Chapter 464 - Monday
East Balam, the "Gambling City" of Aleser
The Black Death, painted entirely black, sailed silently into a private military harbor without hoisting its signature flag—the skull with blue ghostly flas burning in its eye sockets.
Vice Admiral Ailnt Tracy, wearing only a white linen shirt on her upper body, gazed at the approaching shore. Her slightly fatigued face finally showed a hint of relaxation. She turned her eyes to the military colonel in a golden mask standing not far away on the deck and asked once again in a serious tone, "What exactly did you have
transport? Why were so many mbers of the 'Rose School of Thought' trying to intercept us?"
The man in the golden mask shook his head regretfully. "You're being quite direct this ti, no longer trying to 'charm' ... But my answer remains the sa—I don't know what it is either."
"But I've paid for it with the lives of over twenty crew mbers and two officers... You can't let them die without knowing why," Tracy said with a faint smile, though her stormy blue eyes carried a hidden tempest.
The golden-masked man seed to sense the danger lurking beneath Tracy's alluring exterior. Instead of responding directly, he changed the subject. "I recall you asked
to find out whether 'Red-haired' Helene had sought refuge with the Church of the Lord of Storms."
Tracy squinted her eyes slightly, the aura of ailnt around her dissipating as its source faded. "You've found Helene's whereabouts?" she asked hoarsely.
Though this man had been on her ship the entire ti, military communication channels were nurous, and they always had access to the latest intelligence. It could even be said that the Black Death's successful arrival at the Southern Continent despite repeated attacks by the Rose School of Thought was largely thanks to him.
"Unfortunately, we haven't located Miss Helene... But we are certain she didn't seek refuge with the Church of the Lord of Storms, nor did she leave Bayam." At this point, his gaze subtly drifted toward the hints of scenery revealed through Tracy's long hair. Swallowing dryly, he continued, "However, our intelligence officers discovered that Helene has a family friend who serves as a military attaché at the Intis Consulate in Bayam."
"So, Helene might be hiding in the Intis Consulate, possibly planning to return to the Northern Continent?" Tracy said thoughtfully.
The golden-masked man rely smiled and fell silent. He was only responsible for passing along the intelligence—whether or not Tracy's guess was correct wasn't his concern.
By now, the ship had docked. The pirates, having endured days of travel and brutal combat, had reached their limit and eagerly disembarked to indulge in the pleasures of the famous gambling city.
In the Kingdom of Loen, casinos were not permitted and were confined to small backrooms attached to bars. But in the kingdom's vast overseas colonies, gambling was not only legal but also a pillar industry. Among them, Aleser in East Balam was the most renowned, attracting wealthy gamblers from Backlund and the coastal regions of the Sunya Sea.
Tracy didn't stop her crew from disembarking. She watched as the Military Intelligence Division colonel carried a box ashore under the escort of military personnel, only then remaining alone on the deck. She seed to be talking to herself, yet her words carried a questioning tone. "What do you think the military transported to the Southern Continent?"
"I don't know what they transported... but your ship certainly carried nothing. Only the empty shell of a high-ranking aura." A gentle, feminine voice suddenly echoed around Tracy.
"So... I was just bait? That colonel was playing
all along?" Tracy's expression showed brief confusion and resentnt.
"I'm glad you've recognized your own 'foolishness'... But he probably wasn't mocking you. He likely doesn't even realize he was bait himself."
A figure slowly materialized beside Vice Admiral Ailnt Tracy. She was dressed in a simple, sacred white robe with high slits on both sides, revealing flawless, snowy legs. Her skin was pale and delicate, youthful in appearance, despite her age. The woman had black hair and blue eyes, her beauty carrying an indescribable allure. She was none other than Tracy's mother—the "Unaging" Katarina.
This witch, who had lived for at least 1,400 years, smiled warmly. "What's wrong? Feeling unwilling to let it go? I could take you to follow them and see what they're really after. I'm quite curious about this matter myself."
Tracy hesitated for a mont but eventually shook her head. "Forget it... I still need to return to Bayam and find Helene as soon as possible."
Katarina's smile deepened slightly. "Helene isn't in the Intis Consulate."
"How do you know?" Tracy asked, briefly stunned, but quickly realized the truth. Her expression stiffened as she blurted out, "Helene escaped because of you..."
"I rely gave her a little push," Katarina replied with a mysterious smile. "She's currently living with a young gentleman. That man is very powerful, and you likely wouldn't be able to defeat him. Moreover, he has strong backing. Even I dare not approach that manor too closely."
Tracy's face twitched slightly as she gritted her teeth and asked, "Who is he? Where is she?"
"Follow
to track the military's cargo, and I'll consider telling you," Katarina said softly as she turned away.
"Fine!" Tracy agreed almost imdiately, though her voice was heavy with concealed pain.
She could not accept Helene's betrayal.
Pain—let it tornt you. The more it hurts, the more aware you'll beco of your weakness. When the pain reaches its peak, the desire to change will beco strong enough to help you endure the potion ritual, to grasp divinity, and to beco a demigod...
Katarina gave her daughter one last aningful look before her figure slowly faded away, leaving only an ethereal whisper. "I'll co find you again tonight."
...
West Balam, Off the Coast of Caesar Harbor
Under the starlit sky, dazzling beams of starlight descended, forming a transparent bridge that extended from the deck of a massive sailing ship to an empty cliff on the shore.
Dressed in a black robe, Jane waved farewell to Cattleya, Frank, Nina, and the others on the deck before walking along the starlit bridge and stepping ashore.
"Next, I'll need a guide... Even with a map, I have no idea how to get to the Pass Valley."
She muttered to herself as she glanced around the deserted cliff. With a casual wave of her hand, Jane summoned several wandering spirits from the surrounding area. After a brief but "friendly" negotiation, the spirits agreed to act as her guides. Surprisingly, they didn't even ask for paynt.
...
Newsmoss Island
Located in the turbulent southern waters of the Furious Sea, Newsmoss Island was a small landmass spanning only twenty-five square kiloters.
Once barren and uninhabited, the island had gained strategic importance with the opening of new sea routes. As the first piece of land encountered by ships departing the Furious Sea, it quickly beca a valuable waypoint.
Now, a bustling port town with a population of three thousand thrived here. The town was equipped with docks, steam factories, bars, inns, casinos, and brothels—offering comprehensive services for seafarers, albeit at steep prices.
The naval frigate carrying Xio Derecha was currently docked at the island's port for much-needed repairs after enduring a series of fierce battles.
With the ship anchored and repairs underway, the captain decided to allow a day of rest before resuming their journey to Gulain City. The navy sailors, relieved by the announcent, eagerly disembarked in groups, seeking entertainnt in the port town.
Since the Tarot Club eting was scheduled for the afternoon, attending it aboard the ship would have been inconvenient. Originally, Xio had planned to request leave, but the ship's docking had resolved that issue for her.
After receiving permission from Princess Vera, Xio disembarked, rented a room at an inn, and locked herself inside. She carefully took out Roselle's diary and began reviewing its contents one last ti, ensuring she wouldn't make any mistakes when manifesting it above the Gray Fog.
...
anwhile, at Fragrant Manor in Bayam, Ebner sat in his study, glancing occasionally at the clock on the wall. He was also waiting for the arrival of 3 PM.
(End of Chapter)
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