Pirate Kingship

Chichen Itza City.

It was in the temple atop the nine-tiered pyramid that a brief conversation determined the future of a city-state.

"An ally? And a noble's seat at the base of the pyramid for him? Don't we already have the Anti-Aztec Alliance and the Kingdom of Castile? Who else wields more power than they do?"

Upon hearing Wayne Dote's words, the Great Shaman hesitated.

The status of a person in the city-state was determined by their position on the pyramid: King, Nobility, Shaman, elite warrior... the hierarchy was strictly observed. As one of Taya's three major city-states, a recognized noble of the top tier had the potential to influence the development of the Taya clans to some extent.

"What if this person is the deputy commander of the Kingdom of Hightens' expeditionary force? Castilia is merely an ally of the alliance, not our ally in Chichen Itza City. The city-state is situated at the crossroads of the East and West. It has always actively engaged with outsiders, even embracing their weapons, culture, and extraordinary knowledge. Isn't it a profitable deal to gain the strong backing of an overseas country in the future? Besides, that commander typically sends a deputy to act as his emissary. Such a significant figure doesn't have the time to stay in a small city-state."

Most of the people in Chichen Itza, including Wayne Dote, could be considered indigenous coexistence advocates, part of the open-minded faction. This also explained why he mastered artillery skills that surpassed many old sea dogs as soon as he set foot on Byron's pirate ship. He also saw in his own Captain a tolerant heart and a spirit of contract not commonly found in outsiders, making him the best candidate for collaboration with the city-state. Since he believed this to be greatly beneficial for the city-state and his family, a well-intentioned deception hardly counted as deceit.

The Great Shaman, far from ignorant, seemed persuaded. After a moment of contemplation, he asked one final question, "Why would he choose to help us? Does he also have a conflict with the Aztecs?"

Wayne Dote, repeating what Byron had told him, confidently spouted fabrications, "The commander received intelligence that the Aztecs are developing a powerful weapon against outsiders, and he wants to take a team to investigate."

This reason was all too convincing. The Great Shaman, fully understanding and with no further objections, struck his Serpent Staff inlaid with a Crystal Skull once and said, "Then please invite the emissary in."

"Deputy" Byron came in person and conducted friendly alliance negotiations with the Great Shaman, preliminarily agreeing on issues including troop numbers, logistical support, and ally obligations. Ultimately, they established an alliance under the just terms of the Silver Code. With his adept skill in getting something for nothing, he also secured the positions of deputy commander of the Kingdom of Hightens' expeditionary force and a high-ranking noble of Chichen Itza. This integrated a force that could by no means be considered weak within the Allied Army.

This time, Byron had many purposes to achieve. The consensus was that the overlord-level Kingdom of Castile could not continue to expand as it had been, or no one would have good days ahead. While completing the Kingdom's mission, he hoped to further advance the Decryption Rate of 'Hidden: The Shadow Behind the Red and White Rose War,' and to reach the much-contemplated Crimson Holy Grail. The formidable Aztec Empire could be destroyed, but a way had to be found to ensure the indigenous remnants could continue to contend with outsiders, with the relatively weaker Chichen Itza serving as a banner. He himself wanted to deftly navigate this maelstrom, profiting from all sides, and fostering the rapid expansion of both the Privateer Fleet and the Pioneer Navigation Colonization Company...

Most importantly, other matters can be negotiated or even avoided, but anyone who dares to covet Catherine's Versatile Enchantress must die!

Subsequently, in the presence of the city-state's elite, he secured his (Bill's) noble status within the Taya Empire. This earned him the right to participate in city-state political affairs, distribute public revenue, and most importantly, the authority to seek knowledge from... the number eight Crystal Skull—the Feathered Serpent God Kukulkan!

Legend had it that He detested living sacrifices and blood rituals, wielded power over the Morning Star, storms, knowledge, books, and legislation, and represented Death and Rebirth. He had initially ascended through the union of an animal spirit and a hero, and His knowledge and Authority were even more powerful than those of the Corn God.

When Byron first touched this Crystal Skull and glimpsed His Authority, a flash of inspiration struck him. A contingency plan, born from his suspicion of Castilia's methods of conquest and his desire to prepare in advance, finally began to take a vague shape.

Even when facing the most terrifying scenarios imaginable, it seems Wayne Dote's indigenous kinsmen are not merely lambs to the slaughter...

...

Time flew by as all parties made their preparations, and before long, it was January of the following year.

A massive fleet, bearing the 'Blood and Gold' flag of the Kingdom of Castile, appeared imposingly on the sea at the crossroads of the Eastern and Western Islands. The many merchant ships and small schooners in the fleet, used to transport horses, personnel, and supplies, were not particularly unusual. However, the three towering Carrack Ships leading the formation drew the attention of everyone along their path. For they flew not only the flag of Castilia but also the military ensign of the Invincible Fleet!

Even this minimal squadron of just three vessels was enough to fill any with hostile intent with unease, making them afraid to look directly. On the open sea, this name was universally known. The Invincible Fleet was renowned for securing maritime trade routes and the kingdom's interests abroad.