To Odin, it was enough for Maria to remain alive. He did not care what form her survival took—whether she was imprisoned in an iron coffin or dancing gracefully across a ballroom.
"Charon" Vincent was a very useful tool. Unless necessary, Odin did not want to replace this aged helmsman. Finding another guide capable of locating the Gate of the Kingdom of God would be troublesome.
So long as Maria, the beacon bearing the Nibelungen brand of the Black Dragon Emperor, still existed, he would not interfere with what happened aboard the ship.
He had planted quite a few pieces within Vincent's team, some strong, some weak, of varying abilities.
Their sole task was to report any unusual occurrences aboard the ship to him. They had no other duties, nor did they know of each other's existence. This ensured that he always had eyes and ears aboard the Yamal.
Should anything happen aboard the ship that might cause Odin to lose the "beacon," he would unleash extreme godspeed, crossing mountains and seas in a short span of time to descend upon this cruise ship.
Two days passed quickly.
After repeatedly confirming that the iron box in the Watertight Compartment had remained utterly silent, Vincent finally issued a notice to the passengers stranded at the harbor:
The voyage delay had been canceled. Boarding would resume immediately.
Amon carried his suitcase up the gangway at an unhurried pace, his figure gradually disappearing into the shadow of the steel giant.
Kassel College, Principal's Office.
Afternoon sunlight streamed through the tall arched windows, casting mottled patterns over the teak floor. The air carried the faint lingering scent of aged cigars.
Angers sat behind his broad desk, his fingertips lightly tapping the tabletop. He gazed at the enormous world map on the wall, his eyes