Ethan didn't directly obtain the magic he wanted from Blackbeard's soul memory, but he did learn where the book containing Blackbeard's spells was hidden.
Following the trail in Blackbeard's memory, Ethan quickly found the thin book and also discovered a large number of casting tools and materials, along with a wall almost completely filled with bottles. Each bottle, without exception, contained a ship.
These bottles held real ships, and Ethan didn't leave them behind either. With his storage space, which had grown significantly, he could now carry more miscellaneous items.
Even if he didn't need the ships himself, he could use them as decorations or give them away.
He also stored the large pile of casting materials Blackbeard had accumulated. Ethan wasn't entirely sure about the nature of Blackbeard's magic. Perhaps once he fully mastered those spells, he wouldn't need to use tools or perform rituals like Blackbeard did to cast them. But until then, understanding the nature of these materials would help him learn more effectively.
After gathering the items, Ethan left the Queen Anne's Revenge. He couldn't stay any longer—the entire ship had become a sea of fire. Although Ethan, protected by magic, wouldn't be burned by the flames he set, it would be far too embarrassing to end up covered in soot.
As for the treasures Blackbeard had plundered, Ethan had no interest in them. Let them sink with the ship. Perhaps, like many legendary treasure ships, the Queen Anne's Revenge would become the target of countless treasure hunters one day.
Having obtained everything he wanted, Ethan wasn't in a hurry to study the contents. Instead, he wandered casually aboard the Black Pearl, chatting with Jack or Elizabeth about trivial things each day.
The crew wasn't stupid. Seeing Ethan like this, they all realized he was saying goodbye.
On the night the Black Pearl returned to the Atlantic and began sailing back toward the Caribbean, Jack spoke to Ethan privately after everyone else had gone to rest.
"Seems like you're leaving for good this time?"
Ethan never expected to hide his intentions from Jack Sparrow. Captain Jack's mind worked quickly, and besides, he hadn't been hiding anything at all.
"You're not coming back?"
Jack held a bottle of rum in his hand, but after seeing the whiskey Ethan took out, he decisively set the rum aside.
"Probably not."
The Caribbean no longer served a purpose for him. He had originally come for the Fountain of Youth and Blackbeard's magic, and now both were in his hands.
After settling things with Davy Jones, Ethan planned to leave this world and likely wouldn't return.
There was nothing left here that he wanted. Even if he teleported randomly like before, his subconscious would likely avoid this place.
This parting would probably be permanent.
He casually took out two glasses. On the high seas, water elements were never lacking. Ethan easily conjured a few ice cubes and dropped them into the glasses.
Jack curled his lip. Ethan was particular about everything, even drinking. Even if he wasn't a noble, he was clearly a wealthy man living a good life—not some poor commoner from the bottom.
He never imagined he'd drink with someone like this again… or maybe this person wasn't even human.
"Is it inconvenient to come over?"
In truth, it was very convenient. He was no longer at the stage where he couldn't control his travel destinations. As long as he stored enough space-time energy, he could come anytime he wanted.
"No, there's just no need to come over specifically."
Jack took a sip of his drink. Ethan had appeared twice: once to take the Fountain of Youth, and this time to collect Blackbeard's items. His purpose had been clear both times.
Putting it that way, when Ethan said he wouldn't come again, the underlying message was that there was nothing left here he wanted.
"Oh, that's a pity." Jack finished the whiskey in his glass, then naturally poured himself another. "I won't get to drink such good liquor again. I'd better drink more while I have the chance."
Ethan smiled silently, letting the ice melt slowly in his glass without taking a sip.
He wasn't fond of drinking in the first place, and he was still debating whether to invite Jack. So, he wasn't in the mood to drink.
After hesitating for a moment, he realized he was overthinking. Even if he invited Jack Sparrow, the man likely wouldn't join his crew.
Jack craved freedom. He liked an unrestrained life—waking up one day, suddenly thinking of a destination, then sailing the Black Pearl there.
