Captain – Chapter 750 – Epilogue (Part Two) – Farewells, Journey Home, and Homeland

The ghostly flames gradually dimmed and finally extinguished.

As the firelight faded, the complex lines and ancient symbols drawn by the water ghosts with strange stones burned away completely. The sinister formation dissipated, yet everyone within remained unharmed.

Yes, within the formation… people.

After the flames disappeared, what met Roy and Richi’s eyes were no longer monsters and water ghosts, but simply people draped in seaweed with tattered clothing.

Except for their slightly pale complexions due to poor physical and mental condition, they were no different from ordinary people. They all stood quietly now, staring at their own hands in bewilderment.

As if they had yet to awaken from a nightmare.

Suddenly, whether from breaking free of painful memories with grief surging to their hearts, or because that dawn light was too dazzling for eyes long trapped in darkness, sobbing arose from the crowd, followed by gradually rising wails.

Being reborn indeed warranted tears.

But more importantly, though they had gained salvation, they could never return.

Their lives and experiences before the tragedy, those relatives and acquaintances near or distant—all of it had been gently worn to fine sand by the passage of time.

Flowing away through their fingers, never to be found again.

At this thought, combined with their newly awakened consciousness, these people of various past identities and names—now only collectively known as the saved “water ghosts”—wept freely.

Among those crying painfully or silently shedding tears, one young woman stood quietly.

She kept her head lowered, using hair that was still snow-white but no longer dry and terrifying as before to partially veil her face, whether because her mind was still trapped in old times and that earlier ghostly fire, or simply to hide unstoppable tears.

Footsteps sounded as the blood-eyed youth walked past Roy toward the girl in the sorrowful scene.

Passing through the crowd that unconsciously made way, Richi came before the silently sobbing girl. Through her lightly trembling hair, he saw crystalline teardrops.

Saw her blood-red eyes that, after shedding coldness and pain, were clean as red rubies.

Well, very beautiful, and actually not fierce at all.

“How are you? Feeling better?”

With this thought, the youth reached out to brush aside some hair covering Vivian’s pretty face.

While wiping her tears, he asked gently.

Knowing he was asking about the curse, Vivian nodded lightly, showing a tear-stained smile as she said in a trembling voice: “It’s over, really over…”

“I think I can no longer feel that thirst that tormented me for hundreds of years.”

Speaking, she lightly gripped Richi’s hand while casually wiping her eyes to signal she was fine, then looked toward Roy following his gaze.

By this time, the “water ghosts” had gradually calmed down and looked over as well.

Feeling those gazes recently freed from sorrow and filled with gratitude, Roy placed one hand on her hip and smiled: “Don’t thank me—I promised the Lady. But what about you two? What are your plans after breaking the curse?”

Hearing this, Richi and his companion exchanged glances.

Then the nominal young captain of the Nightmare King shrugged and said in a slightly hoarse voice: “No plans for now. After all, no one expected it to go so smoothly.”

“But…”

Turning slightly to look at Vivian’s face that was still pale but had regained blood color with hints of pink, Richi said softly: “I suppose we’ll travel?”

“Though the Death Silence spent years hunting devil worshippers in the eastern and western seas, we rarely—or rather, never—stopped at or visited shores.”

“I think at least I should first show her this world, our world.”

Reaԁ oո ΚαtRеаdіոɡСαfe

After listening, Roy gave a light “mm” in approval.

But she didn’t forget to remind them: “Traveling around is indeed a good choice, but remember—if you two get tired of the Islands and want to visit Auran or Pronora, have the Great Captain’s people get you transit documents first.”

“After all, you’re still a legendary pirate, which makes your identity somewhat sensitive.”

Seeing the youth’s expression of “You’re not my mother, and I’m not a child” in response to her advice, Roy didn’t take it to heart.

She turned instead to the “water ghosts” and asked:

“What about you?”

These vengeful souls brought back by the Lady had followed Vivian more from instinct or divine will in the past. Now that the curse was broken, she should ask their thoughts.

If they wanted to continue following Richi and his companion, that would naturally be best. If not, she could help arrange things.

Hearing Roy’s inquiry, the “water ghosts” looked at each other. Without needing to converse, just exchanging glances, they unanimously looked toward Longfellow.

This water ghost leader, former first mate of the Death Silence, showed no trace of viciousness or brutality after becoming human again, appearing more like a tough, respected old soldier.

