With the birth of the Meditation Stone, the development of a conversion device adapted to the varying magical power within each person began.
Although material limitations still existed, for this level of power, obtaining high-quality materials would no longer be as difficult as before.
Because it simply performed a conversion function, the material requirements were not as high as those of the Magic Concentration Stone.
With the accompanying equipment, it clearly completely replaced the previous Magic Concentration Stone's function, and even surpassed it.
Everyone was once again on the fast track to rapidly increasing their strength.
Alka also shifted his focus entirely to the construction of Juanlu's new treasure.
Constructing a carrier for a scepter-level treasure required significantly more time than a Holy Grail-level treasure.
Alka could now construct a Holy Grail-level carrier in about ten days, even if it was custom-made.
However, even with a perfect design, the accompanying rituals, and the necessary materials, forging a scepter-level treasure would still take Alka two to three months.
Not to mention the design, researching the supporting rituals, and gathering the materials, which took up the lion's share of time.
A full six months had passed since Jason and the others returned, and three months since they had constructed the Meditation Stone.
Alka had finally completed Juanlu's treasure.
In the living room.
A metal box was placed on the table.
Everyone gathered around, staring curiously; after all, this was another scepter-level treasure.
Alka smiled at the somewhat nervous Juanlu and opened the box, revealing the treasure inside.
However, the treasure's appearance was beyond everyone's expectations.
Everyone, including Juanlu, stared blankly at the contents.
Because the treasure inside was simply a square golden metal plate.
The rectangular golden metal plate was exceptionally smooth, devoid of any pattern, as if it had been broken and polished to its original shape.
It was simply a large, smelted block of gold.
Due to the treasure's restrained nature, its purpose was completely unclear.
Besides the overwhelming aura of luxury, it was such a large brick of gold.
Everyone couldn't help but look at Alka.
"I know you find this shape strange, but wait."
Alka smiled as he took out the treasure and handed it to Juanlu.
Although he didn't know why the appearance of this treasure was different from what they had agreed upon, Juanlu still trusted Alka deeply.
He nodded, holding the treasure, and his magic power began to flow into it, controlling it.
Golden light shone everywhere.
A blinding golden light suddenly erupted. Sofia immediately waved her hand, concentrating the golden light's special effects around Juanlu.
The radiant golden light was immediately controlled by her, gathering above Juanlu's head.
These were merely radiant light effects; they wouldn't affect the control of any treasure. At least, they allowed everyone to clearly see Juanlu, who was mastering the treasure.
At this point, Juanlu was completely enveloped by the golden light.
But the treasure in his hand had transformed, transforming from a solid stone slab into a fluid, metallic liquid.
The golden, mercury-like liquid began to swirl around him like a stream.
The process of mastering the treasure was not slow; the light soon dimmed, but the mercury-like golden liquid continued to swirl around him.
Huanlu opened his eyes and reached out to grasp it.
Liquid appeared in his hand, transforming into a thin, long knife as he grasped it.
Clearly, it was a kitchen knife for cutting.
"Good, very suitable," Juanlu said, looking at Alka with a smile.
Seeing the others' curious gazes, Juanlu said, "Let me show you."
With that, Juanlu led everyone to the kitchen.
He pulled a piece of meat from his pocket ring. It was a piece of sea fish, red with a hint of pink.
This was also a fish that Alka and the others liked.
Juanlu picked up the golden kitchen knife and began to cut.
A flash of golden light flashed, perfectly showcasing Juanluo's culinary skills.
Frankly, such skills might be quite useful against an enemy.
When the piece of fish was perfectly cut...
The fish changed.
They could clearly see Juanlu's magic flowing into the fish as the knife cut.
It was a smooth, silent fusion.
And now, the cut piece of fish shone beautifully like a gem.
Or rather, it looked like a crystal-clear gem.
The knife danced, slicing the fish into pieces of roughly the same size.
Each piece, like a square gem, was neatly arranged.
The sunlight streaming in from the window reflected a shimmering, translucent luster.
The knife in Juanlu's hand transformed once more, melting into a stream of water, then gathering again into a solid mass.
It transformed into a wide frying pan. Juanlu stretched out his hand and snapped his fingers, and flames surrounded the bottom of the pan.
He held the pan in his left hand and waved his right. The fish on the cutting board fell into the pan in a line.
A pocket ring flashed, and various objects appeared on his right hand.
Cool oil and various seasonings fell into the golden pan.
Once again, magic flowed from Juanlu's hand along the golden pan, covering the fish.
This time, not only the fish but also the seasonings within were imbued with the magic transformed by the treasure.
Soon, the fish was perfectly cooked.
