Chapter 117. Heading Out to Sea
Slightly crazed, Kord suddenly released his grip on Charles' collar. He lunged again toward the map. His eyes burned with a maniacal desire as he stared at the island marked as the Land of the Light.
"The Sottom pirates have no time for us. It hasn’t been that long since Shadow Island sank. They’re busy raiding the refugees stranded at sea, who are looking for a place to relocate."
Charles' heart pounded with joy. The intelligence Kord offered was timely indeed. If Kord's information were true, it was the perfect opportunity served on a silver platter.
"Are you sure?" Charles wanted to reconfirm.
"I'm a follower of the Divine Light Order. We can't lie. So are you coming? If not, I'll just take my men with me."
"How many exploration ships do you have left?"
"Including the one you brought back, three. But don't worry. I can sell all the properties of the Divine Light Order on the Coral Archipelago.
”I'll also command all disciples to donate their possessions. With that, we will be able to recruit more exploration vessels. With such a fleet, there shouldn't be any problems."
Hearing Kord's words, which echoed the desperation of a gambler going all-in, Charles arched an eyebrow and asked, "Have you thought about what comes after your return?"
Kord suddenly burst into a maniac laughter. "Return? Hahaha! Are you crazy? Why would I return once I’ve reached our Lord's divine land?"
Witnessing Kord's crazed demeanor, Charles suddenly found the guy's obsession with the surface world surpassed his own.
"So, are you joining the voyage, or are you going to drop out?" Kord's intense gaze bore into Charles as he awaited the latter's response.
"I'm in," Charles answered. It was a given. He had tolerated this cursed place for nine years; there was no way he would drop out now.
"Great! You truly deserve your title as the fearless Captain Charles! You’re not a disciple of the Divine Light Order, but I'll earnestly implore our Lord to grant you entry into his kingdom once we’ve arrived at the Land of Light!"
The corners of Charles' lip curved up into a meaningful smile, and he gently patted Kord's shoulder. "Don't worry. Once we're out, I'll send you and your crew to a better hospital for treatment. I'll cover the expenses."
"What do you mean?" Kord asked in confusion.
Without offering an explanation, Charles stomped, and a brown mouse emerged from under the bed.
"Get Lily to gather the crew. The Narwhale is sailing off again."
With Charles' confirmation, Kord wasted no more time. He mentioned meeting at the port in another six hours before he rapidly put the map away and left with his underlings.
Charles finished packing his belongings and was just about to leave his room when a thought emerged in his mind. He tore off a page from his diary. He picked up his fountain pen and scribbled away.
A few minutes later, Charles descended the stairs. He handed a letter to the gentle and polite bartender.
"Send this to Anna," Charles instructed.
"Understood. How long will you be gone this time, Mr. Charles?"
"Not too sure. I might not return."
The bartender was startled by Charles' words. His gaze followed the young captain as his silhouette disappeared beyond the tavern's doors.
As the mice made their rounds to call upon the crew, the sailors soon gathered on the deck of the Narwhale. Traces of confusion were evident on everyone's faces. After all, they had just docked recently. it was unusual for them to set sail again this soon.
"I sense the question in all your minds. You're all wondering why our break is so short this time around. To make up for it, I'll be doubling your pay for this voyage. And you'll receive it in advance!"
A group of mice by the side brought forth a large chest. Charles lifted the heavy lid to reveal a mesmerizing sheen of seaweed-green Echo bills. He swiftly distributed the stacks of bills.
The amount of money in the chest was more than what Charles' savings could account for. He had mortgaged the Bat Tavern to the bank to acquire a portion of the funds. Since he was leaving for home, the tavern's fate mattered little.
Charles' declaration turned the crew's confused expressions into ones of joy. If there were anything that could beat the elation of receiving one's due wages, that would be double the due wages.
"This is just the beginning. I, Charles, promised upon my honor that by the end of this voyage, each of you will obtain more than these!"
Charles' pep talk instantly increased the crew's morale. Praises of his generosity echoed throughout the deck.
Laesto limped forward on a prosthetic leg. His face was devoid of any joy.
"Do my words mean nothing to you? I told you to rest ashore, but now you are at it again? Do you have a death wish?"
"This is really the last time. Help me, please. Once we accomplish this, I'll definitely cooperate with any treatment you have. And once we finish our voyage, the secret within that thing of yours can be unveiled as well!"
Hearing Charles' words, disdain was apparent on Laesto's countenance. He scoffed, "You'll be the death of yourself one day."
Charles' gaze turned toward his jubilant crew once more. "Six hours! Six hours later, we shall gather and depart! Whether you wish to give this money to your loved ones or squander it all, get it done soon and gather again!"
The crew swiftly dispersed. Elated, they rushed toward the port exit with the stacks of bills in their arms.
The sight of the green currency made the dock workers' eyes gleam with envy. A hint of malicious greed flickered in their eyes, but their desire was instantly quelled the moment they saw the weapons hanging from the sailors' belts.
These sailors risked their lives to earn such high returns. Even if they stood on the same quay, their realities were worlds apart.
Compared to Charles, Kord's actions stirred more ripples. The Divine Light Order's disciples on the Coral Archipelago swiftly liquidated all their assets.
They kept not a coin, not even a single penny for tomorrow's breakfast, and donated all of it to their Sacred Acolyte.
Speculation stirred among the many different factions over the unexpected major movement.
However, Kord remained unconcerned about the flying rumors and speculations. He was only concerned about converting all his resources into Echo and leveraging these funds to hire more exploration vessels.
He was so committed to his plan that he was even willing to deal with his previous nemesis, the Fhtagn Covenant.
"Great. Hand me the payment, and this cathedral will be yours from now on," Kord said as he stood before the Fhtagn Covenant's High Priest, who was draped in a crimson robe.
Standing by the side, Hook had already written down the amount on the check and handed it over to Kord.
"Heretic, are you planning to leave the Coral Archipelago?" the High Priest questioned. His voice sounded as unpleasant as ever.
Kord stared at the Fhtagnists. His gaze was dripping with disdain as if he were looking at pitiable fools.
"What would you abominations know? Repent humbly while I bask in eternal life in our Lord's holy kingdom. You lot can only suffer forever in these cursed waters!"
Grabbing the check, Kord led his subordinates away with an ecstatic look on his face.
As Kord disappeared into the distance, Hook made no effort to mask the pure animosity in his eyes. "High Priest, why deal with such a person?"
"Acquiring such a large cathedral at half the market price. Why would I turn down such a deal? And don't concern yourself with people like him. Can't you see? The voice of our Lord has driven him to the brink of madness. His death is imminent."
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