Chapter 156

Chapter 156: Alliance

“Reasons?” Midi smiled slightly and pointed at Wells. “In this turbulent Era, even the youth of Flying Sail Family must fight hard to protect themselves. If you don’t seek shelter, how will you survive?”

Midi wasn’t exaggerating threats or acting as smooth talker.

The West Coast remained merely a loose business alliance. Though controlled by major families, it wasn’t a true nation—just a commercial union led by Faero Bay.

Now, with the Forest of Gran ablaze, powerful factions had awakened from dormancy.

In the past life, Delos Empire had been too busy invading Belmar Duchy to target West Coast. But now? Unable to breach Belmar’s iron wall, the Empire’s focus had shifted here. Undercurrents must already be churning in Faero Bay.

Not just the Empire—Midi’s presence meant Belmar Kingdom had joined the contest too.

Faced with “awakening’s” lure, Xuzu to the west and Bantu to the North wouldn’t stay idle while Sky City fell to others.

When Arad’s greatest powers converged here, even slight tremors could shatter any West Coast family—let alone independent captains like Sonia.

When the nest collapses, no egg stays whole.

Midi trusted Sonia’s sharp instincts had noticed oddities this past year. Yet her limited perspective and information channels prevented full understanding.

Having spelled it out, he knew this clever woman would grasp the truth.

True enough, Sonia first pondered, then widened her eyes in fearful realization before settling into reluctant acceptance.

Time to push further.

“Captain Sonia, I know you crave freedom on the seas. But in chaotic times, absolute freedom doesn’t exist. Even rulers with absolute power pay heavy costs to keep it.”

The words hit home. She trembled slightly before sighing bitterly. “Seems there’s no choice.”

Star of the South’s captain nodded. Wells exhaled in relief. Though Karina still eyed Midi distrustfully, Sonia’s whispers made the indecisive blonde sign the contract despite pouting.

With matters settled, both women returned to their ships while Midi stayed on the ironclad.

Wells Flying Sail expected this. Once this mysterious expert intervened, crew issues became trivial.

Alone together, true negotiations began.

“Mr. Wells, how many ironclads do you have?” Midi cut straight to business.

“Only Conqueror. The Destroyer will finish in half a month. I came to recruit its crew.” Wells hid nothing. What were ironclads to this man?

“Two? Too few.” Midi frowned.

Ironclads had weaknesses—armor-piercing bullets, magic interference, underwater attacks could sink them. Each equaled five five-masted ships in battle strength. Impressive, but two couldn’t sway real battles.

Wells smiled bitterly. “This drained my life savings and my mother’s family’s secret port resources. Otherwise, my brother would’ve stolen blueprints.”

“A secret port? Good.” Midi pressed, “Ironclad’s cost?”

“One million gold coins minimum.”

“Money’s no problem.” Midi placed five black gemstones on the table.

Even wealthy Wells gasped instantly.

There were five soul crystals.

These crystals were extremely rare, each worth about two million gold coins and always in short supply. On the West Coast, simply showing one would spark fierce competition among major families.

Yet Midi casually produced five—ten million gold coins, enough for ten ironclads!

At this moment, Wells’ delicate features turned pale.

He had assumed Midi’s personal combat skills were unmatched, but if Midi sought to support him, the backing faction must be weak. Otherwise, why approach a weak heir like Wells instead of dealing directly with the Flying Sail Family head?

Now he realized his grave mistake.

Even the Flying Sail Family head couldn’t casually produce ten million gold coins on a whim!

What kind of power stood behind this man?

Wells’ mind raced but found no answers.

Noticing the shock, Midi smiled. "I’ve no reason to hide it—I’m Belmar Kingdom’s envoy."

Kelvin promptly presented a document. Crafted from premium white silk paper with embedded magic arrays and gilded text, this fireproof certificate signed by Queen Fina Hamilton herself proved its bearer "Mr. Faye" wielded authority equivalent to the Queen’s presence.

This wasn’t just an envoy—this was royalty’s direct representative!

Wells’ thoughts flashed to a legendary name:

Midi Asreks.

The supreme Demon Swordman. Genius commander of the Hawk Brigade. Queen of Magic’s lover. Belmar’s founding hero. Bearer of the Sword of Victory and Guardian.

Even the West Coast buzzed with tales of last year’s Twin Life Trees event. The black-haired, black-eyed "Faye" before him matched countless details about Midi Asreks!

Was he facing the legend himself?

Wells’ steady hands trembled.

Reputations cast long shadows.

Midi expected Wells’ deductions but wouldn’t confirm them—exposing his identity risked imperial attention and premature war.

Wells quickly understood this too. His eyes blazed with newfound fervor, years of frustration giving way to soaring ambition. With Belmar’s backing, he could finally challenge for family leadership!

"Ten ironclads—manageable?" Midi verified.

"Absolutely! I’ll personally oversee rapid construction," Wells vowed. "But crew members…"

"I’ll bring Belmar personnel. You handle logistics."

Midi wished he could deploy the entire Hawk Brigade, but that would provoke imperial invasion. With Wells’ cooperation, staffing ships with loyal Belmar sailors became feasible—creating a Belmar-funded, Belmar-crewed fleet.

Wells instantly grasped the plan. Belmar’s support meant not just survival, but possibly claiming the family headship!

"Mr. Faye," Wells added, "When entering West Coast society, shall I introduce you?"

"Not yet," Midi declined. "But establish a title for emergencies."

As they spoke, a lighthouse-like island emerged on the horizon.

"What’s that called?"

"Saint Tower Island—famous for its shape."

"Then I’ll be the Count of Saint Tower Island."