The doll girl helped arrange the plates one by one. Each piece of fish was placed on top.
When everyone saw the fish, they were astonished. It looked exactly like the state they had just watched it being cut. It was the same pink, gem-like color, as if it had never been cooked.
It was as if the cooking process they had just witnessed had never occurred. They had clearly seen the fish change its appearance before it was even taken out of the pan.
Most importantly, they didn't smell a single scent, not even the spices they'd just used.
The bottom of the pan was surprisingly spotless. The liquid, transformed into metal, lingered beside Juanlu.
Juanlu picked up a plate and handed it to Alka.
"Try it."
Everyone's eyes were fixed on the fish.
Alka picked up a small knife and gently poked the fish.
The tip of the knife seemed to burst a bubble, and a rich aroma instantly burst forth.
It rushed towards them like a rushing river.
"Gurgle, gurgle."
Pororo's stomach rumbled, and everyone could feel their saliva salivating.
It smelled so good.
Their appetites surged.
Alka stabbed the small piece of fish with his knife and took a bite.
Life energy and magic began to erupt.
It flowed through Alka's mouth and into his entire body.
Delicious.
He didn't know how to describe it.
The springy, flexible fish flesh tore through his teeth like a bean filled with water.
An unusually delicious flavor burst forth, as if the fish had come alive in his mouth, sliding automatically down his throat.
"Gulp!"
He swallowed it.
"Huh..."
Alka exhaled, stretched out his right hand, and waved it.
An invisible breeze drifted through the air, and then a stream of water appeared in his hand.
"The life energy in my body has increased... My control over the water element has improved."
"And... it's a permanent improvement."
Juanlu smiled and nodded. "This artifact is essentially a bit like an evolved version of the Goblin's Cup."
Alka explained briefly beside him, "This artifact's function is essentially the same as the Goblin's Cup. It's just more exaggerated and has a greater impact."
"So I asked Alka to help me turn this artifact into a cooking utensil, so that it can sublime food while cooking.
This way, unlike the Goblin's Cup, which can only sublime liquids, or even liquids containing alcohol.
Although similar, the direction of sublimation is actually different."
After hearing the two's explanations, everyone seemed to understand.
"This means that the food you create from now on will not only be twice as delicious, but will also provide various benefits to enhance our talents and physical fitness."
After listening to Jason's summary, Juanlu nodded: "Yes, that's right."
Juanlu was extremely satisfied with this treasure; it perfectly matched his hobby and profession.
"Here, one for each of you."
At this, everyone eagerly reached out to take it, and then a burst of fragrance began to erupt. It filled the entire kitchen, then drifted outside through the windows and vents.
The nearby guards and passersby couldn't help but stop in their tracks.
"What a wonderful aroma!"
"What is this aroma? What is it?"
"..."
Alka and the others didn't know much else, but they knew they were in for an even more incredible treat.
...
Time passed.
The eternal daylight returned.
It seemed as if only this daylight was untouched by time.
Alka arrived at the Our Lady's Church in the City of Return.
Due to the expansion of the City of Return, the Our Lady's Church had grown even larger.
Alka sat at the end of the prayer hall.
As the prayers concluded, the worshippers gradually left, and Brave, who had been leading the prayers, came over.
He sat down next to Alka.
"The information you need has basically been collected," Brave said, pulling out a thick booklet and handing it to Alka.
It contained all the detailed information they had gathered over the years about Alka's needs.
That was information about the other eleven Trial Towers.
This was why Alka had come here today.
He took the booklet and carefully leafed through it.
The booklet was clearly divided into eleven sections. Each copy contained detailed records of the Trial Tower Alka sought.
Brave sat nearby and didn't interrupt Alka's inspection.
"Thank you."
Brave nodded, but then said, "We're collecting this information. What are you collecting these eleven towers for?
These eleven towers should be the same ones on the Trial Island you visited before, right?"
Hearing this, Alka nodded. There was nothing to hide.
"I'm making inquiries on behalf of the church."
Alka nodded and said, "Yes, go ahead."
"According to church records, these Trial Towers are likely relics of the Trial God's buildings from the Golden Age.
According to some surviving records, the Trial God may have fallen, though it's unknown why these towers are still functioning normally.
Are you collecting these towers because of a request from the instructors within them?"
Breff asked, looking at Alka.
Alka nodded. "Yes, these towers are scattered around the world, and I want to gather them together."
Hearing Alka's answer, Braeff nodded.
"Is it related to the return of the gods?"
After all, those instructors can be considered saints of the Trial God, or the God of Progress.
It's perfectly natural for these saints to wish for their gods to be reborn or return.
