How could an extraordinary individual be permitted to leave the fleet? Without Daniz needing to elaborate, Caine immediately grasped why it seemed strange to him. Within the watch team, even purely administrative staff are subject to strict limitations—normally required to sign lifetime confidentiality agreements and are only allowed to leave their original watch team's jurisdiction; if approved to relocate to another city, they must promptly register with the local Night Church. Such regulations clearly reflect the official stance toward extraordinary abilities and related matters—an extraordinary individual, having consumed magic potions, could hardly leave the organization so easily. Caine clearly remembered that Miss Justice, who had access to clear pathways and methods for becoming extraordinary, had initially declined to pursue them, citing her desire to preserve her freedom. The same thought briefly surfaced in his mind, though it remained unspoken, as Lord Germain Sparo, though courteous, was inherently indifferent to such rumors. "So what?"
Klein looked at the tableware with quiet composure and asked, "Could you possibly be more conversational?" "Ha! Honestly," Daniz breathed out, forcing a smile, "I just find it strange—we've always suspected he joined MI9 not just as a captain, but to monitor developments along the shipping routes." It's possible... Klein picked up the cup of plain water, took a slow sip. The dishes he ordered began to arrive, categorized one by one, and the restaurant also served two cups of sweet, effervescent, pale golden aperitif. Klein said nothing, simply enjoyed his meal, finding it indeed far superior to the second-class dining room. The violin music swelled gently, mingling with the soft clinks of cutlery against porcelain, while the vast, serene blue sea beyond the windows gently rippled—everything seemed so perfect. As Klein moved into the dessert course, a crew member burst in, running toward the table where Elran was seated. "Captain! There's a pirate ship!"
He didn't conceal his voice. Most passengers were startled, pausing their meals. Kline lifted his head, his gaze dark and cold, fixed on Daniz across the aisle. "Flame" Daniz stiffened for a moment, offering a bitter smile, and spoke in a lowered tone: "I told you this had nothing to do with me—do you believe that?" Kline eased the tension in his eyelid muscles, slowly curling his lips: "You guess." I bet you're a damn fool! Daniz grew furious, nearly shouting. He maintained his smile: "Your intelligence is sufficient to judge everything." At this moment, Elran had quickly clarified the situation, stood up, and addressed the first-class passengers who were now somewhat alarmed: "There's only one pirate ship—we have more than enough capability to handle it."
"Ladies and gentlemen, please return to your cabins in order, and await the good news. Believe me, the damage caused by chaos far exceeds that of the pirate attacks. I don't want future rumors to claim that, although we successfully repelled the pirates, several passengers—perhaps five, six, seven, or eight—have injured themselves due to falls." Under his arrangements and with the steady support of the crew, the members of the dining room, including Caine and "Flame" Daniz, proceeded one by one to their respective cabins. "I thought you would take temporary command of the White Coral and ensure the ship suffered no harm at all," Daniz asked, as he closed the door, with a theatrical air of curiosity. The fact that he had immediately extended an offer upon identifying a suitable candidate, and then elaborated on his vision and terms, clearly demonstrated that he was an outgoing, conversational captain.
Klein glanced at him, then walked to the window and looked out. There, where the sea met the sky, he saw a large ship bearing a red skeleton flag approaching, with smokestacks and sails. "Do you know them?" Klein stood behind the thick glass window, hands in his pockets.
"No wonder he's a well-known pirate worth three thousand pounds... Caine's expression remained unchanged as he asked again, "Do they have binoculars?"
"This is a must-have item—even if they take control of the ship, sailors will be stationed on the lookout deck, using binoculars to monitor the surroundings and guard against sudden attacks," Daniz replied with a quiet sense of disdain. He had already realized that this dangerous man was a newcomer to the adventure world, possibly even making his first voyage at sea. He wondered whether Germaine Sparrow had once been a renowned bounty hunter or a member of a secret organization.
