They all call me Great Master-Chapter 609 - 606: Full of Confidence!

Marinda picked up the pipe and looked at Arthur, who was close at hand, with vigilant deep blue eyes—

"What do you want to do?"

"What I want to do,

is the same as what you're thinking."

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Arthur chuckled.

"Don't even think about it, though betrayal among pirates is common knowledge, they have performed the 'Gift of the Sea' on me!

Their loyalty is beyond doubt!

Just as their abilities are!"

Marinda obviously guessed what Arthur wanted to do and immediately spoke up as a reminder.

"Alright! Alright!"

Arthur shrugged and sat back down in his chair.

He had truly wanted to take action to help Marinda clean up some internal problems.

He truly wanted to help.

And it wasn't just for the XP.

Even though getting XP that way was really cost-effective—

[Killing 'Devil of Dokiman Island' Pirate Group captain Sakiri, First Mate 'Bluebeard,' and all the others; XP+800]

...

This was the kill prompt he received earlier.

800 XP was still a significant amount for Arthur at the moment.

Or to be precise, any 1 XP value was something Arthur considered worth cherishing.

Arthur knew from a young age the principle that the accumulation of sand creates a tower, and the collection of fur makes a coat.

Especially after facing the huge deficit of the 'Seventeen Order' limit of 99999 XP points, Arthur cherished every single XP point even more.

At the same time, Arthur was extremely grateful to Mimi.

This was the simplified version obtained after Mimi burned herself.

If it were the regular version, Arthur couldn't imagine how many XP points it would require.

200,000?

300,000?

Or even more?

Arthur couldn't be sure.

But what Arthur was certain of now was that climbing the 'Stairway of Ascension' was definitely not an easy feat.

It wasn't only difficult to get started, but the path that followed...

was even harder.

'Ascend Step' could make one stronger, but to gain that strength, one must endure the corresponding pain.

And that inevitably led to the 'Secret Rituals' possessed by various factions and families.

Having observed Mimi's 'Ascend Step,' Arthur had a considerable understanding of the 'Stairway of Ascension.' He could confirm that a complete 'Stairway of Ascension' must have corresponding rituals to alleviate the pain at every order; otherwise, most 'Ascend Steppers' would explode and die.

Of course, there would inevitably be survivors.

Madmen, fools, they too are alive, after all.

Clearly, the 'Seventeen Order' 'Stairway of Ascension' was only easy for the initial one, two, three, and four orders. From the fifth order onwards, the difficulty would skyrocket.

However, Arthur had no intention of changing his 'Stairway of Ascension.'

Firstly, 'Seventeen Order' had seven more steps than the average 'Stairway of Ascension,' allowing one to stand higher.

Secondly, the quick completion of the first four orders was enough to provide him with a certain ability to protect himself.

Furthermore, Arthur trusted that old gentleman.

That old gentleman was none other than 'God of Potions,' 'God of Alchemy,' Hercules.

Facing the departure of his two friends, how could that old gentleman remain indifferent?

So, there must have been some contingencies planned.

And him?

His task was to find these contingencies.

Arthur believed that as long as he found these contingencies, his path to ascension wouldn't fall short compared to those with a complete 'Stairway of Ascension.'

Of course, there was one last and most important point!

Arthur firmly believed that the combination of his effort and talent (XP) could help him overcome this difficulty!

After all, everything he had now was earned through his effort and talent!

Before, he could do it!

Afterward?

Naturally, he could do it as well!

While contemplating his own affairs, Arthur's gaze never left Marinda.

And this playful look made Marinda frown.

"What?

You don't believe me?"

The lady asked.

"No!

I do believe you!"

"Just as I'm certain that you've absolutely not divulged to them the true nature of your relationship with each other!"

Arthur shook his head firmly as he spoke.

Marinda remained silent.

It was clear that what Arthur was saying was the truth.

And it wasn't hard to guess.

With pirates, cooperation is all that's needed.

How can they be considered close confidants?

They are somewhat like a chamber pot.

Handy when you need them, but just looking at them when you don't is disgusting.

Therefore, Arthur was certain that Marinda would never inform these pirates that they were colleagues, who should love and care for each other.

Such news absolutely could not be leaked.

Once leaked, it would bring big trouble.

Even, it could become an unmanageable problem that backfires.

The greed of pirates was beyond doubt.

Once they were aware of each other, they would definitely form a force that couldn't be ignored, and then they would be the ones pressuring Marinda.

Or rather...

The Mother Tigress of the South Los House would step in.

And that was something no one wanted to face.

Arthur didn't want to face it.

Marinda didn't want to face it either.

So, Arthur leaned back in his chair and said with a smile—

"I won't rush you, but I'm willing to let you know that if any of your subordinates start having ideas they shouldn't have, I'll help you eliminate them.

Of course, not for free.

However, considering our many partnerships, I'm willing to give you a 99% discount."

Marinda gave Arthur the middle finger.

Then, her brows furrowed again.

"Have you received some news?"

The sudden question startled Arthur.

Is there really something happening?!

Arthur thought to himself while maintaining a calm exterior.

"Hmm!

I've got my hands on some very interesting news!"

Arthur was deliberately vague.

Internally, he already had a guess.

It could only be the emergence of the Western Sea Pirate General that had stirred up some people's ambitions that shouldn't exist.

I wonder if the Western Sea Pirate General would be willing to work together? If I could cull his subordinates, with the size of his 47 pirate groups, maybe he could reach the 'Seventeen Order' baseline limit.

After all, killing pirates is not only about the XP brought by the pirates themselves, but also the influence it generates is bound to be the center of attention.

Unfortunately, that's not possible!

Arthur lamented inside.

"Cunning fellow.

If it really becomes necessary, I'll let you take action.

But for now, I need to wait."

Arthur raised his teacup and clinked it with Marinda's in acknowledgment.

Ding!

Amid the crisp sound, Marinda didn't mind Arthur substituting tea for a toast, took up her own cup, downed it in one go, and then stood up to leave.

"I'll be busy in the coming days and won't be coming back!"

Marinda's parting words dissipated with the smoke.

"Alright!"

Arthur replied loudly.

He could be sure that Marinda heard him.

Even without a response.

But that was enough.

After all, they are close collaborators.

As the guest left, Ms. Anna began to tidy up the teacups and dessert plates.

Arthur, on the other hand, started to put on his coat.

He had something to do.

Something he hadn't been sure of before but now felt confident about—

"Pan, fancy trying a new flavor of cat food?"