Edwina's study really was a study. Bookshelves covered every wall, packed with ancient texts, notebooks, and modern hardcovers.
The moment Odys entered, Edwina told him she had found the Magical Item from the Spectator Pathway he had requested.
Odys did not hide his surprise. "That fast?"
Vice Admiral Iceberg, with her oval face, smiled. "Because you were a great help today."
At least, that was how she saw it. After returning to the ship, she had immediately written to her teacher, Bennett, describing their exploration, its results, Odys's involvement, and the Great Pirate's contributions.
Bennett's reply had arrived quickly. Before Edwina went aboard the Argo, he had instructed her to do her best to win the Great Pirate over.
She had not thought much of it then. Any faction would try to recruit a Great Pirate with that much potential.
But after Edwina returned to her ship, she received another, longer letter from Bennett. He told her that the Sealed Artifact Captain Gal had requested was going through the "gifting process." A messenger would deliver it to her by tomorrow at the latest.
Bennett also gave detailed instructions for the next stage of the exploration.
That truly was fast. Normally, it took a church at least a week to provide a Sealed Artifact to an outsider.
Edwina believed Odys's goodwill had won her teacher's approval, which was why he had acted so decisively.
After all, killing the Black Spider had yielded a Beyonder material for advancement to Demi-God.
Odys smiled. "Thank you."
"You've earned it." Edwina sat in her chair, looking every bit the scholar receiving a guest in her study. "As for the clue we found in the hidden chamber, I'd now like to formally invite you to join the search for that Beyonder Characteristic."
That was what Edwina