Extraordinary Voyage

"Hahaha, sure!

You went to 'New Inn Port' and didn't change much, but you sure got wealthier. Since you said it, I won't hold back!"

Milan, who was from a wealthy family, obviously wouldn't lack a few luxurious meals. He was satisfied with Aiven's attitude.

Although in the past half year he had completed the qualitative transformation from "Divination Master" to "Prophet," suppressing his knight level for a long time, now he had both surpassed Tier 2, making him an Official Wizard and Official Knight.

Achieving such accomplishments on the Extraordinary Path at the young age of twenty was worthy of a "genius" recognition, even in the privileged circles!

Yet, today's Aiven is incomparable to the past.

Although his Extraordinary level hasn't changed much due to the short time, he has already joined the currently most prosperous and favored "Alchemy School," laying a solid foundation for the wizard path.

In the military, just a year after joining, he unexpectedly became a real captain, crossing a threshold that many School Officers can't complete in their lifetimes.

Although as an Official Knight and Major, he would be eligible to compete for a ship captain position, the selection has always been the best among the best. Under equivalent strength and merits, older and more experienced School Officers usually have the advantage.

The youngest captain before Aiven was at least twenty-four years old!

Therefore, Aiven's position as captain is truly hard-won.

Though it's temporarily just a Level 6 Battleship, it already has the invaluable autonomy, representing a different tier compared to ordinary School Officers.

It's even rumored he earned the Crown Prince's favor, which is akin to a meteoric rise.

Seeing him as a rising star, with such a good friendship, arranging a fine ship for him is both a gesture and an investment from the family's General. Why not?

Aiven laughed heartily, indicating he wasn't short of money and could choose anywhere. "Thud, thud, thud," he first boarded this Level 6 ship, the "Conch."

...

"On behalf of the Third Fleet Headquarters, I announce: Major Aiven Galliot is hereby appointed as the new captain of the 'Conch'

May all officers and soldiers cooperate fully, fulfilling our Kingdom Navy's honorable mission! Contribute to the Kingdom's prosperity and strength!"

"Long live Her Majesty the Queen!"

After assembling all the officers and soldiers in formation, Milan, as a representative, read the official appointment letter from the Fleet Headquarters.

Normally, when a new captain takes office, no matter how simplified, a civilian Colonel might participate. But this is just formality; as long as Aiven doesn't care, no one will say much.

The Kingdom's Navy management system is complete; with Milan, the Logistics Department Officer, stabilizing the scene, the transition is smooth. Especially since the former captain had already left, the ship was serene.

Having seen power struggles in past films and preparing to start aggressively, Aiven felt like he was punching air.

But it's understandable; he has the fleet's upper-level appointment, strong Extraordinary skills, and the honor of being a "graduate" of the Royal Navy Academy. At this point, anyone daring to object would be foolish...

Even if such a person boarded the ship, they'd likely be "accidentally" pushed into the sea by now!

From the Chief Navigator, Helmsman, Sailor, Gunpowder Chief, Cannon Commander, First Mate, Second Mate, all Captains welcomed Captain Aiven warmly, pledging full cooperation.

However, the Boatswain left with the previous captain, leaving a vacancy temporarily.

But that's actually convenient.

"Sub-Lieutenant Gary, you temporarily act as Boatswain!"

"Yes, Captain!"

Gary, who accompanied Aiven and never spoke on the way, stepped forward, saluted solemnly.

Before Aiven headed to "New Inn Port," Gary was promoted to Navy Sub-Lieutenant through accumulated merits. After six months of experience, he became increasingly stable and reliable, tempered by blood and fire into a qualified Navy Officer.

Naturally, he's an excellent deputy now.

Returning to Gabred, Aiven casually mentioned, and Gary unhesitatingly gave up a possibly brighter future on Gel's ship to join Aiven in starting anew on a warship.

Aiven reciprocated, relying heavily on him.

"Alright, disperse!"

After welcoming the new captain, seeing off Milan completing his task, Aiven stood alone at the stern deck, overlooking the entire ship, gripping the wooden railing tightly, gently exhaling:

"Ah, this is my team now."

The modest "Conch" is a three-masted swift sailboat, though the lowest among Level 6 ships. Its overall size was 38 meters, similar to the limits of Level 5 ships at 39 meters.

However, it only has 20 shipborne artillery pieces on a single deck, showing a significant firepower difference compared to real Level 5 ships. Furthermore, it normally staffs 195, with only 120 aboard, personnel-wise there's a shortfall.

Originally, Level 6 ships were designed for messaging and escort, not excessive direct combat expectations.

Besides, Aiven didn't plan to be bound on a Level 6 ship for life.

After all, below Level 6 in the Navy are twin-masted square-rigged ships, single-mast fore-and-aft sails, light cruisers, and other ships with fewer than 20 artillery pieces that are just off the radar small boats.

Low in level, it's also cheap, costing about 5000 Golden Lions to build a new Level 6 ship with artillery.

Evidently, even if Aiven has the financial power, he never considered this idea.

A strictly crafted new ship from material selection to completion takes three to six years. If rushed, the usual fifty-year service could be shortened to five years, possibly sinking from a wave.

Not mentioning if this plan is feasible.

At least Aiven is confident; he wouldn't look at just a Level 6 ship anymore with time...

Refocus on the "Conch."

This warship obviously isn't brand new, but its service life is less than ten years, precisely eight and a half, well maintained.

Indeed, Milan took good care of him.

Especially since his appointment broke many Navy records (youngest captain at sixteen, captain one year after enlisting). Amidst anticipated objections from conservative leaders, remarkable.

Aiven felt without the Princess's favor, even with immense merits, he couldn't become a real captain straight away.

The benefits seem smaller; Aiven feels greater pressure. If he fails to perform, not only would it shame the Princess who promoted him, he couldn't forgive himself either?

As a typical "Crown Prince Faction," Aiven stated he couldn't afford the shame!

Thud.. thud.. thud..

At this moment, footsteps were heard from the stairway leading to the stern deck. Merely from the sound, Aiven sensed their hesitation.

With interest, he turned back, waiting, and finally saw four sailors, hesitantly pushing each other, arriving at the stern deck.

"Captain!" Finding Aiven had already looked over, they abandoned worries and lined up, saluting upright.

As the representative, Fleck stepped forward, falteringly saying: "Captain, we... we..."

"Fleck, Barrow, Brown, Baldwin, long time no see!" Meeting their fearfully eager gaze, Aiven maintained composure, casually calling their names.

Simply one sentence, their eyes momentarily reddened, tears welled up.

During recruit training, at least hundreds followed Aiven learning swordsmanship; they didn't expect that as a noble descendant and swordsmanship instructor, Aiven could not only recognize them but call their names accurately.

The touched feeling of being recognized and valued surged inside.

Originally intending to explain origins and relate, now no words emerged. What's left to say?

Serving under this officer was already entirely worthwhile!