The next day, the weather was clear with not a cloud in the sky.

The Long-range Fleet was divided into two.

Aiven's "Storm Horn," along with two Level 5 Battleships and fifteen merchant ships, would sail south, passing through five colonies. Finally, the "Storm Horn" would head to the southern Navy Base "Dierben Castle" for a rotation.

Meanwhile, another Level 4 Battleship "Endeavor," along with another Level 5 Battleship and ten merchant ships, would head north along the coastline, ultimately reaching the northernmost Navy Base "Fort George."

"Captain Robbins, farewell, and may your garrison duties go smoothly!"

"Thank you! Captain Aiven, you can write to me at any time over the next six months if you need anything. Although I'm about to retire, my decades of experience might still be of some use. Hahaha..."

Standing on the dock, the two captains led their officers in bidding each other farewell. After a two-month voyage from the Old Continent to the New Continent, they had formed a decent friendship.

"Alright, I will. By the way, here's a little token of my appreciation, please accept it! Thank you, Captain Robbins, for your care along the way."

After saluting each other, Aiven handed Robbins a small wooden box.

Inside were a few bottles of "healing potion" crafted by Aiven. Due to the incorporation of Extraordinary Materials, they had miraculous effects for treating ordinary wounds and substantial bleeding.

In the conflict-ridden New Continent, these were precious remedies for ordinary soldiers who could get injured at any moment. But for Aiven, who could brew low-level potions in large batches, they were nothing special.

Moreover, when navigating the system, especially in a foreign land far from home, it was important to make lots of friends.

"Hahaha, Captain Aiven is truly generous.

Just in time—I've already used up my quota for this year. Whenever you have time, feel free to visit me, and I'll introduce you to some influential friends in the New Continent.

Don't underestimate old Robbins—I may not have great achievements, but I'm confident in my ability to make friends.

Even if you want to go deep inland, I can find friends among the Native Tribes to help you."

Finally hearing what he wanted, Aiven smiled and bade him farewell.

In his mind, he had already decided to frequently visit the old officer and extract all the information, knowledge, and connections stored in his brain.

To him, who mastered advanced productivity in the Extraordinary domain (various potions), this was not difficult.

He had a premonition that with the current tense situation, he wouldn't just pass through the New Continent as a mere passerby; knowing both oneself and the enemy was key to winning every battle.

Moreover, if he wanted to explore the vast unknown world in the future, the New Continent was just a starting point.

Afterward, the battleship signaled with flags.

"Set sail! Follow me in double column formation!"

With the "Storm Horn" as the lead ship, the fleet set in motion again, the white sails filled with wind, and the ship's bow cut through the waves, gradually accelerating.

In reality, the combined area of the eleven colonies in the New Continent was almost as large as Phaletis itself, so the coastline marking its boundary was understandably long.

The colonies on the East Coast enjoyed a year-round stable northeast trade wind (with seasonal changes in monsoon), so traveling southward from the northernmost Fordmon to the southernmost Far Sails Territory without stopping would take about fifteen days.

If not for the need to avoid the Giant Horn Cape jutting out from the Northern New Continent's Black Sea, and the Royal Family's decree to first dock at Thoms Town, a Royal Colony, the straightforward north-to-south voyage would actually be the fastest choice.

Aiven led the majority of the eighteen ships along the coastline southward.

Because south of the southernmost Far Sails Territory lay the New Continent's most prosperous "Sea of Gold," a mandatory passage for all merchant ships returning to the motherland from the New Continent.

Naturally, this became the zone of the fiercest competition among various powers and also the most chaotic place. Therefore, the Kingdom stationed the most naval forces and passing merchant ships here.

"Captain Aiven! Thank you for your escort, and welcome to visit the Eilaud Tobacco Commerce Association!"

"Your Honor, Captain! Please feel free to contact me at your convenience; the East Lenz Company has abundant strength and is sincerely interested in long-term cooperation."

"..."

During the voyage, merchant ships continuously docked and left the fleet. Most of the ship owners or managers would leave small gifts or honorary membership cards of business associations for Aiven.

This was customary, and compared to the taxes they paid to the Kingdom, it was trivial. Aiven accepted with a smile and later distributed them to the officers on board.

The main squad did not halt further, and the number of merchant ships under Aiven's escort kept reducing.

However, even approaching the southernmost colony of Far Sails Territory, there hadn't been a single pirate raid.

In truth, this was quite normal.

Although the "Sea of Gold" had the highest number of Pirates globally, they weren't reckless enough to attack an escort fleet of one Battleship and two Cruisers.

Even when Aiven's Sea Bird Reconnaissance Network spotted Pirate Ships in the distance, he didn't pay them any attention. As long as merchant ships continued to sail, Pirates would keep springing up like weeds.

