The atmosphere on the deck solidified for a moment. Quincy glanced at Lex in surprise, while Navigator Mick hesitated to speak. Even the Sailors washing the deck stopped their work, unable to believe their ears.
Nelson was stunned for two seconds, then laughed, "Sir, you're so generous."
Lex heard the hidden meaning in his words and smiled without speaking.
Nelson stepped back two paces, spreading his hands, "To give me a chance to challenge, what a generous decision. But, I heard you are a Beyonder, that you possess magical powers far stronger than mine."
"What 'giving me a chance to challenge,' it sounds so nice, but if you think about it carefully, this is not a fair fight at all. You have victory assured, do you think such a challenge has any meaning?"
His voice was loud, and the Sailors on the deck all heard him. Even people from the cabins walked out.
Although the Sailors did not openly support Nelson, they nodded slightly, feeling that the Boatswain was not wrong at all.
"Yes, this isn't a fair challenge."
Lex calmly said, "I never said it was a fair challenge."
"Fairness?"
"Mr. Nelson, this world has never been fair. Have you not realized that yet?"
Lex walked casually, reaching out to touch the ship's rail and the mast, "Some people, everything they possess from birth, is already what others strive for their entire lives."
"Does that mean people of humble birth shouldn't live?"
"You're right, I am a Beyonder, I am much stronger than you. So you think this is unfair, and even if I give you a chance to challenge, you wouldn't dare seize it and would just give up."
"But do you think fate will give you many opportunities for fair challenges?"
Lex suddenly turned around, looking at the tall Boatswain and smiling, "No, Mr. Nelson."
"Fate is never fair."
"When I was on Sonia Island, when Admiral Amyrius and I faced the Feysac fleet, facing their demigods and even angels, do you think fate was fair to us?"
"If we, like you, had chosen to give up in such an unfair situation, believe me, you wouldn't be standing on this deck now, righteously discussing the unfairness of fate with me."
"You would be busy fighting the Feysac people on some battlefield, or perhaps already lying in a cold grave or submerged in the dark Sea."
"Never give up an opportunity that comes your way, Mr. Nelson, no matter how hopeless it may seem."
Lex suddenly pulled out a revolver from his jacket. This firearm had a wild design, like a rugged man, and its thick barrel made Nelson involuntarily step back.
"This is 'fallen whisper.' Don't misunderstand, I won't use it to shoot you."
Lex placed it on the deck.
"Now I'll give you a relatively fair chance. I will remove the magical items on me and promise not to use any abilities. Let's just use our unarmed combat skills to fight, how about that?"
Nelson's heart pounded, feeling he couldn't miss this opportunity again. He nodded vigorously.
Lex smiled as he took out and set down the magical items on him. Quincy and the others then saw him take out another ornately styled revolver, remove two rings from his hand, take out a pocket watch from his vest pocket, and some Charms.
Seeing Lex place so many magical items and Charms on the deck, Nelson's eyes widened. He had heard that magical items were quite precious, and a Beyonder possessing one or two magical items would significantly increase their strength.
And Lex actually had five!
Two revolvers, two rings, one pocket watch!
He was practically armed to the teeth!
When Lex also took off his overcoat, Nelson's expression finally changed, but he heard Lex laugh, "Don't be nervous, these are just ordinary clothes. I'm taking them off because I'm afraid of damaging them."
"Alright, Mr. Nelson, we can begin."
However.
Nelson made no move.
He looked at the items and Charms on the deck, let out a long breath, and shook his head, "To be able to possess so many magical items already speaks to your strength, Sir."
"If you didn't have a certain level of strength, you would have been eaten by fish long ago."
"I apologize for my ignorance just now. If you need me to, I can leave the 'Explorer.' I believe I won't appear before you again."
Glancing at the Boatswain, Lex chuckled, "You don't need to do that, Mr. Nelson, I still need to rely on your rich Sea experience."
"As I just said, this world has never been fair. Take us, for example. Although I surpass you in many other aspects, when it comes to Sea experience, I am not as good as you, or even many people on this ship."
"So you see, I am not omnipotent. I need your assistance, gentlemen, I need every single one of you!"
"Whether it's the Boatswain, the Navigator, or an ordinary Sailor, you all possess different talents. On this ship, you are all irreplaceable."
"As the Captain, I am merely a manager, someone who effectively utilizes your abilities to successfully complete every mission from the military."
"That is all."
Lex stepped forward two paces and proactively extended his hand, "Mr. Nelson, can you lend me your experience and talent?"
A flame-like Light flashed in Nelson's eyes, and he roared, "At your service, Sir!"
Two hands, on the deck, clasped tightly together!
On the way back to the private port, Quincy, while rowing the boat, said, "That performance on the ship just now was quite good. For you, it must be quite practiced, right?"
Lex smiled and said, "What do you want to say?"
The dark-skinned young man looked up, "I want to say, I just witnessed a brilliant performance. I have to admit, in this regard, you nobles are always very skilled, after all, that's what you do."
Lex offered no explanation, but instead said, "Do you think so? What, do you want to learn? I can teach you for free."
"No need."
Quincy stood up, clapped his hands and said, "If I were the Captain, I wouldn't need to give speeches at all. I would only need to demonstrate myself through my actions. That's the difference between you and me!"
After dropping that remark, he plunged into the water with a splash, disappearing beneath the Sea.
O'Neal was a bit flustered, looking at Lex, "Sir?"
Lex's smile was faint, "Don't mind him, he won't drown. Let's go back."
It was already evening when they returned to Bayam. Lex quickly had his adjutant find a carriage. O'Neal cautiously asked, "Sir, where are we going?"
"Red Theater." Lex smiled, looking at his adjutant, "You probably haven't been there, have you? I mean, similar places?"
I'm different, hmm, I've been to the Golden Rose in Backlund, twice!