He smiled with emotion and spoke for everyone: “For this era, we are merely exiles with nowhere to go, unable to find belonging in this world.”

“Moreover, though we gained salvation through your grace, it was equally due to Miss Vivian’s kindness and compassion, so in the future…”

“We will still follow her, support her.”

“Until death.”

Getting this response, Roy was naturally satisfied and asked no more.

Saying “Let’s go back then,” the captain returned the silver cup under everyone’s gaze.

That holy object that had held Blood Craver and devil’s blood returned to its original appearance after the fire within was extinguished, only the blood gem seeming somewhat deeper.

The earlier scene further proved its extraordinariness—it was truly a divine artifact.

But clearly, Roy had no intention of taking it, including the other five weapons.

“You’re really leaving them here?”

Walking in the corridor they’d come through, watching the captain who led the way while humming the familiar melody of “Devil’s Treasure,” Richi asked in puzzlement.

Firstly, this wasn’t her style. Secondly, what if those divine objects fell into someone else’s hands?

The web-like complex labyrinth could indeed block nearly all thieves’ greed, and those powerful divine artifacts couldn’t even be wielded by Captain Edward.

But there was always the possibility, wasn’t there?

The treasures on the first four levels were one thing, but if someday a near-god saw through the maze, obtained divine objects and could use them, that would be quite the spectacle.

“Please, how could I not consider this?”

The cheerful melody stopped as Roy rolled her eyes at him, saying lightly: “Every time I criticize you, you act rebellious. Now you’re managing me instead.”

Though she had appeared unconcerned when hitting a soft nail at the youth earlier, she was actually somewhat angry—or rather, had always been so.

Since he rebelled and left “home,” she remained quite indignant.

Like raising a white-eyed wolf pup ¹ Chinese slang for raising someone (often a child or a person you have helped significantly) who turns out to be heartless, ungrateful, and bites the hand that feeds them .

This thought of hers, Richi naturally understood.

Rеaԁ oո КаtRеaԁіոɡСafе

So the youth very tactfully—or rather, learned from her in being shameless—didn’t respond, even continuing the melody she’d interrupted with an unchanged expression.

This perfunctory way of skipping the topic made Vivian and the raven chuckle softly.

Leading everyone through the corridor and back to the circular platform via the cross passage, Roy’s displeasure also faded as she looked back at the stone wall: “I know what you’re worried about, but don’t worry—this captain has never liked ‘what-ifs.'”

“Originally, I wanted to learn from the Lady and set a seal on this passage or the treasury entrance, but I really have no experience in this area. The Lady has already left, so I can’t ask her for guidance.”

Speaking of this, the captain couldn’t help recalling the sky-filling glass and dispersing mist before that divine battle with her ancestor. After a moment of silence, she added:

“Besides, this wouldn’t be absolutely secure. Even that devil had his day in the sun again—who can say what the future holds? So better to be straightforward.”

“Bury them forever.”

Hearing this declaration, Richi and his companion instinctively stepped back with their people, feeling her violent, crazy nature rising again and fearing she’d do something extraordinary.

Sure enough, the moment Roy finished speaking, the seemingly boundless stone wall before everyone began rumbling and shaking.

Fine cracks climbed its surface, extending and connecting at visible speed. Finally, the entire structure formed by the stone wall, corridor, and secret chamber collapsed downward with an overburdened roar!

Plunging straight into the boundless abyss.

After all the cliff stones fell, nothing remained before everyone’s eyes but deep darkness. More surprisingly, though time passed second by second for a long while, no sound of landing or hitting water came from below.

One could imagine what a long, despair-inducing distance that must be.

As a burial ground for those divine objects, it couldn’t be more fitting.

“Done.”

Though she had only willed it, Roy still clapped her hands as if finishing work, turning to look at the slightly bewildered people and smiling proudly at them, especially the little rascal.

As if saying: If you don’t behave, I can still beat you into submission.

This was truly near-divine great power, even divine authority. Without same-level beings to provide checks and balances, it could truly be called overturning clouds and rain with a flip of the hand.

Fortunately, the one controlling this power was no longer a cold-blooded, heartless devil.

But only a girl who had enough glory and wealth, was weary of fighting, and occasionally threw small tantrums.

After burying the divine objects with a thought, the circular platform moved again. Roy led everyone back the way they came, taking considerable effort to return via the spiral stairs to the fourth level.

