The captain's eyes widened. Free loot. Entire ships for salvage or sale. This Baron Nighthawk was direct. Certainly. But also unexpectedly generous. Or at least, pragmatic.
He wasn't one to waste resources. "Thank you, Baron! We will see to it immediately!"
Spark merely nodded. His towering frame was a silent, imposing presence on the merchant deck. He gave no farewells. Offered no pleasantries. His task was complete.
With a powerful leap, he launched himself into the air. Flapping his draconic wings. Soaring back towards the Sky Grimoire.
...
From the deck of his sky-sloop, Spark watched. As the merchant vessel was suddenly emboldened. Moving towards the abandoned pirate ships. He saw small figures, the women and children, being carefully transferred.
The Sky Grimoire lingered only long enough to confirm the exchange was proceeding as ordered. Then, with a quiet hum, its runic engines ignited. Its sails unfurled. Propelling them upward and forward. Greengiant Island awaited.
...
The Sky Grimoire continued its journey towards Greengiant Island. The few days of travel were uneventful. A smooth passage across the azure expanse.
Spark didn't waste a moment contemplating the fate of the rescued. They were off his hands, a minor transaction complete.
His mind was already on the next objective... Greengiant Island, another realm of potential investments and power acquisition.
Two days later, the colossal landmass of Greengiant Island finally materialized on the horizon. A huge mountainous island. Its peaks pierced the clouds. And sprawling forests covered its lower altitudes.
They descended towards one of its major trading hubs. The city called New Gigante. Nestled near the coast.
Landing the Sky Grimoire in the designated sky-port was a seamless affair. Spark, with his huge size and entourage of strangely beautiful women, drew stares, as always. He paid them no mind.
New Gigante was a bustling trading hub. Almost similar to Grandpoint City they previously visited. Here, trade flowed freely. And opportunities for a shrewd investor like Spark were abundant.
For several days, Spark and his women immersed themselves in the city's economic currents. He delegated suitable responsibilities to his women with ruthless efficiency.
Lilith acted as his business secretary. She was dispatched to establish contacts. Assess market trends. And manage his existing investments. Her competence and sharp mind was once honed for assassination. Now, it made her an invaluable asset in the cutthroat world of finance.
Ivy was his chief-researcher. She scoured local markets for rare alchemical ingredients and technological blueprints. Expanding Spark's formidable knowledge base.
Melody and Serenade were his personal assistant and treasurer respectively. They handled the intricate logistics of his finances. Converting less liquid assets into more pliable forms. Always planning for maximum profit.
Scarlett, previously a sheltered and spoiled princess, was pretty much useless in economic field. Spark gave her a task as his security specialist.
She maintained a vigilant observation secretly. Protecting the 'technically' non-combatant personnel like Ivy, Melody, and Serenade.
Spark himself was not idle. He held meetings. Conducted negotiations. His easy-going, amiable façade was often charming and disarming. While his keen mind dissected every proposal and every offer. Seeking the hidden advantage.
He offloaded many of the less valuable treasures acquired from the pirates and from their previous adventures. Converting them into local currency or rare materials. Especially things that could be processed by Ivy.
He acquired land rights. Invested in nascent mining operations. And even bought shares in several burgeoning trade guilds. His secretly immense wealth grew exponentially with each calculated move.
Late morning that day, Lilith approached Spark as he reviewed a stack of investment proposals. Like always, her movements were as fluid as smoke. A silent testament to her former profession.
"Master!" She stated. Her voice was calm and precise. "Reports are coming in regarding the World Tree Association. Their clashes with the Mammotheon Empire forces near Greatiron Town have escalated."
Spark merely grunted, not looking up from his documents. "Details."
"The World Tree Association, our target, has been actively and violently disrupting mining operations in the island. Greatiron Town is a significant mining hub in the center of this island. The Empire views their actions as domestic terrorism."
Lilith paused. "There have been multiple engagements. Casualties on both sides. The Association claims the Empire's mining practices are destroying sacred groves and disrupting nature's balance. The Empire swore to destroy the association as their actions have killed more than four hundred citizens."
"And the specific location?" Spark asked. Finally looking up. His dark-grey eyes held a cold, analytical gleam.
"The outskirts of Greatiron Town. Frequent skirmishes over the past month. Latest reports indicate a major confrontation is imminent. Or perhaps already underway."
Spark leaned back in his plush armchair. He steepled his fingers, his mind already calculating.
The World Tree Association. A group with significant 'farmcraft' abilities, a mystical art of manipulating plant growth. He needed such power. And the conflict between them and the Empire could mean an opportunity.
"Tell everyone to gather." Spark commanded. "We depart for Greatiron Town in an hour. It should take about six-hour journey to reach Greatiron. We'll arrive at dusk."
There was no argument. Only efficient execution.
...
