Chapter 541: Volume 13, Sea Rain and Heavenly Wind, - 11 - Double Honor
The boat gradually approached the sluice bridge, and Komer couldn’t help but admire the Jellyfish People’s exceptional mimicry skills. Such a floating sluice, driven by telescoping wheels, was quite complicated, not commonly seen in the world of mortals, yet here it was. This type of sluice could effectively prevent enemy vessels from slipping into the Central Water Area after passing through the waterway. It was controlled by operators stationed in the towers on both sides, who were within the surveillance areas of the watchtowers and bunkers, ready to seize control at any moment, demonstrating the Jellyfish People’s meticulous and cautious arrangements.
After a series of procedures, the sluice finally opened, and Gate’s merchant ship was at last able to enter the Central Water Area. Upon entering, Komer felt the speed of the boat slow down significantly, and the resistance seemed to increase as well. The water surface became even clearer, to the point where one could see straight to the bottom, which greatly surprised Komer and his companions.
Perhaps noticing the confusion of Komer’s party, Iris explained with a smile, "Gentlemen, there is no need to be surprised. Since this place is revered as a Holy Land by our Jellyfish Clan, it naturally has its peculiarities. In this part of the water area, the underground is like a perforated stone plain, and the springs gush forth from there. Due to the high discharge rate, this body of water exerts an outward pressure, so sailing here will feel more resistant."
"I see, is the particularly tall and lush reed vegetation in this region also related to this spring water?" Komer noticed that the reeds near the Central Water Area were more luxuriant and verdant than in other regions and asked casually.
"Well, there should be a certain connection, although I cannot be sure." Iris cast an astonished glance at Komer, clearly shocked by his detailed observational skills.
A set of quaint and distinct wooden buildings stretched across the center of the Central Water Area, dense and numerous, some standing alone, others clustered together, connected by covered bridges or shared corridors. All structures were built more than two meters above the water surface, and massive columnar supports were irregularly distributed throughout this region, providing support for these buildings. Such an extraordinary sight rarely seen on the Continent was unforgettable.
In the conversation, Komer’s group also learned that there were many regions in the Great Swamp Area where dense and varied stone pillars and stakes amid the Reed Marsh were common, yet this part was the densest region of them all. These solid and sturdy stone pillars served as natural supports for the dwellings of the Jellyfish People. For them, who could not live permanently in water yet could not do without it, this place was nothing short of paradise. Whether these peculiar stone supports were natural or artificially crafted, the Jellyfish People were uncertain, as these structures had already been present when they came to live on this land.
The high two-meter distance ensured that even when the Catania River flooded, the water level would not threaten their homes, and the dense surrounding reeds and Swamp provided a natural barrier and food foraging area. The stalks and tubers of aquatic plants were their main food source, and fish and some amphibious animals served as their sumptuous dishes.