995 Chapter 995 Center of the Island’s Bounty
It took another four days of rest before everyone in the expedition squad was back up to full power.
Luckily, during that time everything remained calm, and they were not attacked once. Other than the robot's stronghold, it seemed that not a single beast or monster inhabited the land bridge that crossed the giant lake that surrounded the island's center.
'Looks like everything is still the same.' Marcus thought once they had arrived at the sight where the robot's stronghold used to be.
The damage from their battle still remained, but everything else had vanished without a trace and had not returned.
With the way clear, everyone in the expedition squad continued forward. There was a sense of trepidation, but also anticipation. At any time they could be attacked by an overwhelming force again, though, the possibility of rare treasures trounced everyone's sense of fear.
Not far past the area where the robot's stronghold had been, the scenery that had been the same since they entered the path to the center of the island changed.
'How is this possible?'
Seeing what had just come into view, Marcus came to a complete stop and stared in astonishment. And he was not the only one, every member of the expedition squad did as well.
In front of them were several rows of natural treasures all growing undisturbed and without any protection.
The scene reminded Marcus of the intelligent beasts' domain within the Cordillera Depths Dungeon, but on a far grander scale. However, unlike the natural treasure being grown there, the ones before Marcus were all top-grade and potent enough to raise the stats of even high-level individuals.
'Roxene and I might not have much use for them thanks to our Supreme Skill Greatest Potential, but with this many natural treasures I can make sure that everyone else can max out their stats without any issue.' After going through the special dungeon, everyone that had accompanied Marcus had maxed out their stats, but as they obtained more levels, they would need more natural treasures in order to keep up.
The expedition squad had only just entered the area and could only see the periphery of this natural treasure garden thanks to the island's fog, but even just what was in sight was enough for dozens of people. 'Miguel, does the garden continue past what we can see?' Marcus asked using telepathy.
For a few moments the young hero did not respond as his eyes were locked on the sight in front of them.
It took Marcus a few more tries before Miguel finally responded to him.
'Yes, my summon informed me that the rows of natural treasures extend for as far as it can see.'
Hearing this Marcus could not help but get excited, and he was not the only one.
The was not a single member of the expedition squad that was not briming with elation at the natural treasures in front of them. Their energy was simar to a bunch of kids in a candy store that had just been told they could take as much as they wanted for free.
Nevertheless, before anyone ran off towards the incredible bounty before them, the leaders of the expedition squad made sure to remind them that they were still in a dangerous location and not to drop their guard.
"We will proceed cautiously. Before we begin collecting the natural treasures, it would be prudent for us to scout the area a bit more. There may not be any dangers within view as of right now, but there is likely some sort of guardian protecting this place." Evette said, taking command.
While they had found plenty of valuable resources on this island so far, these rows of natural treasures beat out everything else they had come across. Everyone was feeling the urge to run up and begin stuffing their item boxes and magic bags to the brim.
'I've never been so glad that I upgraded my item box to the maximum size.' Marcus thought as they walked into the garden of natural treasures. He knew that he was going to make out like a bandit.
For several hours the expedition squad searched through the rows of natural treasures and kept their guards up.
Yet, for all of their caution, not a single beast or monster showed itself. The entire area was devoid of life except for the natural treasures growing within it.
Once this was discovered, everyone relaxed, and the four leaders of the expedition decided to give everyone a rotation collecting the natural treasures while the others kept watch.
Several people actually shouted out in joy and began looting the place at an astounding speed.
It wasn't long before everyone other than Marcus had filled up what spare room they had within their item boxes and magic bags.
'Looks like everyone else is ready to move on. I still have around thirty percent of my item box open, but I doubt the others would be happy if I kept gathering natural treasures for the next several hours while they can only watch.' Marcus honestly wanted to stick around until his item box was filled, but he knew that would only bring down the good mood that everyone currently had. He could always come back at anytime thanks to his Dark Portal unique skill anyway, so he was not particularly bothered by having to stop early.
So far, they had only explored a comparatively small area of the center of the island, and still did not know how vast it truly was. To determine this, they cut straight through the natural treasure garden and aimed for the other side. But before they cut through the entirety of the garden, the fog began to clear away, and they found the true center of the island.
While the rest of the island was covered by the fog that limited their senses, this area that spanned a seven-kilometer radius was clear. Allowing the members of the expedition squad to see the majestic tower at the center of the island that rose high into the sky.
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