As for what he would gain, that wasn't something Jack cared about.
Ethan was different. He was extremely goal-oriented, always planning his actions in a series of steps and completing them methodically.
That kind of lifestyle was something Jack Sparrow would never tolerate. Even if it meant he could explore magical seas or visit countless amazing worlds, it wouldn't change his nature.
After taking a light sip of his drink, Ethan finally asked the question.
He didn't go into too much detail—just casually asked if Jack would be interested in living in a brand-new world, if given the chance.
Jack had already had quite a bit to drink. His eyes were half-closed, as if drunk, but his mind remained clear. He instantly understood Ethan was inviting him.
If it were an ordinary person, receiving an invitation from someone who seemed like an angel would've been thrilling. They'd eagerly agree, even willing to pay a price to enter "heaven."
But Captain Jack wasn't ordinary. After asking a few questions and learning that he wouldn't be able to live as freely in that world, he immediately declined.
"Maybe after I die, I'd be willing to live that kind of life."
Ethan didn't press further. Captain Jack had made himself clear—compared to losing his freedom, he'd rather choose death.
However, the moment Jack said those words, a strange feeling stirred in Ethan's heart. It was hard to describe and difficult to explain, but one thing he was sure of—this would not be a permanent farewell to Captain Jack.
"After you die?"
Ethan smiled and made no further comment.
He actually admired Jack Sparrow, whether it was the version from the films in his past life or the one he had come to know in this life. When he first arrived in this world, he had even considered bringing Jack aboard his ship—at that time, he thought his world was just a vast ocean and he desperately needed an experienced sailor with quick thinking to help him.
Later, as more people joined his crew and he gained more experience himself, that thought faded.
Now, facing a true and final farewell, he felt a trace of reluctance.
To say their relationship was close would be false—it was more due to the influence of the plot from his past life. He would've felt uncomfortable if he didn't at least extend an invitation, and as expected, Jack declined.
"Also, help me say goodbye to Mr. Gibbs and Elizabeth."
Patting Jack on the shoulder, Ethan finally handed him a cross-shaped pendant.
"Your old amulet doesn't have much energy left. You can use this one from now on."
Jack took it and examined it for a long while, not seeing anything special, but he knew anything Ethan gave him wouldn't be ordinary.
"Will the energy in this one run out too?"
"Yes," Ethan nodded. "But if you hold the pendant each day and pray toward the rising sun, you can keep using it without worrying about running out of energy."
Jack grinned, suspecting Ethan was joking. But after watching Ethan's expression, he realized the man was seriously explaining the usage method.
"Alright then, which god should I be praying to?"
"You don't need to pray to any god. Just pray to the belief you value most in your heart."
Jack paused, caught off guard by the explanation. That sounded far more acceptable than praying to some specific deity, and he found himself less resistant to the idea.
Just as he was about to ask something else, Ethan handed him a few more identical pendants. Jack immediately understood—Ethan was preparing to leave.
"You're leaving now?"
Elizabeth and the others were resting. Ethan handing him these pendants clearly meant Jack was to pass them along.
"Your ship is too slow. I don't want to waste more time."
"This is the Black Pearl, the fastest ship in the entire Atlantic!"
No matter how Jack boasted about the Black Pearl's speed, Ethan had no intention of sailing with them any longer. He was planning to go deal with Davy Jones alone and then leave this world directly.
"I won't kill Davy Jones, but I can guarantee he won't bother you again. If he does, you don't need to worry."
For Ethan, this wasn't difficult. All he had to do was embed a special spell into the pendant he gave Jack and leave a unique mark on Davy Jones.
If Davy Jones ignored his warning and came after Jack, the moment they met would be his end.
Conversely, if he behaved and stayed away, he could continue being the captain of the Flying Dutchman, guiding the souls of the dead at sea.
After explaining the special spell embedded in the pendant and how to activate it, Ethan formally bid farewell to Captain Jack.
"Goodbye, Jack!"
(To be continued.)