Navigator: I Have a Legendary Exploration Log

Chapter 62 The Unspeakable Secret

"No need to say anything more."

Chalice's calm words interrupted Jack, who was looking helpless and eager to explain.

The high-ranking association director turned his gaze to Cherris, his eyes filled with earnestness.

Jack did have his own selfish motives.

But he really didn't intend to harm the two of them.

As a navigator who shared the afterglow of the golden age with Sartre, Jack's idealistic self was merely silenced by reality, not completely dead.

How could he not despise this era of petty scheming and despicable behavior?

But he couldn't change reality.

If you don't want to be eliminated by reality.

Even if you hate it, you have to survive first.

Jack now believes in survivalism.

Therefore.

He couldn't just stand by and watch Cheryls, like Sartre did back then, recklessly plunge into a vortex of interests that could devour anyone.

Times are different.

Sartre had managed to escape unscathed after several attempts, but for Charys to try to advance to the third tier as a free agent now would be tantamount to suicide.

Some of what I said just now was said in anger, but it wasn't a lie.

There were some things Jack didn't say outright.

The Misty Sea to the east of the Gran Islands, and the Dark Sea deeper within the Misty Sea.

It is mutating at an extremely terrifying speed.

The most direct impact of this deterioration is that it is becoming increasingly difficult to access marine resources.

People who live by the sea live off the sea.

The scattered islands alone could not possibly sustain the current human population.

Ninety percent of human resources, including the most basic food and the most critical and extraordinary materials, come from the ocean.

It is conceivable that if this news were to leak out, humanity, which is already struggling to survive, would likely erupt into countless internal conflicts against its own people!

Therefore, the news of the alienation in the far seas is an absolute secret.

Even among the major powers, only core members at the third rank and above have the opportunity to know.

If Jack hadn't controlled the communication link between Simon Island and Gran Island, this news wouldn't have been conveyed to him, a third-tier extraordinary individual.

After all, third-order is just a low sequence.

Everyone has their own limitations.

Jack doesn't think he's smarter than Sartre; he just has a higher level of information asymmetry.

But this information gap is something I really can't say out loud.

Even if Sartre and Cherries have a misunderstanding, Jack must keep quiet.

Because the price of leaking secrets will be killing everyone —

Today, all major powers are quietly consolidating their resources in order to cope with the unknown and perilous situation.

Extraordinary individuals, especially extraordinary captains, possess both combat and exploration skills.

In this era of tremendous change, its importance needs no further explanation.

In the past, there might have been lucky individuals who could snag some resources from these behemoths who turned a blind eye to everything, and obtain promotion opportunities through sheer luck.

But now, it's absolutely impossible!

Leaving aside other people.

Navigators' Association.

The most favored major power by captains.

Jack himself only has a few spots available.

Only by becoming a captain with high-level backing can one obtain increasingly scarce and extraordinary resources.

of course.

These captains are essentially tied to the warship, forced to fight for increasingly scarce interests for the association and its higher-ups.

"Director Jack, I understand you."

Listening to Chalis's earnest words.

Jack couldn't help but force a bitter smile, silently thinking, "Understand? You understand my ass!"

However, he did not refute it.

Since as long as Chalice agrees to his recruitment, both parties will benefit, and some things don't need to be explicitly stated.

Even though Jack had already selected several captains with better resumes and even higher ranks.

But out of personal consideration, he still wanted to reserve a precious spot for Chalice.

Or.

The former Sa —

"I yearn to stand taller and go further —"

Cheryl spoke to Jack with her head held high, but her gaze was fixed on Sartre.

"I would risk everything for this, but if the price is sacrificing Professor Sartre or other close friends of mine—"

Chalice let out a soft breath, a self-deprecating smile playing on his lips. "Then I'd rather—never have boarded the Tulip!"

Sartre sat quietly in his chair, his slightly aged body swaying gently.

From Jack's perspective, his old friend's face showed an unprecedented sadness, shame, and an undeniable hint of pride!

"You brat—"

Sartre feigned disdain and scoffed, "I'm not so old that I can't row! I'm only half a step away from the third rank, why would I need a junior like you to do it for me—"

"Professor Sartre!"

Challis raised his voice, interrupting Sartre.

"Don't forget, you've already handed the Tulip over to me! Now—the Tulip has become the Homecoming Ship, and I—have gone from acting captain to full captain!"

"I—Chiris!"

Chalice said firmly and solemnly, "The captain of the Homecoming! He is responsible for formulating the voyage plan and has the authority to handle any abnormalities related to the voyage!"

"At the same time—I am also responsible for the lives of all the crew members! Teacher, if I remember correctly, you once served as the first mate to assist me, the acting captain, and you were never reinstated as captain until you disembarked."

"I haven't dismissed you from your post! So you're still one of my crew members! I have the right, and the responsibility, to take care of your life!"

Sartre looked up, staring incredulously at the gaunt face that had completely lost its youthful innocence.

He was a little dazed.

Perhaps as people get older, they just like to reminisce.

Sartre seemed to see the young man from two years ago, whose brows were filled with fear and helplessness.

But this was a young man who was drifting and vomiting, and could barely stand on the deck.

Now, however, they stand firmly beside him, rejecting his attempt to make a comeback with unquestionable force.

"You've really grown up, haven't you?"

Listening to Sartre's barely concealed sigh of regret, Chárlis smiled confidently.

"So teacher, you can just relax and enjoy your retirement! If I still need you to fight for resources for me, that's not my achievement or honor as a student, but my shame!"

"Alright, kid—fine!"

After a moment of silence, Sartre seemed to have figured it out as well.

"Jack, you old fool, you've confused everyone, making it sound like I'm doing this for your own good—"

"And judging from what my student said, it seems he thinks I'm pretentious and a nuisance? Oh well! Whatever! Young people have grown up, let him fly however he wants!"

Sitting opposite Sartre, Jack took in his old friend's smug expression.

He glanced at the carefree Sartre, then at the spirited and energetic Cheris, and felt a sudden, inexplicable surge of jealousy.

Simultaneously.

He became even more convinced of his own ideas.

More than qualifications and capabilities on paper, this kind of captain is the future he is willing to invest in!

"You can go out now!"

Jack nodded gently to Cherries.

"I'd like to have a private chat with your teacher. If you agree to cooperate with the association—and me—you can come in later to discuss the details."

"Trust me, you won't lose out."

"certainly."

Chalice smiled sincerely and said, "I will believe in you as much as I believe in Professor Sartre—"