But when they appeared, the place was already surrounded by pirates who had gathered in worry after the earthquake-like disturbance from below, only relaxing when they saw people emerge.

Thus, the treasure hunting expedition finally ended.

The crew returned fully loaded with the most portable treasures. Though this drew some attention from Empire and Federation military personnel and other pirates, they managed to conceal it through good hiding and Roy’s little “methods.”

Because choosing and loading treasures in the treasury, plus the curse-breaking process, took considerable time, it was already approaching sunset when Roy’s group returned.

What pleasantly surprised the captain was how quickly that negotiation had ended.

Because when she returned to the island’s eastern shore, she immediately saw her own “silver-haired big lion” waiting for her on the beach, apparently taking her father’s shift.

This time, the pirates were very tactful in giving the two private space.

“What about them?”

After welcoming the captain back, Caine looked at the unfamiliar faces heading toward the Nightmare King with Richi and his companion. Though he guessed what had happened, he couldn’t help asking curiously.

“The curse has been lifted.”

Also watching that direction, Roy crossed her arms and answered in a relaxed tone, then looked at her first mate: “What about you? You seem to have been waiting for me quite a while?”

Reaԁ оո ΚatRеаdіոɡСаfе

“I thought your ‘cross-century negotiations’ would take days and nights, not ending until everything was settled. I didn’t expect it to finish so quickly.”

“How was it? Went smoothly?”

Her reply was Caine’s bitter smile.

He shook his head, his tone rarely melancholy: “No, very unsuccessful.”

“Of course, from the Empire’s standpoint.”

Gazing at the sea, looking toward the ghost fleets hovering on both sides that seemed extremely docile, the youth said helplessly: “Because before coming, neither the generals nor the young Emperor could have imagined that not only was Captain Gerard safe and sound.”

“Even Enzo, the Night Curtain that the Islands had declared dead and mourned, had been resurrected. More unreasonably, those ghost ships all seem to obey his commands.”

Hearing this, Roy understood.

She nodded slightly and asked thoughtfully: “So the power balance reversed. Though those ghost ships might not always serve the Islands, at least today Auran had to make concessions due to their existence?”

“Yes, and facing Captain Gerard, Captain Enzo, and those mysterious ships simultaneously, especially…” Speaking, Caine withdrew his gaze to look at the girl.

“You brought too much pressure. The Empire’s military high command was very uncomfortable.”

The force now gathered outside the nameless island, representing the Southern Islands’ expedition against the devil and ultimate victory, was truly stunning. Even compared to any golden age of pirates in history, it was superior.

Auran’s important figures naturally had to think more carefully.

“Don’t mind me—I’m also an Auran person, after all.”

Roy said casually about this, though anyone could tell it was just pleasantries.

“But speaking of the current situation, I suppose the Empire and Federation were forced to band together at the negotiating table?” Suddenly thinking of something, the girl asked Caine.

“It’s not calculated like that.”

The first mate smiled helplessly, knowing that explaining the complex political situation clearly to her would be nearly impossible. He didn’t go deep, only giving her a simple summary.

“Barely a three-way balance, I suppose. Apart from the final benefit distribution and some detailed arrangements changing, all parties were relatively satisfied with these negotiations.”

“The Islands gained the most, though this could also be considered… compensation.”

The youth’s voice trailed off. Roy knew he was referring to the old man who had gone to eternal sleep, and couldn’t help lowering her eyes slightly, giving a soft acknowledgment.

Losing that last Guardian of Law was a cost not much different from the deaths of Empire emperors or Federation family heads, and naturally had to be considered.

Though she could understand, thinking of this being used as a bargaining chip still made the girl uncomfortable.

So she sighed lightly, looking south as if gazing at the Victoria, now surrounded by layers of pirate ships with an extremely solemn atmosphere, looking at the “sleeping lion” on the throne, and murmuring: “I’ll be setting out soon.”

“To personally escort the old man back to the Islands. What about you? Do you need to stay here longer?”

Now that the overall situation was initially settled and the cake would be divided, that mysterious eastern civilization probably couldn’t come for now. The various provisions decided in the negotiations should execute without major problems, but the aspects involved were still numerous and important. She could understand if he stayed.

Auran had given him such great power and expectations. As an honorary marshal who seemed to have only nominal authority but actually carried terrifying weight, he should naturally repay them.

But the girl didn’t expect that for this question, Caine only smiled and shook his head, then actually removed that purple-gold badge and casually put it away.

