Byron had been struggling to suppress an uncontrollable desire that sprouted from the name "Greedy Worm Mamon," an exceptional being.
Upon hearing Flint's words, he was stunned and couldn't help but ask, "So the real commission isn't to inherit your 'Faustian Contract,' but to hold this contract on your behalf, acting as the [Lantern Carriers] guarding the World Rift? Does that mean I'll have to stay on Silvergold Island forever, just like you? To gain wealth yet become a prisoner—what's the point of that?"
Flint immediately waved what must have originally been his right insectile limb to correct his guess. "That's not necessary.
"Because I'm already dead, only a lighthouse remains, which is why I must stay here.
"But you are still alive; you needn't go through my troubles.
"The World Rift exists between two worlds, and theoretically, it can appear anywhere.
"The main force holding back those Middle Sequence Bizarres is the Faustian Contract.
"As the master of the contract, you only need to anchor your spiritual lighthouse here and continuously monitor the World Rift and the condition of that exceptional being on the other side.
"The biggest side effect is merely that you might come here when you dream at night, but it won't affect your normal cultivation and advancement.
"On the contrary, because of the gifts from the world itself, your growth will be greatly accelerated."
Byron remained silent.
The Order of Sanctity, the Tribunal Sequence, the Tower Sequence, the Fortress Sequence, the Lighthouse Sequence...
Upon assuming a role in each sequence, a corresponding structure forms in the human collective subconscious sea. These purpose-driven structures are located in the spiritual world and are unrelated to physical coordinates in the Material World.
Clearly, the one best suited to take on the role of [Lantern Carriers] was Byron himself, who belonged to the Lighthouse Sequence. By anchoring his lighthouse here, forever bound to this World Rift, any Bizarres aiming to breach it would have to defeat him first. As a mystical gatekeeper, it indeed wouldn't affect his activities in the Material World.
Of course, if Byron's Anchor was strong enough, he could even pull the World Rift open wherever he needed it to be. But was that possible?
"Byron."
Violet's face brimmed with worry as she instinctively gripped his hand, her tender palm slick with sweat. This task wasn't nearly as easy as Flint made it out to be, was it? He himself said that with his abilities, maintaining a normal Second Grade rift posed no problem. But the key issue was the "Greedy Worm Mamon" on the other side, an accidental stray here, continuously emitting pollution. Even a Fourth Order Pirate Warlord's Anchor couldn't withstand it, so how could they resist such an opponent?
As an exceptional being, "Greedy Worm Mamon" was at least on the same level as the "Northern Sea Leviathan Kraken." The latter could swallow the whole of Lancaster. Even if the former didn't attack actively, contamination would, in the long run, be an inevitable consequence.
Seeing the hesitation in their eyes, Flint resorted to playing the rogue. "You'd better agree quickly.
"The time until the third rainbow light fades is drawing ever closer, and 'feeding time' is almost upon us.
"While the 'Worm of Greed' cannot get through, its Medium and Low Sequence affiliated creatures can.
"And don't forget, even at my peak, I was Fourth Order. According to the principle that the fallen are ten times stronger, once I fully transform into an Evil Spirit, none of you will escape.
"Speaking of which, the Evil Spirit inside me did manage one good deed. At least the treasure map he spread brought you here.
"Kid, look at the bigger picture. If you don't carry this burden, and I don't carry it, who will? Someone must."
Flint placed his two insectile limbs on his hips, shook his head with a swagger, and continued, "Actually, you didn't have a choice to begin with.
"If you agree, you might live a few more years due to your natural compatibility with the Faustian Contract.
"If you don't, then we'll just perish together.
"After all, I'm an old man who has lived long enough; my days are numbered. But you're different.
"Young and untested, you haven't even tasted the sweetness of love, have you?
"Unlike my first mate, Mr. Thomas. My own escapades were tame compared to his... TSK TSK."
Luckily, the parrot couldn't hear, or it would have jumped up and started squawking.
A torrent of eloquent Common Tongue churned in Byron's gut: This shameless old Bill is certainly no secluded sage but a pirate leader like us, one who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. If he were some self-righteous hypocrite specializing in sending others to their deaths, taking them out with a single slash would be guaranteed. This guy, however, put his own life on the line first—both noble and despicable. Truly hard to judge. Only Thomas, that foolish bird, is genuinely naive, believing whatever he's told. Otherwise, the [Nautical Logbook] wouldn't appear so flawless.
As the saying goes, walk by the river long enough, and your shoes will get wet. Byron, with his unparalleled greed, had navigated countless pitfalls but finally had to accept that he had indeed fallen into one himself.
Of course, as a qualified "Outlaw Madman"...
I, "Executioner" Bill... Sea Hunter Byron Tudor, [Wild Hunt] Byron Lancaster! Today, I'm going to see who can be more shameless!
He gave Violet a reassuring look and accepted Flint's terms. "Fine, I agree to take on the role of [Lantern Carriers]."
Seeing Byron yield, Flint couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief.