Perhaps he wanted his family in this world to enjoy some peace, or perhaps he simply felt he should not let the Jonester Household's bloodline die out. Whatever the reason, Mulan had barely returned home since making his oath.
So, a little over ten minutes later, Mulan saw his older brother Leo for the first time since leaving home. He followed Newt into the secret chamber with his head lowered. By then, Leo had been tied to the chair again, pushed against the wall, and gagged.
Leo!
As Mulan looked at his brother, tortured almost beyond recognition, fierce anger surged through both his body and his soul. This was an emotion shared by both incarnations of Mulan, a furious resonance born of their blood ties. Yet he still had to restrain himself.
"Master Newt, you haven't brought me here to conduct an interrogation for you, have you? I only know how to kill people, not how to torture answers out of them. Unless you're willing to teach me."
"Of course not. Mr. Leo, please step outside for now."
At Newt's words, two burly pirates took hold of Leo and the Iron Chair from either side and carried him out of the chamber. The door closed behind them.
Then Newt turned to Mulan again.
"Aren't you interested in ritual arrays? There's one here that isn't particularly complicated, but is very unusual. It's extremely important to our leader. Perhaps you can give me some ideas on how to repair it."
"Me? Are you joking? Someone who's only reached Awakening?"
Mulan spoke in surprise, but still found himself walking toward the table. Along the way, he watched Leo out of the corner of his eye, while Leo carefully studied this unfamiliar pirate who had just arrived.
"A sea chart?"
Mulan glanced up at