Genji was sitting on a cliff stargazing when Vanderdecken approached him.
"You killed Kidd."
"Yes. He trapped me in with him."
"Your wounds were horrendous."
"I small price to pay."
They fell into silence for a few minutes before Vanderdecken started talking again.
"Was it worth it?"
Genji understood what he meant. Did he regret fighting Kidd as a way to return the favor?
"I don't regret my choices. I live with them."
"Why did you go so far for her?"
"Because I can."
"Gagagagaga. Yes, that's the spirit. We are pirates. We are free. We do things because we can. That being said, who was she to you? Not many will dare fight against an emperor for someone, so she must be important to you."
"You're wrong. She's an acquaintance at best. That was only our third time meeting."
"No lie?"
"No lie."
"Then why did you do so much to free her? And to fight a pointless battle as well? I get that I can revive you, but I've never revived someone that doesn't bear my curse. You could have died for real."
"So? If I back down just because of the threat of death, would I still be myself? Will I stay true to myself or will I get corroded by cowardness? If it happens once, then it will happen again. I might as well face my problems head-on. At least that way, I can get stronger if I survive."
"Well said. But no matter how I think about it, the gains don't cover the losses."
Genji fell silent. Vanderdecken was right, if there wasn't EverRealm giving him rewards for it. But Genji wasn't going to say that. Exposing the existence of EverRealm was one thing, and divulging secrets was another.
"You're right. On a rational level, the gains are not worth the risks. But what about on an emotional level?"
"Emotional? I didn't take you to be an emotional person."
"I'm not, but I think some part of me enjoyed the fight. To seek a strong foe and test myself against them. To come out victorious and see how much I improve."
This was not a response Vanderdecken was expecting. To him, taking unnecessary risks is stupid. When the safety of the crew was on the line, he prefers to take the steady approach.
"We have very different viewpoints in life."
At this moment, a pirate ran up the cliff.
"Captain. We got news. It's that time of the century again."
When Vanderdecken heard him, his expression became grave.
"Has it now? Very well. Ring the bell."
"Aye aye, captain."
"What's going on?"
Genji had never seen this expression on his captain's face. It seems like whatever has happened was a big deal for him.
"I'll go over it in the meeting. For now, let's gather."
As Vanderdecken turned around to make his way down to the ship, Genji received a prompt.
[Your party has survived the third wave. The final mission link has been unlocked.]
Mission details: Meet up with Queen Anne to conduct the ocean ritual at her family altar while surviving the fourth wave of pursuit.
"That was too coincidental to be normal. Let's hope I'm just overthinking things."
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"I see everyone is here. As many of you know, the Pearl of the Sea has shown up again. Like always, this is a big threat. We will hunt it down and destroy it."
Vanderdecken reached inside his big coat and brought out a teal compass.
"Here's the sea compass that always points at the pearl. Now let's set sail!"
"Aye!"
Genji's worries came true. They are the fourth wave.
"I see. That's what EverRealm meant by unforeseen effects. Just great."
"Everything ok?"
Zepher came over to check on Genji.
"Yeah. Don't worry about it. My arm might be broken, but I can sit this one out."
Genji waved his left arm which was wrapped in a cast with a stick to set the bones.
"Yeah, you've done enough. Let us deal with it."
Genji watched the cheerful Zepher walk back to his post before walking downstairs. He raised his free arm and knocked on the door of the captain's cabin.
"Enigma? Have a seat."
Vanderdecken welcomed him warmly once he realized who was outside.
"Captain, do we really need to destroy the pearl?"
Genji asked this question as soon as the door closed.
"Yes. It's non-negotiable."
He was very firm about this stance.
"Can I ask why?"
"Before that, do you know the origins of the pearl?"
Genji shook his head so Vanderdecken started explaining.
"It's the essence of the sea, condensed about every 50 years. The sea had been polluted by the resentment of the dead so it seeks to cleanse it."
"That sounds like a good thing?"
"Yes, but can you guess what is the source of our powers?"
Genji thought back to the world intro and the way he asked the question.
"Resentment?"
"Yes. The powers of the curses come from resentment. If the sea is purified, we lose that source of power. Any powers we obtained would have to be used sparingly. Once it's used, it's gone forever since we can't recharge it anymore. Now going back to the reason. You know my curse abilities?"
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
"Something to do with souls and revival?"
"Yes. My powers keep the crewmembers in their prime state by using the energy of the curse. If we lose resentment, then my ability will have to be stopped. Once that happens, they will become vulnerable to sickness, disease, and aging."
