We agreed to set sail, so you'd become the ruler of the deep sea?

Chapter 214 The Transformed [Platinum Knight]

"Ok?"

Faced with Sha Jingjing's sudden request, Xia En was taken aback for a moment.

To be honest, his first thought was—

[Norwich Treasure]...Should I take it?
After all, even if Xia En broke through to the fourth rank and mastered a powerful secret technique like the [Great Dark Heaven], there was still a considerable gap between him and the truly powerful individuals who came to this island.

However, upon further reflection, he understood Sha Jingjing's intention.

Although it's unclear why the natives of Sand Island haven't used this treasure.

But for them, this treasure had long become the source of misfortune.

It is precisely because of its existence that so many outsiders flock to the [Sand Island] like sharks smelling blood.

If Xia En could take this treasure with him, it would undoubtedly alleviate the plight of the Yongyue clan to some extent.

Moreover, in Sha Jingjing's view...

In any case, they were destined not to be able to keep this treasure, and it would eventually be taken away by outsiders.

Why not give it to Xia En, who has been kind to the Yongyue Clan and is suspected to be the "prophesied holy son"?
At this moment, Sha Jingjing continued, "However, the location where this treasure is hidden is extremely dangerous."

“Our people paid a heavy price for exploring it.”

"I hope Captain Shane is prepared."

Xia En's expression turned serious: "I will."

Sha Jingjing sighed softly, "Captain Xia En, please come with me."

……

Just as Sha Jingjing was leading Xia En to the treasure site.

On the sea near 【Sand Island】.

A medium-sized advanced steamship, having just passed through the lightning-strewn [Magnetic Thunder Sea], slowly approached the island made of yellow sand.

On the hull of this steamship, the "Star Wave" logo, composed of stars and waves, is clearly engraved.

This also highlights its noble status as a member of the federation.

However, it is different from the other silver-white hunting boats.

The main color of this steamship is more brass, and the proportion of steam equipment on the ship is much higher than that of ordinary ships.

The complex network of pipes and pressure relief structures spreads like a web throughout the ship's hull.

There are even five chimneys.

If you look closely, you can also find a strange symbol on those chimneys.

Below it looks like solid steel, while above it is steam rising in wisps.

This is a simplified design of the world's first steam engine, and also the emblem of the god of steam and steel.

White steam occasionally escaped from the deck of the ship.

Together with the rhythm of the ship's machinery and the leaping of the steam core, they form a hymn unique to steel and steam.

"Steam is the breath of God, and steel is the bridge between man and God."

Amidst the white steam, a gray-haired young man murmured, "This [Brass] ship is a sacred place of cultivation for believers of the god of steel and steam."

"It seems the higher-ups really spared no expense; no wonder her promotion speed is so fast."

The gray-haired man's face held a hint of envy.

It should be noted that the owner of this [Brass] ship broke through two levels from the third level in the past few months, reaching the level of a fifth-level Mystic.

Even though the gray-haired man considered himself a semi-genius, he couldn't help but feel somewhat ashamed in front of the owner of the [Brass] ship.

"Lord Grey Cloud, what are you muttering about?"

Just then, a slightly ethereal and hoarse female voice came from the steam.

A tall, slender figure slowly walked out.

Her body was made of platinum-gold armor, with intricate and strange steam cores embedded in her arms, elbows, chest, and legs...

It not only provides her with powerful and surging energy, but also adds a touch of gorgeous beauty.

Beneath her goggles, her eyes also shone with a platinum-gold light.

Her temperament is mysterious and elegant, and she possesses an extraordinary, sacred beauty.

The Platinum Knight – Carles!
Compared to when he parted ways with Shane, Karlless's mecha had clearly undergone significant changes.

First and foremost, the most significant change is the number of steam cores.

Previously, Carles had only two or three steam cores installed, but now, that number has reached an astonishing 32!
More steam cores mean more powerful energy, stronger performance, and more capabilities!
For living armor like Karliss, in addition to gaining new abilities through promotion and installing new mechanical modules, it is also a stable way to become stronger.

