Ku Ke was a veteran captain.

He had faced down storms from the wheelhouse, piloting his ship through raging seas, unflinching even as waves blotted out the sun. He had fought a pirate fleet in close combat on a bright summer day, his entire body stained red with their blood.

He had even battled a sea monster that surfaced in the boundless ocean, personally severing one of its tentacles several meters long.

Now, he was the captain of the Mary, a man who chatted and laughed with the rich and powerful in the grand ballroom.

You could say Ku Ke had seen it all. He was a true old hand, a man of the world.

Even so, the events on this ship left him endlessly amazed.

The story of “William” and “Mary,” one a man and one a ghost, and their strange connection to the vessel was enough to make Ku Ke, a lifelong atheist, believe in gods.

And just a moment ago, a god had spoken to him.

【That The Joker is dead.】

【Number Four personally cut open his chest.】

Only then did Captain Cook understand why the boss had been so confident. Number Five was bound by the rules of their bet; she couldn’t cheat to help him win, but she also couldn’t truly harm The Joker.

But the other attendants were not part of that bet.

If he offended them, they could kill him to make an example.

The Joker, in his outlandish getup, had probably never considered that. He likely assumed none of the attendants would dare touch him. His death must have pleased the boss.

Admittedly, the man was one of the most unique eccentrics the captain had ever met. If they weren’t on opposing sides, Cook would have been genuinely interested in playing a few rounds with him.

Unfortunately, in the end, he was just a joker.

Facing the two guests in tokusatsu suits who were looking for the man, the captain managed a pained smile.

“I’m terribly sorry,” he said, his voice heavy with feigned sadness. “The person you’re looking for is no longer with us. If he was your friend, I apologize for being the one to share this tragic news.”

The expressions on Bei Lang and Fox Loli’s faces were a sight to behold.

Bei Lang’s mouth fell open in disbelief.

Expert Yan said he was going to explore the 【Back Kitchen】 this morning! How could he be gone by the afternoon? What on earth happened?

“Could you please explain?” Fox Loli asked, unwilling to accept it. “How do you know he’s dead?”

Captain Cook shrugged. He explained his bet with Decade and made sure to emphasize just how powerful the ship’s attendants were.

It was no exaggeration. They were a pack of King Kong Barbies who could dismantle a Gundam with their bare hands.

“Is that so… Thank you for telling us.”

Bei Lang’s voice was laced with helplessness. If The Joker had gone up against the attendants, there was nothing anyone could do. The attendants in this Instance were beings that could not be overcome by force.

“Oh, beautiful lady, don’t be in such a hurry to leave,” Captain Cook said suddenly, a grin spreading across his face. “How about I accompany you for a stroll? With me around, you won’t need to worry about the rules in the public areas. What do you say?”

He was in a fine mood. Sharing in the sorrow of Decade’s companions was his greatest joy.

Bei Lang and Fox Loli glanced at the attendants standing behind them. Both attendants nodded in unison.

“Yes,” one said with a smile. “The captain has such a privilege.”

It was the only piece of good news they had received all day. The two immediately agreed. If they could ignore the rules, their investigation would be much easier.

“Hahaha, then let’s go!” Captain Cook’s laughter grew even more cheerful. “We’ll head to the Red Star Club first. It has some rare collections you won’t find in the other bars. I’ll give you two a private tour!”

He strode forward to lead the way.

Walking behind him, Bei Lang suddenly had an idea. He needed to verify the story the lady in black had told him. If it was true, then he could be certain that Wu Wang’s dying words pointed to the right course of action.

Tonight’s dance partner had to be the same as yesterday’s. Wu Wang’s sacrifice could not be in vain.

He leaned in and whispered secretively into Fox Loli’s ear.

“Are you still dancing with me tonight?”

BOOM!

The words had barely left his mouth when a huge bang echoed through the corridor.

Captain Cook, walking ahead, turned around in confusion. He saw a fist-sized hole in the wall, debris still crumbling from the edges. He was sure this corridor had been specially reinforced.

Fox Loli explained with a deadpan expression, “Sorry, I saw a cockroach. It scared me.”

She then yanked Bei Lang, who had collapsed to the floor, back to his feet.

In a strangely passive-aggressive tone, she added, “Cockroaches should be swatted dead, don’t you think? Mr. Bei Lang, a man with a family.”