"Would the captain and first mate use binoculars to observe us during such a time?" Caine had intended to refer to nine hundred and five hundred pounds, but felt it would be slightly impolite.
"Definitely," Daniz responded, slightly puzzled. "They must always keep a close watch on their targets."
He didn't understand why Germán Sparrow was asking these questions. According to his own reasoning, if he had the same level of strength as the other, he would certainly have allowed the Red Skull Pirates to approach, finding an opportunity to board their ships and eliminate everyone on board.
“…”, Daniz grew more puzzled, but unwilling to risk being stranded and unable to return before the other had a tangible attack, he complied and washed away the disguise from his face, restoring his original appearance.
Clayne retrieved the small metal bottle and opened the window, allowing the sea breeze to rush in.
"Stand here, facing outward," he instructed the "Flame" Daniz, pointing directly behind the window.
Daniz walked over with a mixture of bewilderment and caution, standing steadily behind the window.
Clayne studied him for a few seconds, then spoke calmly:
"You have two options: either climb out yourself and hang there prominently, or I'll lift your collar and hang you there prominently."
"What would you like me to do?" Daniz asked immediately.
Clayne smiled warmly again:
"Show them to the pirate crew—the Fourth Watch Officer of the 'Ice Mountain Admiral' should have enough weight to persuade them."
"No, not like that!"
Daniz instinctively chose to reject. He could imagine how the members of the Red Skull Pirates would judge him upon discovering him—either that "Flame" Daniz had been captured, with formidable strength aboard the ship, or that the vessel had now come under the watch of the "Ice Admiral," prompting other pirates to swiftly retreat. His current position, exposed and hanging out, would inevitably shape their perception. Daniz sighed with a sense of melancholy.
Klein smiled more warmly. "I'm a very easygoing person, truly—just follow my instructions, and you'll be fine."
At that moment, Daniz felt once again that indescribable, inexpressible hunger, as though his flesh and soul were being torn away piece by piece.
After a brief pause, he half-raised his hands, gritted his teeth, and smiled. "I'll do it myself."
Despite his anger and frustration, Daniz turned and climbed out the window, relying on his years of practiced balance and strength, supporting himself with his back elbows against the ship's hull.
"Don't try to escape. I'm not patient." Caine's expression turned cold, yet his tone remained gentle and reassuring.
Huff... Danyz held back the urge to release his elbow and leap down immediately.
On the distant pirate ship monitoring the White Marquise, a crew member relayed a message to "Sea Wolf" Johnson:
"Sir, there's a strange fellow who's hung himself outside the window!"
Johnson paused for a moment, then raised his telescope to his eyes.
He quickly spotted the man his subordinate described as unusual—his position was simply too prominent.
This—wasn't this Danyz, the "Flame"? Johnson's brow furrowed as he recognized him.
How had Danyz ended up on the White Marquise? Why had he hung himself outside? Was he the prey of the "Ice Mountain Admiral"? A series of questions led Johnson to form a clear judgment.
He raised his right hand and said:
"Everyone, take heed—immediately clear this area!"
"...In Room 305, Crivis gripped his revolver tightly, standing by the window, ready for a possible boarding action. The Clan family sat in the living room, hesitant to return to their bedrooms, waiting for the bombardment to begin, with Cecil and another bodyguard, Tige, staying close by, fully alert. At that moment, a look of puzzlement appeared in Crivis's weathered eyes. After a few minutes, he stepped back, lowered his gun, and said to the group, 'The pirates have left.' 'What?' This development surprised and confounded Urdi Blanch and the others, leaving them completely puzzled as to what the pirates were thinking. ...In Room 312. Danius returned, sighing with growing impatience: 'You're simply leveraging our captain's reputation! She hates such things!' You'll soon be receiving a lesson from the 'Ice Admiral,' Danius thought, inwardly resentful."
Klein listened quietly and then asked thoughtfully, "I remember her reward in Ruin was 26,000 pounds?" ...This madman... Daniz couldn't find the right words to respond.