Therefore, one must always hide their true self beneath another skin.
Furthermore, a Low Order Transcendent cannot don the skin of a High Order Transcendent, or they might be rapidly overtaken by the other's Spirituality and personality, and resurrected through their body."
At that moment, an eagle suddenly swooped down from the sky and landed among a group of humans and animals.
He immediately bowed to a very young native girl.
"Lady Beatrice, I have thoroughly investigated. The land on Great Tayman Island next to us is indeed the Grenville Earldom of the Kingdom of Hightins.
However, it is different from the initial Intelligence we received.
In that territory, aside from the renowned Countess, the 'Flower of the North,' not only is a squad of the Army's lobster soldiers in training, but the Privateer Fleet of Executioner Bill—one of the seven Pirate Generals newly appointed by the Hightins Navy Department—is also stationed there.
He has at least five ships under his command, all equipped with brand new military cannons; his strength is not weak.
Clearly, he has excellent relations with the royal colony Jamestown, the local kingpin Newman Family, and the local garrison; otherwise, money alone wouldn't be enough to buy these things.
I believe it's highly possible that he is a trusted operative and secret weapon of the Kingdom of Hightins, intending to use his position as a stepping stone for the conquest of the Native Empire.
Should we still proceed with our original plan to act against them?"
The girl known as "Lady Beatrice" had delicate features, a tall figure, and wheat-colored skin that shone with a silky luster.
She wore turquoise earrings shaped like feathered serpents, and her pale gold eyes naturally exuded a sharp, noble air.
According to normal human aesthetic standards, she was astonishingly beautiful, transcending ethnic groups and national borders.
She could almost be compared to the likes of Catherine and Violet.
Hearing the eagle's words, the native girl's gaze sharpened as she coldly corrected his address to her.
"Now, you must call me... Her Royal Highness the Princess Kiyahtli.
"No matter how high one's Extraordinary Level is, only by playing the role of the new skin for a period of time can one perfectly assimilate it.
"I am very pleased with this beautiful skin. If you cause any mistakes, I'll flay you alive!"
The powerful aura of a Third Order Transcendent spread from the girl, rendering all the Skin Wearers utterly silent.
The eagle facing her immediately prostrated himself on the ground, continuously apologizing.
"I'm sorry, Princess Kiyahtli. Please forgive me, Your Royal Highness!"
They all knew that the woman before them bore a title with a legendary reputation exceeding 20, the 'Versatile Enchantress,' who was especially fond of collecting various beauties.
Seeing his proper attitude, the native girl retracted her aura, glanced towards Great Tayman Island, and snorted coldly.
"Pirate General? Hah, how presumptuous!
This sea belongs only to Castilia. All the others—Hightins, Iris, Netherland, the Rhein Alliance—are just a pack of hyenas wishing to feast on the carcass of the prey.
Once we use the Aztec's Blood Sacrifice to 'The Flayer' to conquer both empires in one fell swoop, we'll drive them all out of Banta'an.
Since this Pirate General is closely linked with Hightins officials, we shouldn't create unnecessary complications.
When the time comes to annihilate the two great empires, the Power of these hyenas may still be useful.
Send the orders down: issue a diplomatic note to the Earldom in the name of our Kingdom's Navy Department. I doubt they'll dare to refuse."
Castilia, with its abundant supply of Sacred Relics, was the first to discover the Banta'an Archipelago, a land flowing with milk and honey.
All the nations of the Old Continent were envious of their gold and silver revenues and valuable Spices.
Naturally, these nations tried every possible way to bypass Castilia, which acted as a middleman, profiting first from the natives and then from these other countries.
However, as more and more ships from various nations arrived in the Banta'an Archipelago, it caused serious dissatisfaction among the upper echelons of the Castilian Colony.
The game between nations was like wheels within wheels.
While other countries were still considering following Castilia to claim a share of the spoils, Castilia itself was already preparing to fully implement a blockade and embargo on the First Circulation Zone. Local expansion was permitted, but any merchant ships found transporting contraband were to be uniformly seized.
Not far from them, behind a thick eucalyptus tree that hadn't been burned down, a blurry figure merged with the bark of the tree let out a slight sigh of relief.
Yes, I specialize in being the trusted insider.
The key to surviving out here is having a wide network and being well-liked; all the potential clout on the island stems from the 'Bosses'' affection, huh.
This leader in charge is still somewhat rational.
At a critical moment when a great War is about to ignite, picking an inexplicable fight with someone, only to have their superior show up after dealing with the 'smaller problem'—it's just too meaningless.
Yes, that 'smaller problem' refers to me.
The one hiding here was Byron.
He had consumed a cup of [Blood Brew: Chameleon]: a rainbow drink concocted from Blood of Transformation, red pomegranate syrup, green mint liqueur, violet liqueur, white mint liqueur, blue curaçao, and brandy—seven ingredients in total.
The concoction was not easy to prepare, and only after advancing to the Second Order did he meet the prerequisite requirements.
In addition, he added an extra layer of security for himself with [Cognitive Revision].
Since he discovered that a band of uninvited guests had arrived, he naturally had to come in person to gauge the situation before deciding whether to fight or negotiate.
The outcome was quite favorable, once again proving the correctness of the saying: "The high seas aren't just about fighting and killing; there are also social intricacies."
Moreover, when he accidentally heard them mention "using the Aztec's Blood Sacrifice to The Flayer as leverage, they could take down two empires in one fell swoop," his Sailing Logbook finally revealed another Hidden entry: [The Mystery of the Aztec Empire's Blood Sacrifice, Historical Influence: 27, Decryption Rate: 6%].
Before infiltrating this place, Byron had already received the Swift Hawk sent out by Wayne Dote.
He learned of a series of insider news that even the higher-ups of Hightins were unaware of: the Aztec Empire's abnormally devoted sacrifices to The Flayer; the overburdened city-states that had formed the Anti-Aztec Alliance; the fact that the spark leading to War between the two great empires had been ignited...
And of course, there was that beautiful, flayed Princess Kiyahtli!
Without a doubt, the Skinning Cult that chose to collaborate with Castilia plays a certain pivotal role in this vast Storm sweeping across the entire Banta'an Archipelago.
One just wonders what kind of feelings Wayne Dote would have if he saw his object of affection now.
Byron had only just sighed to himself when he heard "Princess Kiyahtli," with a tinge of regret, continue,
"What a pity. If this battle doesn't occur, I shan't immediately possess the... beautiful skin of that [Flower of the North] Catherine.
But it's only a matter of time.
Once this battle is over, I'll immediately come back and reap that famous beauty.
I'll also take the opportunity to experience what it feels like to be a Countess adored by all.
Oh, how I'm looking forward to it! Tremendously so!"
As she spoke, there suddenly came a creaking sound from behind a eucalyptus tree.
"Who's there? Come out!"
With a wave of her hand, a whistling blade of wind fiercely cleaved in that direction.