is not ordinary food, but a dish imbued with magical properties.
Thank you for your hospitality.
Ian looked at the food on the table, feeling a surge of emotion. From the moment they arrived on this island, almost everyone had treated them with great hospitality, sharing their knowledge and resources without reservation.
It's as if the residents here are born with a kind of simple and kind nature.
"You're welcome! Your appreciation is my greatest reward!" The shop owner still had a beaming smile on his face, looking very happy as he watched Ian and the quiet little sprout eating.
This is a sumptuous meal.
After leaving the hotel, they arrived at the square. Perhaps because the islanders really do have huge appetites, even though they had already eaten, Xiaoya still dragged Ian to a stall that looked like a barbecue restaurant, and the owner was actually a huge crocodile!
It had a charcoal fork in its mouth and skillfully flipped the pieces of meat skewered on the branch.
"This is Uncle Thunder Fang Crocodile. His 'Lightning Dragon Meat Skewers' are the best on the whole island!" Little Sprout said excitedly, her mouth practically watering.
"Two skewers, please!"
She shouted at the crocodile.
"Okay."
This is the response from an old woman next to us. Crocodiles can't talk, but the humans who run the shop with them can. It seems that she only needs to be responsible for collecting money and preparing goods.
soon.
The two meat skewers were done grilling.
Ian looked at the meat skewers in front of him. The meat pieces were a deep red color, with a smoky aroma, and wisps of smoke rose from them from time to time, as if they were still burning inside.
"What...what kind of meat is this?"
Ian was afraid of eating something terrible, so he asked cautiously.
"Dragon meat!"
Little Sprout replied matter-of-factly, "Haven't you ever tried it?"
"Didn't we agree that magical creatures are partners?" Ian paused for a few seconds, then finally took the skewer and took a bite. The meat was tender and juicy, with a hint of spiciness and the aroma of charcoal.
Such deliciousness made him nod again.
"That's really good."
This is the deliciousness created through pure craftsmanship and the selection of raw materials.
No magic was added to it.
"Dragons aren't partners, nor are they magical creatures; they're just dragons!" Little Sprout corrected Ian's statement, while also showing off her barbecue.
The two ate and strolled around.
We arrived at a circular plaza.
A stage had been set up in the center, and a crowd had already gathered around it. Xiaoya pulled him through the crowd, and there stood several young people on the stage, each leading a magical animal.
"Look!"
Xiaoya tugged at Ian's arm, "They've started sparring over there again."
I looked in the direction of her voice.
Ian felt a sense of déjà vu from Pokémon once again.
All I saw was...
The two combatants were a red fox-like creature called "Flametail Fox" and a blue-white giant bird called "Frostfeather Eagle." Their movements were swift and precise, each attack accompanied by a vibration in the air.
"Use 'Flame Dance Steps'!"
A girl in a red cloak shouted.
The Flametail Fox leaped into the air, spinning once, its tail whipping up a ring of flames that enveloped it. The Frostfeather Eagle, meanwhile, flapped its wings and took flight, exhaling a blast of icy air in an attempt to freeze its opponent.
The two collided, bursting into a cloud of steam, creating a spectacular scene.
"boom!"
With a muffled thud, the Flametail Fox was hit and fell to the ground, sustaining a minor abrasion on its right leg.
"You're injured!"
The referee stopped the game.
The girl in red immediately took a small medicine bottle from her belt, quickly opened the cap, and applied the pale yellow liquid inside to the Flametail Fox's wound.
Just a few seconds.
The fox's wound healed at a speed visible to the naked eye.
"What a waste!"
As a potion expert, Ian was also very worried. The effects of this medicine were indeed very good, but it could not be considered a magic potion. It could only be considered a mixture of Chinese herbal medicines.
Such good results.
It's all thanks to the quality of the raw materials.
"Your place... is truly abundant in resources, much more so than my hometown," Ian remarked with deep feeling, having witnessed firsthand how a small place could be so rich in produce.
"Of course."
Xiaoya was very happy to hear someone praise her hometown.
It was evening.
She led Ian to a treehouse on the outskirts of town.
As soon as the girl opened the door, she saw her five-year-old brother, Xiaodou, playing weightlifting with a muscular iron-handed gorilla—using real granite dumbbells.
Ian was dumbfounded.
"My sister's back!"
The little boy easily lifted a stone that looked to weigh over 200 kilograms.
"King Kong taught me a new move today!"
He was spinning in circles.
That was quite an eye-opener for Ian. The gorilla named King Kong scratched its head憨厚ly, then turned around as if to take credit, but upon seeing Ian, it immediately assumed a defensive stance.
"This is a guest!" Xiaoya quickly introduced, then turned to Ian and explained, "King Kong is a bit shy. Last time the mayor's Thunder Dragon came to visit, it was electrocuted and didn't dare climb trees for three days."
This explanation.
It really left Ian unsure how to respond.
"Sister, I'm hungry."
The little boy spoke to the girl, Xiaoya.
"Okay, I'll go cook right away."
Xiaoya immediately rushed into the kitchen.
An enticing aroma wafted from the kitchen. She used her superhuman strength to crush saber-toothed tyrannosaurus ribs into meat patties, coconut juice was mixed with flaming mushrooms to make soup, and the main dish was roasted hind leg meat from some kind of giant insect.
It looks like a larger version of Keiros.
I don't know if this place still uses this name.
"Still want to eat?"
Ian is a foodie.
But he still couldn't take it after eating it for the third time in a row.
But Xiaoya still seems to be very interested in eating.
"We usually eat ten meals a day, but Mom and Dad went on an adventure in Storm Canyon, and since I'm not a good cook, we can only eat eight meals a day," Xiaoya said while setting out the tableware.
"..."
Ian heard this.
Silence fell again.
It's not unreasonable that people in this place have superhuman strength as young as five or six.
At least it still obeyed the law of conservation of energy?
On the table.
Ian couldn't eat much anymore.
Ian watched as Little Sprout calmly devoured a steak bigger than his face, then downed a whole glass of bubbling purple juice, while the little boy beside him gnawed on a hind leg bigger than himself.
"Odin, eat slowly, don't choke again."
Xiao Ya spoke up and reminded her younger brother.
"??????"
Ian was drinking juice when he heard the name and almost spat it out.
(End of this chapter)