On the Golden Dream.
Luo En was having a new lesson with Captain Edwina.
However, unlike before, today's lesson was not going smoothly.
"Brando, you seem very resistant to ritualistic magic," Edwina said, holding a document, to Luo En, who was fiddling with mystical materials.
"Hmm..."
"Captain, I've found that many ritualistic spells require prayers to gods..." Luo En stopped his movements and asked, puzzled.
"That is the essence of ritualistic magic," Edwina explained. "Most rituals involve borrowing power from higher beings to accomplish things that cannot normally be done."
"Compared to various evil gods, the righteous gods are much more reliable."
"Hmm..." Luo En responded, speaking with a mix of truth and falsehood:
"Actually... I never believed in the existence of gods."
"Of course, that was my thought before I became a Beyonder."
"Why is that?" Edwina asked curiously.
"It just felt like I was special, I guess..." Luo En deliberately put on a pensive expression.
"After all, everyone has beliefs, don't they...?"
Sorry, God of Steam and Machinery... Luo En apologized in his heart to the original body's faith.
The real reason was actually easy to understand: as a transmigrator, Luo En was more or less resistant to rituals that required praying to gods.
Although he wasn't sure if such simple magic would expose him, he definitely felt uncomfortable about it.
But this reason couldn't be stated directly...
Hearing this, Edwina swept a thoughtful glance at Luo En. "So you now believe in the existence of gods."
"But... you're still an unbeliever?"
"Something like that..." Luo En replied casually.
"Faith itself is not a bad thing; it can give you immense courage at critical moments." Edwina had no intention of delving into Luo En's past.
She looked at Luo En: "Knowledge does not reject anyone..."
"You can try believing in a righteous god; this might bring new insights to your life."
"Hmm... the God of Knowledge and Wisdom is quite good."
God of Knowledge and Wisdom? Is she trying to convert me?
But at least I've never heard any bad rumors about followers of the God of Knowledge and Wisdom... Luo En recalled the information in his mind.
"I'll consider it." Luo En was currently dependent on others and didn't want to make a definitive statement.
"Knock, knock, knock!"
Just then, someone knocked on the storeroom Door.
"Captain!"
"Come in."
"Flower Bowtie" Yordson pushed open the Door and quickly approached Edwina, whispering in her ear: "Captain, those people have arrived."
"I know." Edwina nodded slightly.
"As before, go inform everyone to prepare their things; I'll be there shortly."
"Oh, and regarding the key we salvaged earlier, tell everyone not to spread the word." Edwina remembered something and specifically instructed.
"Mhm." Yordson nodded, indicating he understood.
Before leaving, he glanced at Luo En, his expression subtly furrowing.
"Has something happened?" Seeing Edwina's reaction, Luo En asked curiously.
As soon as he spoke, he added:
"Of course, if there's anything inconvenient to say, just pretend I didn't ask..."
Edwina gently shook her head: "It's nothing, just the traders have arrived."
"Traders?" Luo En was slightly surprised.
"That's right, they're a team of maritime merchants. They travel through various sea areas, trading with adventurers and pirates."
"They mainly help us deal with treasures obtained from adventures, as well as exchange intelligence."
"Due to their relatively neutral stance, they have good relationships with various factions."
So that's how it is... It's like a maritime black market, and they even offer Door-to-Door service. The world truly is full of wonders.
Luo En's understanding of the sea deepened once again.
...
A ship resembling a small passenger liner was slowly approaching the Golden Dream. Several Sailors in black uniforms skillfully set up the gangplank, moving swiftly.
The Sailors on the Golden Dream were used to this, each busy with their own tasks. Only a few newcomers curiously looked around, but were quickly pulled back to work by the older Sailors.
"Do I need to step aside?" Luo En and Edwina also came to the deck.
"No need, just remain quiet." Edwina walked towards the gangplank.
"Long time no see, Ms. Edwards."
Several people in black uniforms walked towards them from the gangplank.
The leading middle-aged man took off his hat and bowed. He wore a well-tailored black trench coat with a silver badge pinned to his lapel, looking more like a banker than a captain.
"You too, Mr. Victor." Edwina politely returned the greeting.
The two exchanged a few pleasantries, then began to get down to business.
"Is it still the same this time?"
"That's right."
...
Soon, the crew members on both sides began to move, and the Sailors in black uniforms started moving goods.
Luo En leaned against the mast and observed roughly, finding that most of it was food, wine barrels, and other types of supplies.
On the Golden Dream's side, Edwina personally took out a small wooden box and handed it to the person named Victor.
Luo En couldn't see what was inside, but from the ancient patterns on the box, it was likely some artifacts obtained from adventures.
...
"Hurry up, move the things down." Danitz was directing his Sailors to move the exchanged goods.
"You're really working hard!"
"Of course, wait!"
"Shit! How are you here!" Danitz looked in surprise at Luo En, who had suddenly appeared behind him.
"Can't I come see you, Boss!" Luo En teased.
Uh... Danitz's mouth twitched for a long time without a response.
This guy, what bad ideas is he thinking of now...
"That ship seems to have come many times?" Luo En asked curiously.
Danitz recovered, "Victor's merchant ship has been sailing in this sea area for over ten years, and they often come to trade with us."
"It's said that even the navies of various countries have to give him some face."
To be able to openly do such things, he probably has the support of a major power behind him, and his own strength is probably not bad either, otherwise, in such a dangerous maritime environment, such a merchant fleet would be a living target.
"Oh, right, Danitz, didn't you want me to leave...?" Luo En once again brought up the topic.
"No, no, no, no, it doesn't matter to me how long you want to stay." Danitz waved his hands frantically; the scene of Luo En and him "having a heart-to-heart" was still vivid in his mind.
"Don't get excited." Luo En chuckled sheepishly. Although he liked to tease the other party, he still considered Danitz a friend in his heart.
"Don't worry... I'll leave when the lessons are over. Your good days are coming."