Just like the flower children under the Flower Fairy. This kind of thing is common in the Infinite Sea, and Alka even participated in the revival of the Flower Fairy.
‐‐ This is also the most likely conclusion the Church deduced when gathering this information.
‐‐ After all, the Tower of Trials isn't a huge secret for the Church; it's simply not been specifically sought out.
‐‐Alka shook his head.
‐‐If he didn't know the reason, he would have assumed the same.
‐‐"The God of Trials... there's no possibility of their return."
‐‐Although he didn't know why Alka said this, Brave nodded and believed it.
‐‐Only gods who had a backup plan and were powerful before their death could have a chance of revival.
‐‐According to the records, the God of Trials might not fall into that category.
"If you want to collect these 12 towers, I must warn you that some have already been occupied by certain factions.
Collecting them... isn't that easy," Braif offered a brief reminder.
Alka nodded. From the information he had just reviewed, he had a general understanding.
Many Trial Towers are similar to the one they had previously visited.
They aren't occupied by any faction, but many opposing factions know about them and occasionally send people in for trials.
However, if a large faction nearby wanted to occupy such a tower, it wouldn't be a problem at all.
It's a foreseeable possibility.
There's even a situation where, due to the power of the Trial Tower, a faction has formed over time, centered around it.
In this case, if Alka wanted to take it away, he would inevitably face hostility from these factions.
Thinking, Alka suddenly realized something and stared at Braif.
"Once the twelve Trial Towers are gathered together, I can honestly say it will be an absolute boon for the entire world.
Any force will benefit immensely from this."
After hearing Alka's words, Brave looked at him.
"So... you want our help?"
Alka nodded.
After all, from the information in the manual, he already had a rough idea of where the twelve towers were located around the world.
If he were asked to collect them one by one, dealing with the local forces would be too much trouble.
To be honest, Alka didn't want to resort to force to collect the towers.
If they were left to handle it all, the journey, plus the negotiations and compromises involved, would make it impossible to take them all without more than ten or twenty years, not to mention the conflicts with these forces involved.
To be honest, the time it would take was somewhat longer than Alka had anticipated.
"I hope that the Holy Mother Church, or even the Four Gods Church, will help me collect the 12 towers.
In return, 12
Once the towers are collected, their placement will be determined by the Four Gods Churches.
Hearing this, Brave frowned.
"That's not for me to decide, but I must remind you. The Four Gods Church cannot enter into conflict with local forces over a single tower.
This would significantly impact the reputation of each church and undermine the prestige of the Four Gods. "
Hearing this, Alka nodded. He had anticipated this.
He sought the reputation of the Four Gods Church, not its ability to coerce others.
Generally speaking, the Four Gods Church serves as a leader and coordinator, not some powerful military institution.
Although military force is also the most powerful force in the world,
The reason so many forces are willing to submit to the rule and leadership of the Four Gods Church is primarily due to its restraint.
There will be no invasion, no coercion, no unprovoked attack.
Each such action has a clear reason, and the other party may be harmful to the world or a larger area.
The process and reasons will be made public.
Simply put, the Four Gods Church represents justice in the vast sea, a justice that the vast majority of people can identify with and believe in.
"I only need the Four Gods Church to negotiate in its name. I believe many forces will be willing to give in.
After all, the power of these Trial Towers won't offend the Church, right? "And if the church feels that there are certain cases it's unwilling to share, or the chances of them being taught are too low, then I'll personally collect them," Alka said.
Although this still raises the suspicion that Alka is acting as a thug,
It's far better than the Four Gods doing it themselves.
Not to mention that Alka and his team's reputation has spread. As treasure hunters, they sometimes resort to violence to seize treasures, a common occurrence in the Infinite Sea.
It all comes down to who has the bigger fist.
"Now, I'll tell you what the 12 towers can do when gathered together.
I believe this function is enough to convince the Four Gods, and even more forces, to offer assistance."
Alka said with a smile.
Brev nodded, waiting for Alka to explain.
After Alka finished explaining the functions of the 12 towers, Brave's eyes widened.
"This... this is simply unbelievable." If it's as you say, I believe every church will help you.
Alka nodded and said, "I'll wait for your good news."
With that, he said goodbye and left the church.
He walked towards his residence.
As he walked, he pondered.
Recently, several plans had emerged in his mind, and he planned to combine them to achieve some of his goals.
As to whether these plans and goals would conflict with the Virgin Mary's, Alka planned to pray with Her and have a face-to-face conversation with Her upon his return.
He felt that his ideas could play a crucial and decisive role, and it all depended on his conversation with Her.
The Virgin Mary would likely not refuse to communicate with him, and he hoped his ideas would be achieved.