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

Chapter 232 Joey's Decision

The moment the ball of light burst forth, the entire sea seemed to light up, instantly attracting the attention of everyone in the area.

"That is……"

Looking into the distance, Xia En saw a ball of light, tens of meters in diameter, floating on the sea.

But he was all too familiar with that bright, dazzling light.

"Isn't this the divine magic of the Hui Cult?"

Xia En's expression was strange: "Moreover, this level of radiance, over such a large area... is definitely not something an ordinary believer could achieve!"

To be honest, Shane's first thought was—

His story has been exposed!

The Hui sect has sent people to clean house!

But then I thought, if Hui really wanted to eliminate him, the traitor, why not just go directly to the Black Swan?

So, why did these Hui followers come here?

Xia En took a closer look and vaguely discerned that the ball of light contained a pirate ship of moderate size, which seemed to be relatively unknown.

After all, pirate ships with even a little bit of fame will have very conspicuous features.

This made Xia En even more curious.

What sins did these petty pirates commit to provoke such retaliation from the Hui Cult?

Curiosity aside, after carefully sensing the level of the light's power, Xia En spoke directly.

"let's go!"

Good heavens, at least sixth-level secret power!
If I can't afford to offend them, can't I at least avoid them?
Meanwhile, taking advantage of the moment, Shane also opened the panel to check the status of the two crew members.

Crew Member: String Song Maya (Already Bound)

Race: Bronze Dragon

Rank: Three

[Talents: Majesty of a Bronze Dragon; Wings of the Sky; Resistance to Pollution; Keen Senses; Extensive Knowledge...]

[Skills: Forging; Mimicry Magic; Taunt; Melee; Dragon Language Magic...]

[Description: A fledgling dragon in its early stages of growth, possessing wings that allow it to soar through the skies for extended periods and horns that wield the power of "forging fire."]

But it still has a long way to go before it can wear the crown of bronze and fire.

After reviewing Xuan Ge's personal profile, Xia En nodded in satisfaction.

This advancement has brought many benefits to Xiange.

The new talent, [Wings of the Sky], clearly refers to the pair of dark golden wings on its back.

The original stringed instrument could fly, but only at low altitudes and over short distances.

This new talent truly gives it the ability to soar through the skies.

In Xia En's opinion, Xuan Ge could undoubtedly become an extremely excellent investigator.

One flight unit!
This is still a very rare type of soldier for pirates on the Seven Seas. It is excellent for both scouting enemy positions in advance and launching attacks as a backup.

Isn't there a saying like that?
How to lose when flying dragon rides on the face!
Moreover, Shane felt that through [Captain's Majesty], he also gained some of the effects of [Sky Wings].

It's not that he suddenly grew a pair of wings, but rather that he seemed to have an inexplicable affinity for the sky and the air currents.

After that, when Xia En used his blood energy to fly, he would fly more easily and effortlessly.

However, what intrigued Xia En was the new [Mimicry Magic] and [Forging Technique] that Xuan Ge had acquired.

The former is easier to understand; it's probably some kind of magic that changes appearance.

But the latter...

Xia En opened the skill's description and studied it carefully.

[Forging Technique]

[Type: Skill]

Quality: Poor

[Description: One of the Bronze Dragon's innate abilities.]

[Fire can be used to temper metal equipment, weapons, and materials.]

[To remove some impurities and improve the quality of an item without affecting its original characteristics.]

The higher the quality of the flame, the higher the rank of the bronze dragon, and the better the tempering effect.

After reading it, Xia En immediately understood.

Oh, blacksmithing!
But shouldn't this be a dwarf's natural talent?

How could a bronze dragon have such a skill?
Or is it that the bronze dragons of this world are different from what he remembers?
Come to think of it, the ancient dragons of this world have disappeared for thousands of years, and many of their rare talents and abilities have not been recorded.

In any case, this is a very useful skill.

Fortunately, Yan Yan was also on the ship; the quality of his flames was exceptionally rare.

Xia En had made up his mind to have Xuan Ge reforge the crew's equipment, and even some of the ship's core components.

Even a little improvement is good!

