Chapter Eleven: The Dual Pillars of Protection

As the ship gradually approached the lock bridge, Komer couldn’t help but admire the Jellyfish People’s remarkable imitation skills. These floating locks, powered by movable wheels, were quite complex and rare even in the mortal world, yet they could be found here. Such locks effectively prevented enemy ships from slipping into the central waters after passing through the channels. They were controlled by operators in towers on both sides, who remained within the surveillance range of the watchtowers and fortifications, ensuring constant control—demonstrating the Jellyfish People’s meticulous planning.

After going through a series of procedures, the locks were finally opened, allowing the merchants’ ship to enter the central waters. Yet as soon as they entered, Komer felt the ship’s speed slow down significantly, and the resistance seemed to increase. The water also became increasingly clear, so clear that the bottom could be seen—much to the surprise of Komer and his companions.

Perhaps sensing their confusion, Eirwen smiled and explained, “There’s no need to be surprised. Since this place is regarded as a sacred site by our Jellyfish people, it must have its peculiarities. Beneath the central waters lies a funnel-shaped stone plain, from which spring water emerges. Due to the large volume of water, there’s a force pushing outward, which is why sailing here feels resistant.”

“I see. I wonder if the particularly tall and lush reeds here are also related to this spring water?” Komer noticed that the reeds near the central waters were greener and more dense than those in other areas and asked casually.

“Hmm, there might be some connection, but I’m not sure,” Eirwen replied, glancing at Komer in astonishment at his keen observation skills.

In the heart of the central waters stood a cluster of wooden buildings with a uniquely rustic style—some standing alone, others grouped together, connected by covered bridges, or linked by shared corridors. All buildings were constructed two meters above the water surface. Massive pillar-like structures were scattered irregularly across the area, serving as supports for these buildings. This rare and extraordinary sight in the continent was truly unforgettable.

From the conversation, Kommer and his group also learned that in the Great Swamp region, there were many areas with numerous dense stone pillars of varying sizes scattered among the reeds, but this area was the densest. These sturdy stone pillars served as natural supports for the Jellyfish People’s dwellings. For them, who could neither live entirely out of water nor stay submerged all the time, this place was practically a paradise. It was unclear whether these pillars were naturally formed or created later; they already existed when they arrived in this land.

The two-meter-high distance ensured that even during floods, the water level of the Catalonia River would not reach their houses. The surrounding dense reeds and swamps provided them with natural barriers and hunting grounds. The stems and tubers of aquatic plants were their main source of food, while fish and some amphibians served as their delicacies.

Colorful flags fluttered in the wind, and wide wooden stairs extended underwater, forming a natural dock. However, this facility seemed rarely used, as evident from the growth of aquatic vegetation on the stairs. When Kommer and his group stepped down from the boat onto the stairs, they realized they were likely the first mortals to set foot in this waters in decades or even centuries, thus creating new history.

The Great Sacred Building, with its faint wooden scent, was probably the most sacred place for the Jellyfish People. It was almost entirely constructed from rounded ancient wood. The Sacred Hall on the second floor was the core of the building, where the patron god of the Jellyfish People—the Water God—was worshipped. The spacious hall was spotless. To the left of the Sacred Hall was the Pharaoh’s Hall, the residence of the Jellyfish People’s pharaohs. Kommer was surprised that the Sacred Lord, whose status seemed even higher than that of the pharaoh, did not reside here.

Dressing in traditional Jellyfish People clothing, Hotep solemnly returned the large bow he had carried on his back to the Sacred Hall before returning to his own Pharaoh’s Hall.

Before formally negotiating with Kommer, Hotep and the tribe’s wise elders had already exchanged opinions regarding Kommer’s purpose. Perhaps driven by the desire to lift the curse that had plagued their tribe for centuries, or perhaps shaken by what Elyss had told them about Kommer’s journey, Hotep’s initially firm opposition to opening the Catalonia River began to soften. Elyss, on the other hand, favored limited opening of the river, provided that the curse of the Water God was completely resolved.

“Holy Lord Stari, it seems you have some differing opinions?” Hotepp, hesitant, was unsure about Eirith’s inclination to lift the ban on the Catania River route that had been in place for hundreds of years. The other holy lord, who had remained silent until now, also added to his concerns.

“Pharaoh, I believe now is not the time to discuss lifting the ban or not. The Water God’s curse has plagued our tribe for centuries, and our ancestors tried their best to eradicate it—yet what was the result? The situation has only continued to deteriorate. Can we really trust the promises of this young Baron Komer? No, no. I have seen too many despicable sides of mortals; they are all self-interested, willing to betray their beliefs for profit. This Baron Komer seems to belong to that kind of person. We must not trust any of his words.”

His deep, slightly hoarse voice made Hotepp’s heart skip a beat. It seemed Holy Lord Stari was against lifting the ban. “Holy Lord Stari, does that mean we should reject them?”

“No. Since they have already come to the sacred land, we should also try to understand them better. It is clear that although Baron Komer is a noble among mortals, he is also a magician. The few people with him seem to possess extraordinary abilities. Among us in the sacred land, there are many who are cursed as well. We can let them prove their promises. I simply don’t think this Mr. Komer will be so kind and eager to help us, the Jellyfish People. Even if they came for the Catania River route, it’s unlikely.”

His gaunt body was wrapped in a large robe, and his eyes, deep-set yet sharp, kept moving around as if pondering something.

“I don’t quite agree with Holy Lord Stari’s view. Mortals have come here for a reason—the Catania River route is crucial to them. I’ve already explained the reasons. But out of caution, we can follow Holy Lord Stari’s advice and ask the mortals to show some sincerity first.” By this time, Holy Lord Eirith had regained her usual cold indifference.