At first, Charles was not very skilled at the process.
That old Tidal Priest had taken less than half a day to assist Dalle with his advancement.
But when Charles handled it himself, he took two or three hours longer.
Still, that was only his first time. He had lacked practical experience.
After the first successful advancement, Charles gained more insight and became far more adept at the process.
One after another, the remaining six magic cores were all used, advancing the other six apprentice Tide Warriors to the first rank.
By the time the last Tide Warrior advanced, it took about as long as Dalle's advancement had.
Fortunately, the recruited pirates had all been carefully selected and were stuck at the final step. Otherwise, even with magic cores, Charles would not have been able to help them advance to the first rank so quickly.
Though these first-rank Tide Warriors were as weak as a plate of food to Charles,
they were exceptional combat power in this plane.
The Undertow Pirate Crew had originally possessed only two Tide Warriors. Now, after a single voyage, they had directly surged to nine.
Their combat strength soared, and so did their loyalty.
After sailing onward, the two ships returned to the Bloodsail Raiders' Ship Island.
They had departed with one ship but returned with two. Among pirates, that was hardly unusual.
Everyone robbed from one another, though merchant ships were usually the targets.
Their return to Ship Island passed without a ripple and drew no one's attention.
Looking at the ships docked in the harbor,
this was already Bloodsail Raiders territory. Everyone had to exercise restraint on the surface.
Charles said to Quake, "I wonder when the Garrote Pirate Crew will return."
"When they do, we might end up in a bloody clash."