With a ready-made crew of Palu, why not use them?
Then, Shane looked at Joey's personal panel.

Crew member: Joey (already bound)

[Bloodline: Siren (Activated)]

[Secret Path Class: Tier 3 (Deep Sea Singer)]

[Talents: Storm Authority (Incomplete); Affinity for Seawater; Melodious Voice; Magic Affinity]

[Skills: Storm Magic (summon storm, sea breeze, hymn chanting); Siren Transformation; Acute Gastroenteritis...]

[Description: A girl chosen by the goddess of storms.]

However, divine favor and compassion are not always a good thing.

[What awaits her may be the final end?]

Xia En couldn't help but frown slightly.

The name "Deep Sea Singer" clearly indicates that Joey has acquired another hidden profession.

This should have been a good thing.

However, at the same time, Shane also noticed that the original suffix "extremely incomplete" for "Storm Authority" had been changed to "incomplete".

In other words, Joey gained more authority over the Storm Goddess.

The strange phenomena that occurred when she was promoted, as well as the [Storm Divine Art] skill, fully illustrate this point.

But the problem is...

Joey is not a follower of the Storm Goddess, nor is he a priest or priest.

A person who had no faith in the goddess of storms received the goddess's authority.

This whole thing is incredibly strange.

Just as the description says, the gaze and favor of the gods are not necessarily a good thing.

The only possible connection Joey has with the Storm Goddess is her siren bloodline, her mother Diana, and certain experiences from her childhood.

"The Truth Society imprisoned Joey and her mother for research, with the aim of stealing the authority of the gods..."

"And now, Joey is indeed gaining more and more control over the storm..."

Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck Xia En, connecting many of the previous clues.

"So, in the eyes of the Truth Society, Joey is just a vessel, a tool."

Xia En felt a chill run down his spine.

He suddenly understood why the Truth Society cared so much about Joey.

The storm power that Joey gained is like a fruit that keeps growing and a leek that keeps growing vigorously.

The day she truly "matures" will be the day the Truth Society wields its sickle and reaps the harvest.

Furthermore, the divinity of the Storm Goddess will also have a significant impact on Joey.

Just like that brief moment, Joey felt exceptionally unfamiliar to Xia En.

It was as if he had become a different person.

As Joey continues to gain the authority of the Storm Goddess, this divine influence will only intensify.

If Joey's humanity were completely replaced by divinity, she would no longer be the innocent and lively girl she once was.

Instead, it becomes an empty shell without a soul, or a high and mighty idol.

"Hoo..." Xia En let out a long breath, his mood extremely heavy.

It has to be said that Joey has always held a very special place in Shane's heart.

Joey was Shane's first crew member since his time travel, and the only one who accompanied him through his most difficult and vulnerable period.

It was also Joey who witnessed the Black Swan grow from a small, dilapidated boat into the giant ship it is today.

Not to mention, Joey is also a very charming and beautiful young woman.

It would be a lie to say that Xia En didn't have any special feelings for her.

Right now, the only good news is that the Truth Society doesn't seem to be sure of Joey's identity.

—This can also be seen from the attitude of the [Thousand Changes] last time.

If they are truly certain that Joey is the siren who escaped back then, they will definitely send a large number of powerful warriors to capture her and bring her back.

This may be an oversight by the Truth Society.

It's also possible that some problems arose with the original plan.

However, as Shane and the Black Swan's fame spreads further, more people with ulterior motives will inevitably notice Joey's existence.

What if the Truth Society discovers Joey's true identity...?

Xia En's expression grew increasingly serious, and he thought to himself.

"It seems the Truth Society has no choice but to perish!"

"We need to add fuel to the fire in the Land of Radiance, and we also need to find other forces that can deal with the Truth Society."

Faced with such a massive organization, Shane had no intention of speedrunning it alone.

He doesn't have that ability right now!

In that case, we should try our best to win over any forces that can be utilized.

Make more friends and fewer enemies.

This is a profound truth.

The Hui Cult is certainly one of them; they've already clashed with the Truth Society.

The Seven Seas Federation can also be considered half of it.

The Federation likely still harbors a sense of disgust towards the Truth Society, such a secretive organization that acts erratically.

