Emerging from n0v@lbin☆, this material harbors clandestine details.
Chapter 5. Fhtagn Covenant's High Priest
The high priest's voice sounded old and thick. It was as though his throat was covered with a viscous layer of phlegm. His voice made Charles feel extremely uncomfortable.
"Where is the artifact?" Charles asked.
"It's not far. It's on a newly discovered island to the left of the Coral Archipelago."
Charles continued inquiring, "Why me? There are many others that are stronger than I am and with an even better ship."
The high priest let out a chuckle, "The place is a little dangerous. We need a cautious captain."
Charles certainly did not believe the high priest when the latter said it was only a little dangerous. A little danger would not justify a reward of one million Echo.
"I'm surely not the only person you have spoken to. What happened to the others?"
"Captain Charles, didn't you proclaim that you will be buying an exploration ship? If you are afraid of even this little bit of danger, I'm doubtful that you could become a hero who can expand the territories of humanity," the high priest replied, his voice stained with contempt.
Judging from the fact that the crimson-robed figure before him did not directly answer his question, Charles knew that his predecessors must have met an unfavorable fate. That place was definitely very dangerous. He contemplated for a few moments before he finally decided to bite the bullet. Fortune favored the bold, and he did not want to delay his trip home any longer.
As for the danger? No expedition was actually safe now. As long as they got out at the sea, where creatures lurked in the depths, no place was truly secure.
"Alright. But how can I guarantee that you will keep your word?"
The high priest seemed understanding and replied, "I can deposit the reward into Albion Bank. They can be the witness." He paused for a few seconds. "I have a question, though. Captain Charles, why are you so eager to buy an exploration ship? Is it for power? Money? Or perhaps, honor?"
Charles had no intention of concealing his ultimate goal. "For the Land of Light."
Hearing Charle's reply, the robed figure trembled as his aged voice croaked with a hint of panic.
"For the Land of Light. Are you by any chance a follower of the Divine Light Order?"
"No."
The high priest let out a sigh of relief. "That's good. If you were really one of those heretics, then I would have to reconsider our transaction. Don't get involved with those complete lunatics. They are an evil cult!"
The second engineer and the cook beside Dipp looked less carefree. They knew this mission was more than what met the eyes.
"James, I thought you might leave like Old John did,"commented the bamboo-thin cook, Frey.
"The captain saved my life. I will follow him wherever he goes. Besides, the captain said that the mission rewards are generous. Once I receive my share, I can propose to Mosicca," the tall man replied with a beaming smile as he imagined the wedding scene.
"What if you die? This isn't a simple transportation mission. Exploring islands is a task meant for Explorers."
"I'm not afraid. It's not too bad if we all get to die together," James answered. He then turned to look at his companion and asked, "What about you, Frey? Why did you come along?"
"You know my personality. I'm too lazy to go elsewhere," Frey answered as his calm gaze landed on Charles' back.
In truth, Frey had chosen not to leave because, a few years ago, he had caught a glimpse of Charles taking out a rectangular object in the privacy of the Captain's cabin. That item could play music like a phonograph and could even put on a ghostly theatrical performance.
Although he had no idea what that object was, he had a strong feeling that it was some sort of powerful relic, and he suspected that tears were the price the user had to pay. Because on that day, he had also witnessed the usually rational captain crying like a child.
From that moment on, Frey felt that he ought to follow this captain till the end of his sailing career. His safety was assured if his captain had such a powerful relic in his possession.
What mattered most on an expedition was staying alive. The rewards or the workload were insignificant in comparison.
Again and again, his choice was proven to be correct. Those who had started their sailing career around the same time as him were mostly dead, but here he was, alive and well.
Standing at the ship's bow, Charles suddenly squinted his eyes. In the distance, he could see a group of black-robed figures being led by Hook as they made their way through the laborers toward the dock.
"Where is he? Hurry up. I don't have time," Charles remarked impatiently.
Hook smiled and clapped his hands together. A person behind him stepped forward in response.
When Charles saw the man's appearance, he thought he was looking at a mummy. The individual was wrapped up completely in khaki-colored bandages with not an inch of skin exposed.
"You can call him Bandages or any other name you prefer. He used to be a first mate and knows the location of that island. He'll be a great help to your current expedition."
"Is the thing inside alive?" Charles inquired, his voice filled with caution.
"Haha. Don't worry. He's human. Alive and kicking," Hook replied. He then took out a dagger and slashed the face of the bandaged man. The bandage loosened and revealed black skin while crimson blood flowed out from the cut wound.
"A Black person? They exist in this world?" Charles took a closer look and realized he had been overjoyed for nothing. The man's skin was not of the shade that was distinctive of a certain race from the surface, but rather it was ink-black from the tattooed letters that densely covered his entire body. Charles' yearning had him jumping at anything that could remotely hint at a potential route back home.