Shortly after Zaliah expressed her dissatisfaction with the Redflower ship, she hesitantly boarded the vessel.

The crew sat around in a circle, discussing all the events that had happened on the island so far. They explained the head in the shark’s mouth, the treasures they had received, and finally, Zaliah.

Zaliah also asked her own questions, which revealed to her that not everybody on the crew was awakened yet. This was preventing them from gaining many of the benefits that came with the Ship Management System.

However, her problems with the ship extended past this. She mentioned the lack of cannons and other weaponry, compromised structural integrity, unsanitary living areas, and many other things that none of the crew understood.

She decided then that they could not set out to sea. Not yet. They had much to work on.

She made a list of things that they needed to address. First, Lavender’s awakening. Second, general ship upgrades, which would include ship modifications too. Third, setting up ceremonies on the ship to further increase its strength and proficiency. Fourth, deciding on their next destination. This last task would only be focused on after everything else was sorted out.

This gave different tasks to each member of the crew, meaning that they would temporarily be splitting up.

Lavender would stay with Zaliah, who supposedly had a method to help her awaken.

Blodwen would take Jackson, Adriana and Pip to retrieve some materials that would be used by Zaliah to upgrade the ship.

Petyr, Kruger, and Silius would keep an eye on their ship and also explore the island, gathering any useful intel that they possibly could.

As for Roseus and Dawn, they had another task.

Before arriving at the island, Captain Lionheart had told them that they should visit the church located in Dockyard Town.

So as not to ruin their established relationship with the Templars, they all knew the importance of attending the church service.

...

As Roseus and Dawn entered the church, they were hit with a sudden sense of tranquillity. It felt similar to the fire that burned in Zaliah’s hut.

Inside the church were rows of pews facing towards a statue. The statue depicted a featureless man cradling a brain in his hands, with his head looking up as though seeking out the heavens for knowledge.

The church was modest, and the pews were filled with both believers and Templars, who bowed their heads low whilst listening to prayers. The man leading the prayers was clearly some sort of bishop, with a grey crown of hair and a wrinkled face.

Not wishing to disturb this, Roseus and Dawn remained by the door, standing quietly. After ten minutes passed, the church service ended, and people began filtering out of the room. Some lingered behind, wishing to speak to the bishop.

"You made it."

Captain Lionheart’s voice called out to them as he approached. His curly blonde hair was now slicked back, better showing off his handsome face.

Roseus showed the man a kind smile.

"Of course. The others couldn’t make it, but trust that we are working on strengthening our relationship with the God of Knowledge," he said, sounding earnest.

There was no truth in his words. However, the more he saw of the Templars, the more he realised just how powerful they were. He could not afford to lose them as allies.

Captain Lionheart smiled and placed a hand on Roseus’s shoulder.

"Trust me, friend, I know. A member of your crew refused the gifts of the sea god Daedalus after all. Do you understand how rare that is?"

Dawn smiled with humility, knowing that it was she who had rejected the god. Previously, she had felt guilty, as this decision had led to bringing the god’s wrath down on both of them. Now, she saw the true benefits of making such a decision.

"I’m glad you came here, because there’s actually something I wished to ask you," Captain Lionheart said, his voice suddenly turning serious. "There is a battle on the horizon."

A battle on the horizon?

"Between whom?" Roseus asked.

"Us and the navy. Specifically, Navy Commander Chestnut. We were meant to have a temporary truce with the nearest navy base, as they claimed to believe in our god. However, last night, that man sank the ship of the Templars’ Second-Mate, leaving him stranded out at sea."

As he heard this, Roseus couldn’t help but widen his eyes.

This was the second time he had heard a navy commander being mentioned whilst out at sea. This was the navy rank directly above Lieutenant and was likely on par in strength with a pirate admiral.

For this commander to sink the ship of the Templars’ second-in-command showed how truly powerful they were. More importantly, though...

Roseus had a feeling he knew where this conversation was going.

Lionheart’s face tightened as anger spread across his expression.

"This isn’t just a declaration of war on the Templars, but also a declaration of war against all believers in His Holiness! In a week, a fleet of Templar ships will set sail for the commander in hopes of ending his life there. We would like you to sail with us."

There it was. This was what Roseus had expected. One could not reap the benefits of such an alliance without having to deal with the dangers that came with it.

Dawn looked at Roseus and didn’t dare react until her captain gave his response.

Seeing his hesitation, Lionheart spoke again.

"We will be doing most of the work. All of our greatest men, other than the Admiral himself, will be present in the battle. All you would have to do is provide aid where you can. We are not forcing you, of course, and you are free to refuse."

Although there was no threat in the man’s words, and he truly was not being forced, Roseus knew that declining such a request would have repercussions.

One week from now. We could finish the preparations for our ship and strengthen ourselves before then. With the right treasures, and the help of Zaliah...

Roseus weighed the risks and soon came to a decision.

"Sure, we will sail out to battle with you. Just give me the details in advance so that we can prepare."