The more brands I come into contact with, the closer I get to Him?
No, it can't be that simple… otherwise, the gods would never have allowed me to advance to demigodhood and gain access to those brands.
Sigh, after being "Liu Bo" for so many years, I suddenly feel like I don't even know myself anymore…
Letting out a faint sigh, Ebner stopped dwelling on the matter. He stepped out of "Alvin's Puzzle Labyrinth" and, with a stride, returned to the villa at No. 28 Kings Street—appearing directly in the guest room allocated to Fors.
——Recently, Xio had been out on field duty in East Chester County, while Fors needed to partner with Ebner on a daily basis for her acting role. Thus, she had been living in his villa.
Seeing Ebner appear so abruptly, Fors wasn't surprised at all. She simply complained that he was getting more and more casual—he didn't even bother knocking anymore.
"I've brought you a gift," Ebner said with a smile, ignoring her complaint.
"What gift?" Fors instantly perked up, putting down the stack of manuscript pages she had been reviewing—the draft for The Shipwreck in the Frozen Sea—and asked curiously.
Without hesitation, Ebner took out the card that sealed Mr. X's corpse and handed it to her.
Fors accepted it, but as her fingers brushed the surface of the card, an image flashed through her mind.
A man dressed in an old-fashioned black robe and pointed magician's hat lay quietly in a confined space. His face was calm and expressionless—he looked as if he had died peacefully.
"Louis Wien?
"You've already killed him?"
As a medical school graduate and a former doctor at a reputable clinic, Fors had seen plenty of corpses. She wasn't frightened—only surprised at Ebner's efficiency. Barely over a week had passed, and he had already completed the job.
However, she soon frowned with concern and asked, "That 'Sun' in the East Borough earlier—was that your doing?
"You're not hurt, are you?"
Ebner smiled and shook his head. "I'm a demigod. How could I get hurt killing a Sequence 5?
"That huge commotion was just to make the Aurora Order's 'Saint of Darkness' retreat—and to mislead the Church's investigation."
"I see…" Fors first sighed in relief—then froze, her eyes widening. "W-wait, you fought a Saint?"
"Just a brief exchange. We both had our reservations, and the Church's Saints arrived quickly, so there wasn't any real fight," Ebner explained honestly.
"I'm sorry… I underestimated how dangerous this commission would be. I'll… I'll find a way to compensate you later," Fors said apologetically.
She had assumed that having a demigod kill a Sequence 5 wouldn't be dangerous—but she hadn't accounted for other demigods being involved.
If she'd known that earlier, she never would've let her friend take the risk. She'd have gone through the Tarot Club and asked "The Tower" or "Temperance" to handle it instead.
"I'll look forward to that," Ebner replied with a grin.
…
Under the pale moonlight, the sea appeared deep blue—almost black. Standing at the bow of the ship, Alger Wilson gazed at the faint silhouette of Pasu Island lying quietly across the waves.
This was the headquarters of the Church of the Storms—the land favored by the true deity Himself!
As a mid-level member of the Church, Alger had only visited three times: once when he was promoted to "Sailor" after discovering the Blue Avenger; once last year for his annual report; and once long ago, as a blue-haired half-blood child chosen to join the cathedral's choir.
But since he had no talent for singing, he'd been swiftly dismissed—sent back to his island's tiny chapel to serve as a menial under a harsh, abusive priest.
Whenever he recalled those memories, Alger's expression would darken, and ambition would burn even fiercer in his heart.
This time, however, he was returning because of an emergency summons—to plan the surprise assault on the Sonia Island naval port.
With the wind howling, the Blue Avenger sailed quietly toward the harbor.
At the peak of Pasu Island stood a towering church—the Abyss of Storms—the holiest sanctum within the Church's entire headquarters.
Of course, Alger's rank wasn't high enough to enter there. He was instead assigned a room at the outer Thunder Church, where he was to rest while awaiting other summoned privateer captains.
Inside the Thunder Church, the vaulted ceilings and sweeping arches were adorned with golden and blue frescoes that left not an inch of wall uncovered. The sheer sanctity and grandeur made anyone walking inside instinctively lower their head and tread softly.
Though Alger had long lost the awe he once felt—having dealt often with hidden beings and attended gatherings within divine palaces—he didn't show it. Like the sailors around him, he kept his head bowed, steps light, and even his breathing restrained.
In this solemn atmosphere, the group followed a priest to the clerical quarters at the back of the church, where each was assigned a room.
Alger had barely set down his luggage when a knock came at the door.
He opened it to find a man with soft blond hair dressed in a robe embroidered with lightning patterns.
His name was Saens. He and Alger had been partners for quite some time before parting ways—Alger choosing to captain a ghost ship, while Saens returned to Pasu Island to serve as clergy.
Alger smiled, placing his right fist to his left chest in salute. "May the Storm be with you."
"And with you." Saens mirrored the gesture with a grin. Then he lowered his voice.
"Why did you come back for this mission?
"You know we may be facing the Feysac regular army—it's incredibly dangerous!"
As a free-spirited ghost ship captain, Alger could have easily created an "accident" or delayed his return to avoid the draft. Though he would've been punished, it wouldn't have cost him his life.
Because I need the Obnis Sea Monster! I need to advance! Alger thought silently, but outwardly gave a wry smile. "The moment I saw what was implied in the mission order, I knew this summons couldn't be evaded."
Still, his friend's concern softened his tone.
"True… but this whole operation is strange," Saens mused. "Announcing such large-scale orders and even hinting at the objective? Even the most devout captains might let something slip…"
"Perhaps there's another plan behind it," Alger replied meaningfully.
Indeed, he wasn't surprised by such a move. The "Sea Monster" couldn't be quietly relocated anyway—its massive body made that impossible.
In fact, the Church hierarchy might want to strike during the transfer, since attacking it inside a fortified port was far more difficult.
"That only makes it more dangerous for you," Saens sighed.
If things get truly dire, I'll just dive into the sea. The Fool has claimed the Seagod's Authority—He will protect me… Alger thought to himself but said nothing.
Sensing the heavy atmosphere, Saens quickly changed the topic. "Do you know 'Admiral of Stars' Cattleya?"
Not just know her… Alger thought before answering, "I met her at the Pirate Congress."
"And 'Vice Admiral Ailment'? 'Admiral of Pale'?" Saens pressed.
"Also met them at the Congress. Why?" Alger asked, more confidently this time.
Saens hesitated for a few seconds, then sighed regretfully. "If you knew them well, you could've taken the mission to approach them and infiltrate their crews—to investigate Gehrman Sparrow. Then you wouldn't have to risk Sonia Island."
So that's it… because of Gehrman hunting the 'Admiral of Blood'… Alger feigned confusion. "What did Gehrman Sparrow do this time?"
Saens's eyes lit up, his tone excited. "He nearly destroyed Bayam! He's a dangerous man—rumor has it there's a secret, evil organization behind him, one with demigods, maybe even angels, enemies of the Rose School!"
Almost destroyed Bayam? An organization with demigods and angels? Enemies of the Rose School?
But aren't our Tarot Club enemies of the True Creator and the Original Witch instead? Alger deliberately displayed visible astonishment.
…
On Wednesday morning, Ebner didn't rush to take Fors to Conston, the capital of Jianhai County, to "fish" for that "Gluttony" gentleman.
After all, she had spent most of the previous night helping him perform multiple rituals to disguise her bloodline well enough to deceive "Mr. Gluttony." She was utterly exhausted.
But Ebner himself was full of energy. After a simple breakfast, he called for a carriage and headed toward Mr. Surrey's workshop in the West Borough—ready to craft several new magical items.
(End of Chapter)