These past few years.
Giant Tree Island had brought people so many surprises and so much hope.
For the first time, the Tribe also realized that out in the ocean, there truly was more land, more food, and wondrous species; that people, too, could rely on the grace of the gods and their own courage to lift the mysterious veil over the sea.
This made people's confidence in exploring the ocean swell with each passing day. After learning that other islands very likely existed near Giant Tree Island, quite a few could hardly wait to set out and explore again, hoping that they themselves might accomplish a great feat like the God-Chosen—finding an island—and become an epic hero sung of by the people.
However.
The great chief whom people hailed as the Son of Courage, the one who had led the Tribe out onto the sea, went against his usual ways at this critical moment and ordered a pause on exploring the nearby waters.
The hot-blooded tribesmen were all deeply puzzled by this.
Clearly, the fourth improved ship was about to be built, and this was the perfect opportunity to continue expanding, so why had they instead stopped their footsteps into the sea at this stirring moment?
Only Ned himself understood the root of why he did this with painful clarity.
He had not forgotten.
That day.
The terrifying power displayed on the golden bird claw left behind in the Cave Dweller king's cave.
Over these eight years.
As he continuously perfected and studied the power bestowed by the gods, aside from the divine art of Withered Life Power, he had also researched another divine art, a grace-bestowing art that could briefly grant others Decay Power.
The world had also become completely different in his eyes.
Only after truly stepping