Kade, in a fit of anxiety, suddenly released Charles’s collar and lunged back toward the nautical chart, fixating on the island marked as the Land of Light.

  “The Sodom pirates have no time for us; Shadow Island has sunk, and they’re busy plundering the refugees searching for a home at sea,” Kade explained.

  Charles felt a surge of hope at this timely information. If what Kade said was true, it presented a significant opportunity. “Are you sure about this?”

  “As a follower of the Light God, how could I lie? So, are you coming or not? If not, I’ll take my people.”

  “How many exploration ships do you have now?”

  “With the one you reclaimed, we have three in total. But don’t worry; I can sell off all the properties of the Coral Island Light Church and order all the followers to donate their assets. That should allow us to gather more ships. We’ll have plenty!”

  Hearing Kade’s reckless determination, Charles asked, “Have you considered what you’ll do when you come back?”

  Kade suddenly burst into laughter. “Come back? Hahaha! Are you crazy? If I reach the Land of Light, why would I want to return?”

  Charles realized Kade’s obsession with the surface was even more intense than his own.

  “Do you want to join this voyage, or are you planning to back out now?” Kade’s eyes bore into Charles, demanding an answer.

  “I’m in.” Charles was resolute; he had spent nine long years in this hellhole and finally reached this moment. There was no way he would back out now.

  “Excellent! Truly fearless Captain Charles! Even though you’re not a follower of our faith, once we reach the Land of Light, I will beseech the Light God to allow you into His kingdom!”

  A slight smile crept across Charles’s face as he placed a reassuring hand on Kade’s shoulder. “Don’t worry. Once we’re out, I’ll make sure you and your crew get the best medical care. I’ll cover the expenses.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Without explaining, Charles stomped his foot on the ground, and a brown rat scurried out from under the bed. “Have Lily gather all the crew. The Unicorn Whale is setting sail again.”

  With Charles’s agreement, Kade wasted no time, stating they would meet at the port in six hours before quickly leaving with his subordinates.

  Charles tidied up his belongings and was about to head to the dock when another thought struck him. He tore a page from his notebook and quickly wrote something down with his pen.

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  Soon, he went downstairs and handed an envelope to the well-mannered bartender at the Bat Inn. “Please give this to Anna.”

  “Sure, Mr. Charles. How long will you be gone this time?”

  “It’s hard to say. I might not come back.”

  The bartender was taken aback, watching the young man walk out the door.

  As the rats gathered the crew, the sailors responded quickly, assembling on the deck of the Unicorn Whale. Each face bore a hint of confusion; it was unusual to set sail so soon after returning.

  “I understand your concerns about the short rest period. Rest assured, to compensate for your losses, this mission will offer double pay, and I’ll distribute it in advance!” Charles announced.

  Nearby, the rats brought over a large chest. When Charles opened it, it was filled with stacks of green echo coins.

  He swiftly began distributing the money.

  This amount of echo coins alone was beyond Charles’s savings; he had mortgaged the Bat Inn to the British Bank for part of the loan. Since they were leaving, it didn’t matter if he had a place to stay anymore.

  His words transformed the crew’s puzzled expressions into sheer joy. If there was anything more delightful than receiving a paycheck, it was getting double.

  “This is just the beginning! I, Charles, personally guarantee that if you complete this voyage, you will receive much more than this!”

  His speech ignited a fervor among the sailors, who praised Charles’s generosity, and their morale soared.

  The ship’s doctor hobbled over, his face devoid of joy.

  “Do you think I’m joking? I told you to rest on shore, and you’re pushing your luck? Are you trying to get yourself killed?”

  “This truly is the last time. Please help me. If I can achieve this goal, I will comply with any treatment you suggest, and I can also unlock the secret of that thing you want.”

  Hearing this, the doctor’s face twisted in disdain. He had given up on persuading Charles. “You’re going to kill yourself one day.”

  Charles’s gaze returned to the cheering crew. “Six hours! We set sail in six hours! Whether you plan to send this money to your families or squander it, make sure to finish everything in that time!”

  His words spurred the crew into action. Ecstatic, they rushed toward the dock, clutching their echo coins.

  The sight of the stacks of bills made the laborers’ eyes turn red, but the sailors’ weapons at their waists reminded them to remain calm.

  So much money was earned through others’ lives; they were never truly from the same world.

  In contrast to Charles’s reaction, Kade’s actions caused a much bigger stir.

  The followers of the Light God on Coral Island quickly sold off all their assets, leaving even the money for breakfast behind, donating everything to the holy cause.

  In an instant, all factions began speculating about what was happening.

  But Kade didn’t care about any of that; he focused on converting all resources into echo coins and hiring exploration ships.

  For this goal, he was even willing to collaborate with his former enemy, the Flatan Church.

  “Good! Cash on the spot! As long as you pay, this church will be yours,” the Flatan Church’s high priest, cloaked in red, said to Kade.

  A henchman quickly handed over a prepared check.

  “Heretic, are you planning to leave Coral Island?” The high priest’s voice was as unpleasant as ever.

  Kade looked at the Flatan Church followers with contempt, as if regarding them as fools. “You pathetic creatures, repent in your lowliness. I will enjoy eternal life in the Light God’s kingdom while you scum live forever in this cursed sea!”

  Kade eagerly accepted the check and left with his subordinates.

  Watching Kade’s retreating figure, the henchman’s eyes burned with hostility. “High Priest, why are we making deals with this kind of person?”

  “Why not? This church is worth half the price we usually pay. And you needn’t worry; haven’t you noticed? He’s nearly gone mad from the voice of my lord; he’s not far from death.”