This is why Gray Cloud said he "went all out".

Secondly, the metal that makes up Karlles' body has also been significantly strengthened.

Platinum's color becomes clearer and purer, and its hardness and toughness are incomparable to what they used to be.

The last point is...

The style of this armor has shifted slightly from its original androgynous to feminine.

If I had to say something, it would be... she's become more "pretty".

This change is related to Carles' self-perception.

Steam armor itself is genderless.

However, since leaving the Blood Moon Realm, Karles has spoken more often in a female voice and tone, and has become more accustomed to identifying as a woman.

In order to conform to her identity, the Federation made some adjustments when transforming her.

However, there are rumors circulating within the Federation.

It seems that Carles did this because of a man?
Thinking of this, Gray Cloud's curiosity was piqued, and he asked a question.

"Lord Karlless, I heard... that you only truly determined your gender after completing a mission?"

"Is that what happened?"

Carles crossed his arms and sneered, "Lord Gray Cloud, it seems you've become much bolder since breaking through to the fourth rank?"

"Would you like me to show you the difference between fourth-tier and fifth-tier through actual combat?"

As she spoke, the steam core around her hummed and vibrated, radiating a chilling aura.

"hiss……"

Gray Cloud immediately became obedient and hurriedly said, "No, no, no... I'm just an archaeologist with no strength to even kill a chicken, I don't have the strength of you."

"Sister, please spare me, for the sake of how hard I worked to decipher the treasure map!"

As a secret agent of the Federation, Gray Cloud's identity is actually quite special.

Just as he said, his secret profession is the rare one: "archaeologist".

Strictly speaking, this should be considered a derivative profession of the [Scholar] Path, and its combat power is indeed not particularly outstanding.

In fact.

During the promotion ceremony, Gray Cloud did consider rebelling against Xia En, but after carefully comparing the combat strength of both sides, he was able to confirm that he really couldn't win!
However, it was precisely because he clung to Shane's coattails that Gray Cloud did not die needlessly in the pirates' fighting and managed to survive until the very end of the ritual.

Although the trial rating wasn't very high, I still passed it!
They are much luckier than those who failed to advance through the secret path.

That said, although Gray Cloud is not good at fighting, he still has a considerable reputation within the Federation.

In this era, people often salvage ancient treasures from underwater ruins.

This is where archaeologists come in.

Deciphering and interpreting these artifacts can provide individuals with more useful relics and help them determine the value of those antiques.

Therefore, Gray Cloud is also known as "the appraiser" by some people within the Federation.

For the Federation as a whole, they might even be able to decipher some technology from ancient civilizations, enabling a leap forward in technology. Take the leaked S3 document as an example: Gray Cloud personally participated in the deciphering of this document and used it to pinpoint the suspected location of the Norwich Treasure.

Seeing that Karlless didn't pursue the matter further, Gray Cloud breathed a sigh of relief and changed the subject.

"Speaking of which, this promotion ceremony was truly remarkable."

"Especially one of the secret guides who played the role of Apostle John actually comprehended the power of the domain at the fourth level."

"You might not believe it, but the two of us joined forces and swept away all the powerful enemies present. Even Augustine was alarmed!"

"In my opinion, he may have received a perfect evaluation for this trial."

Carles said in a flat tone, "You've said this at least five times already."

"Besides, wasn't he the only one who made the move?"

"Cough cough..."

Having his secret revealed in a single sentence, Gray Cloud was not embarrassed, but simply said...

"What surprised me the most was when I first met that guy."

"That ship called the 'Heavenly Serpent' was originally mediocre in all aspects."

"But in that person's hands, it seemed to come alive, and could perform many incredible tactical maneuvers."

"……Um?"

Carles' hoarse voice became unusually excited.

"What did you say?"

Gray Cloud was startled by her attitude and asked blankly, "Did I say something wrong?"

"I'm asking you, what happened to that ship in his hands?"

"Like...like coming to life?"

Upon hearing this answer, Carles could no longer maintain his composure and couldn't help pacing back and forth on the deck.

"Ability to control the ship... Fourth-tier advancement ritual... Perfect evaluation achieved..."