“Fighting this battle and gaining benefits at the negotiating table is my repayment.”

Feeling the girl’s “Is that okay?” gaze, the first mate unbuttoned his military collar while saying: “This was agreed upon with that young Emperor before coming. As for this weighty identity, it’s more like a laurel he bestowed.”

“So I wouldn’t forget the Empire, maintaining some bonds.”

Rеαԁ оn ΚatRеαdіnɡСafе

“Besides, I have no need to stay. Merri is more capable than me at arranging these matters.”

“Also…”

Speaking, the youth unbuttoned another button and, after taking a long breath, smiled at the captain: “Getting used to causing trouble with you, getting used to the freedom of being a pirate, I discovered that I’ve actually become quite unable to adapt to military life.”

“Perhaps these are what belong to me—that cup of most reluctant poison.”

Seeing this, Roy smiled until her eyes curved, like a little fox from some old fairy tale who had waited and waited and finally welcomed her beloved ² In Chinese folklore and literature, fox spirits are often portrayed as romantic figures – intelligent, devoted creatures who can take human form and form deep emotional bonds with humans. Many traditional tales feature fox spirits who wait faithfully, sometimes for years or even centuries, for their beloved to return or for their love to be reciprocated. .

“Then let’s return to the ship, my dear first mate.”

The girl’s laughter carried away on the sea breeze, extinguishing the last warmth of the setting sun. As night fell and stars and moon hung high, the present world’s fleet sailed south together, while the ghost fleet that now followed Enzo headed north with the “Ghost Scythe.”

In his words replying to Roy, he was taking these unknowing souls to true hell to let them truly rest. As for how to get there…

He didn’t know either.

But by his crazy deduction, looking across the world, the most likely path to hell was at the extreme north world’s end, that great waterfall flowing down.

For this, he needed someone who knew the route to guide him.

But Roy had to escort the former Great Captain’s remains home, and Richi and Vivian also had to return to the Islands with her first, both to send off the old man and because the newly recovered “water ghosts” weren’t in good health.

They might not withstand such a long journey and extended cold environment.

Therefore, the one who finally volunteered to travel far with Captain Enzo and guide his path was the Siren. The sea maiden not only knew the way but also wanted to return to world’s end to see.

She even told Roy that she would probably first stay at the Lady’s former residence for several years, perhaps longer. After that, she might roam the world as in old times.

Though unlikely, if the captain needed help, she could be found in the extreme north.

Of course, even if she truly went traveling, with Roy’s abilities she could surely be found.

But this was a story for later.

In any case, after making Enzo promise not to secretly “kill” his way into hell never to return, and bidding farewell and speaking privately with the sea maiden, the two fleets belonging to new and old worlds parted ways. And this was merely the beginning of separations.

After heading south to reach the island chain they’d passed coming, everyone—including Roy herself—remembered that the old man had gone to eternal sleep forever, so that door was naturally closed.

Thus, the return journey could only go through Storm Corner.

Fortunately, the Goddess Hestia still carried a horn that could endlessly produce food and water. Though the fleet was large with many people, supplies weren’t really a problem. So after leaving sufficient food, the fleet divided again.

The vast majority of ships from all three parties remained in the Cursed Sea to execute agreed provisions.

While the Goddess Hestia, Nightmare King, and a certain number of ships were responsible for escorting the Victoria home, the accompanying ships from the three parties were more for bringing back news and escorting sufficient supply fleets to return to the old sea.

Traveling day and night, this fleet—much sparser than the mighty force that had come—finally reached known waters after several months, stepping on autumn’s tail, and divided again at the Empire’s alert line.

Auran and Pronora warships returned home along the coastline, while the pirate ships continued under the giant ship’s lead to escort the Victoria toward Providence.

Nearly four months later, the fleet carrying victorious pirates and that old man’s remains and wishes finally reached Pilgrimage Strait. Under escort by guard warships and welcomed by mourning people and candlelight, they approached the sacred land.

Coincidentally, when Roy had departed the old sea carrying the old man’s will and hopes, they were seen off by a setting sun, and when returning, they were also greeted by sunset.

Providence under twilight was exceptionally warm, dark red like a hearth fire waiting for those coming home, but also particularly lonely and desolate due to the departing autumn colors and eternal separation.

But no matter what, Roy, the pirates, and their beloved old man…

Had finally come home.