When Gneji heard his explanation, he understood where Vanderdecken was coming from. As someone that has the crew's life as his top priority, letting his crew become vulnerable like that is the last thing he wants. Not when he's alive. They might as well do everything they can to destroy the pearl and prolong their lives, even at the cost of their lives. If they die this way, they at least have hope for revival.
"I see."
Genji became solemn at that realization. There's no way out of this situation.
[It has been detected that your faction is in opposition to the main mission.]
[Anyalzing...]
[An alternate mission will be generated.]
[Alternate Mission]
Description: The Flying Dutchman will do anything to destroy the pearl of the sea. As this is the strongest faction in the world and you have joined them, you are offered a different choice. Destroy the Jewel Of Nereid.
Note 1: You have to personally destroy the Jewel of Nereid for this mission to count as completed.
Note 2: As this mission is in opposition to your party mission, only one of them can be completed. Should you complete the alternate mission, the party mission will fail and your party members will be left behind until they complete the mission.
This was a brutal change. Genji's now offered the choice to betray his teammates to leave the world alone. As for the others, they will be left behind until the next cycle of pearl formation. That's 50 years! No matter how one looks at it, the new mission was way easier than the previous one. While his party members have to deal with the strongest crew, he can follow along and destroy the mission item.
"I'll head back then."
Genji decided to go to a place he rarely used, his room. Since he rarely used it, he had lent it to Cake when she was staying on the ship. Did you really think a girl could get her a room on a ship like this when most of the pirates have to share a room?
Genji lay down on his bed and pondered. He thought about things over and over again. This thinking continued the next day. And the day after that. Genji did nothing but think. So much so that the others noticed the change.
"What's wrong, Enigma? You've been very quiet these days."
Zepher came over and started a chat. There's not much one can do at sea so everyone has to find their way to pass the time. Zepher's choice happens to be hanging out with the crew.
"Nothing much. I've been thinking."
"About what?"
"The pearl of the sea."
"Oh, that thing? I wouldn't worry too much about it. It's a small task that the captain pays attention to. Most of the time, it doesn't end in death as the people who own it are the rich. Just a little threatening and they will happily give up everything they own. This time should be no different."
"Is that so? I'll stop then."
But Genji did not stop thinking. He became quieter and locked himself in his room. Other than the required meals o keep his body up, he would spend his time thinking. The other crew members paid no attention to this as they attributed this sudden change to him trying to recover. By now, everyone got the news that Genji had killed Kidd, an emperor of the sea.
It was a big shock when they found out. They knew he was strong when he went toe to toe against Drake, but to think he would kill an emperor. You have to know, being even and being able to kill are two different things. Because of Kidd's reputation, the crew guessed the injuries were beyond bad.
Although Genji might try to act casually about it, they can see through that. Just look at how long he spent in his room when he was previously addicted to training and wouldn't use his bed. No one can convince them that Genji wasn't injured, yet to preserve his pride, none of the crew members acted concerned.
But they can imagine how bad the injuries are. Many of them had experienced the red-haired pirate's retribution for themselves. It was safe to say surviving was difficult. At best, they lasted a few days before they have to burn a revive and gather more souls. There has never been an instance of them recovering from it, but they hopped Genji can.
They've heard from their captain that Genji's situation was special so revival might not work for him. This means that should he die, it's going to be a gamble. This was not what the crew members wanted. If possible, they would rather not lose this new comrade of theirs. Although it was short, they had developed quite the feelings for him.
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"You seem somber," Vanderdecken came up to Genji as he looked out at sea with an absent expression.
"It's that obvious?"
"Yeah. Everyone on the ship can tell."
"I guess that's true."
"It's the pearl, isn't it?"
Genji froze. Then he relaxed. There's no point in hiding it.
"Yes."
"Do you know the people holding the pearl?"
"Yes. I was part of their group before Paul sunk our ship."
Vanderdeck did not question how Genji knew that. It was quite obvious from his reactions when he asked about the pearl. Every pirate that goes out to sea has a dream. Some for wealth, some for freedom, and some for a specific treasure.
"No hard feelings. We simply need the pearl. As long as they hand that over, I don't mind letting them go."
"Is that so?"
"You don't have to participate. I don't want to put you in a difficult situation if possible."
Genji thought about this. Yes, what's there to hesitate about? The crew has treated him very well. They cared for him and will support him in his choices. It's obvious which side he should pick. A determined face appeared in Vanderdecken's eyes.
"No, I'll join. It's time to sever all ties and put an end to this relationship. Both as a friend and a former captain."
