Seeing the eager looks in their eyes, Charles immediately guessed their intentions.

  "Are you seriously discussing this with me in such a critical situation?" Charles frowned slightly.

  At such a crucial moment, they still had the leisure to talk about the ownership of a livable island?

  Feuerbach stepped forward with a smile and said to Charles, "Everyone knows you’re the one leading this fleet, and the nautical charts belong to you and Kod. So, of course, you’re the governor of this island. But since we’ve all risked our lives to help, don’t we at least deserve the right to pledge our loyalty?"

  The other captains nodded in agreement.

  When they saw that the simple thatched shelter could block the deadly sunlight, they couldn’t sit still anymore. The island’s richness was obvious to anyone who wasn’t blind.

  If it was habitable and had fresh water, it was a livable island.

  The burly man with a golden hook on his hand stepped forward. "When we seized fuel at Freshwater Island, everyone risked their lives. According to the old rules of conquering islands in the sea, we have the right to pledge our loyalty to you."

  After saying this, he glanced at Charles nervously and added in a low voice, "Of course, it’s fine if you reduce the share a bit."

  Charles knew the so-called "old rules." As long as you helped the governor conquer a livable island, everyone on the assisting ships would own a portion of the island.

  This wasn’t just a reward for conquering the island; it was also a reward for protecting it in the future. Only by tying everyone together with a chain of interests would they wholeheartedly assist the governor in managing the island.

  This was how the initial leadership of island governors in the sea was established. Only by banding together could they avoid being swallowed up by other governors.

  Hearing the captains’ words, the crew members nearby stopped their work and looked over nervously.

  They couldn’t help but be anxious. If Charles agreed, no matter what happened to the Land of Light, they would become islanders in the future.

  Seeing their expressions, Charles knew that if he didn’t agree, they wouldn’t be able to focus on anything else.

  "Fine, it’s just a loyalty pledge, right? I’ll sign it. Once it’s done, get back to work."

  Everyone’s faces lit up with joy, and the captains quickly pulled out the loyalty pledges they had already prepared.

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  "Looks like everyone was ready for this, huh?" Charles uncapped his pen.

  Feuerbach handed over a red, gold-lined paper first.

  "Actually, most exploration ship captains keep two copies of the contract in their captain’s cabin. One is submitted to the Explorers’ Association as proof of becoming a governor, and the other is a loyalty pledge to other governors."

  Charles took it and, after confirming it was a standard format, signed his full name—Charles Reed—in the governor’s position.

  According to the sea’s rules, each surviving captain would own 3% of the island. The twelve captains together would own 36% of the island’s sovereignty, while the remaining 64% belonged to Governor Charles.

  This was equivalent to owning shares in an island. If the island collected taxes, the shareholders would never starve. They were the first beneficiaries.

  After quickly signing the twelve loyalty pledges, Charles capped his pen and said impatiently, "Alright, get back to work."

  To him, this was completely unnecessary. They were about to reach the surface, yet they were still fussing over such trivial matters.

  Feuerbach shook his head. "Governor, there’s one more step."

  The crew in the shelter seemed to anticipate this. They put down their work and quickly formed a large circle, their faces filled with excitement as if witnessing history.

  Under everyone’s gaze, all the captains knelt on one knee in front of Charles, their left hands on their right shoulders and their right hands holding the loyalty pledges, their expressions solemn and dignified.

  "I swear eternal loyalty to the governor, never to betray, never to deceive!"

  "I swear to bravely fight against all external threats, defend our territory, and never yield an inch!"

  "I swear that I and my descendants will forever serve the Reed family until the island sinks!"

  The captains read out the pledges one by one, their voices growing louder.

  When the final pledge was read, all twelve bowed their heads to Charles in unison. "Governor, please name the island."

  Charles glanced at the sunlight outside the shelter and said, "Hope Island."

  As soon as the words left his mouth, the crew erupted in cheers. Their identities had changed. They were no longer desperate outlaws struggling at sea; they were now noble islanders.

  Watching his second mate, Konor, jump around with a wide grin, Charles couldn’t understand their excitement. Compared to the surface, what was so great about owning a barren island?

  Feuerbach leaned in with a smile. "Governor, while the scenery you described is indeed tempting, it’s also too tempting and too distant. Everyone cares more about what they can see and touch right now."

  "Is that your goal too?" Charles looked at Feuerbach.

  "Of course," Feuerbach replied with a matter-of-fact expression. "I’m also an exploration ship captain. My dream is to become an islander. Look how happy I am."

  Charles still didn’t fully believe the green-haired man’s words, but at least he didn’t seem to have any ill intentions.

  "Enough of this nonsense. If we don’t send out those photos, none of us will leave."

  Soon, Charles realized that the pledge ceremony had some use. The morale among the crew had noticeably improved, and everyone’s faces were filled with hope for a better future. Hope Island, true to its name, brought hope to everyone.

  The enthusiastic crew worked quickly, and the fuel tanks of the twelve ships were soon filled.

  Standing in the wheelhouse, Charles frowned as he looked at the nautical chart on the wall. Three hundred nautical miles wasn’t too far for a steam ship with a full tank.

  But Hope Island was already near the edge of human exploration. No one knew what lay in this uncharted sea.

  To ensure success, Charles decided to have all twelve ships escort Monchi.

  Although he was reluctant to return to the sea, there was no other choice.

  Watching the dozen exploration ships with their searchlights shining brightly, Charles slowly said, "Set sail. Let’s go."

  Bandage nodded beside him and began turning the helm.

  The sunlight of Hope Island gradually disappeared on the horizon as the Narwhal, carrying Charles, and the twelve exploration ships merged back into the darkness.