Near noon, Sifa spotted the Explorer. The sailing ship with its miraculous abilities floated quietly upon the sea, sailors moving about on deck. Sifa's arrival had clearly put the ship on alert, and only after Caven gave the agreed signal did the Explorer stand down.
As he approached the ship, Sifa suddenly heard Kardashian's voice. "There's something strange aboard."
Sifa froze for a moment, then whispered to the others, "Prepare for battle."
He tightened his grip on Ghost Scream and climbed the gangway onto the deck. There, Sifa saw the first mate, Nelson. The big man looked tense. Just as Sifa was about to ask what was wrong, a low voice sounded from the direction of the captain's cabin. "Good afternoon, Mr. Rayleigh."
A figure emerged from the captain's cabin. He wore a red top hat and a double-breasted coat of the same color, with a black jacket and trousers underneath. He was tall and lean, wore glasses, and had black hair, a high nose, blue eyes, and a meticulously groomed beard.
He removed his red top hat and pressed it against his chest. "I am Dean Wengris, from the Iron and Blood Cross Order."
The man deliberately displayed the badge on his coat's breast. It was a bloodstained crown with a cross at its center.
The Iron and Blood Cross Order!
Sifa's breathing grew slightly heavier. Now he understood why Kardashian had sensed something strange aboard the ship.
He just didn't know what position this Mr. Dean Wengris held within the Iron and Blood Cross Order.
"According to reports from our companions in Bayam, you seem to have the intention of joining the Iron and Blood Cross Order, so I came."
"I've been waiting for you for two days."
The man, having put his red top hat back on,