An hour later, the Sky Grimoire lifted silently into the sky. Its advanced runic engines barely disturbed the air. Below, the sprawling lights of New Gigante slowly receded. Replaced by shadowed forests and vast, undulating plains.
Six hours later, as predicted, the sky-sloop approached Greatiron Town. Unlike the vibrant New Gigante, this place bore the scars of conflict.
Even from the air, Spark could see signs of recent battles. Scorched earth. Collapsed structures on the outskirts. And defensive fortifications hastily erected around the town walls.
The sky-ports were dark and empty. The town gates were firmly shut. It was a settlement under siege. Or at least, under heavy alert.
Spark wasn't interested in a direct confrontation with the Empire's forces. He needed information. And potentially, a new asset.
"Take us down." He instructed Arrow, his golem navigator. "Over there!" He focused the destination in his mind. Transferring it to the golem.
The Sky Grimoire executed a flawless, silent descent. Approximately twenty kilometers west of the town walls. Settling gently onto a vast, undisturbed pasture. Away from any major roads.
The evening air was cool. Carrying the scent of damp earth and distant wood smoke. As soon as the vessel touched down. Spark began his preparations.
Spark initiated the retraction sequence. The colossal sky-sloop shimmered. Condensing into a small, leather-bound grimoire. With a subtle mental command, it phased out of existence. Stored safely within his Technomind Space.
His golem navigator, Arrow, likewise vanished into the same space.
Next, his attention turned to his subordinates. "All of you. Back into the Grimoire." He commanded. Taking out and opening the pages of his Slave Grimoire.
Lilith, Ivy, Melody, Serenade, and Scarlett nodded. And, one by one, they dissolved into shimmering particles of light that flowed into the book's pages. It was a practical measure. Ensuring their safety and his mobility in potentially hostile territory.
Only Melody's [Witch Doll of Fortune] remained in his hand. A small, cute cloth doll whose button eyes pulsed with a faint golden light. This was his guide.
"Point the way." Spark whispered. Injecting a controlled surge of soulcraft energy into the doll. The doll's tiny stubby arm pivoted slowly. Then settled. Pointing towards the direction of a distant, heavily forested ridge.
His fortune was there. But fortune was often accompanied by danger. He needed to take this seriously.
Spark immediately underwent his own transformation. His massive frame surged. Muscles were coiling and expanding. His bones were shifting with a dull thrum... Lion head. Horns. Fur. Scales. Claws...
In moments, Spark Nighthawk was no longer merely a man. He was now a black Draconic Werelion. A creature of immense power and primal ferocity.
He activated his [Supernatural Stealth]. His imposing presence quickly faded into an almost imperceptible shimmer. The air around him seemed to warp slightly. Muffling his sounds. Blurring his form.
He moved. Not with graceful stealth. But with a powerful, predatory lope. Covering ground with surprising speed and silence. His senses heightened. His instincts was guiding him.
The fortune doll remained unwavering. Its tiny arm pointing towards his destiny.
Hours passed. The night deepened. The forest grew denser. The air grew colder. Spark moved like a phantom. Bypassing natural obstacles. His powerful legs propelling him effortlessly. And silently.
He followed the doll's unwavering direction. Ignoring the minor animal trails. Focusing solely on the subtle pull of fortune.
Late at night, the doll eyes' faint pulse intensified. Its arm dipped slightly. Spark slowed. His keen senses picking up faint sounds. Hushed voices. The crackle of a small fire.
Things beyond the natural symphony of the forest. He adjusted his stealth. Becoming an almost invisible shadow. And crept closer.
He stumbled upon a hidden clearing. Cleverly concealed within a dense thicket of ancient trees. It was a camp. Crude but functional. Very likely belonging to the World Tree Association.
Several figures huddled around a dying fire. Their voices were low but agitated. It was clear they were split. Two distinct factions arguing relentlessly. Their whispered words were carried clearly in the crisp night air.
One faction's spokesperson was a young woman. Strikingly beautiful even in the flickering firelight. Her long, dark hair was braided with wildflowers. And her emerald eyes flashed with fierce conviction.
"We cannot abandon our fallen!" She declared. Her voice was passionate. "Greatiron Town must pay for their treachery. We must retaliate, take what is owed. If possible, we should even burned the city down." Her words resonated with anger, bloodlust, and a desire for vengeance.
Opposing her was an old woman. Her face was weathered like ancient bark. But her eyes were holding a kind of insanity. Covered with the calm wisdom of centuries. Her voice, though softer, carried undeniable authority.
"Revenge gains us nothing, Child." She responded in calm words. "Our work here is complete. The suppression of nature in this particular vein has been alleviated. The saplings have been planted. We must move on."
She paused and continued. "There were other places we needed to destroy. Buildings to burn. People to massacre... For the Glory of Nature. But none of them includes were this place."