However, given the mixed nature of the Federation, it may have already been thoroughly infiltrated by the Truth Society.

Therefore, it can only be counted as half.

Finally, the name of a cult popped into Shane's mind—

The Cult of the Deep!

Judging from Mr. Heller's actions, this sect that believes in the ancient gods has a great deal of goodwill towards him.

Under normal circumstances, Shane would definitely keep his distance from the Deep Sect, but in order to eliminate the Truth Society, he wouldn't mind making some contact.

"These three forces should have a pretty good chance of taking on the Truth Society, right?"

"However, I still need to find a good entry point..."

At that moment, Xia En had no idea that his sudden idea would unleash a terrible storm on the Seven Seas.

That was a real bloodbath.

Before her, the white-haired, red-eyed girl watched the captain's expression change from joy to contemplation, then to worry, and even a little bit of panic.

However, in the end, the captain seemed to have made some kind of decision, and his expression returned to its usual calm and composure.

To be honest, Joey found the captain's ever-changing expressions quite amusing.

After all, aside from the first few encounters with the enemy, Shane had shown some panic.

After that, he generally maintained a confident and calm demeanor.

the reason is simple.

Shane is the captain.

As captain, you must bear the lives of everyone on board!

Crew members can be timid and weak, but the captain cannot.

If the captain dies, the ship is not far from being destroyed.

But as one of the first crew members to know Shane, Joey still hoped that the captain could trust and rely on them more, instead of having to shoulder everything himself.

After noticing Shane's gaze several times, Joey suddenly realized...

Perhaps the captain's expression is related to himself?

After hesitating for a moment, Joey asked the question.

"Captain, what's wrong?"

"If there is any trouble involving me, please let me know. I'm serious."

Looking into the girl's stubborn eyes, Xia En suddenly realized...

Actually, it's not just him who has changed.

Having been on the Black Swan for so long and weathered several crises together, Joey is no longer the timid and cowardly sidekick he once was.

Xia En is not a pretentious person; she does have the right to know about Joey's background.

So, Shane simply told Joey all her speculations and concerns in detail.

“Experimental subject…container…the authority of the Storm Goddess…the Truth Society…”

Joey muttered to himself, silently pondering these horrifying secrets.

Her face was slightly pale, but her expression remained relatively calm.

In her own words.

"You've been following the captain for so long and seen so many big scenes, you must be used to it by now, right?"

Soon, Joey calmed down and asked.

"Captain, is that 'Truth Society' really that powerful?"

"Yes."

Xia En nodded: "With our current strength, we really can't afford to provoke them."

"At most, we can only eliminate some of its minor minions."

Joey wasn't disappointed, and simply said, "Then I'll try to show myself less in the future. Anyway, I'm a mage, I can cast spells in the shadows."

"And as for the Storm Divine Art, I won't use it openly either."

Shaun said, "As long as you're not associated with the Storm Magic, it shouldn't matter much."

"It's actually quite normal to have priests from the Deep Sea Church on board."

"Ah."

Joey responded, then looked up, met Shane's eyes, and said earnestly.

"Captain, I will continue on the secret path."

"But……"

“I know that the captain is worried that if I continue to advance, I will be corrupted by the divinity of the Storm Goddess.”

Joey's tone was more serious than ever before: "But I think I can overcome this."

"I am able to stay true to myself even under the influence of divinity."

Joey paused for a moment, then continued to state his opinion.

“I have personally experienced the arrival of the Storm Goddess’s consciousness. I feel that she does not have such strong malice, especially towards our Sirens.”

"Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to control the storm."

"In my view, this divinity may be a test, and only by passing this test can one climb to a higher level."

Upon hearing these words, Xia En fell into thought.

Joey's guess undoubtedly revealed another possibility.

If this conjecture is true, Joey will gain more and more authority as he passes the tests.

In the end, will it even replace the Storm Goddess?

Are my crew gods?
Shaun dismissed those overly distant fantasies; in fact, when Joey said those words, he had already reached a conclusion in his heart.

He smiled and said, "Yes, I believe you."

(End of this chapter)