They all call me Great Master

What is most important to a person?

Some believe it's about eating and drinking.

Some believe it's about love and affection.

Others believe it's about sacrificing everything to make everyone better off.

And of course, there are those who think they live solely to make others uncomfortable.

Those who are about eating and drinking are considered vulgar.

Those who are about love and affection are considered fools.

Those who sacrifice everything are considered saints.

Those who make others uncomfortable are considered evil.

When the vulgar, the fools, the saints, and the evil are integrated, that's when we become ordinary people.

So, as ordinary people, what is most important?

To live!

Living is the most important!

Old John was well aware of this, so he knelt without hesitation.

For this old pirate, who had been sailing since the end of the 'Silver Age', countless dangerous experiences and narrow escapes had taught him that dignity, honor, and all that were insignificant.

Only life matters.

Only when alive can one indulge in food and drink, love and affection, make sacrifices, and torment others.

Arthur was not surprised by this.

When he designed the way to let the opponent know his "identity", Arthur had guessed how the other might respond.

Of course, there was a way to deal with it—

"Captain John has more than thirty years of sailing experience, I wonder if he could join my master's 'Oriental', as the Chief Sailor?

After all, my master's hidden enemies might target this ship.

We need a loyal and reliable assistant to help the ship sail smoothly for 20 voyages."

Grindelwald looked at Old John kneeling before him and revealed a smile.

This smile was welcoming and infectious.

Upon hearing this request, Old John breathed a sigh of relief.

The old pirate thought the South Los 'Spirit Medium' would make him swear allegiance.

It had to be either the 'Lionheart Ceremony' or the 'Gift of the Sea'.

Now that he heard it was just an ordinary escort mission, even for 20 times, it didn't matter.

It was better than being tied down for the rest of his life.

Dignity, honor, those things didn't matter and could be sacrificed.

But freedom...

He could not give that up.

The Old John kneeling here had just planned to paralyze his opponent, then launch a sudden attack, even at the cost of getting hurt, he intended to escape.

And after that?

Naturally, he would slowly seek revenge.

But now?

It seemed unnecessary.

And as for the position of Chief Sailor, ranked below captain and first mate?

Old John cared even less.

Forget being Chief Sailor, there was a time when Old John nearly sold himself into servitude just to escape pursuit.

Now things were already good enough.

And Arthur had anticipated this would be the case.

Arthur had reviewed 'Bloody John's' life. Aside from the labels of being cunning and cautious, the man's strength was also assessed to be above the 'Great Arcana Level', possibly at 'Entry'—and the information obtained from Kangsion wielding the 'Whale Slaying Sword' affirmed that 'Bloody John' was indeed 'Entry' level.

Without a doubt, 'Bloody John' had always been sending up smoke signals.

The intent was to hold an extra card up his sleeve.

The man might avoid combat, but when faced with a battle that couldn't be avoided, he would not back down.

After all, he was a pirate.

Similarly, as a pirate, facing the prospect of losing his freedom meant there was no other choice but to fight.

Therefore, Arthur would never have him come aboard and swear allegiance outright.

That was unrealistic.

It would instead push the man to take desperate measures.

Arthur planned to boil the frog in warm water.

Once on his ship, you belonged to him.

Think of running away?

Wishful thinking!

"I would be delighted to serve the 'Spirit Medium' of South Los."

Old John bowed respectfully.

"Follow me.

You and..."

Grindelwald's gaze turned to the young man from Coconut Island.

"Xavier, my lord, my name is Xavier."

Xavier immediately introduced himself, even more respectfully—he had witnessed how Captain John, who seemed like a Divine Spirit, was utterly dominated.

Having already succumbed to force, Xavier certainly knew how to present himself correctly.

"Hmm, John and Xavier, please follow me.

You'll need new clothes and also to familiarize yourselves with the 'Oriental'."

Of course, you can make requests as well.

As long as they are not excessive, I can agree to them."

Grindelwald's smile grew more cordial.

However, seeing such a smile, neither John nor Xavier could do anything but shake their heads repeatedly.

Despite the relaxed atmosphere, both men had a profound understanding of their status as 'captives'.

Yet, following Grindelwald into the Lotus Leaf Hotel, both men felt perplexed.

It was not that the conditions were too poor.

It was that they were too good.

Hot bathwater, clean clothes, soft beds, and a sumptuous dinner—for Xavier, it included steak, mashed potatoes, tomatoes, and a glass of wine, luxuries he dared not even dream of in the past. Even if the Sapir serving them seemed fierce, Xavier's heart was full of gratitude.

"Thank you, Captain John."

Suddenly, Xavier thanked Old John.

Old John was taken aback.

"I know, it's thanks to you that I can enjoy this meal. I am truly grateful."

Xavier explained.

Old John waved his hand dismissively, his heart filled with disdain.

He had seen such tactics too often.

And they thought they could win him over with this?

They were underestimating him.

About half an hour later, Grindelwald returned with a contract in hand—it outlined that Old John was required to escort the Oriental twenty times, with a complete voyage being from Xisis Port and back again.

These were the same verbal promises made just before.

To this, Old John was not surprised.

But what truly surprised the old pirate was that he actually had a salary.

Involuntarily, surprise flickered in the old pirate's eyes.

"My lord would not let someone exert themselves for nothing."

Grindelwald stated.

"Of course! Of course!"

The old pirate laughed outwardly, but inwardly he scorned.

He had encountered too many who said one thing and did another. Soon they would be inquiring about the 'Pirate King's' treasure, wouldn't they?

He was sure to give them a surprise.

To ensure the 'Pirate King's' treasure truly belonged to him, the old pirate had taken many 'precautions.'

One such 'precaution' was creating a 'Pirate King's' treasure.

Of course, it definitely contained no treasure.

But it would surely result in the death of anyone who entered.

As the old pirate looked forward to this moment, Grindelwald, after confirming the contract's efficacy by its glowing lines, bid his farewell with a smile.

No inquiries were made.

No tests were conducted.

Not even a guard was appointed.

Even though that formidable giant who had just arrived seemed suitable, it was clear he was not a guard but rather the hotel's manager—a judgment the old pirate trusted in, but it was this very thing that puzzled him even more, followed by a sudden shock.

He had thought of a terrifying possibility!