Vice Admiral Iceberg

Leading Mr. Gaston's party halfway up the mountain, Ebner stopped abruptly as the transparent starlight bridge appeared overhead. He glanced up, watching as a woman in a classic black robe decorated with mystical symbols and runes stepped onto the bridge, walking with ease through midair.

From the iconic appearance, Ebner quickly recognized the newcomer as "Admiral of Stars" Cattleya. After a brief look to confirm she was alone, he withdrew his gaze.

Behind him, Gwyn couldn't hide her envy at the grand entrances of the two female pirates. She could only imagine doing the same someday, though she knew that her current strength was far too limited to make it a reality.

The notebook she'd acquired, left behind by a Fourth Epoch giant, only contained the potion formulas for "Warrior" and "Pugilist." She'd taken on Mr. Gaston's request and braved this pirate-infested island in hopes of finding the "Weapons Master" formula and its corresponding materials.

How long will it be before I can explore the Five Seas freely like Vice Admiral Iceberg…? she sighed quietly to herself.

—

While walking in midair, Cattleya became aware of a presence observing her with an ability similar to "Eye of Secrets." She frowned slightly, then identified Ebner as the source.

The Polymath's 'Analyze' ability? Is he trying to learn the 'Bridge of Starlight' technique? Cattleya easily recognized Ebner; she'd investigated him before her operations in Backlund, given his relationship with a few of her crew members.

But what's he doing here at the pirate conference? Wait… that elderly man with him seems to be a well-known appraiser. It dawned on Cattleya that Ebner was likely here under a protective assignment for the appraiser.

Well, it's fortunate that Jeanne isn't aware that the "Hero Detective" is attending this congress too, she thought with a hint of relief, or she wouldn't have stayed obediently aboard the Future.

—

The main venue for the pirate conference was a sprawling black palace built into a cliffside.

The palace's ground floor was a vast hall, with a stone platform at its far end bearing ritual arrays and spiritual engravings.

The second floor was lined with individual rest lounges overlooking the hall and its central platform. Positioned directly across from the platform was an open room; its ceiling was adorned with chandeliers that hung low, descending like twisted candelabra. On the left side hung 41 candles, on the right, 40—each set framing an iron-black throne.

Upon this throne sat Nast, the "King of the Five Seas."

The 100-year-old Earl White Maple wore a silver-edged black robe, a crown rising from his head like a dark spire. His strong features, slightly wrinkled brow, and dark eyes, in which a red light flickered ominously, commanded a silent reverence from those who dared to look at him.

Even Ebner, who was escorted by servants to a more secluded lounge, quickly looked away, unable to meet the imposing gaze.

The limited number of lounges was reserved for only the most distinguished or powerful guests. As a specially invited "appraiser" for the event, Mr. Gaston qualified for one, though it wasn't among the best-located spots.

While the lounges offered privacy to esteemed guests, the main hall on the first floor was open to any pirate who made it to the island. They could request to buy or sell items, materials, or information, though their requests had to be submitted in advance, and their place in line was determined by their "bounty" levels.

It has the appearance of equality but remains deeply hierarchical, blending fairness with inequality… This must be the kind of "order" Nast seeks to establish, Ebner mused, scanning the sparse crowd below. But most pirates aren't too keen on these rules, so much of the unverified, simpler trading is done outside.

The items traded here are likely high-value objects that require professional verification or appraisals.

As he swept his gaze over the sparse crowd on the first floor, Ebner suddenly sensed someone watching him from across the second floor. Squinting, he identified the observer as an elegant woman with a high-bridged nose, thin lips, and light blue eyes as clear as a mountain spring.

Vice Admiral Iceberg? As the image from the original text flashed through Ebner's mind, he saw her light blue eyes turn a deep shade. A moment later, he felt a thought reaching out to him.

A… communication request? But what kind of communication? Some secret art?

Ebner quickly activated Pure White Eye to analyze the technique, feeling more at ease once he understood its principles. He accepted the request and opened his "Learning Space," an ability he'd only unlocked after becoming a "Polymath."

As he did, a door appeared in the void, and Vice Admiral Iceberg Edwina Edwards stepped through. She wore a beige, fitted waistcoat and a dark knee-length skirt.

"Greetings, madam. It's an honor to meet you here." Ebner placed his hand over his chest and bowed, a smile playing on his lips.

Edwina spoke in her usual calm tone, "This is a secret technique of mine for communicating with a fellow Polymath. It uses knowledge as a bridge to link us… As we are both on the path of the 'Tower' constantly exploring the stars, our 'Learning Spaces' should be connected."

She went on to explain the technique's underlying mechanics before looking at Ebner expectantly. "Do you understand?"

"Yes," he replied, slightly taken aback but nodding all the same. Raising a hand, he conjured a star that transformed into a door, though the entry remained shut.

Edwina's blue eyes brightened as she gazed at the door. She nodded in approval and allowed the door to open.

Beyond it, Ebner saw that Edwina's "Learning Space" was like a grand museum, its spacious halls lined with massive display cases. What lay within those cases, however, remained a mystery to him.

"Good. It seems we will be able to communicate quite smoothly," she said with satisfaction. Then, her expression turned serious. "The reason I sought you out today is, ostensibly, to ask for your help… to save Maria from her fate."

On the surface…? So the 'Double Agent Dragon' has given her some instructions for me? Ebner thought, surprised at her directness. Maria… that would be Vice Admiral Pale? Is she fated to die during this congress? Would Nast even allow such a thing?

(End of Chapter)