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The sea compass had turned. An indication that they are close. Very close. Judging by the rate they were going, the pearl was on a ship. Genji watch as everyone prepared their tools for the attack, but the boat seemed to be decently fast. And aware. Aware of their pursuit. Genji attributes this fact to the party members aboard. The compass has turned multiple times by now and with each change, the crew adjusted to keep the journey as short as possible.
Genji knows they are closing in. The Flying Dutchman was the fastest ship he's seen. He doubts anyone can escape its pursuit in this world. It was only a matter of time before they catch up. But it seems like he underestimated the speed of the pearl. It's been a whole day since the compass had turned, yet they haven't seen the ship in question.
"Must have been a small ship to go this fast."
Genji thought to himself as the sun sets. Genji took out his fox badge and activated Stalker's mark.
"Track the Jewel of Nereid"
A mini-map formed on the corner of his view. By expanding the map, the total area covered was 1,000 kilometers. It was a big area, but inconsequential compared to the size of this world. It was also the reason he didn't find the pearl before. It's not that he forgot to use this. No, he tried, but EverRealm stated that since they haven't obtained the mission item, he can't track it.
A red dot appeared on the mini-map. Genji pulled out his own map and did a comparison. The red dot was around the position of a small island. Judging by the distance, they should reach the island after a few more hours. Genji looked at the sea compass on the ship before walking back to his room.
He's made his choice so it's time to prepare. No regrets now.
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It was midnight when Genji gathered Cobra and Zepher near a rowboat on the ship.
"Hey, Enigma. What are you doing at this time?"
Zepher rubbed his eyes as he walked out of his room.
"I have a request for the two of you. The truth is, I know the people that currently have the pearl."
"Isn't that great? We can settle this matter without a fight. This is so much better than last time where half the crew died in the battle."
Genji shook his head.
"I'm afraid not. If they are who I think they are, then they won't go down without a fight. That's why I gathered you two. You're the only two I can trust with this request."
Hearing this, Cobra slapped his chest.
"No worries. I said you can come to me with any problems. So what's the goal?"
Genji took out a map and showed it to them.
"I checked the sea compass earlier. It's pointing right at this island. I want you to take the row boat and the compass over there to check if they are really on the island or past it."
"No problem. You can leave it to us," Zepher said as he took the map and compass.
"Thank you. I would go myself, but you know my condition."
Genji waved his left arm.
"If they are on the island, I would like to say my farewells before the battle."
"No problem."
Cobra assured him. Both Cobra and Zepher were close to Genji so they realized he was troubled over this matter. Since he's made his choice, they will do their best to help him out. Both as a crewmate and a brother.
"Thank you, again."
The two of them nodded and picked up the rowboat. They attached it to some rope and slowly lowered it to the sea. As they were doing that, Hendrickson walked out from below the deck and saw this.
"Sir? Are you going somewhere?"
"Yes. They're going out to do something for me," Genji answered as inconspicuously as possible.
When he heard this, Hendrickson's eyes lit up. Chance! This could be the chance to regain his backer's favor! Although he doesn't know where his rival went, he knows that ever since she came aboard, Genji hasn't paid much attention to him. So to regain his position, he needs to show his value again.
"Really? Then how can I not go as your loyal servant?"
Cobra and Zepher looked at each other. How should they respond to this? If they agree, doesn't that mean the secret is out of the bag? But how can they reject him reasonably? This bootlicker is putting himself out for Genji. Wouldn't it be more suspicious if they rejected him? That would cause the others to investigate and the truth would be revealed.
From how Genji was acting, it was clear he didn't want the others to know about this. A subtle glint appeared in Genji's eyes, but he concealed it.
"If you insist, go ahead."
"Seniors, I'll be in your care."
Cobra and Zepher exchanged a glance. Why did Genji let him come? It doesn't make sense. From Genji's attitude toward this low-time pirate, they can tell he doesn't think much of him. So why would he let him know about this? Unless he doesn't. At this thought, they both looked at Genji with a vicious glint in their eyes.
Seeing the look they are giving him, Genji shook his head. The meaning he was trying to convey is that it's not what they are thinking. There's no need to "have an accident."
No? What does that mean? There's no need to dispose of Hendrickson? No, that can't be. It must be something else. There's no way Genji would care so much about this servant. Maybe it's a secret code for the two of them? Oh well, they'll think about this later. Maybe Hendrickson can help them out before he goes on an "enjoyable swim." He seems like a smart fellow.
Although Genji didn't know if they got the message, he's done his best. As for what happens to Hendrickson, that would depend on his own luck.
"It's all set, seniors."
Hendrickson called to them, completely unaware of the bad intentions these seniors have towards him.