Gulp.

Bei Lang swallowed hard, the image of Wu Wang’s solemn promise flashing through his mind.

You damn Expert Yan! You promised I wouldn’t be beaten to death! That girl’s fist just grazed my face, and I saw my life flash before my eyes! You died and now you’re trying to take me with you!

“Hehehe, that’s not what I meant,” he stammered. “Please, let me explain…”

The three continued on their way to the so-called Red Star Club. Eventually, Bei Lang found a chance to explain his theory, carefully hiding the fact that the idea had come from Wu Wang. He knew this naturally suspicious and aloof loli would never trust the words of a dead man.

Under Captain Cook’s guidance, they explored from the afternoon until just minutes before the evening ball. They visited many public areas they hadn’t dared to enter before and even had their meal in a private room in the restaurant. They also managed to learn a few things about the 【Back Kitchen】 from the head chef.

The pace of their investigation had accelerated significantly.

Finally, it was time for the ball again.

This time, Captain Cook didn’t materialize out of thin air as he had the day before. Instead, he walked in through the main entrance with them, still feigning consolation along the way.

“Oh, if you have time tomorrow, I can take you to see your friend’s body. I at least have the authority to let you pay your respects.”

But as they drew closer to the ballroom, the captain noticed that many of the guests looked troubled. He was a little confused.

He could faintly hear them discussing something.

“That bastard actually dared to charge an entrance fee again today?”

“I was about to walk away, but he opened his mouth and said, ‘Isn’t this the gentleman who paid yesterday? Did you only prepare one day’s fee and plan to dine and dash?’ or something like that.”

“Yeah, me too. I had to grit my teeth, turn back, and pay again.”

“I have a reputation to maintain! Am I really short on that little bit of money?”

“My friend, I have a bad feeling about this. I think we’re going to have to pay 648 five times in a row on this cruise.”

“…”

Captain Cook was stunned. What was all this about? What entrance fee? What 648?

Beside him, the expressions on Bei Lang and Fox Loli’s faces grew peculiar.

This bizarre situation… seemed a little familiar.

Ding-dong.

The clock chimed on the hour.

Captain Cook shook off the distracting thoughts and put on a hearty smile.

“Ladies and gentlemen! Your Captain Cook has returned!”

The spotlight on the stage instantly swiveled to him, making him the center of attention. Bei Lang and Fox Loli quickly ducked to the side, having no desire to share the limelight.

“Tonight is the second night of our ball!” the captain boomed. “I trust you are all still savoring the joy of last night!”

“Now! Let us continue!”

Screeech!

A strange, grating noise cut through Captain Cook’s passionate speech. The ear-piercing sound made everyone who heard it frown.

It was followed by a cheeky voice.

“See, I told you they didn’t use enough lubricant on the main door. This is really bad for the hinges.”

“Transfer 648 to me, and I’ll oil them for you for free.”

“What? Where did I get the lubricant? I don’t know, found it in the KTV when I was chasing you earlier today.”

“You’re saying this isn’t for machines? Then what’s it for?”

Everyone’s gaze shot toward the entrance. Captain Cook waved a hand in disbelief, and the stage light swung to focus on the ballroom doors.

It illuminated the dark area.

A figure in a magenta Tokusatsu Suit was squatting there. Beside him, the Bunny Girl snatched a bottle from his hand with a look of disgust and threw it into a trash can.

The light seemed too bright. Decade stood up, shielding his eyes with a hand. After a moment, he made out Captain Cook standing not far away.

He said softly, “O Captain! My Captain!”

“Our fearful trip is done, the ship has weather’d every rack, the prize we sought is won.”

“Take a look. What is this?”

With that, he produced an expensive-looking, dark green fountain pen. He twirled it with practiced ease, a skill Wu Wang had perfected back in his student days.

Seeing Captain Cook’s expression grow increasingly ugly, he let out an unhinged laugh.

“I asked you during our last bet, didn’t I?”

“What’s the secret to good comedy? Timing!”

He gestured around the room.

“What do you think of my timing for this appearance? Do you feel like you’re starring in a great comedy?”

“Or perhaps, allow me to ask…”

He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper that seemed to echo through the silent hall.

“Was the corpse you mentioned… me?”