"Finally, we're back!"
Cyrik gazed at the imposing Marine Headquarters with mixed feelings. Only a year had passed since the Bloody War ended.
Yet it felt like much longer.
The massive Navy Warship slowly approached the dock. Ships like this, floating fortresses, were vital to maintaining order at sea and deterring pirates.
Of course, Cyrik wasn't particularly impressed.
The Kronos Kingdom's warships far surpassed Navy Warships in both technology and destructive power.
Frankly, they weren't even in the same league.
Still, Navy Warships were among the finest vessels openly sailing the seas.
They counted as high-end warships.
Cyrik disembarked.
He glanced at the Navy Officers from the North Blue who had traveled with him. "Let's meet up later. I need to report to the Fleet Admiral's Office first."
Maintaining close ties with his colleagues called for a gathering at headquarters. Besides, he hadn't seen many of his companions in a long time.
Navy Officers at headquarters had heard they were coming and were preparing to welcome Cyrik and the others back.
Such gatherings were common at Marine Headquarters.
A single mission could take months.
Assignments to the Four Seas or Marine Branches could keep someone away for years.
Cyrik wasn't particularly fond of such gatherings, but he never turned one down.
He needed to preserve his influence within the navy.
On the voyage back, he had contacted quite a few "close" friends.
Cyrik had also been considering whom to bring into the Criminal Investigation Department after its purge.
He had countless friends, a powerful memory, and an almost photographic recall honed through practice.
He knew every one of his friends: their names, faces, personalities, interests, and even birthdays.
Though Cyrik seemed aloof, others saw him as someone with a warm heart beneath a cool exterior.
He always showed concern at