Things that could fundamentally eradicate the pirate profession might be epochal changes or technological revolutions, like the potential future development of Steam Ironclads, or perhaps... the unification of the entire sea.

It certainly wouldn't be because of the Navy's cannons.

Finally, eight days after the two groups separated, Aiven delivered the last two merchant ships to Far Sail Port.

Accepted the farewell gifts from the two merchant ships.

The "Storm Horn" and two cruisers didn't enter the port together, but instead turned their bows towards the sea and headed out.

...

"Dierben Castle" is a Navy Base established on an island, not under the jurisdiction of any of the eleven colonial governors, accountable only to the Queen.

The main structure is a large octagonal fortress capable of simultaneously housing five thousand stationed troops.

It boasts a fine sheltered deep-water port and vast arable land, with a permanent naval force centered around a Quasi-Legendary Battleship "Brilliance" and two Level 2 Battleships as the ruling power.

Though next-tier warships frequently rotate, it maintains at least 4000 naval personnel and double the Elite Army annually, just enough to barely sustain colonial stability.

Together with Far Sails Territory ruled by the Marquis Aimoer Clan, it's an extension of the Kingdom's tremendous effort into the Golden Sea, the true "Sea of Gold."

Currently, their duty is ensuring colonial stability and smooth sea routes, ultimately guaranteeing the Kingdom's interests remain unassailed.

Of course.

Considering the situation where even Hilus can't cleanse the Pirate-infested "Golden Sea," this is but a beautiful wish. Even equipping every merchant ship with a warship wouldn't stop the Pirates preparing for plunder...

"Finally arrived!"

After completing the defensive exchange in a day.

Major General Demong Brand and Vice Admiral Gustav, the highest-ranking military officers in the base and throughout the New Continent, led the base officers in hosting a sizeable welcome banquet for the three warships' officers and men.

This place lacked none of the delicacies and wines of both homeland and the New Continent, evidently receiving substantial logistic support to maintain the colonial military's peak combat effectiveness.

Vice Admiral didn't linger long, offering brief words of welcome before letting Major General Demong preside over the banquet, leaving the space to the youth.

"The beef is good! The pork knuckle is great! The cheese mushroom soup is wonderful!..."

With appetite growing alongside physical fitness, Aiven was feasting with Gary, unexpectedly drawing the attention of Major General Demong, the absolute focus of the banquet.

Grasping his hand warmly.

"Captain Aiven! We've heard much about you, finally meeting you today. I must express, on behalf of all soldiers and sailors stationed in the New Continent, our gratitude for your invention.

'Scurvy' has long troubled us greatly, with personnel losses to this disease outweighing even battle casualties!

Thanks to your medical solutions, this strange illness has nearly vanished! You've saved countless lives!"

Aiven lightly clinked glasses with the seemingly young general, looking just over thirty years old, as the incidental impact of his earlier "invention" gradually emerged.

The number of seamen spared from disease and the indirect influence was clearly deeper than he ever imagined.

At this moment.

Even as a newcomer, he was being highly esteemed by one of the base's chief officers, the Quasi-Legendary Battleship Captain, Kingdom Major General! Almost treated as an equal.

This treatment far surpassed any reputation as "Kingdom's youngest captain" or "Navy New Star."

"Pickles, malt, or directly adding lemon juice to rum are all excellent ideas.

The vegetable called 'bean sprouts,' though challenging to handle aboard ships lacking fresh water, can quickly provide fresh vegetable supply once fresh water is replenished.

I've already fallen in love with this vegetable! Haven't you noticed several dishes at today's banquet were crafted using this vegetable? Hahaha..."

Aiven joined the laughter, toasting with the Major General:

"General, you're too kind. I didn't foresee that my fortuitous role as a part-time Pharmacist would eventually yield such influence!"

Taking advantage of this good beginning.

He soon mingled seamlessly with the base officers, swiftly becoming a standout figure second only to the Major General at the banquet.

Moreover, in conversation.

Aiven learned that Major General Demong Brand also once attended the Royal Navy Academy, coincidentally graduating as the top first in all subjects among his peers, just like Aiven!

Mutual affinity instantly elevated their relationship to a new level.

"As long as you're in the New Continent, come to me whenever you need anything!"

Upon hearing the General thumping his chest saying this, Aiven's slight unease as a newcomer rapidly dissipated.

He'd automatically imagined the General's unsaid continuation: "There's nothing I can't handle!"

With that, Aiven further realized the advantages of fame.

It's no wonder so many heroes and luminaries can't escape the snare of "fame and fortune," because it's truly enticing!

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