We Will Ultimately March Towards the Sea

Several years later.

A massive ship was moored at the coast.

On the shimmering sea, it swayed gently with the waves.

It was the culmination of all the Artisans' desperate efforts.

Having accumulated enough skill, Their focus was not on building more small boats.

Instead, under Blair's direction, they pooled their resources to construct an unprecedented large vessel using the finest timber available.

Perhaps the gods truly were watching over the people.

During this time, No tsunami struck.

No errors occurred during the shipbuilding.

Such a vessel, capable of holding over seventy people, was completed and underwent its maiden voyage in less than a decade, thanks to the Artisans' labor and the help of the Shell Insects.

Late at night.

Ned, thinking of the moment he would decide upon in a few weeks, was too excited to sleep a wink.

Many of his followers were also restless.

Some couldn't even sleep soundly in their beds for days on end.

After tossing and turning, they took advantage of the moonlight to gather on the dark sea, talking and dreaming of the ocean scenery they would soon see.

In these final weeks, Ned also gathered these followers on the shore one night to give last instructions before departure.

On the dark coast, people spoke freely about the future.

"Haha, just thinking about the feat we'll accomplish in a few weeks makes me want to jump for joy."

"We'll find larger lands and more food for the gods and the tribe!"

"Yes, we've waited far too long for a day like this."

Their discussions were always filled with hope.

Under the moonlight, Ned approached.

When they saw the God-Chosen walking over, These followers rose to their feet with respect.

This chosen one held an extremely high place in their hearts.

It was thanks to his support that the shipbuilding had advanced so rapidly.

Ned looked at the people, smiled, and raised his hand, saying:

"Sit."

After they quieted down, Ned said:

"Though I hate to dampen your spirits at such an exciting time, I must ask you one last time."

Ned's gaze slowly swept over each person:

"If any of you want to back out, now is the time.

This journey will face unprecedented challenges. Even with the help of the Shell Insects, the gods' messengers, the sea remains mysterious and powerful to us.

Some may lose their lives in the storms, some may encounter terrifying creatures like the Giant Crab, Or become lost at sea, unable to find the way back."

Ned spoke calmly.

"I know some of you have families, and some have had second thoughts for a while but hesitated to speak up.

If you want to withdraw, you can tell me now. There's no shame in it."

Hearing Ned's words, some fell silent.

What Ned said was indeed reasonable.

Though they held boundless hopes for the sea, Under the shadow of death and the pull of family ties, some among them were still wavering.

Under the moonlight, A silence spread.

Finally.

One person after another walked up to Ned, exchanged quiet words, and then some of them left.

In the end.

Forty people remained where they stood, their expressions calm.

Ned confirmed with every single person present, one by one, and finally a smile spread across his face.

"Then let us look forward to that day, everyone."

After the crowd departed under the cover of night.

A small figure, out of place among the group, stumbled onto the shore.

"Why aren't you asleep yet, Lukar?"

Ned asked without turning around.

He had already sensed his child running from home through his insect perception.

"Father, can you please not go out to sea?"

Ned's son Lukar had run from home.

This sensible child could no longer hold back his thoughts and emotions. With tears in his eyes, he came before his father and poured out his heart.

Ned bent down, smiled, and patted Lukar on the head.

"What's wrong? You were curious before about what's in the sea. Your father is going to find that answer. Once I have it, I'll come back."

But Lukar was clearly not so easily placated by his father's words.

His expression remained downcast as he murmured.

"But the tribespeople all say that you... might never come back."

"Just like... just like those tribespeople who were killed by the Sea Monsters."

Though Lukar was not old.

He already understood life and death.

When he was younger.

He had once witnessed with his own eyes tribespeople dying at the hands of those monsters from the sea.

And that was why he feared for his father's fate.

Ned's expression softened.

He thought for a moment, then asked Lukar.

"Lukar, do you still remember the dream you told me about when you were little?"

Hearing his father bring up his dream.

A glimmer of light returned to the child's eyes.

"Of course I remember."

Lukar said haltingly.

"I, I want to become a peerless archer like Teacher Barlow, and, and then, obtain that sacred Lightning Bow, and become the strongest warrior protecting the tribe."

Ned then asked.

"And what if you can never achieve any of that?"

Lukar froze, then said instinctively.

"Then I'd probably regret it for the rest of my life, thinking about it every single day."

Lukar added. "I might even cry about it."

Ned laughed heartily.

"Yes, Lukar, if you couldn't do it, knowing your nature, you'd probably be drenched in tears every day."

After laughing.

Ned's expression grew calm.

He looked at his child like this, placed his hands on his shoulders, and said gently.

"Lukar, everyone has something they want in their lifetime. If they can't have it, they'll never be able to let it go."

"Your father is the same."

"I've spent my whole life waiting for it to come. Waited thirty years. Now, it has finally arrived before me."

"If I don't reach out and take it, I'll regret it for the rest of my life too."

Hearing these words, Lukar stared blankly at his father.

He seemed to understand something. Though tears still hung at the corners of his eyes, he nodded.

"Then, Father, you should go."

"Just promise Lukar that you will come back."

Ned nodded seriously.

"I promise you."

Beneath the brilliant moonlight.

The waves still churned as they had since time immemorial.

A large figure and a small one slowly strolled along the sandy beach.

A long, long time ago.

The people on this island did not know how to farm, living a life of eating raw meat and drinking blood.

Back then, the waves churned just as they did now.

But the people, struggling to survive, never dared to cast a glance at the turbulent, surging sea.

Yet.

On this day.

Under the blessings and guidance of the gods.

After casting off ignorance and barbarism.

People also came to understand the meaning of life, and that it was no longer merely about survival alone.

They finally turned their gaze toward the sea, and were about to take this first brave step into exploring the ocean.