"Could it be him?"

Gray Cloud looked completely bewildered: "Who?"

This was the first time he had ever seen Carles react like this upon hearing of someone's presence.

Just then, a crew member stepped forward to report.

"Lord Carles, according to the captains of the White Dove and the Heron, the Black Swan has been spotted in the Magnetic Thunder Sea."

"Its target is most likely the Novich Treasure on Sand Island."

Upon hearing this, Karlles calmed down and immediately ordered, "Full speed ahead to [Sand Island]!"

Gray Cloud, standing nearby, was deeply moved: "[Black Swan]?"

"Could it be..."

Carles gave him a cold glance, which felt like a bucket of cold water had been poured over his head.

As they approached Sand Island, they also saw several well-known ships.

"That's the Gem Ship from the Apocalypse Merchant Guild!"

Gray Cloud looked at one of the large, luxurious ships and couldn't help but raise his voice.

"It is said that it is the vehicle of the great merchant 'Golden Eyes' Miso. He himself is a fifth-level expert, and his strength is only greater when you include his subordinates."

Soon, Gray Cloud's gaze shifted to another large, imposing ship docked on the shore.

"And there's 'Madman' Gal's pirate ship..."

"That guy's ship is full of unbridled lunatics."

In addition, there are many notorious pirate ships scattered along the coast of Sand Island.

Clearly, as the news spread, various forces arrived at Sand Island one after another, making the situation on the island even more chaotic.

However, at this moment, Carles' gaze fell on a not-too-large two-masted sailing ship not far away.

The ship's sails looked as if they were dyed with ink, and the hull was also pitch black.

The hull was extremely damp and had a strange, fishy smell.

It's as if... this ship came from some cold and deep sea.

In a daze, it seemed as if something alive was quietly wriggling in the shadow cast by the ship's hull.

But upon closer inspection, it seems to be just an illusion.

As if sensing Carles's gaze, a woman dressed in a simple black nun's gown walked onto the deck.

The woman had extremely long black hair, which looked unkempt and was casually draped over her forehead, almost completely obscuring her face.

It looks like a classic image that appears in some horror movies.

Carles exchanged a brief glance with her before looking away.

Gray Cloud, being a fourth-tier Mystic Path user, quickly sensed the strangeness of the ship and the black-haired nun. As they gradually disappeared into the distance, he couldn't help but ask.

"Sir, what kind of ship is that?"

"Don't ask what you shouldn't ask."

"Carles said in a cold voice."

In fact, her heart was also in turmoil.

'The Cult of the Deep?'

'Why are they even getting involved in this treasure hunt?'

In the Seven Seas, the sects not officially recognized by the Federation are collectively referred to as not actually cults, but rather—

Esoteric religion!

Among the many esoteric sects, the [Deep Abyss Sect] is one of the most mysterious.

Although they repeatedly claimed to be awakening the "Deep Lord" in the deep sea, they never held any large-scale bloody sacrifices.

They usually remain hidden in the shadows, and their style of doing things can be described as quite low-key.

It's as if... they are quietly waiting for the right moment to arrive.

For this reason, the federal government does not have much hostility towards this sect. As long as it does not break the law or perform evil rituals, they are willing to turn a blind eye.

But how did the current Norwich Treasure... manage to draw them all out?

Carles keenly sensed that the waters behind this treasure seemed to run deeper than she had anticipated.

"Lord Karlless, that ship... it's the vampire's [Burning Gold]!"

At this moment, Gray Cloud couldn't help but exclaim in surprise again.

Looking at the magnificent and exquisite [Burning Gold], Karlless's pupils couldn't help but shrink, and the image of Twilight flashed in his mind.

Because of the Blood Moon Realm, she had a brief encounter with Twilight.

She was utterly defeated and had almost no chance to fight back.

Carles also clearly understood Twilight's true rank—sixth rank!
The sixth tier is just one step away from becoming a legend!

Just thinking about that woman gave Carlles an immense sense of pressure.

This trip to Sand Island will definitely not be easy.

……

at the same time.