The Five Seas were a chaotic tangle of powers, with every major faction staking a claim. The Church of the Storm held the strongest influence, thanks to the natural advantage of their Beyonder abilities, but even they couldn't fully conquer the seas. Other forces still carved out significant niches.
Incidentally, though Alaric had taken down the Numinous Episcopate, Admiral Hell Ludwell hadn't lost his post. After a stint of rehabilitation, Ludwell returned to duty, his role shifting from ushering souls to the underworld to acting as a maritime firefighter, tirelessly rescuing those caught in pirate raids or shipwrecks.
In contrast, Admiral of Blood Senor was permanently retired from the seas. After Alaric's takeover of the Rose School, Senor was locked away, destined to serve as a disposable asset later.
The difference came down to their natures. Both were prolific killers, but Admiral Hell Ludwell wasn't bloodthirsty. He'd simply followed the Death's doctrine, treating soul delivery as a job. When the Numinous Episcopate changed leadership and the new Death, Azik, set fresh tenets, Ludwell adapted without resistance, transforming from a killer to a savior. In Alaric's eyes, he was redeemable despite past mistakes.
Admiral of Blood Senor, however, was a different beast... rotten to the core, killing for sheer pleasure. He was beyond saving.
For such types, Alaric was happy to let them serve one final purpose before their end.
Though the loss of Senor left a gap, Alaric had plans to fill it. The Five Seas were too important to cede the Rose School's share.
After reviewing the pirate general files, Klein looked up at Alaric, surprised. "Miss Sharon is the new pirate general?"
Alaric nodded. "Most of the Rose School's Sequence 5s are either irredeemable or still in reform. Reinette decided Sharon should step up for now. If she doesn't want to continue later, once others are rehabilitated, someone else can take over."
"Makes sense," Klein said, his expression still odd. He knew Alaric had taken over the Rose School, though the deeper details were unclear. It hadn't been hidden from him.
He also knew what kind of man Admiral of Blood Senor had been, so he understood why Alaric replaced him. But Miss Sharon… Klein recalled their past interactions, struggling to picture her as a pirate general.
It was just too bizarre.
Alaric caught Klein's odd look, understanding it completely. When he'd heard Reinette tapped Sharon to replace Senor, he'd found it strange too.
But, on second thought, didn't this set the stage for a sequel to The Great Detective and the Puppet Lady... say, Will the Great Detective Turned Bounty Hunter Meet the Puppet Pirate General?
The idea made Alaric not just accept it but look forward to it.
Time to nudge Fors to write a new book... assuming she could find the time. Alaric's thoughts wandered briefly before he refocused, addressing Klein. "Your tasks aren't light. First, investigate Bansy Harbor. You don't need to do the heavy lifting... just take a stroll there. Jack will handle the rest."
"Bansy Harbor…" Klein frowned, puzzled by the significance, glancing at his companion.
"Got it, old man. I'll take care of the exploration," Jack said, flashing an OK sign. He had to visit Bansy Harbor... it was tied to the City of Calamity, which was linked to the Primordial One's resurrection plans. Duty and reason demanded he check it out.
Why drag Klein along? Simple: Klein's knack for attracting trouble. Alaric wasn't sure he could trigger anything special on his own, but with Klein, the odds of something happening skyrocketed.
"Don't look at Jack. Bansy Harbor is connected to the Primordial God Almighty... specifically, his resurrection contingency," Alaric's Lucifer avatar explained, glancing at Klein. "That's why I'm sending you to scout."
While Outer Deities and Sefirot matters were too sensitive for Klein, the Primordial God Almighty's existence was no secret.
Klein's eyes widened, seeking confirmation. "The Primordial God Almighty? The one I'm thinking of?"
"Who else? Not Grisha," Alaric replied with a smirk.
Klein sucked in a breath, then frowned. "Does even the Primordial God Almighty need a resurrection plan?"
"Of course. He wants to live too," Alaric said, his smile cold. "But He mustn't return. His revival would only destroy this world again."
Klein's expression shifted, clearly recalling something. He pursed his lips. "Like before?"
The Earth's civilization... the era of transmigrators like Amanises and Zhou Mingrui had perished due to the Primordial God Almighty's awakening.
"Maybe worse," Alaric said, not denying it.
"I understand. I'll handle this task," Klein said solemnly, then asked, puzzled, "But why is Jack doing the investigating?"
"His soul shares my origin, giving him resistance to certain corruptions. You don't have that," Alaric explained simply. It wasn't a lie. He was confident that even if he entered the City of Calamity, his soul would be fine, even if his body wasn't. Klein, despite Sefirah Castle's protection, was still a human soul, less resilient.
Alaric needed Klein as an event trigger. The dangerous stuff? He'd handle it himself, planning only a quick peek, not reckless endangerment.
Klein nodded, understanding. He knew Jack and Lucifer were avatars of a great being, likely more durable than he was.
***
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